Expert: Kerry - 6/24/2004

Question
Hi, I'm doing some research on the pop-cultural impact of the Beatles, mainly focusing on their appeal to so many generations. I was hoping you wouldn't mind giving me some educated opinions on my questions. All questions (example: why were they so successful? Is based on a social context, not a strictly musical context) Thanks so much in advance, your help is appreciated. Answers will be used in a HSC society and culture research project, namely the Personal Interest Project. All names will be kept confidential and answers will be displayed as educated opinions only.

1. What was it about the Beatles, in your opinion, that made them so influential?

2. Would you agree that ‘Beatle mania' was one of the most incredible social phenomenons in history?

3. Do you think that a lot of the Beatles incredible success was because they were in-tune with what was happening in society, or do you think that the same music would be equally as successful in our modern era?

4. Why do you think was the reason Beatles appealed to so many people in their prime-popularity?

5. Why do you think that the Beatles music has appealed to so many generations?

6. Why do you think the Beatles music appeals to so many age groups? (That is, from small children to elderly adults?)

7. What was it about the Beatles music that attracted you're interest?

8. Do you think that another band could make it as big in the future, and what are your reasons for thinking this?

9. Do you think the Beatles had an influence on factors like fashion, drug use and haircuts?

10. Anything else you would like to add?  

Answer
Hello Ana-

Below are my answers. I hope you will find them helpful.



1. What was it about the Beatles, in your opinion, that made them so
influential?

A: Because their influence was, and still is, felt by many different kinds of people I think there many things that made/make them influential.  For their time, it was highly irregular to have a recently signed act be allowed to record their own compositions.  The fact that they (like Buddy Holly, one of their influences) were able to issue records they had written themselves had a big impact. Prior to this, it was the norm to have someone go to the local Tin Pan Ally and pick out a song for you to record.  This influenced many an aspiring rock star because they could now write their own music, which expressed their own feelings, observations etc. instead of depending on professional songwriters to supply material.

Another big influence was their ability to rebel in a non-violent or confrontational way.  In the 60's, most teens and young adults followed along in the footsteps of their parents.  They wore the same type of clothes and hairstyles.  Their opinions and outlooks were similar to the older generation, or if it differed, few felt there was anything to be done about it.  The Beatles influenced that generation by rebelling against the norm with their hair and style of dress.  Something that may seem silly by today's standards, but you have to look at the times.  Their irreverent humor provided another way to rebel.  They could laugh at the ways of the older generations.  They could express their views and contradict the stale traditions of their elders.

As the decade passed, they were bolder and more outspoken, as was most of their generation by that time.  Their sentiments of  "All You Need Is Love" and "Give Peace a Chance" spoke volumes to the youth of the sixties and they can still be seen and heard today.

Musically, they were more influential than many of today's younger generations realize.  It's easy to listen to things like "Please Please Me" and "Love Me Do" today and discard it as bubble gum.  However, people who do so are doing The Beatles and themselves an injustice.  To fully appreciate the impact and brilliance of the Beatles, you must be able to look at things in their proper time frame and perspective.  Their harmonies were spectacular and often more complex than the average pop song.  They were more creative (with the assistance of George Martin) in their arrangements and orchestrations than their peers.  As a result, artists worked harder to compete with the music of the Fab Four, thus raising the bar.  Also, The Beatles are one of the very few acts in the history of popular music to change and evolve their style and still maintain their fan base. The only artist in recent memory that I can think of who has been successful with this is Madonna.  This was influential because it showed that you were able to grow and evolve take chances with music.  It was no longer necessary to simply put out repetitive releases because the formula worked.

2. Would you agree that ‘Beatle mania' was one of the most incredible
social phenomenons in history?

A: I would absolutely agree.  I feel the only thing that compares is that of Elvis.  I've heard people say that some of the boy bands of the 90's were like Beatlemania.  Rubbish!!!!!  Screaming preteens does not make for Beatlemania. There is much more to it than that.  None of these prefabricated bands had the influence or impact of The Beatles, nor the artistry.  I don't think the world will ever see another Beatlemania. The internet and MTV have made that impossible.

3. Do you think that a lot of the Beatles incredible success was because
they were in-tune with what was happening in society, or do you think that
the same music would be equally as successful in our modern era?

A: That is a tough question.  Personally, I think it's a "yes and no" situation.  Absolutely they were "in-tune" with society and that had a lot to do with their success.  If their music and personalities did not click with the audience, there would have been no major success, so that is a given.  Some may say it was a right place at the right time thing for the Beatles.  I'm not so sure that's really fair.  I think they were extremely talented and had something unique to offer a public that was looking for a change.  Would their same music be equally as successful in our modern era? Well, isn't it?  Aren't The Beatles one of the most downloaded/shared artists on the net? Aren't there thousands, if not millions, of sites dedicated to them - many by people born long after they broke up?  But, I have to say that if they had not been around in the 60's and were to produce the exact same music for the first time today, it would not be as successful.  The climate is too different.  Of course, if they were to produce their music today, it wouldn't be the same songs they did then would it?  Their work would be as influenced by the artistic climate of today's recording artists as it was then.

4. Why do you think was the reason Beatles appealed to so many people in
their prime-popularity?

A: Almost as many reasons as there are fans.  I think their androgynous appearance made them more acceptable to parents and their songs dealt mostly with love - a common bond all people can relate to.  Mostly, I think the four distinct personalities had a lot to do with it.  Everyone could find a Beatle they identified with or dreamt about.  They were also very clever.  They and Brian Epstein seemed to intuitively know how to peak and maintain the interest of the fans.

5. Why do you think that the Beatles music has appealed to so many
generations?

Truly good music is always good music.  Personally, I became a Beatle fan because my older siblings listened to them. I think that contributes. My 5-year-old son is a huge fan. He has posters in his room, watched the movies and can sing a substantial portion of their catalog. They are sort "passed down" from one generation to the next.  I also think that some teens and adults find their messages of love and peace a much-needed haven from the angry, graphic lyrics of some of today's music.  My niece, soon to be 16, has been a fan since she was 12.  Some of her friends have teased her about it.  She has told them that sometimes she likes to listen to songs that are just happy and make you feel good.  I think that says a lot.

6. Why do you think the Beatles music appeals to so many age groups? (That
is, from small children to elderly adults?)

A: Similar to my last reply.  Older generations grew up with it.  They passed it on to their children and so on.  In the tv special "Revolution" that VH1 put out around the time of the Beatles 1 release, Robin Williams said that the songs of the Beatles "are part of our genetic make-up".  I think there's a kernel of truth in that.  Even the most skeptical teen will find that they know the words to at least one Beatle song, despite themselves.  So much of their music is timeless. Perhaps some of the Sgt Pepper and White album stuff may seem dated and not as easily identified with by today's youth, but a love song is a love song.  A catchy tune is always catchy and if a song makes you feel good, you learn to love it.  Those truths apply if you are 6 or 60.

7. What was it about the Beatles music that attracted you're interest?

A: I have older siblings who are several years older than me.  When I was young, there was always music in my home - sometimes 3 different radio stations playing at once!  I used to listen to my sister's Wings Greatest Hits album. One day, I mentioned to my oldest brother that the guy in the poster on his ceiling looked a lot like the guy on the Wings album. He laughed at me.  He told me it was the same guy.  He told me about the Beatles and that the guy was Paul McCartney and Wings was his new group.  Sounds stupid, but I was amazed. It never occurred to me that you could change groups.  I thought being a singer or actor or any other famous person was a life sentence of sorts, that once you were known around the world for something, you always had to be that (though I'm sure it felt like it at times to the ex-Beatles).  He showed me some of his albums and played some songs for me.  I couldn't believe it. I knew nearly all the songs he played or showed me on the album covers, but I had never known it was all the same group.  I became obsessed. I started keeping a notebook and wrote down everything I could learn about them.  I would listen to radio shows like American Top 40 and scribble down any tidbits Casey Kasem would divulge.  Less than a year later, John Lennon was murdered.  The airwaves were overflowing with Beatle and solo Beatle music for months and months.  I realized that John would always live on through those songs.  It occurred to me for the first time how important music is to people.  How strong a tie people can have to it. Perhaps it is my own bias, but I don't think any other single recording act has touched people with their music the way the Beatles have.

8. Do you think that another band could make it as big in the future, and
what are your reasons for thinking this?

A: Absolutely not.  For one thing, I think MTV/VH1 and the internet have made us so used to having celebrities pushed on us that we are cynical about anyone touted as the next big thing.  My own cynicism leads me to feel that the standard has been lowered too far as well.  We put more importance on the visual than the actual content.  Divas (and that term is so overused) lip-synching on stage so they can do their involved dance routines, choreographed music videos, overdubbed and remixed voices that are incapable of performing the song live because it's more about them having the right look than talent.  It's no longer about the music, the song, the artistry of it. It's all about the right look, the fashion, the marketability of an act today.  Unfortunately, I don't think there's any going back. And more's the pity.

9. Do you think the Beatles had an influence on factors like fashion, drug
use and haircuts?

A: Of course, just as artists today have the same influence.  There will always be fans who want to emulate their favorite stars - for better or worse.

10. Anything else you would like to add?

Nothing I can think of at this time. I want to thank you for contacting me with these questions. If I can be of any further assistance, you may contact me at pmbeatlefan@hotmail.com

Best of luck with your research.

Kerry