John Lennon was beginning to tire of the pop idol title. He was feeling the influence of Bob Dylan and wanted to write more meaningful music. He began writing more honest lyrics with something behind them. George Harrison also began to assert his individuality. He wrote some excellent acoustic pieces and began to explore his spirituality. With their new albums the Beatles were changing pop music and explore new venues. Things like Indian music and acoutics backed by a string quartet began to find their way into the Beatles music. .
The Beatles performed their last live show in 1966. They then took a well deserved hiatus before coming together again to produse "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", a reflection of the cultural values of the youth of the time. After this album another was produced, "Magical Mystery Tour". This was not as successful as their previous albums. In 1967, the band's manager, Brian Epstein, died of a drug overdose. These events combined began the downfall of the Beatles. .
Trying to save the band, Paul McCartney organized the making of a new album and decided to record the music live again and tape the sessions. The was a disaster, all the cameras caught was the band members fighting. All four appeared bored and unhappy. The music and film was put away indefinitely.
In spite of all of this, the Beatles decided to come together to make one last album. Knowing this was it, they all four put in their best effort and work and produced some great results. "Abbey Road" is a great example of the musical genious of the Beatles. The end all came to quickly though. In 1970, Paul McCartney quit the Beatles. For years the band member's only contact would be through the news and interviews. .
In 1980 the world was shocked by the assassination of John Lennon. In 1996, the remaining three members of the Beatles came together for the Anthology project which produced a three CD set, a ten hour video series and two new singles.
