The Beatles. The name alone evokes images of the mop-haired foursome from Liverpool who took the world by storm in the 1960s. But how much do we really know about the band that gave us timeless hits like “Hey Jude,” “Yellow Submarine,” and “Let It Be”? Here are 10 surprising facts about The Beatles you never knew:
1. They were once known as The Quarrymen
Before they became The Beatles, the band went through a few name changes, including The Quarrymen. This name was inspired by their school, Quarry Bank High School where they met.
2. They weren’t always a four-piece band
The Beatles originally consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. The band’s first drummer, Pete Best, was replaced by Ringo Starr in 1962, making them the foursome we know and love today.
3. They were rejected by every record company in London
In the early days, The Beatles were rejected by every record company in London. That is until they were signed by Parlophone Records after a performance where George Martin (the label’s head) saw their potential. The rest is history.
4. “She Loves You” was almost “She Loves You, Yes, Yes, Yes”
The original chorus for “She Loves You” was “She loves you, yes, yes, yes!” but they eventually changed it to the iconic “She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah!”
5. They had a funny ritual before performances
Before taking the stage, The Beatles would often have a group hug while exclaiming “Bonnaroo!” This tradition is said to have originated from Ringo Starr mishearing the greeting “Goodbye and good luck” as “A bonny good luck.”
6. They hold the record for the most No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100
The Beatles hold the record for most No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 with 20 chart-topping singles. Even today, their music remains popular and continues to be covered by new artists.
7. John Lennon was the first Beatle to experiment with LSD
In 1965, John Lennon was introduced to LSD by a dentist friend. This sparked a psychedelic revolution for the band, influencing their music and even the visuals for their album covers and films.
8. They played their last concert together on a rooftop
The Beatles’ final live performance took place on the rooftop of Apple Corps offices in London on January 30, 1969. Their impromptu concert was stopped by the police after noise complaints, but it remains one of their most memorable moments.
9. They have their own genus of beetles named after them
In 2014, a new species of beetles was discovered with a distinct appearance, prompting scientists to name the genus after The Beatles. The beetles were named after John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
10. They were turned into cartoons
In 1965, The Beatles were turned into cartoon characters for their own TV show, The Beatles. The wildly successful show aired until 1969 and even won an Emmy award.
In conclusion, The Beatles were not just a band – they were a cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire and influence music decades later. With their catchy tunes, unique style, and surprising quirks, there’s always something new to discover about this legendary group.
