The Beatles: Through Time...

The Beatles

From A-Z

I have lived my whole life with the Beatles playing in the background. The Beatles are probably the most profound music group of all time, but where did they come from? How did they get started? I put together this chronological story to explore their humble beginnings, up through their stellar success.

This is the first image ever taken of Paul McCartney and John Lennon together. It was taken on November 23, 1957 in The New Clubmoor Hall on Broadway in Liverpool. Notice how Paul McCartney and John Lennon have Elvis lids, and are wearing Colonel Sanders suits ;-)

The Quarry Men band are pictured above. From left to right we see Colin Hanton on drums, Paul McCartney on guitar, Len Garry on tea chest bass, John Lennon on guitar, and Eric Griffiths on guitar. Photo taken by Leslie Kearney on November 23, 1957 in The New Clubmoor Hall on Broadway in Liverpool.

George Harrison (Age 14), John Lennon (Age 16) & Paul McCartney (Age 15)

The Quarry Men

1957

Pete Best, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, & John Lennon

The Silver Beatles

George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Pete Best & John Lennon

Pre-Ringo Starr Beatles: Cavern Club, 1961

The Beatles are pictured below with boxing legend, Muhammad Ali

The Beatles Pillow Fight

by Harry Benson

The Beatles

All You Need Is Love Session for Our World

Abbey Road Studio

1967

The Beatles Last Public Performance

Roof Of Apple Records Headquarters

January 1969

John Lennon & Mick Jagger

The Two Kings Of The British Invasion

Mick Jagger & John Lennon

The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, are arguably the two most profound British Rock & Roll bands to come to the U.S. as part of the 1960s British Invasion. John Lennon was arguably the leader of the Beatles as was Mick Jagger with The Rolling Stones. This assortment of historical images of John Lennon and Mick Jagger really show you just how close their friendship was.

Mick Jagger & John Lennon

Our World Broadcast from Abbey Road Studios 1967

This next image of John Lennon and Mick Jagger is from the movie, Rock and Roll Circus, and notice that John and Mick have the EXACT same haircut. Mick also died his hair black, so if it was natural the would have looked even more alike.

One of the most interesting things I noticed in Rock and Roll Circus is how hard John Lennon was rocking out when we was watching the Rolling Stones play live on stage. In other words, John Lennon had to be the Rolling Stones biggest fan!!! This is outstanding because I always assumed there would have been some kind of rivalry, but clearly there was not.

John Lennon & Mick Jagger

Rock and Roll Circus 1968

Mick Jagger & John Lennon

New York City 1972

Photo by Bob Gruen

John Lennon & Mick Jagger

American Film Institute Salute to James Cagney at Century Plaza Hotel 1974

Photo by Ron Galella

Mick Jagger & John Lennon

1974

Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Mitch Mitchell and Keith Richards: Rock and Roll Circus 1968

Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Mitch Mitchell and Keith Richards

Rock and Roll Circus 1968