The End of the Beatles

By Ken McNab

MANY stories have been penned in countless languages and globally about the Beatles and the success enjoyed by the world's most famous band.

But none cover their final year in such detail as this impressive offering by Fab Four guru Ken McNab.

The Glasgow expert on the band has spent countless hours - even in a caravan holiday - trying to come up with a piece of work which would not simply be seen as cuts - ie cuttings of old articles on the subject. And it's mission accomplished.

Truth be told 1969 was a tumultuous one in the band's history as they begin to drift in different directions and tension mount between the different personalities.

John Lennon is entranced by Yoko Ono, while Paul McCartney has left Jane Asher for an American photographer by the name of Linda Eastman.

The year begins with friction developing, especially between Paul and George Harrison during the Let It Be project, which became a full length feature film with the songs later released for an album.

But there are many lighter moments - including the rooftop gig - the last ever live show, featuring the only live performances of Don't Let Me Down and Get Back, which was watched by thousands of passers by in Savile Row.

We also have the photo shoot for the last-recorded album Abbey Road, at the famous crossing which gave its name to the release in central London, with the legendary stars stepping out for a final time.

There are some lighter moments - Lennon and McCartney are both married and it was just the two of them who put John's wedding experiences into song in The Ballad of John and Yoko. We also saw the harmonious and feelgood sessions which saw the last released album Abbey Road put together - they tell producer George Martin they want to make one last offering in the way they used to. It was a classic, featuring a segway of songs culminating in The End.

But lots of problems continue - Lennon and McCartney are ripped off for songwriting loyalties. Lawyers Allen Klein and Lee Eastman don't help the situation and pave the way for the band's split by the end of 1969.

It had been a decade-long journey full of far more ups than downs and told in style by Ken McNab.

Stewart McConnell