The Beatles are one of the most iconic bands in music history. The Fab Four from Liverpool are the epitome of rock and roll, and their timeless music touched the hearts and souls of millions of people worldwide.
The Beatles' influence has spanned generations, and their music inspires people today. But did you know that there's more to The Beatles than just their music? Here are some interesting facts about The Beatles that you may not know about.
The Beatles' Original Name Wasn't "The Beatles"
The Beatles' original name was actually "The Quarrymen." It was adopted in 1956 when John Lennon formed the band. The band underwent a few name changes before settling on "The Beatles" in 1960. Buddy Holly and The Crickets inspired the name, and they changed "beat" to "beetles" to play on the word "beat." The "A" was added to make it sound like "beat music."
They Recorded One of the Most Expensive Songs in History
The Beatles' song "A Day in the Life" is one of the most iconic songs in music history. It's also one of the most expensive songs ever recorded. It's estimated that the song cost around £4,000 to record, equating to around £100k in today's money.
The song's production involved 40 musicians playing in unison, including three orchestras and a brass band. The song's iconic climax was created by adding multiple pianos playing the same note simultaneously.
They Had Some Famous Fans
The Beatles had some famous fans who were unafraid to show their love for the band. Elvis Presley, for instance, was a big fan of The Beatles. He even sent them a telegram that referred to them as "a real fine group." Bob Dylan was also a big fan of The Beatles.
He introduced them to marijuana. The Beatles' legendary status was cemented when the Queen of England gave them the title of MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1965.
The Beatles Recorded at Abbey Road Studio's Most Famous Room
Abbey Road Studios is one of the most famous recording studios in the world, and The Beatles recorded many of their songs here. The studio's most famous room is Studio Two, where The Beatles recorded many songs.
Some of the most iconic songs recorded in this room include "Twist and Shout," "Hey Jude," and "A Day in the Life." The studio is also famous for being where The Beatles recorded their final album, "Let It Be."
They Almost Starred in a "Lord of the Rings" Film
In the late 1960s, The Beatles were approached by Stanley Kubrick to star in a film version of "The Lord of the Rings." The band was set to play their respective characters in the movie, with John Lennon cast as Gollum, Paul McCartney as Frodo, George Harrison as Gandalf, and Ringo Starr as Sam.
The Beatles even went as far as to contact J.R.R. Tolkien, the book's author, to ask for his permission. However, Tolkien did not like The Beatles and said he could not see them in the roles. Needless to say, the film never materialized.