Did the Beatles Maintain Their Friendship After Disbanding in 1970?

Often, the break-up of a band marks a definitive end to the bond between its members. However, the case of The Beatles is more complex. While their public feud and divergence were well-documented, their personal relationships continued in various forms. Let's explore how the members of The Beatles maintained, sporadically rekindled, and in some cases, even deepened their friendships after the band's disbandment in 1970.

On-again, Off-again Connections

Initially, the breakup didn't necessarily signify the end of their friendships. The band members continued to keep in touch, albeit with varying degrees of frequency. George Harrison played guitar on John Lennon's

Imagining album, and all four Beatles contributed to Ringo Starr's album Ringo. This continued engagement demonstrated the underlying connections that had persisted despite their professional and personal differences.

Reconnections in the 1970s

Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr's paths converged more significantly in the mid-1970s. Ringo Starr has even mentioned that he and Paul McCartney still maintain a unique, close friendship. In fact, Ringo Starr claims that he and Paul have dinner together twice a week, a regular tradition that stands as a testament to their enduring bond.

Paul and George's relationship was a more challenging case. For about ten years following the band's breakup, they hardly spoke. Also, during John Lennon's murder, George Harrison was on bad terms with John, which was particularly troubling. However, George made conscious efforts to reconnect with Paul and eventually managed to redevelop a friendship, albeit with some lingering tension. John Lennon and Paul McCartney's relationship, on the other hand, mended. Both expressed their fondness for each other, with John even calling Paul his best friend.

Occasional Reunions and Collaborations

While the band members largely avoided each other for many years, there were occasional reunions and collaborations. After John Lennon's murder, Paul McCartney worked on his album tries to forget the past. Ringo Starr, who stayed in touch with all members, continued to work with them on individual projects. Ringo's eponymous album from 1973 featured contributions from all three other former Beatles, indicating that their individual efforts sometimes brought them back together.

In the early 1980s, when Antology was compiled, there is clear evidence of lingering tension between Paul and George. Despite this, they eventually re-established a working relationship, with evidence suggesting that John had been planning to work with Paul again. A cassette of demos by John was found, featuring the note "for Paul" written in John's handwriting, which shows that the idea of working together wasn't entirely forgotten.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the idea that The Beatles stopped speaking to each other after 1970 is a myth. While their public squabbles and divergences were significant, their private connections and mutual respect did persist. From occasional reunions to personal collaborations, the members of The Beatles found ways to maintain and even deepen their friendships over the years.

Citation:

Patricia King's answer to "Did the Beatles stay in touch with each other after they stopped making music together?" Did the Beatles Stay in Touch with Each Other After They Stopped Making Music Together?