My Unpopular Opinion On The Beatles Documentary!

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

My friend, Pat Carty, is the music journalist I reference in the video and who is an excellent writer and critic. Here is his article on The Beatles Documentary, you should give it a read if you can: www.hotpress.com/music/youre-seeing-whats-behind-the-curtain-for-the-first-time-ever-breaking-down-peter-jacksons-the-beatles-get-back-22885131

[@daisysabashed9661]

Seeing you cover something ty segall. As in the KEXP (ty segall and the muggers) performance would be quite nice.

[@HeinzizBaKeD]

Hey Justin! Your Patreon tier list is kinda confusing to me...at which tier do you offer guitar lessons one-on-one?

[@marshallheadkt66]

I read that name as Cat Party, then realised I’d misread it - with a real sense of disappointment.

[@stevemorse108]

The only conclusions this doc sustain in my opinion is that they had musical genius as we all knew, that they enjoyed goofing around and that to a large extent the anti yoko proponents might reconsider their positions at least partially and that of course heather mills should be horse whipped in public.

[@DrTomoculus]

They left out the part right before it where George talks about ISNT IT A PITY being rejected in 1966. And how upset he was the song was passed over.

[@ROLEPLAYA64]

My hot take is like many peoples: Yoko didn't split up The Beatles. They genuinely loved each other Feck me, Paul McCartney is a talented bloke Billy Preston IS a Beatle They ate a LOT of toast... Did they have shares in Hovis or something? They were a hell of a live band. I think I love them now even more than I did.

[@christianhaynes1954]

Yoko had a lot to do with breaking them up . If we had film from John's house we would see and hear quite a bit of strife sewing on her part ( it's called pacive agressive behavior )

[@hanktheblesseddeejay]

@@christianhaynes1954 nothing is called ‘pacive agressive behavior’.

[@mojopin2000]

I think Someone started cutting onions in my house when Billy Preston first started playing along. There was something leaking from my eyes.

[@gizmogeeks]

@@mojopin2000 it was a magic moment - if you are a musician and have auditioned people to fill a gap in your band you would relate to the feeling that the band got when Billy stated playing what a relief - the smiles said it all :)

[@thepagecollective]

@Billybob Ireland Sorry, maybe not a twat, but people saying this proves how much more talented he was than we thought is rubbish. Get Back, the song, people are amazed he banged out the basic riff in one sitting, but the lyrics are as stupid as it gets. He dickers in the rest of the documentary about the name in the song, which is about nothing. This was McCartney without Lennon for certain. No one says a word about Lennon bringing in Across the Universe, a breathtaking, iconic song. Or "Two of Us" if you want real McCartney brilliance.

[@thomask1uk]

My hot take that nobody cares about:- Paul loved the Beatles John loved Yoko George loved Eric Clapton (who loved George’s wife) Ringo loved everyone, and drumming Nobody loved George enough They all loved toast! And Billy Preston!

[@EzaneeGires]

Seriously, their love for Bill Preston was so so heartwarming

[@zachinabox2951]

Ringo especially loved George, who was quite fond of Ringo’s wife

[@waynej2608]

@@zachinabox2951 Thus, both Ringo and his wife, 'loved' George. But, I thought that his wife married some Scotsmen from Hull.

[@CowmanUK]

That seems quite accurate to me.

[@brendonzimmatore8955]

And Nicky Hopkins.

[@mojopin2000]

What I learned watching “Get Back” was this: “The Beatles” broke up The Beatles. Being a Beatle was clearly exhausting and you can watch firsthand what that pressure looks like on all four of them.

[@drdre4397]

Yes it seemed like years of small things all adding up.

[@phillipemery572]

When Hogg is chewing them out for not getting anything done, the apathy is palpable. They've been through so much, you almost feel as if they'd like to fail expectations for once just to feel some catharsis and be released from all that pressure.

[@lpquagmire3621]

My unpopular take... Should GET BACK really reshape history? The Fabs have long-maintained this was NOT a good time for the group, so while there may have been moments of frivolity we've hitherto been denied seeing, it was still a very tumultuous period for the band both personally and professionally; there were reasons none of them could bear to look at the footage. As a strictly commercial enterprise, (and let's be honest, why else get in bed with Disney?), putting a smiley face on a new narrative makes a lot of sense (and more accurately, dollars 😏), but is it truth or an opportunity to generate huge financial consequences? Say what you will about LET IT BE, but the graininess of the film footage and lapses in skilled editing was appropriate for a film starring people who simply couldn't stand being together anymore. Cleaned and scrubbed to modern day digital perfection, GET BACK is like an alternate universe rendition with cake and party hats for all...

[@mojopin2000]

@@lpquagmire3621 it’s a pragmatic take for sure. But we see something that history left out all these years, in fact it’s something I’d venture to guess that even The Beatles forgot about: they still loved making music together. Yes we’ve all been well versed in the acrimony at the end of their run, and the cracks that eventually created chasms are very evident in this film. Those cracks grew much larger because of the loss of Brian Epstein and the invitation offered to Alan Klein to take over managing them. Those things are briefly covered also in the film, but just as in real life in 1969, the cameras aren’t there for those business discussions. We’re also forgetting that without the passion of Peter Jackson, this film would still be rotting away in a vault. Did Ringo and Paul need cash? I think it’s more likely that Jackson really did convince them to give him access. If the surviving members didn’t like the finished product, I’m sure they would have shut it down. But they more realistically understood that they no longer need to be the vigilant gate keepers that they once may have been, and there’s a sense that they were just as excited to see that final chapter shared publicly at long last. I’m quite certain that “Get Back” had several small revelations for Paul and Ringo that they forgot over the half century since they broke up. But yes, our collective joy at experiencing this film may possibly cloud our judgment. But damn it feels good watching our young heroes make magic one final time in the studio and on that rooftop!

[@phillipemery572]

@@lpquagmire3621 I don't know if it re-writes history. It clarifies some things, though. It's pretty clear throughout that they aren't very happy and they want to be done as the Beatles. What's compelling about it is that there's very much a family feeling to it -- they want to get something done, for each other. They roll up their sleeves and make the best of it, even though they all know it's close to the end, and they don't have many more squeezes of the orange.

[@BorbMcGorb]

I’ve never hated Yoko… but I’ll always find that one clip her wailing like a banshee during a live performance and making Chuck Berry’s eyes bug out of his head to be funniest shit.

[@chasleask8533]

Something I noticed about my bands , is that any extra person at a rehearsal , turns the rehearsal into a performance . Sometimes good , sometimes bad. If It happened I would mentally write the session off immediately .

[@factorylad5071]

Yes because it was his turn to make a fool of himself.

[@randyzeitman1354]

You never hated Yoko? Perhaps you should learn about her.

[@matthewcortez4706]

She did break up the Beatles She tried to sing on a track it's documented Paul McCartney came out said it on Howard Stern she tried to see on the track the band told John some stuff about it and he wanted to break up the band after that that's just the way it is nobody really cares I haven't even watched that let it be documentary because I thought Let It Be sucked

[@Ottophil]

One clip? There are many. I don’t think shes evil. I don’t think she broke the band up. I’m pretty sure she just sucks at singing

[@rigopeligro]

This doc is for die hard Beatles fans or musicians that have played in bands and understand the dynamics involved when creating a song. It was amazing seeing Paul come up with a short rhythm then the rest of the Beatles craft it into a song. The birth of a song is such an intimate experience, and now we get to witness it.

[@subg8858]

Paul was faking it for the camera He already made a demo for Long and Winding Road during the White Album sessions, for example

[@mplant1999]

@@subg8858 I'm pretty sure Rigo is talking about Paul writing Get Back on the bass...

[@AuntAlnico4]

Did any one else notice all the CGI in the film !?

[@captainrisky6561]

A lot of people don't know that John & Yoko were right in the middle of their heroin period during let it be. Paul comes across as the driving force of let it be, mainly because John was probably a little withdrawn due to that. I understand why they don't mention it in the documentary but it was a pretty significant thing to leave out. I really wish there was a similar documentary for every album but we're really lucky we got this one.

[@davidw9736]

It's clearly alluded to at one point, i think in the second part, where John says something about how he's been abusing his body and Paul asks him if he really wants to be talking about it with the cameras on. I'd definitely love a documentary like this for every album

[@proudfootz]

Yoko suffered a miscarriage just 40 days before the filming began. Not surprising John & Yoko wanted to be together.

[@MrPlooky]

Disney

[@noneofyourbeeswax01]

I was quite surprised by Paul's admission in the eavesdropped conversation between he and John that John has always been the boss and Paul the 2nd in command. It didn't seem to align with the dynamic we see play out in the studio so it's a very important insight into the relationships. What cones through in the documentary with crystal clarity is the special bond that Lennon and McCartney shared, sometimes to the exclusion of the other Beatles. As John remarked at one point (when they were singing "Two of Us", aptly) "It's like we're lovers".

[@juliangiulio3147]

John was not withdrawn at all. He was very involved, sharp, presently very aware! The last day, when they are drinking and recording the song Let it BE, did he seem a bit 'wasted'... But he was so full of life, joy, playfulness, more than EVER I'D SEEN! This is what was SO EVIDENT from the trailer... He also talks about getting really 'stoned' the night before... If you are on Smack, believe me, a pot adventure one night would not touch you! Nor would you bother to say anything about it! This is the facts, the evidence that we can see; what you have been told is clearly just a Rumour -and not that true!

[@Aaron628318]

The thing that I always come back to is that you can argue about who was the dominant force or whatever, but I don't think it can be denied that there was a chemistry within the band that brought out more than the sum of the parts. They may have had successful solo careers, but it was the Beatles as a band - including George Martin - that combined to produce their groundbreaking work and huge impact.

[@mattmorris2867]

Said millions of people already.

[@noneofyourbeeswax01]

@@mattmorris2867 That's why it has resonance and truth. How meaningful would it be if only one person every said/thought that? This is what the Beatles evoke. Don't be mean.

[@mattmorris2867]

@@noneofyourbeeswax01 it’s not mean. It’s just annoying how people will just keep repeating the same old opinions.

[@k1ttyF158er]

@@noneofyourbeeswax01 To be fair, it's less a "resonance" than an accepted truth at this point, as profound a statement as; "people breath air" or "water is H2O". They're not really statements that "could be argued" (as stated) without being silly or ignorant of basic facts.

[@k1ttyF158er]

In what reality has ANYONE EVER denied that the Beatles (along with George Martin) had a special "chemistry" or that it "combined to produce groundbreaking work" ??? People certainly knew this 56yrs ago when Sgt Pepper came out (1967) and have mourned it's loss since the last album, Let It Be in 1970. (Thousands of books & millions of magazine articles have stated this for 3 generations) - It's as profound a statement as "humans breath air".

[@MurfsYT13]

I’m glad he finally took a bite of the apple. Very satisfying. The documentary was great also

[@dahliafiend]

The footage of Paul writing Get Back was a privilege to see. They were just a normal band for hours on end and then suddenly like a light switch turning on they became “The Beatles”. The way they flourished with an audience was something to behold. They really were a great live band as well as the obvious studio geniuses.

[@queenhenryviii]

Not just a studio band. They were incredible live. Listen to the Star Club bootleg from ‘62. It’s absolutely incredible (side note: I lucky enough to have been gifted it on vinyl courtesy of ex). They’re playing at a lightning fast BPM (courtesy of amphetamines) and there’s not a flubbed note. It’s easy to dismiss them as a live act because Beatlemania hysteria drowns them out, but they were soooo good they played without being able to hear themselves, which I don’t know if you’re a musician or not, but not being able to hear yourself on stage is terrifying and disorienting. They did that in front of 30,000 shrieking fans, regularly. Anyways. I know you weren’t knocking them, I just don’t think they get enough credit as a live band from Beatles fans.

[@jethrox827]

@Forensic Files: Paul McCartney Missing Since 1966 I play guitar and bass and am a huge Beatles fan and I can see there are a lot of anomalies in their ability and what Brian and Martin did for them, however people don't want to deal with the thought of anything being fake or the Billy thing. People want to believe in the Beatles and there is no stopping that.

[@pifko87]

@Forensic Files: Paul McCartney Missing Since 1966 Gonna take a wild punt on you being anti-vax 😆

[@jethrox827]

@Forensic Files: Paul McCartney Missing Since 1966 i did already know that stuff but nice post anyway. I'm more interested in this, kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaebdXemqcp7i8U Notice in the lead breaks and when there is any more difficult guitar picking in the songs, the camera is behind them, close up of the audience or close up to Ringo. I'm thinking they're purposely not showing George cause he can't play the lead breaks and they have someone over dubbing the harder guitar parts. I'd like to know which musicians are involved.

[@sirlawrence9161]

@Forensic Files: Paul McCartney Missing Since 1966 No. It's not.

[@SteveDorrans]

What I learned after years of half truths and misinformation was that Ringo was the total pro. He was always on time, always got involved in the process, seemed to be the most ego-free and didn't get involved in any of the drama.

[@thebouncinghearts]

My perception of John Lennon was also changed dramatically after watching the documentary...I found the whole thing fascinating, inspiring, and heart-warming. Nice to hear your take on it Justin.

[@CodyAlushin]

He and Yoko were both on heroine during this time as well… which I found VERY interesting while watching.

[@thebouncinghearts]

@@CodyAlushin Yes, I think this was quite apparent during the first early recordings at Twickenham, though his (and everybody's) demeanor seemed much lighter following the move to Savile Row...Hope the Get Back documentary comes out on DVD, being a Beatle nut I could watch it again and again.

[@vincevirtua]

Yeah, John was loose af, didn't bring a lot of tunes to the session, and was kind of the one dossing in takes the most. Clearly medicated for some of it.

[@somethingbl]

@@vincevirtua That's really not true. He brought Dig a Pony, Across the Universe, One After 909, Don't Let Me Down, The Ballad Of John and Yoko, I Want You all to the session. Paul brought Two Of Us, Let It Be, Teddy Boy, Oh! Darling, and The Long and Winding Road (Get Back was written in studio). Pretty much even.

[@somethingbl]

@@vincevirtua That's really not true. He brought Dig a Pony, Across the Universe, One After 909, I Want You, Don't Let Me Down, and The Ballad Of John and Yoko. Paul brought Two Of Us, Let It Be, The Long and Winding Road, Teddy Boy, Oh! Darling. Others were co-written or written in studio. Pretty much even.

[@mindhead2005]

I didn’t know about the miscarriage at that time. Every word you said, I agree with. “If John Lennon loved her, why don’t you love her?” Fantastic

[@Bajannez]

The thing stood out to me the most when watching Get Back was how empathetic and sensitive to others John also was. I already knew he was charismatic, passionate, confident, and full of absurdist humor. But I therefore also kind of assumed that he was more ego-driven and perhaps a bit cold. In the beginning of the second episode in the wake of George's exit, I was somewhat surprised to hear John speak of George's feelings with a high level of emotional intelligence. He continued displaying this empathy to everyone around him throughout the episodes. Needles to say, it was a side to Lennon that definitely did not make me love the guy any less!

[@meadish]

John took the piss out of everything, including himself and his own songs.

[@waynej2608]

@@buckminsterowski That's nonsense. Why tf would George play on John's solo album, Imagine, if that were the case. Or invite him to play at the Bangladesh concert, etc.

[@neilpemberton5523]

@@buckminsterowski That's crap. George hated the way Yoko distracted John from the group, but it was Paul who really annoyed him. Paul's ego drove him to double-down on his second-rate songs like Ob la de obl la da and ignore the great songs George was starting to write.

[@brigwood7658]

yeah, me too. he seemed really happy, fun loving and .. well nice! and him an paul often looked at each other with so much warmth. i always saw him as more sarcastic, kind of 'defensive, demeaning of others, and annoyingly opinionated. quite an eye opener

[@flewawayandaway4763]

@@neilpemberton5523 don't forget Maxwell's silver hammer...Just think that Paul recorded things as awful as "Why don't we do it in the road" and "Honey pie" and Lennon did a pointless 9 minute "Revolution 9" (which nobody ever listens)on the white album but both of them didn't pay enough attention to a great masterpiece like "While my guitar gently weeps" ...that's why George had to bring Eric Clapton in

[@appetitefordeconstruction]

Loved the doco and 100% respect the Beatles as artists. Totally agree on the Yoko thing, people need to get over it. Bands break up all the time. I'm not a Lennon fan in terms of his treatment of women in general but you can't deny talent. The Beatles were a force.

[@christiancarruthers635]

His so called treatment of women issue is a little unfair. It's part of a "woke" revision of his life based on his unflinching honesty of his own mistakes . What you have to take into consideration is he strived to get away from those traditions of male behaviour and while he did so he talked about it in the open . Everyone else during that era didn't mention it.

[@appetitefordeconstruction]

@@christiancarruthers635 I don't think I'm being unfair when I say I'm not a fan of hitting women, regardless of whether somebody owns up to it or not. Or violence towards anybody's partner for that matter. Not that I should have to defend my stance on that at all. You're entitled to your opinion 100%, but I'll keep my own 🙂

[@millywinter]

I put off watching this in the fear that we would disagree and that you were going to say it was too long and boring. But PHEW - I totally agree with everything you said. I found the pissing about inspiring too. I particularly loved seeing all the other characters from the Bealtes story, like Malc Evans and Billy Preston come to life. The references to 'Mr Epstein' made it clear to me that it was his death that signalled the wind down of the Beatles.

[@StevenTwoTwo]

McCartney is such a legend. One of my biggest bass inspirations (some of his basslines are brilliant), a great songwriter, a great singer on his day and a really good pianist too. There are not many better all round musicians than him throughout the course of history tbh. So glad you're a Beatles fan Justin 👍

[@StratsRUs]

Handsome too !

[@candelise]

I love the idea that this documentary seems to be shattering a lot of people's pre-conceptions. Paul McCartney is actually really talented!! GASP!!!! Who on God's earth suddenly found this out? Whippersnappers most likely and anybody older should be doubly ashamed!!

[@dannydorko7075]

I've seen so many comments saying George was the best songwriter in The Beatles. Idiots!

[@Slydeil]

@@dannydorko7075 Yeah, it's another populist bandwagon being jumped on without any foundation. Of course he developed into a great writer with "Something" (his greatest song IMHO), and had a good couple of years in 1968 to 1970, but his post ATMP output was patchy. Compare and contrast with the hundreds of classic songs from Lennon and McCartney.

[@Rex-dk1rx]

It isn't Paul McCartney it is his look a like who is the talented one .Paul McCartney died in a car crash in 1966. 😂😂

[@Slydeil]

@@Rex-dk1rx I think you need to get a life you troll.

[@candelise]

@@Rex-dk1rx Tee Hee!!

[@davidhollyfield5148]

They invented the flanger, reverse tape, using a harpsichord in a rock band, Using a symphonic orchestra in a rock song. They broke into America, which was very rare for UK bands. They just instigated so much. Yet another example; the drone through TNK and George introducing the sitar and tabla drums into western rock. And they were extremely versatile having grown in the post war years and being influenced by what passed for pop music back then until they were exposed to R&R. And it shows through in a lot of their songs along with Goon Show influences!

[@7karlheinz]

...and running other instruments thru the Leslie speaker in 1966 on the sessions for Tomorrow Only Knows. Check out Lewisohn's The Beatles Recording Sessions for a detailed studio diary/log of that historic event. One of my favorite things in Get Back is Lennon helping carry a Leslie into the studio.

[@davidhollyfield5148]

@@7karlheinz Yep. The list is endless. They introduced us to so many sound FX, and they did them all manually in an analog studio! and I didn't see any synthesisers in any of these clips. Nowadays we all rely on our trusty pedals, but they were all developed to emulate studio sounds. Thanks to the boys from Liverpool. (and Eric, Jimi, Jimmy Page etc...)

[@7karlheinz]

@@davidhollyfield5148 Didn't Get Back feature a B & W still photo of George and Ringo standing in front of George's Moog Series III modular synthesizer when it was in residence at EMI? It was used in 69' on Abbey Road. But that wasn't a historic first use (in pop music) of a synthesizer. Even the Monkee's (Star Collector) beat them by a couple of years! But of course, since it was the Beatles it was (at that time) a very tasteful use of the Moog, whereas, most early users of synths in the 1960s were enamored by the voltage control filter sweeps that produced silly sounding hyper-wah-wah effects.

[@BigHenFor]

The Beatles weren't a rock band. They were a pop band. And there's nothing wrong with that.

[@morbidmanmusic]

No, they didn't invent it. Lol.

[@Chriswatney]

People’s seeming surprise at McCartneys genius is the most extraordinary thing isn’t it!? It’s like what rock has everyone been living under?! What do people actually do behind closed doors?? Because they sure as hell haven’t been listening to the Beatles if they’ve just worked this out…! 🤦‍♂️

[@stuartcarden1371]

Agreed! They just get caught up in the anti mccartney nonsense that the cool kids always spout. The man is a genuine genius!

[@TheAlibabatree]

I figured it has always been well understood that the main genius of the Beatles was the competitive love between Lennon and Mccartney.

[@BrendanJohnDoherty]

Chris, it's not that people have been living under a rock. It's that this documentary has bought to the fold just how talented and hard working McCartney was. Peter Jackson has masterfully educated all of us and also shown how actually close they all were.

[@davidburke2132]

Paul McCartney made the career/reputational mistake of not dying. I don’t mean to flippant or disrespectful to the tragedy of Lennon’s murder, but it’s a serious point. Artists who survive into middle and old age invariably make creative “mistakes”, lose some edge as they get older, especially if they’ve had a lot of commercial success, etc. If Lennon had still been with us now I’m sure he would have had similar reputational effects as has Sir Paul… same with the likes of Hendrix (vs Clapton for example), Tupac, Cobain, Buddy Holly, etc.

[@hw343434]

@@davidburke2132 nah man, Paul McCartney just had a solo career that can be described in one word: CHEESE. That’s just reality, of course he had a couple great solo albums and some good songs scattered but most of his solo albums come with a generous side of cheese. It’s just not up to the quality of a legend. Lennon didn’t go that low

[@DamianKeyes]

The apple edits are hilarious! Love this video and loving the channel Justin!

[@ROOKTABULA]

I thought it was great to be hanging out with such creative folks in a recording studio and seeing well known tracks being constructed. It's inspired me, after waaay too many years of self doubt, to allow me to return to recording (which I did without a thought whilst releasing albums in the 90s).

[@cynicalidealist2301]

nice one! good for you, stranger friend!!

[@SpindlyScoundrel]

Imagine we had a similar film from their earlier days - say around Hard days night - to compare and contrast how their dynamic changed over time!

[@Chris-rp9df]

Or the entirety of the 12 hour session to record the 1st album?

[@crazyandcraftysatyam935]

Love your commentary. Would love to hear your thoughts on Moon Walker and Inhaler. Loved the Idles video

[@liamshevill3705]

Absolutely agree with everything youve said there, i feel like it was so lovely especially to see that they hadnt become the weird stereotypes that theyre portrayed as now and were definitely still 4 proper lads from liverpool, and that clearly even through the professional disagreements about the band they still had a very brotherhood type of bond, ive loved it but also yeah like people have said, wow Paul McCartney - what a machine, but George was definitely the one i want to have been friends with the most what a guy

[@lindseyd1208]

You’re always considerate and thoughtful with your takes on music and life. You are a sweetheart Justin ❤️ and one hell of a musician 🤘

[@insertgenericusernamehere2402]

Sweet and considerate (despite calling one of the Gallaghers utter shit😂)

[@TheDinnermoney]

The scene where Peter Sellers pops in for an awkward few minutes is interesting. I would swear the three Beatles are tripping on acid. Paul has regressed to childhood smirking and giggling, Ringo has 'gone inside' and pretends to be asleep whilst John has become the messiah of the moment and free-associates directly into the camera, all while Peter Sellers smiles awkawardly before a quick 'righty-ho chaps I'd best be orf' and heads off in the wrong direction. Pure gold nuggets!

[@salmonesque]

Loved Get Back for the simple reason of seeing the magic happening in front of my eyes. Four of the greatest lovers of songs and songwriting getting down to the task at hand (which involved a lot of pissing about), working at their craft and perfecting their choons. I agree that they all knew it was coming to an end but their respect for each other's songs and the writing and getting the best band performance to tape was incredible to watch. And the love that was there too. And Billy Preston arriving and glueing it all together. I'm so glad and satisfied that Peter Jackson made this movie. Fcuking outstanding entertainment for Beatles fans and music fans in general. It's an incredible historical document of a very special event brought to life McCartney pulling Get Back out of the air ... Jealous Guy as 'Road to Marrakesh' (?) ... "Wur oan oor way hame" ... Ritchie's brilliant drumming and patience ... Tank Tops ...

[@edringo9442]

This is so thoughtful Justin. Thank you. You have, particularly done a great service to Yoko's legacy.

[@carl1812ify]

Well said Justin. you have explained and said what i could not express to so many people over the years of just how much the Beatles were a massive influence to the world, in not only there music but also the dress sense culture they inspired too. They were quite simply a breath of fresh air to the music world

[@GaryStockton]

I've been thinking about it a lot since watching, had several dreams about the Beatles, and "I got a feeling" constantly on my brain. If you haven't heard Marc Maron's WTF podcast interview with Peter Jackson, I highly recommend it, he offers a lot of additional details about how the film was made, why they made the decisions they did in the edit. I think Peter Jackson has given every Beatles fan out there an amazing gift. As he puts it, he wanted "Get Back" to be like traveling in a time machine to January 1969 with The Beatles in the studio. How they came up with songs, the interplay and creative competition between them, and that undeniable bond. They were amazing, there will never be another group like The Beatles. Thank you for sharing your perspective, I had expected something else when I clicked on your video, but I concur with many of your points, particularly the one about Yoko.

[@MeaganEarls]

I am so happy that you talked extensively about Yoko Ono, and her NOT being the reason for the breakup of the Beatles. People just cannot accept the fact that people in bands are human beings too; human beings who disagree, make mistakes, and go through conflicts together, both as bandmates/work colleagues, and in their private lives; band dynamics can be difficult sometimes, and usually cannot be "controlled" by just one member of the group or one outside force; creative people can often be quite dramatic, and when you have four incredibly creative people in one group, you are likely to have your fair share of drama, some of which may include significant others or spouses, but most of which probably does not. I think people just want someone to blame, in any "bad" situation, and when it comes to the breakup of the Beatles, Yoko was the easy target. 1. because she "was there" and not a Beatle, and no one wanted to blame the Beatles themselves 2. because she was a woman and 3. because she was unconventional, artistic, and controversial. I feel like it was mostly #2. There is a long history of toxic behavior towards women in the entertainment industry, news/entertainment media, and rock music, so I don't think it is too much of a stretch to say that it contributed to the hate she received (and still receives) that was/is unwarranted and ridiculous. The amount of times I have heard her called "b*tch," "sl*t," "c*nt," "devil," etc. and the amount of times I have been told (as a woman who makes music myself and has dated a lot of other musicians) NOT to be "a Yoko" is uncountable basically, and I think that really says something about the situation and the way that "society" views women in the public eye. Not just the entertainers/celebrities who happen to be women themselves, but also the women who are the friends, the significant others, the sisters and mothers, and the children of entertainers/celebrities. It's kind of sick.

[@MsAppassionata]

And, let’s face it, some racist people don’t like the fact that she is Japanese.

[@blackmore4]

Most of the anger towards Yoko Ono has definitely been fuelled by the usual toxic sexist/misogynistic idiocy. On the other hand, while I'm neither sexist nor misogynistic and have often enjoyed Ono's work (loved her late 60s / early 70s style too), I always had her down as a significant factor in The Beatles splitting. If four people (male, female, whatever) have a very special creative work dynamic and one of them suddenly brings someone the others barely know into that space, someone who does and says nothing except sitting next to and occasionally whispering to the member who brought them in, it can only affect that special creative and personal situation badly. I never knew about her (pre-Let It Be filming) miscarriage until I heard Justin Hawkins mention it here and, for the first time, I understand why Lennon brought her along. Even so, believing his doing so wouldn't have negative consequences is unreasonable. If he'd cared about a future for The Beatles, he could have demanded a suitable delay to the start of the project and when eventually starting it, returning to that space without Yoko. The thing is, at this point, he didn't care. When in that frame of mind, Lennon was frequently antagonistic and bloody minded. I think the group had reached a natural winding down stage but for those who _have to_ attribute blame, it seems much more appropriate aiming it at Lennon rather than Ono.

[@cockoffgewgle4993]

@@blackmore4 All the stock woke defences are being doled out here lmao. You can't possibly have a correct opinion that she was a wretched, destructive influence on the greatest band to ever live, nor that she was a wretched "musician" and artist. It must simply be wayyycism and mysoggyknees at play.

[@ENigma-um8zw]

As a Beatles fan since I could remember, was about 3-4 years old I grew up with loved Listening to the Beatles and it delights me to no end as a lifelong fan that the band is yet again seeing a resurgence in popularity and reappraisal for their incredible and indelible effect on popular music and culture to this day

[@cynicalidealist2301]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@joeparish4989]

My favorite was always John. He was the heart and soul of the Beatles. He started the group and unfortunately, he ended it. As a songwriter, between the three main ones, I always felt John's songs were more intimate and honest and creative. I thought he was the best vocalist in the group but then again, the blending of John and Paul's vocals was one of the intangibles that made the Beatles so special. When the three of them sang harmony, they were incredible. A plus in Paul's favor was that he was always the workaholic. He got them to produce some incredible things but it was obvious that Lennon, the nominal leader of the band and Harrison, who probably resented his controlling tendencies, were not going to accept his dominance. I think this really shows in their solo years in the 70's, when all four were alive. Paul never stopped. He was used to being number one with the Beatles and he would continue to try to be number one without them. A huge body of work and I have a huge respect for Sir Paul. John went on a different path and tried to come to terms with the demons that made him such a compelling figure in the band and in pop culture as a whole. He was, ironically, a victim of his fame. I think they probably would have gotten back together but it most likely would have been a mistake because they would of become a sad reflection of their 60's selves, much like the Stones became after about 1980. Anyway...just the ramblings of a fans since the late 60's....I remember when Hey Jude was released and was number one. I was quite young though....I barely remember :) Cheers. I enjoyed your thoughts.

[@Axess-sv8nq]

I loved watching it because it reminded me of being in bands and being at practice - and in the studio. All the camaraderie, fooling around, ego battles, differences of ideas, the rest - it seemed VERY VERY familiar. On the Yoko thing, I used to think it was her that caused the tension. But, the tension was there well before she got there. It was also a different time back then. People were a bit freer with their sense of community and especially when they got together in groups. All-in-all it was a very enjoyable watch.

[@davedavem]

Paul McCartney answers the Yoko Ono question in the doc: "a band doesn't split up because some guy's bird sits on an amp".

[@danielaf1487]

Excellent!

[@mojorisen7812]

It helps though

[@martinheath5947]

Depends if she leaks or not

[@Axess-sv8nq]

Well, it would be if that bird was a Cockatoo! Those things can be nasty at the drop of a hat. And they bite HARD!

[@MarcusMIDI]

Such a great quote 😀👌👍💪

[@grelch]

I amazed by just how many songs from other artists they knew, and knew really well, when they were pissing about. They had access to so much music in their brains that they could pull from, probably unconsciously. I was really humbled by watching this group of people work.

[@BaxterThewall]

Like most bands, they began doing covers... especially in the Hamburg days when they played four-five hours a night.

[@victoria.galvin]

I love so many things about the documentary. The details, the clothes, the yellow daffodils, the coffee cups, the people circulating in and out. My favorite was the day that Heather (Linda’s daughter) came and seeing all the Beatles interact with her. Just wonderful to see as a lifelong fan.

[@drhust1955]

I know John created some good songs in the late sixties. However, I think after Rubber Soul, he was ready to leave the band.There we’re all kind of rumors about the Beatles breaking up and then I heard a new song on the radio 📻 Penny Lane.’

[@DavidJGreenwood]

As a lifelong Beatles nut, I found the doc eye opening. Not only was it totally binge worthy, it put lot of long held mistruths to bed (John punching George in the studio. Yoko as a disruptive energy. George’s walk out etc…). . Almost enjoyed it as much as this video, Justin. Your apple fondling is mesmerising. You have a new sub here.

[@C_H_1972]

Justin your take is spot on. The popular opinion that John was the better Beatle bc he wrote edgier songs is BS. While watching the Doc, I thought to myself that people would finally realize Paul’s equal value to the Beatles equation. Thank you for recognizing Paul’s excellent solo work. I love both John and Paul and George and Ringo were crucial as well. Yoko doesn’t fit into my Beatles equation. She’s just there. I don’t care that she was. If that’s what John needed, then so be it. It’s not like they had a normal 9-5 job anyway. Conforming was not a priority. Was it weird? Yup! However, John was weird and it somehow fit for him. The conventional British wife and kid didn’t work unfortunately for Cynthia and Julian. My criticism of the documentary is the ending is anticlimactic. The multi camera presentation of the rooftop concert ruined the ending for me. I wanted that concert to be a kick ass experience. A 4K uninterrupted tour de force. The multi point of view presentation ruined the awesome concert that it was. At the very least, put out a 4th episode with a cleaned up single point of view presentation of the concert for us to enjoy!

[@waynesmith4589]

Great Video Justin , I think the elephant in the room is Paul McCartney was the overwhelming driving force behind the Beatles , I also think George Harrison’s contribution is grossly underestimated , in a Paul McCartney interview he said George was not a good songwriter initially but learnt quickly culminating in gems like Something ( Frank Sinatra’s favourite ) , Taxman , While my guitar gently weeps .

[@69birdboy]

Only in the latter half. Lennon was going through withdrawal on get back. Without Lennon , the Beatles would not have been half as interesting . Strawberry Fields forever. Says it all

[@Musical_Man_Guitar]

My take was, it was just nice to see them again in their primes and enjoying themselves. Oh and gratitude for the music but that goes without saying!

[@markhammer643]

I have not watched it, because we don't get that service, but the snippets I've seen on KZbin remind me of the most fun I'd had at band practice, so many years ago. Gigs are great, but there is something special about a really good band practice when things come together (no pun intended). One of the more interesting theories is that Yoko sat in on the sessions to make sure John was there, implying maybe he didn't want to be. If true, that would mean Yoko is partly responsible for *providing* "Get Back", rather than preventing it or breaking anything up.

[@lavenderchants6014]

I agree with everything you said. As a kid, I was a fan of Wings before I even realized that Paul was a Beatle, which I considered my mother's music. It was not until I was a teenager in the late 70's that I discovered the full catalog of Beatles music, which I adore. Each member brings something important to the band, but clearly Paul was the musical genius that understood advanced songwriting. As a self-taught guitarist/singer/songwriter myself, I struggled to learn (over many years) the level of music theory that makes it possible to even understand the things that Paul did with song structure. In the meantime, I wrote songs much like everyone else (with no real clue), and not at all like Paul. So, now that I finally understand the music theory, I can appreciate the struggle that Paul is clearly going through with trying to collaborate with the other guys, who (though they are the other Beatles) are not on his level. John is more comfortable it seems, likely because of the many years that he had been Paul's main writing partner. I can also appreciate George's frustration because he is trying to create his own parts to the others' songs and submit his own songs for consideration, but he is struggling with not being on Paul's level, and it is to his credit that he came back and stuck it out, and that many of his songs are still among the best Beatles songs. As for Yoko, I remember being confused by the hate that went around back in the day, as I was too young to notice the band break up, but I loved all of the John Lennon solo stuff a lot, which she was obviously a part of. Paul makes it clear in the film that she was not the reason they were breaking up, and besides that, Linda was present as much as Yoko, but nobody ever accused her of breaking up the band. In fact, she went on to become an important part of Wings. Again, my experience as the main songwriter for a band is all I have to compare with, but I remember our practices and even many songwriting sessions being almost like a party thanks to all the people that were interested in what we were doing. And we never wanted to drive everyone off because we had a guaranteed crowd ready to fill any bar or coffee shop. So, I just got used to being creative in a sea of chaos. I just thought of myself as like the eye of the storm, and the only people I needed to worry about were the other musicians. I would have loved to have someone like George in my band. Of course, I wasn't trying to write Paul McCartney level songs either. It's truly a gift to be able to watch all this footage of these young guys writing some of the best songs ever written! Keep up the good work. I truly love your videos!

[@hw343434]

For advanced songwriting I would defer to John over Paul- “ strawberry fields Forever”, “ I am the walrus”, “ happiness is a warm gun”, “ across the universe”, “Julia”, “#9 Dream”, etc… That’s advanced songwriting with unique original chord progressions, time signature changes, modulations & key changes, deceptive cadences, profound lyrics, revolutionary arrangements and production, the whole LOT. Paul wrote beautiful timeless melodies and some great chord progressions and arrangement ideas but was much more conventional & predictable in his songwriting than John

[@ewest14]

@@hw343434 you’re so boring with all the Paul hate. Do you ever do anything else but talk shit about Paul on KZbin?

[@goldenox7896]

Totally agree with everything, although the Yoko thing really played out later on at the recording of Abbey Road. She had had an accident so John had a double bed set up in the actual studio where she lay about all day and had visitors and minions drop by each day, much to the increasing ire of the other band members and crew. It was at this point that Yoko became a factor of any quantity, both Paul and George referred to this moment as such in later interviews. In my opinion they broke themselves up, over the space of less than a year they had written and recorded the White Album, Let it Be and Abbey Road. I can only imagine how intense and exhausting it was. Mind blowing!

[@graniteman62]

George Harrison had been taken more serious as a writer by Paul, John and George Martin and they had supported maybe Beatles lasted longer. Just my opinion

[@banjoist123]

Those were 3 or 4 extremely creative, driven, perhaps arrogant but brilliant people in one band. That they lasted as long as they did is amazing.

[@mikeshinoda703]

Im not sure that they were arrogant. When you hear from other musicians they always say they were very easy to get on with but there was an aura around them.

[@canadianstudmuffin]

Best review of the documentary! Yoko was great and I love alot of her music.

[@paulgill2042]

It's very inspiring. I haven't played in a band for a number of years and it made me nostalgic for pissing about, writing songs with your mates. I loved it!

[@michaelespinosa9168]

All you need is love ❤️ and give peace a chance. Pretty much the meaning of life. Rest In Peace ✌️ John and George

[@hkpr-ro6ui]

I thought you were going to ruin my love of this film with "unpopular opinions" yet I agree with everything you say. Great show at Victoria Hall BTW.

[@thealeons3179]

You are so well-spoken and well- thought. Where did you learn to speak and think like this? I feel like you look out all of the windows before you try to explain to us what's going on in the neighborhood. All too often, people try to tell us what's going on after only looking out one tiny little window. I think you're a super awesome human and I look forward to your future videos. Thank you.

[@redadamearth]

As Kurt Cobain once said, and I'm paraphrasing a bit, here, "There was the Beatles - and every other group after that has basically been a Beatles cover band."

[@71hammyman]

@ghost mall no they weren't

[@71hammyman]

@ghost mall yes sure, I gave myself two thumbs up, didn't even give myself one you freak 🤣

[@71hammyman]

@ghost mall around that time, in the 90s it was most definitely radiohead, music for everyone, Nirvana were great but they were pretty one dimensional, even Oasis were more of the beatles of its generation, Nirvana no.

[@71hammyman]

@ghost mall radiohead certainly ticks all of those boxes, I only mentioned Oasis because if they were as big in the states then yes they probably would have been it, let's just agree to disagree, Nirvana were massive, so were radiohead, I just think personally as someone who grew up in the UK around that time, radiohead were more creative and appealed to a much wider audience than Nirvana did.

[@KratosM4000]

@@71hammyman honestly Radiohead is better than nirvana but nirvana was way more impactful. If you look at the 2000s Radio rock scene everyone was trying to be grunge like nirvana. Plus Radiohead on a massive general public scale was the song creep and not much else

[@Downhuman74]

I used to bag on Ringo like everyone else. Then I became an actual drummer and realized just how brilliant he is. A Day in the Life? Come on! That groove he lays down on Come Together -- brilliant. One of the most vitally important drummers of all time. Speaking of drummers -- was it awkward when your drummer saw that you have a tattoo of his dad on your knuckles?

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Yeah it’s ok but maybe it freaked him out. He needs to get my dad on his otherwise it isn’t fair

[@Downhuman74]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain 😂

[@Elcapitaan5]

I have always thought that Yoko was a part of John so she is valuable to Beatles fans. In any case i love his music after the Beatles and she was a huge part of it. In the case of John Lennon i think the issue is the gear he was on,and the fact that he was becoming weary with the band much like George. He still came up with great songs after these sessions,but as a period in time it is not a strong one for him. I hope another doco shows John at his best at some point to show new generations what he was capable of in the way this one shows Paul.

[@alisonanthony1228]

On the Yoko question, my feeling has always been that she made John happy and that's good enough for me. He loved her and that's all any of us need to know. All the rest is just gossip and bullsh*t and, quite frankly, none of our business.

[@niclasjohansson5992]

Accept for the John Lennon - Chuck Berry Co-op where Yoko screeched right in to a microphone while Chuck and her husband are playing a berry classic

[@mojorisen7812]

Amy decent woman would not cling to man like that while he's trying to work. All the other women respected what was happening but not yoko. Testament of her character. She also made Julian buy his own dad's stuff back. Not a good woman.

[@PrivateSi]

I know there are billions of sheeple out there, but I cannot understand these so called fans that think their false idols should always be the way they idolise them to be, as an Atheist!

[@niclasjohansson5992]

@@PrivateSi only lame atheists preface things 'as an atheist'

[@lamper2]

Of COURSE it's my business if i'm evaluating the worthiness of a band and someone is making them less wonderful

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

Actually as a Liverpudlian and self confessed Beatles nut I found this mega documentary absolutely fucking awesome ! Subbed you Justin man, peace and love ❤️

[@brianp4438]

The only slightly negative feelings I came away from the series with was regarding how dismissive they were of some of George's contributions. But then again, he got to go ahead and do them the way he wanted to on All Things Must Pass, which is one of the greatest records of all time.

[@SimonJohnOwen]

Also George wrote the best Beatles song ever, Here Comes the Sun

[@alvinburrell]

Totally agree, but I would have to add the contribution of Billy Preston has always been underrated and it was so good to see how positive his impact was on the music and the band's attitude. I'd also say that EVERY young wanna be band should watch the documentary to inspire them to play better, be more creative and enjoy the process.

[@michaelzzzzzzzzzzzz]

Yeah they were amazing. They just had the perfect storm and that's it. They just had the driving force of McCartney who is just a music beast, probably the most talented man in music even though people may not want to admit it because hes not as cool as say prince. Lennon was the raw edge they needed, more talented on guitar and piano than I realised l, some of those riffs and rhythms he came out with, just wow. Harrison was a great guitarist, maybe he never flaunted himself enough but this also made the band have so many perfect songs as there was no showing off? Ringo his timing is beyond an atomic clock, phenomenal. Just a monster group, from the early stuff right up to Helter skelter to Let it Be, just amazing songs. And all this without today's technology or much previous talent to take lots from. First there was the Beatles and then there was god

[@ursula3438]

There was a whole generation of great songwriters before Lennon/Mccartney: Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Hoagy Carmichael, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Jimmy Van Heusen, Jule Styne, Frederick Loewe and a little later Burt Bacharach, Antonio Carlos Jobim and even Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, Carole King etc.. The Beatles are my favourite band, but songwriting and popular music didn't start with them.

[@michaelzzzzzzzzzzzz]

@@ursula3438 No one said the Bestles started music, what my point is modern music had just started. So the Beatles had very little to gain knowledge from, compared to say Oasis who had all these amazing artists to learn and take snippets from. The Beatles had very few, Oasis had everyone

[@tomhwoods]

My favourite bit is when Yoko Ono and Linda Eastman meet and chat and get along just fine in the foreground like its 'just another day' at the office.... we know they gonna witness the birth of some classics, oh yeah.

[@craigtyler7335]

It shattered my preconceptions about Paul. I always heard that the other Beatles had got tired of him being the ‘self appointed boss’ of the group. This gave me images of him being overbearing and ‘bossy’. However, watching ‘Get Back’ made me realise he was a driving force. It looked like he was the only one who could be arsed to get the songs done really. George came across a little bitter in all honesty, and John came across as bit distant and disillusioned. From accounts that I have heard or seen John was the ‘boss’ during the Beatles early days, but I think the dynamic changed a bit during the mid to late Beatles when Paul was into the avant-garde stuff and helped the Beatles become more experimental. The rest as they say is history. Paul deserved his place at the top in my opinion, even if it did lead to the recording of some ‘fruity’ songs.

[@keithwilson1554]

Ringo said that the reason they did so many songs was because of Paul McCartneys work ethic. He was living closest to the Studio and would soak up the Swinging London scene bringing in the latest sounds. But i did see a stage Q & A of Billy Preston who said John was the Boss.

[@Tsuka-bn8hq]

George seemed bitter? Really? He just came across as incredibly frustrated. Listen to all the great tunes on All Things Must Pass… to think he had all that swirling in his head and around his fingers and had to settle for 1/2 songs per album? How else could he feel. The conversation he had with John about wanting to do his solo thing and come back ‘home’ was him being honest and searching for contentment. It’s our opinions at the end of the day though 😊

[@thekitowl]

@@Tsuka-bn8hq don’t think it was a great time for George. His marriage was in big trouble & when he walked out he went to Liverpool to see his mum who had cancer.

[@Fred.pSonic]

You make a lot of great points Craig but during that cafeteria scene Paul admitted that John was still "boss", the brotherhood never changed but it did with some of the public. You're also right that without Paul pushing the band we would have lost out on so much historic music, maybe ending as early as Rubber Soul. But unfortunately I really think it was Paul being too bossy that broke up the band. Consider that Abbey Road was never intended as a final album. They discussed a followup where each member would get their own songs: four songs from John Paul and George each with Ringo maybe getting two. Still recording as The Beatles but no Lennon/McCartney compositions. Paul was dismissive of George's writing abilities, George took an affront and you can guess where it went from there. In later years George would continue to disparage Paul and they looked a little uncomfortable together during Anthology. Fascinating story: ultimateclassicrock.com/beatles-abbey-road-follow-up/

[@majinblood6133]

Yea cause the real paul died.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I’ve been really excited to see the various clips of Let It Be - the interactions between John and Paul, and Paul and Ringo especially are a joy to see - they still obviously had that ‘band of brother’s’ mentality. What was really surprising is how removed from it all George gets at times - you can sense his frustration with it all. There’s complete acceptance of Yoko - the old scapegoat that she spilt up the band is urban myth in my opinion. Paul had Linda and her daughter Heather there after all. The moments with Billy Preston are joyous. And the real unsung star of the piece is Mal Evans. The real shame with the end of The Beatles is that he never really recovered from their split - after all he lost his job………..

[@joeparish4989]

And tragically, in 1976, Mal Evans was killed by the LAPD. He was involved in a domestic dispute that ended with him pointing a gun at an officer and poor Mal was killed. :(

[@olihhayes]

There wasn't complete acceptance of Yoko tho, it's edited that way. Everyone acknowledges the change of John (she introduces him to heroin, she acknowledged it later) and her presence at the songwriting sessions, studio and business meetings (!) annoys the other 3. Here's the complete unedited conversation kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5K9poCam6idoLs

[@Gardosunron]

Seems pretty accurate to me. I've never met anyone who thinks John Lennon's musical ability was akin to" three blind mice" and I hope I never do.

[@doplinger1]

I was worried that I wouldn’t care for your take on it, but I think you were spot on - very well said!

[@deborahanlon2323]

Thank you for defending Yoko! I have always thought similarly. I didn't think ANY one was powerful enough to break up the Beatles except...the Beatles!! She has been so vilified and I just always thought it was so wrong. I love your honest heart Justin!!!❤❤❤

[@RollForever88]

My biggest takeaway from the documentary was their sense of humor. Brought me a lot of happiness and connected me to their music even further

[@ericsandberg6137]

George comes off as the most sensible and pragmatic Beatle.

[@danielaf1487]

He's my favourite.

[@71hammyman]

No that was John, surprisingly, I love George, but I feel like he came across as quite petty in this, almost like he had a chip on his shoulder, and rightly so tbh, but idk I might need to watch it again

[@kbusby4824]

George was always my favorite.

[@Rickenbackerglory]

A Beatles fanatic since 1963. Saw them live 10 times, and I am half way through my 3rd viewing of “Get Back”. I have read so many crappy views and reviews of it but I absolutely agree with every word you say. So many amazing moments.

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

When I was in a band and we tried to write songs at practice I didn’t like other people being there ( we were no Beatles) People complaining about Yoko, so she can’t be there with her husband but all the other people can? I thought the doc really details how The Beatles functioned.

[@iqosuser2754]

I agree totally you summed it up. Life without the beatles can't imagine it. I'm 69 now. I was in a country that never had TV until 1974. I just heard them on radio. Then where banned on the radio here due to the religious statement. I had to tune into shortwave to see what's new from them. So many people where privileged to see them live. I say stuff the ungrateful crits. God bless them all. Yoko Ono plastic band was something the world couldn't understand stand. Cheers

[@jaggy-snake]

I thought Yoko being there probably helped. John was clearly smacked out his face at the start but he slowly got back in the groove. I put that down to Billy Preston . He was the person they all wanted to impress

[@laurencegoldman4639]

I agree mostly: 4 guys mucking about: For sure these guys were rusty to start with, but by the third installment it seemed suddenly they're clicking. I'm sure the documentary left a lot out and the "getting it together" was more gradual. I was impressed about how much these guys loved each other and how especially the creative spark between Paul and John was magic-they each made the other come alive. Let's not forget Billy Preston- a pure genius, so easy going and brilliant, and pure joy. He just lit them up, provided a missing ingredient and made the whole deal come alive-while never standing out or intruding. George: it was cool to watch him start out like a repressed, sulky adolescent. He was just a drag in the beginning. But by the end, he had really started to come into his own. It's like we watched him mature as an artist right before our eyes. And a his energy changed John and Paul opened to him as well. This was a transitional period for all of them as artists: 3 of them needed to break up. (Ringo said he would have stayed. He's jut easy going with the flow kind of guy) Now Yoko: THEY didn't seem to mind her-there was just acceptance mostly from the guys. I PERSONALLY would have bitch slapped her and told her to go to her own studio and make art. Let's remember that Yoko was a fully formed downtown New York avant-garde artist. She had shows. I had a Japanese sculptor friend who was going to marry a Japanese artist who was probably better that him. They both decided she would sacrifice her own career so as to support him-some twisted tragic Japanese idea of self sacrifice. Same deal with Yoko. I bet she had some weird idea that her relationship with John was some dadaist, conceptual spontaneous work of art. I just couldn't stand watching her kiss him out of nowhere in the middle of them working out a song. However, it certainly didn't bother John. It was hysterical to watch Yoko doing calligraphy while the boys are doing their thing. And artist needs to work. In this case I feel it was a little twisted. That said I'm glad we got the whole creative output of John and Yoko together-the give Peace a Chance, Imagine, Double Fantasy. The climbing in bed for days was a pure Yoko piece. As for Paul: I agree that he was a brilliant song writing juggernaut. However, I personally never gave a shit about his music-never bought a solo McCartney album-could care less. But that's me. My two cents. Thanks for the post.

[@loveluvmusic]

I loved it.. I will forever love the Beatles, And each of their solo careers. ESPECIALLY a huge Lennon and Mc Cartney Fan. Loved your take on this 💯 Justin 🖤

[@captsubtle]

Binged it when it was released, and loved every single moment of it. I think what was the most salient point was that they all still really loved working together, even if they were pissed or upset over something. Sure, Yoko screaming was annoying AF, but you can see she was painted as the boogeywoman who broke them up when she clearly didn't. But the joy in their faces when getting something right, performing on the rooftop, just hanging around each other... that's what made it so fascinating and engrossing to watch.

[@johnbarry1965]

Yoko came out of this doc really well. She was pretty much unobtrusive and was totally not the overbearing monster of yore.

[@loosilu]

This is a year after the White Album sessions, where her presence created huge problems. Paul says he had to work very hard to cope with it. This documentary is very misleading in that rregard. To be clear, I do not blame Yoko at all. She was being herself. John made the choice to bring her in, and I personally think he did it deliberately.

[@shapes2000]

It has been heavily edited, a lot of the more controversial and anti Yoko stuff that was in the original film and available on tapes is not included in the film.

[@mariaconcilio5910]

not really. She is still not a good person a bad influence on Lennon and was horrible to Julian Lennon she did not need to be.

[@TotalSinging]

She became more obtrusive during Abbey Road when a Lennon brought a bed into the studio and gave her a microphone so she could contribute to group discussions.

[@TotalSinging]

Yoko wasn't overbearing in the studio and George Martin would not have stood for it. Her overbearing influence was at home

[@mchamberlain7408]

After watching it I said to my wife "I wish I had this when I started writing songs." It's a masterclass. Sometimes a song needs time to find itself. Don't give up on an idea when it's not perfect straight away.

[@maxxxmodelz4061]

Poor Yoko really took a lot of crap from both the media and fans of the band for decades. Meanwhile, we see now that just about everything people thought about her during that time was incorrect, and also we know now that ALL the members of the band would have their girls at recording sessions. In fact, I read somewhere that they would all be together while the guys were playing or recording quite often. It wasn't just Yoko who sat in on sessions. Linda, Patti, and Maureen would often hang out at the studio as well.

[@fortunatejeremy]

Yeah. I feel that this doc dispelled a few beliefs and myths about the Beatles.

[@bobsina9923]

That was my first take but that she never said a word was strange. I heard she stipulated that or no film, correct me if I'm wrong about that. But we're seeing an edit that might not show that part of it so accurately. But there's that scene where Paul talks about it and seems fine with it saying they just need to be close to each other.

[@maxxxmodelz4061]

@@bobsina9923 Yeah, there's always the chance there were things going on that either wasn't filmed or cut from the edit of this film. However, we must judge what we know and what we see. For decades Yoko was destroyed in the press for being disruptive and distracting to the band, sitting in on recording sessions when no one wanted her there. There was even talk that she was the real reason the band broke up, etc. According to this, we have to now dismiss most of that slanderous accusation against her unless footage comes out that contradicts what we see here, but I doubt it will. There are articles and even some video footage showing other members of the band had their girls hanging out in recording sessions as well. In fact, as I mentioned, I recall reading an article that suggested they even set up couches and beds for the girls to hang out together.

[@Cfolger]

That's a really great insight justin, I wouldn't leave my love at home just going through something like that

[@CrueLoaf]

Yoko saved Lennon’s sanity. He was gonna leave anyway. Did you see in the documentary when Paul called Linda Yoko when Linda spoke up. 😂 I loved the documentary. Compulsive viewing. A bottle of Jack and a lockdown weekend with the documentary.

[@anitafayes8967]

Lovely and wise thoughts about a legendary band, thanks for this :) ...I also enjoyed the layers with the apple, the shininess of your zip and referring us to that Pat Carty article. He is a great writer!

[@maxdecimus13]

The documentary was fascinating and did change many perceptions, one of them being the presence of Yoko. However, many are taking it too far as if she had nothing to do with them splitting up at all. This is not true and there is an interesting bit at the beginning of the 2nd film where it is clear that her presence has been a significant issue. They're having a discussion following the failed meeting at Ringo's house and what isn't made clear is that George has walked out because Yoko is talking for John. Paul even says they need a daddy figure to say 'leave the girls at home lads.' The problem wasn't Yoko, which is very unfair, but rather John and Yoko's relationship. Paul again says it best when he says if it's the Beatles or Yoko, then Yoko wins every time. Yoko became more important to John than the Beatles were which inevitably led to friction and helped considerably to their eventual breakup.

[@murphdog8980]

Pretty much agree with all of that - one of my main takeaways was how disorganised the whole “project” was… that’s probably a result of them managing their own affairs at the time… essentially something they never really resolved and one of the main catalysts for their break up. The deadline they were working towards was crazy. Still not sure how they knocked out Abbey Road after this.

[@FierkensFilms]

The Beatles had a record company called Apple. It's named after this video of Justin rubbing an Apple all over

[@scottwherle]

I expected to be mad, considering the title of this video, but find myself agreeing with literally everything you said here. Cheers, Justin. Perfect take all around.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Nobody’s perfect but I appreciate you

[@carmennorth8482]

It's nice to hear someone defend Yoko. I never really questioned her reputation before but now I feel kind of bad thinking about how much people took out their anger on her.

[@familyaccount7840]

Uuuuuuunnnnngggggggg I love this take so much! As a diehard Beatles fan i have watched people pin it on Yoko for YEARS and absolutely loathe that take. John was in love, drug addicted and suffering. Paul was exerting his control over the band desperately trying to keep it together. George was resentful and frustrated. And Ringo was alright wasn’t he? The point is pinning it on the existence of Yoko Ono is absurd. John was an adult and capable of his own choices. If he wasn’t interested in the Beatles as a musical entity any longer the absence of Yoko wouldn’t have necessarily changed that. Fans get overly emotionally invested in what they WANT instead of realizing that their musical idols are simply human beings with a wide variety of motivations, desires and impulses BEYOND the art the fans consume. Thank you for this video Justin!

[@DeathFromAbove1981]

I loved being a fly on the wall to the conversations with the people around the Beatles. Couldn't help but love Mal Evans with his little hammer. Crazy how he was shot to death by the LAPD.

[@tommykernow]

Ive heard it said, that apple is still being polished today

[@Cartoons-T-J]

You should check out moon walker

[@MultiShriek]

Just watched it. Brilliant. Love the bit while John is lying down guitar in hand waiting for Paul to get to his bit in long winding road I think. “Are you ready..” “you haven’t reached my bit yet.” Words to that effect hilarious.

[@carlstar9349]

Ringo was 100% focused on the group and the task. Paul is simply a genius. John is the perfect foil to Paul. George wanted respect but lacked confidence in the fact that he is great. Yoko was lovely. That tall guy writing down everything, a secret weapon. "how are we going to do our final performance" was the call from day 1.

[@phinsxiii]

Spot on. Not knowing any better than all the stories spread, I was pleasantly surprised that the stories of Yoko were wrong. It was very interesting to see how they wrote some of their biggest songs off the cuff like that. Very cool doc.

[@davedavem]

The Apple is an excellent reference.

[@rayrpger6141]

Even though I am a 45 year old musician, I was never a massive Beatles fan, despite my peers always telling me I should be. Nevertheless this documentary is a very nice fly on the wall perspective into the creative process of songwriting and what makes a band tick. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@SimonAlexanders]

Most inspiring documentary in years!

[@shannonpincombe8485]

One of the best comments from this vid is: "people just don't care about others anymore". The level of judgement people seem so quick to jump to is insane. The members of the Beatles had far more going on in their lives than just recording albums and performing. Their lives! Lives are not easy nor are they complete before our journey begins. We don't know what each day will bring and even the best laid plan can be thrown into the breeze at a moment's notice creating havoc. Hearing of Yoko's late term miscarriage was upsetting. As a man who has experienced a miscarriage within my partnership I can attest to the need for closeness after such an occurrence. When my wife lost our baby she was overseas. I wasn't able to support and comfort her through the loss nor was I able to find comfort in her. It was extremely difficult as I also felt that I was letting her down. I too was alone during a tough time. I understand completely that John would've wanted Yoko as close to him as possible during their grieving. It is as difficult a time for the father of a lost child as for the mother. Thanks Justin for another great vid.

[@BillysKingdom]

I read an article about writing that says after a particularly emotional beat you don’t show the characters crying; that’s the space for the reader to feel the emotions and (if you’ve done your job well) cry. I feel the original documentary while inaccurate was good for this. It showed a band bickering and no longer wanting to be together so it made the break up understandable. I also feel unfortunately Yoko became the personification of that. Instead these boys played music when they were teenagers together and have grown up; it’s her! The devil woman! She’s to blame! A more dramatic and easier to accept ending than they grew apart.

[@CBrolley]

I don’t dislike Yoko because she supposedly broke up the Beatles. I dislike her because she seemed to be an extremely annoying person. Almost as annoying as that Justin guy.

[@cynicalidealist2301]

Beatles will forever be the greatest rock n roll band of all time. Songs, daring, foolishness, friendship, etc etc. Until our civilization perishes, the Beatles will be the kings of contemporary music. And its really great seeing you going strong and continuing to be successful. It was pretty bad there for a second. Welcome home!!!