The Beatles' Last Photo Shoot: Final Moments of the Fab Four Together.

In the poignant final moments of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr together, the Fab Four gathered for their last official photo shoot on August 22, 1969. This session, marked by its somber undertone, captured not just their faces but the end of an era in music history. Though their interactions were now limited to business matters, this photo shoot immortalized the unity of a band that had transformed the world with their groundbreaking sound. As we look back at these images, we glimpse both the end of a remarkable journey and the enduring legacy of The Beatles.
On August 22, 1969, The Beatles convened for what would be their final photographic session. This marked the last instance that all four members participated in a group activity related to the band, with subsequent interactions being solely for business purposes. This session, while significant, was purely focused on capturing images rather than advancing their musical collaboration.

[@steveoshow4832]

Despite this being their last photo shoot, it again reflects beside their music how unique their look was, always evolving and ever changing even within months. So far ahead that The Eagles Desperado look virtually mirrored the image in their photo shot for the album in December 72. That’s how far The Beatles were ahead, even in image.

[@cuda426hemi]

See above comment where I say the Beatles not just George ripped the look from the Band and the N.Y. upstate Dylan gang. Eagles weren't even Stone Poneys back then.

[@patbrennan6572]

The greatest band that will ever be , what a shame it ended this way.

[@steveconn]

@@patbrennan6572 Stones, Band, the Who better musicians, but they carried the initial Invasion zeitgeist.

[@vitamindeeznutz4102]

@@steveconnlol

[@DAYHOMEONE]

That George quote was not about this photo shoot. It was a refence to making Let It Be.

[@3155DOGMAN]

You are correct.

[@WilliamHerlihy-p4g]

That makes three of us. It's a start.

[@daddykornflakes]

I was just about to say the same. It is obviously not about this session as no dialogue between the 4 was recorded here. Also, it WAS the last time all 4 were ever together again, there were no subsequent business meetings between all 4. Sadly, this was not just the last time they were filmed together, it's the last time they WERE together.

[@nealenewton4193]

Indeed, the Beatles at their very end. Nothing left to do, nothing in common any more, nothing but the memories of a stupendous catalogue of work. Their respective demeanours say it all,particularly in the photo's taken in and around an old run down building. Thanks for the upload, as sad as it is 👍

[@dannyvine3605]

That old run down building was John Lennon’s mansion home at the time and later Ringo’s lol

[@nealenewton4193]

@@dannyvine3605 Thanks for your reply. The run down dwelling is,I believe, one of a few buildings at Tittenhurst Park Estate. He and Yoko lived in the white mansion, as I'm sure you know.

[@akotlas761]

So I say thank you for the music, the songs we're singing Thanks for all the joy they're bringing Who can live without it? I ask in all honesty What would life be? Without a song of the Beatles, what are we?

[@bernardbaker6803]

Please don't cheapen Them Beatles with Abba references................

[@alexandrebenois7962]

I like the Nolans' version better.

[@bobg6638]

It’s a shame that they were together for such a short time. Despite all his rationalizing over the years, I don’t think McCartney wanted it to end. He amongst all of them truly understood both their legacy and chemistry. But seems business, burnout and egos took over and got the best of them. A break from each other may have prevented a break up.

[@MelThorburn]

I think that was going to happen anyway, but it was obviously stopped in Dec 1980. They were all on good terms again by this time. If you look at the photos of Ringos wedding a few months after John was murdered you can see how close it came to , at least, a four in a picture reunion. After that it would be jam sessions, leading up to a potential TV appearance I would imagine.

[@maxmeister5064]

@@bobg6638 From a today's perspective, I don't see any reason to be sad that their days were eventually numbered, though. Their legacy is on the same par as any of the Classical's. As a group, they went as far as they could go - and as far as we could follow. They were simply too good to last...!

[@Waldenpunk]

The quote from George isn't about this photo shoot. It was about the argument he and Paul had during the Get Back filming, 8 months before this photo shoot.

[@gillesserrigny6324]

Do you think is still ruminating in his mind a 8 months argument with Paul !? I think this photo session has no interest for him. He moved on.

[@joesottilare609]

you can see the walls up between them ..all rich and full of themselves a bit..no longer a band struggling sharing a dream..now you see egos..they dont need each other anymore....thats life

[@NSW2040]

Only 5 years after A Hard Days Night ….

[@neonh161]

Wow, I'm so glad these historic moments were captured on camera and film..

[@frankterrebrood5261]

You could tell by the looks on their faces that they just didn't want to be "The Beatles" anymore.

[@reijosalminen7502]

3 of them had beard, 1 didn't...they we're not the fab-four anymore.

[@mariaalejandra2913]

Ethan Russell, the photographer: "George Harrison was miserable from frame one to frame 500. He was so over it. I don t think he did anything but scowl for three hours. Paul was trying to hold it together, he had his arms crossed like, Come on, lads! But the concept of the Beatles just didn t sync with who they were any more. I could have asked them to smile, but it would have been totally fake and I m glad I didn t".

[@bobg6638]

Despite all his rationalizing over the years, I don’t think McCartney wanted it to end. He truly understood both their legacy and chemistry. But business, burnout and egos took over and got the best of them. A break from each other may have prevented a break up.

[@signe2023]

Spot on.

[@sebastiamarques3274]

There was plenty of band activity after this photoshoot, and some of it wasn't business related, but for one reason or another one of the four was always missing, either Paul, George or John. On the 31th of August, John, George and Ringo, with their wives and some friends attended Bob Dylan and The Band performance at the Isle of Wight festival. It is said that afterwards they all had a private jam session and listened an early pressing of Abbey Road together. Paul was missing because Linda had just given birth to their daughter Mary.

[@maxmeister5064]

There even was ONE final recording session right in the opening days of 1970, only John was missing (but Billy was there). On which occasion they recorded I Me Mine.

[@dannyvine3605]

@@maxmeister5064You mean Paul not Billy!

[@maxmeister5064]

@@dannyvine3605 No, I mean Billy Preston on his organ... ...Please don't consider me aboard with all that Paul is dead stuff...

[@dannyvine3605]

No problem my error. The last overdubs of I Me Mine in 1970 were without Billy Preston and only involved George,Paul and Ringo.

[@LucyLennon20]

1week prior to this day on August 15th 1969 the Aquarian Exposition 3 Days of Peace & Music (later known as: Woodstock) began in Upstate N.Y. The Beatles were 1 of many notable acts that were invited to perform but for 1 reason or another declined. Here's a partial list of acts that declined: Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Jeff Beck Group, Moody Blues, Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention. Due to an overwhelming number of people arriving (a estimated 500,000) and inclement weather things were delayed and a 4th day was added. 32 acts performed. Thank-You, Nebo Sha Music for your video. It sheds light on the climate for John, Paul, George and Ringo in August 1969.

[@pup41261]

They didn't attend Woodstock for 2 reasons. First they were busy putting the finishing touches on Abbey Road, and secondly at least 3 of The Beatles no longer wanted to perform together on stage.

[@LucyLennon20]

@pup41261 I read John was willing to play with the Plastic Ono Band but was turned down.

[@maxmeister5064]

@@LucyLennon20 The thing was, by then nobody, not even John himself, really surely knew 1) just WHAT the POB would actually be and 2) who else other than John and Yoko would be a part of it. It wasn't until the 13th of September that this became clear...

[@LucyLennon20]

@maxmeister5064 thank you for the info

[@pup41261]

@@LucyLennon20 I never heard that. Doesn't mean it didn't happen. But they were still heavily working on Abbey Road at that time.

[@Topsy_Krett]

The Harrison quote at 2:24 was actually him commenting on his decision to walk-out on the Get Back/Let It Be filming sessions, 10 January 1969.

[@Zoro007]

And it's amazing to think they're all still in their 20's...... Lennon 28..Ringo 28.. McCartney 26 & Harrison 25....👍👍👍👍

[@martinn4031]

Yes it is amazing. But you got 3 of their ages wrong. Lennon was indeed 28. However Ringo was 29, McCartney 27 and Harrison 26.

[@Zoro007]

@@martinn4031 Sorry, I quoted ages from January 1969..... Thank you....👍👍👍👍👍

[@martinn4031]

@@Zoro007 Hey, no worries thanks for getting back! 👍👍👍

[@michaelshay3157]

They all look so depressed, even Ringo couldn't bring laughter and wit.

[@KatharineShaw-z8u]

I think this photo shoot was for the Beatles fan magazine which was a nice gesture to their fans. I think the jackets and hats they were wearing were hired. The Beatles look a bit like a early 70's rock group here like Led Zeppelin or Deep Purple.

[@LucyLennon20]

Funny the Grateful Dead had a short photo shoot in 1967 in the Haight district of San Francisco. In the few photos the brown suede jackets borrowed from a local shop, a few of the band members wore, tiny price tags can be seen danging off the sleeve.

[@KatharineShaw-z8u]

@@LucyLennon20 I didn't know that. Thanks

[@LucyLennon20]

@@KatharineShaw-z8u ✌️😎y/w

[@lthompson7625]

@@KatharineShaw-z8uGeorge played live on stage with Deep Purple in the 1980s..

[@KatharineShaw-z8u]

@@lthompson7625 I didn't know that either, thanks

[@tubergetrude333]

historical documents. for the ages.

[@alexandrebenois7962]

They may have been sad, but they look beautiful in those photos.

[@lesterchavez9757]

You can se it in those photos that Jonh and George wanted to move on and get it over

[@gretschviking]

Where did you get your “facts”?! George Harrison DID NOT say all that about this photo session! This is why there’s so much misinformation out there on the Beatles! He was talking about the argument he’d had with Paul McCartney which is seen in the movie “Let It Be”. It was shortly after said argument that he left, went home and wrote “Wah Wah”. That was in January, 1969…..NOT August, 1969!

[@IsaanMan]

Photo with Paul giving the Royal Arch Freemason hidden hand sign makes me wonder if there is something to the Billy “Shearers” Campbell story.

[@JismIsm-en4kz]

Yes - I always wondered about that pic; And his face looks a bit thinner

[@charlesbronson4282]

The Beatles is a concept by which we measure our pain

[@michaelrochester48]

I think as late as November at least three of the Beatles were photographed when they were signing new contracts with Apple records. The only reason why George was not in the photos was because he was visiting his mother who was very sick with cancer, but this is the last with all four.

[@pup41261]

I think the picture you are talking about was taken on September 20 of that year, and later in the day John told Paul he wanted a "divorce".

[@WilliamHerlihy-p4g]

Yes, the 9/20/69 photo is of John, Paul, Ringo, Yoko and Allen Klein together at a desk, signing the contract. Amazing that John signed a new 7 year recording contract and literally, moments later, quit the band. Who else would do.that?

[@dannyvine3605]

@@WilliamHerlihy-p4gWell all the Beatles got together soon after the signing to discuss the next album. John’s suggestions were declined by Paul (the lost tape -Mark Lewinsohn). The new contract guaranteed the Beatles more royalties so even if they broke up they made more money. Paul’s lawsuite never changed that.

[@WilliamHerlihy-p4g]

@dannyvine3605 That lost Mark Lewinsohn tape was amazing. I wondered what would have happened if Paul had accepted John's proposal that they record another album and split the songwriting three ways. Would it have worked? Anyway, that meeting occurred prior to this meeting on 9/20/69. This was John's last moments as a Beatle. George, Paul and Ringo got together on 1/1/70 to record I Me Mine and finish the Let It Be album so they had a few more hours as Beatles.

[@janiceastets5425]

Paul & Ringo had the better personalities of the four, I think. After all they accomplished together, you think it would have ended better. But they all had their "say" with each other years later, they got to speak again, at some point.

[@signe2023]

Paul was The Beatles' biggest cheerleader. He never said anything negative about the Beatles music after the breakup. He never disparaged the Beatles. John & George disparaged The Beatles after the split. They didn't like most of the songs, blah blah. John said he should have sung. Oh, Darling. The way George spoke about being a Beatle was like the worst time of his life. Paul, despite his overbearing ways and ego ( John had just as big of an ego as Paul, which John admitted in interviews) the studio, was the glue that kept the band together. Ringo said Paul would call them up all the time to come into the studio to play. Ringo said there wouldn't have been anything after Sgt Pepper if Paul hadn't pushed the band. Ringo also said he was working with 3 other " drummers" in the band. He was just as frustrated. And, BTW, a little known fact about the two "peace- loving" boys: During the filming of the Get Back sessions, John & George had an actual fistfight that was , luckily, off camera. George Martin was embarrassed. Brian Epstein's death was the beginning of the unraveling. Creative differences, egos began increasing. Each band member would quit and come back. Yoko Ono in the studio all the time became an increaing annoyance, and the Allan Klein financial debacle all led to the undoing of the band. It wasn't just one thing. And, it's useless to compare The Beatles experience to other bands. Every band is unique, but The Beatles hold an especially significant place in the zeitgeist of music and the culture of their time.

[@dannyvine3605]

John and George never had a fist fight that is a myth! There is no evidence of it and George was so angry about that lie that he asked John if they should sue the newspaper report of it! There is even a bit in Let It Be where George and John joke about the made up fight lol Also, it is myth that Paul got them making albums after Sgt Pepper! The White album, Let It Be and Abbey Road were all a group decision mainly due to so many songs they had individually that they wanted recording!

[@victoryashnikov4983]

Спасибо, Толян!

[@johnschulenberg7560]

The narration here is dead on accurate!

[@jimcoleman598]

Not on the part where George said he was leaving. All that was from Let it be sessions, months before.

[@daddykornflakes]

@@jimcoleman598 Not the bit at 1:13 either. There were no subsequent meetings between all 4, business or otherwise. This WAS the last time all 4 were ever together again. Sadly, this was not just the last time they were filmed together, it's the last time they WERE together.

[@jesmardepaula1141]

The Long John and The Silver Beatles❤❤❤❤

[@mcarp555]

When they were standing in the tall grass (such as at 0:30), Ringo is actually standing on a box to make him appear the same height as the other three.

[@daddykornflakes]

Are you sure about that? I'm not saying he isn't and you're wrong, but at this point in the Beatles story, I doubt they'd be concerned with something so trivial. It looks to me like a natural photo, with Ringo in front of the others which is making him seem closer in size.

[@GeneKing-lz8xg]

Come to think of it thier look was inspired by the band in that time.

[@InesReboyras]

So sad 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢💔💔💔💔

[@steveconn]

They were also trying to look like The Band on the Big Pink cover.

[@68blues]

When did the Beatles ever copy another band? Your comment is seriously pathetic….get a grip!

[@LucyLennon20]

​@68blues ... perhaps, the photographer wanted the "feel" that other photographers of the time were doing.

[@kalani1987]

I thought George wrote Wah Wah when he quit the band during Let it Be?

[@jimcoleman598]

He did, this is messed up on that part.

[@signe2023]

Look at these photos without the narration. Come to your own conclusions

[@Marse73]

I feel so sorry for Paul. He wanted to keep the group together

[@JismIsm-en4kz]

I actually paused a few pix - They gave the world so much - Just imagine 5 yrs prior in 1964 - It would've ended like this

[@jesmardepaula1141]

The Beatles❤❤❤❤

[@ge_mail]

Excellent

[@ClaudioGabrielSalgado-qt5ee]

Donkey: in the search of Allen Klein spirit🐊 (from Jujuy,Argentina)

[@magneto7930]

George's words pertained to the filming of Let It Be, not this photoshoot.

[@gillesserrigny6324]

In France we say : "Bonjour l'ambiance !"

[@cuda426hemi]

George had already hung out with Dylan up in Woodstock at least a couple times so he was already done in his head. He knew how real bands jammed and played hangin out with Bud, Robbie and the guys. Beatles at this point, actually after Pepper and Brian dying was a Paul project mostly with John as crippled co partner but both dictatorial over Harrison and he was so over that. The LOOK, art direction of this last set was purposefully doing a Band homage because they ALL liked the Band and Dylan not just George and that ol' Yankee thing, organic beards n dark jackets n jeans and those LIDS!!! A metaphor of what the Beatles were trying to "Get Back" to. 🎸

[@RogerPeet]

Selfish people wanted The Beatles to stay together, to entertain THEM. JPGR had given the World soo much, already. People grow and move on. Just be happy that they existed, at all.

[@marcmaschal2897]

The guy is quoting George from Get back.Not the last photo session.Come on man,be accurate.

[@tgchism]

Jest about every interview that I have ever seen with George except in the early years, he seemed to have a chip on his shoulder about the Beatles. I get that he was always feeling un appreciated but really where would he have ever been or any of them without being the Beatles? I think they all just got tired of each other and too full of themselves. Just proof that fame and money doesn't buy happiness.

[@fly66]

This is great but towards the end the guitar is louder than the speaker. I can’t hear what’s said.

[@725jenks]

At this point, if J&P wouldve let G have 4 songs per lp, the Beatles may have continued. He blossomed on Abby Road with Something and Here Comes The Sun. He had amassed 100 songs that he was unable to get released. Ok G, we'll let you put Beware of Darkness, Isnt It A pity, What is life and Wah Wah on our next lp.

[@jefftoons]

SAD, very images.

[@sugarjoe50]

"MM" stands for millimeters

[@buddyneher9359]

yes, which is usually said as "millimeters" when talking about film, such as the "16 millimeter" film that Linda shot that day. This AI needs to be taught more idioms.

[@qg3726]

According to an astute researcher the "Fab 4" has MANY misfortunes one of them regarding Paul's demise in 66 that would of crippled the Band had they not had a "stand in" to keep the Band going on.. Add to that Brian's alleged overdose & so much more is it any wonder they didn't collapse sooner then 69?

[@captainape6807]

It's a pity Paul didn't have a beard here too. Would have been cool if they'd all had beards at the same time for the purpose of the photo.

[@samansun]

1:42 "Paul McCartney trying to maintain a sense of unity". History brazenly re-written! Yes, a sense of unity, in a pre-"Wings" concept band, where Mr. administers the music, finance and management (in-laws), still expecting his teenage friends, including the founder, to take it for the unity of the band! What a distortion of facts, since 1980.

[@marcdanielnelson317]

Check your facts. I counted 22 mis quoted and completely false statements.

[@mitola45]

It all came out of the movie they made for George. This is old stuff. lol

[@GsCe-m2d]

Why? Who decided?

[@Waldenpunk]

John quit the band a month later. It was over.

[@stringer-ik1pc]

Imagine no possessions,sang john lennon from the back of his chauffeur driven Rolls Royce 😂😂

[@jesusruizs2ndyoutubechanne509]

That is just a METAPHOR John used when he sang this. It is something deeper under the surface. He earned and had his possessions because of his efforts, sacrifices and sweat. Not like all the corrupt, greedy people, politicians, the establishment, if you will. That’s who he really meant. 😌

[@greenwich1754]

Kinda like "the rich must pay their fair share", where Joe Biden has at least two homes and millions as a "public servant", having never worked a real job in the dreaded private sector, where you are fired if you don't produce.

[@dannyvine3605]

Another misrepresentation of what Imagine was all about! The clue is in the title 🙄 Imagine if the world was like that? Then Lennon would not have been rich or famous!

[@stringer-ik1pc]

@@dannyvine3605 I suppose it was you who wrote the lyrics, and not yoko ???1😁😁😁😁

[@ThomasSmith-rf2rk]

John and George appear so thin. Not enough meat in their diet at that time?

[@buddyneher9359]

or too many drugs...

[@JismIsm-en4kz]

VERY noticeable - Paul looks a bit 'heavier' (?)

[@ГавхарараМирзашарифова]

Йоко Оно -- чёрная дыра, поглотившая Битлс.

[@mlongpre100]

george looks a bit haggard

[@zakmartin]

George was a moody, miserable git.

[@drlock978]

Oh! The pain of it all,fame,tons of cash,choice of ladies.didn’t have to work a factory job,don’t have to get up every morning early. Only have to do what they enjoy doing for 10 years and get well compensated. Oh! The agony of it all. Poor babies.

[@daddykornflakes]

1:13. There were no subsequent meetings between all 4, business or otherwise. This WAS the last time all 4 were ever together again. Sadly, this was not just the last time they were filmed together, it's the last time they WERE together.

[@Rudy-gr9fh]

Guess what we don’t care 🤷‍♂️