Displaying items by tag: Beatles

The more things change...

They're all adorable when they’re young! Like this future rock & roll troublemaker...

1958: At a little venue in the UK called the Morgue Skiffle Cellar, the local band The Quarrymen make their debut with John Lennon and Paul McCartney on guitars. George Harrison would join them soon after.

1975: L.A. police pull over a Lincoln Continental for allegedly running a red light. When the window is rolled down, the cops smell marijuana. The passenger, a Linda McCartney is charged with possession. The driver, a Paul McCartney is not charged.

1966: The Cavern Club closes its doors due to mounting debt. Police have to be called out to clear the club when 100 teenagers barricade themselves inside the club. Not to worry. Eventually, the club will re-open as a popular tourist attraction.

1969: UNICEF holds its “Peace for Christmas” concert in London. In addition to a performance by the Rascals, the event features the live debut of the Plastic Ono Band with John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Keith Moon, George Harrison, and Billy Preston.

It would turn out to be Lennon’s last concert appearance in Britain.

1969: Protesting his government’s participation in various military conflicts, John Lennon returns his MBE (“Member of the British Empire”) with the following note:

“Your Majesty, I am returning this MBE in protest against Britain's involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam, and against 'Cold Turkey' slipping down the charts. With love, John Lennon of Bag.”

1957: A young British skiffle band named The Quarrymen plays its very first gig on a flatbed truck for a fete in Roseberry Street in Liverpool. The group was led by the very brash John Lennon. A few months later, Paul McCartney would join the band, soon to be followed by Paul's mate, George Harrison.

1974: President Gerald Ford invites George Harrison to the White House for lunch. George arrive “plus two” with Ravi Shankar and Billy Preston in tow. When Harrison gives the Pres a button with the word "OM" on it, referring to meditation, Ford responds by giving George with a "WIN" (Whip Inflation Now) button.

It would be only three years before “Harrison-Ford” would take on a whole new meaning.