Timeline : The Beatles
The Beatles documentary Let It Be makes its theatrical debut. It is the last Beatles movie.
The Beatles release their final studio album, Let It Be, in the UK. Its American release date is May 18.
After eight straight years, The Beatles are finally knocked from their perch as England's top act in the Melody Maker fan poll... by Led Zeppelin.
George Harrison releases All Things Must Pass, his first solo album since the breakup of The Beatles. The first single, "My Sweet Lord," becomes the first ex-Beatle solo #1 in the UK and also in the US.
Paul McCartney sues to dissolve The Beatles partnership and breaks ties with Allen Klein, whom the other three members have chosen to manage their affairs. The case drags on for years until the partnership is finally dissolved in a 1975 private agreement.
The Beatles' "Helter Skelter" is played at Charles Manson's murder trial as evidence. Manson claimed the song was about an impending race war, and led to murderous acts.
In London's Royal Courts of Justice, Paul McCartney's lawsuit against his fellow ex-Beatles begins. McCartney's suit seeks to remove Allen Klein as manager of the group's financial affairs.
Paul McCartney wins his lawsuit to dissolve The Beatles and turn their affairs over to a receiver - not Allen Klein, who is managing the other members.
Each of the four ex-Beatles has a solo single on the UK chart: John Lennon - "Power to the People" Paul McCartney - "Another Day" Ringo Starr - "It Don't Come Easy" George Harrison - "My Sweet Lord"
The Beatles win their only Oscar, taking Best Original Song Score for their movie Let It Be.
Paul McCartney puts Wings in flight, announcing the formation of his first post-Beatles band. Members are Paul, his wife Linda, former Moody Blues singer Denny Laine on guitar, and Denny Seiwell on drums.
The Beatles release two compilation albums: The Beatles 1962-1966 and The Beatles 1967-1970. Both will land in the Top 10 on the US and UK albums charts, with 1967-1970 hitting #1 in the US.
Despite breaking up three years earlier, The Beatles land the #1 album in America, the compilation The Beatles 1967-1970.
The UK music magazine NME publishes its list of the 100 Greatest Albums. The Top 3: #3: The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds #2: Bob Dylan's Blonde On Blonde #1: The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper
Elton John's "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" hits #1 in the US. The Beatles' original, released in 1967 on the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album, wasn't released as a single.
Former Beatles road manager Mal Evans is shot and killed by police in Los Angeles after he brandishes an unloaded rifle (some claim it was an air gun) after becoming despondent.
EMI Records reissues 23 singles by The Beatles - every one of them charts (again) in the UK.
With rumors of a Beatles reunion swirling, Saturday Night Live executive producer Lorne Michaels goes on camera to offer the guys $3,000 (union scale) to reunite on the show. Paul McCartney and John Lennon are watching at Lennon's New York City apartment and consider showing up on a lark, but pass up the opportunity.
Ten years after it appeared on The Beatles' Revolver album, Capitol Records issues "Got To Get You Into My Life" as a single in America.More
All This And World War II opens in theaters. The film is a disjointed collection of WWII newsreel footage and clips from other movies soundtracked to covers of Beatles songs, the most successful of which is Ambrosia's version of "Magical Mystery Tour."
Beatlemania!, a Broadway tribute to the music of The Beatles, starring sound- and look-alikes, opens at the Winter Garden Theater to rave reviews.
The film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band opens in America, and it tanks hard. Savaged by critics, it becomes a legendary Hollywood flop despite appearances by Peter Frampton, Billy Preston, Aerosmith and The Bee Gees.More
Due to renewed interest in The Beatles, the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany, reopens to the public. The club had been an important stepping stone for the band, as they played a residency there early on.
George Harrison becomes the first Beatle to release an autobiography when his book I Me Mine is published.
John Lennon, 40 years old, is shot and killed outside his apartment in New York City.More
The Beatles' hometown of Liverpool, England, renames some streets in honor of the band members. There is John Lennon Drive, Paul McCartney Way, George Harrison Close, Ringo Starr Drive, and even Sutcliffe Street (in honor of original bass player Stu Sutcliffe).
Ford licenses The Beatles "Help!" for a commercial, marking the first time one of their songs is used in a TV ad.
Ringo Starr becomes the first Beatles grandfather when his son Zak's child is born.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off his theaters. When Matthew Broderick leads a parade through downtown Chicago to The Beatles "Twist And Shout," it renews interest in the group, and the song soon returns to the charts.
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