The Beatles — John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr — formed in Liverpool in 1960 and remain the most influential band in the history of popular music. Abbey Road (1969) and Revolver (1966) are the usual starting points, though the run from Rubber Soul to the White Album barely has a weak moment. Shop The Beatles vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
The Beatles formed in Liverpool, England in 1960. The classic and best-known lineup was John Lennon (1940-1980), Paul McCartney (born 1942), George Harrison (1943-2001), and Ringo Starr (born 1940), with Pete Best and Stuart Sutcliffe among earlier members. After honing their act in Liverpool and Hamburg, the band signed to EMI's Parlophone label and, with producer George Martin, became a global phenomenon. They stopped touring in 1966 to focus on studio work and disbanded in 1970.
The Beatles are universally cited as among the most important and influential acts in popular music. Their work spans skiffle and rock and roll, folk rock, psychedelia, baroque pop, hard rock, and avant-garde experimentation. Their innovations in songwriting, studio technique, and album-as-artwork conception reshaped the music industry and remain foundational reference points.
The Beatles catalog is among the most heavily reissued in recorded music, including the 2009 stereo and mono remasters, the mono vinyl box, and the ongoing series of expanded super deluxe anniversary editions (Sgt. Pepper, White Album, Abbey Road, Revolver, and others). Original UK Parlophone mono pressings are highly collectible.
Listeners new to The Beatles often start with Abbey Road (1969) or Revolver (1966), or the 1967-1970 compilation. For related listening, see and .
