Beatles Planning and Future Projects After 'Let It Be'
The Beatles, one of the most iconic bands in music history, ended their studio recording career with the release of 'Abbey Road' on September 26, 1969, followed by 'Let It Be' eight months later in May 1970. Many Beatles fans and music historians have wondered what the band had in store after these two final albums. This article explores the possibility of further albums, the actual projects undertaken, and future plans discussed by the band members.
Decisions and Releases
The Let It Be album, recorded during the initial Get Back sessions in January 1969, was released in May 1970. In contrast, Abbey Road was recorded later during the same period in 1969 and was released first. No further studio albums were made officially by the band after Abbey Road. John Lennon's death in 1980, and George Harrison's death in 2001, marked the end of the original Beatles.
While it might seem like an unlikely scenario, the band did have plans for further material. Speculations exist that they discussed the possibility of another album but did not proceed with it beyond mere conversations. Despite this, various remastered editions of their albums, including Abbey Road, have been released to celebrate anniversaries.
Expansion and Anthology Plans
One interesting development is the planned expanded remastered edition of Abbey Road, similar to the anniversary editions of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and The White Album. This project aims to present additional content and improved sound quality for Beatles fans and music enthusiasts.
Reflecting on potential future projects, the idea of creating a definitive box set of their live recordings has gained traction. This could include multi-disc sets covering different stages of their career, from their early years to the middle and end of their live performances. For the live recordings, including entire shows would enhance the experience for Beatles fans, given the brief duration of most shows (approximately 30 minutes).
Live Recordings and Show Selection
The compilation of live recordings could be as comprehensive as possible, including significant performances and early live shows. Some notable inclusion criteria include:
Shea Stadium (August 15, 1965): The first major stadium concert by any band, featuring the iconic stages of the Beatles' live history. Candlestick Park, San Francisco (1966): The last show as a live act, marking the end of their touring days. Apple Rooftop (January 30, 1969): The band's raw, impromptu performance just days before their dissolution, offering a final glimpse into their vitality. Others: Including TV performances like the Ed Sullivan Show appearances of All You Need Is Love, Hey Jude, Hey Bulldog, and Revolution for a complete and diverse collection.A multi-disc box set compilation of these performances, along with accompanying DVDs, would provide a treasure trove of live material for both casual fans and die-hard Beatles admirers. This would not only honor the band's legacy but also preserve a significant part of rock music history.
In conclusion, while the Beatles officially concluded their studio recording career with Abbey Road, discussions about further projects were merely theoretical. However, future releases and compilations provide a way to continue exploring the band's incredible legacy beyond the final studio albums.