Revisiting the Rock 'n' Roll Days: The Drive for Adulation in The Beatles
In the twilight years of The Beatles, the band's creative drive and the desire for adulation became complex and multifaceted. Among the members, Paul McCartney was the most insistent on reliving their earlier 'Rock 'n' Roll' experiences.
Paul McCartney: The Enthusiasm for Live Performance
As the Beatles began to disband, it was Paul who proposed an unconventional idea: a 'hit-and-run-gigging' approach where the band would appear under a pseudonym, performing as a band called 'Bobby And The Good Knights,' before revealing themselves on stage. This idea reflected Paul's enduring craving for audience response and the 'adulation' he experienced from screaming fans. 'Paul we love you!' - these words were often a source of great jolt to him, and he was always jazzed by the anticipation and excitement his presence on stage could generate.
John Lennon: The Versatile Fan
While John Lennon was enthusiastic about the idea of returning to rock and roll, his passion for the genre had grown over the years. As noted in Rolling Stone in 1970 and in the Anthology documentary series, Lennon frequently discussed the Hamburg/Cavern days as the period when the Beatles created their best music. His 1980 album Mind Games and the subsequent Walls and Bridges dealt with more introspective themes, which Lennon sometimes viewed critically. However, his early rock and roll LP showed a different side of him, marked by a genuine love for the music. Even his last single, 'Just Like Starting Over,' was a nod to his rock and roll roots, evoking the spirit of Elvis and Orbison.
George Harrison and Ringo Starr: Rockabilly Fans and Country Lovers
While George Harrison and Ringo Starr were also rock and roll fans, their musical tastes included a broader range. George Harrison, known for his interest in Indian classical music, was also a rockabilly fan. Ringo, on the other hand, had a deep love for country music. Despite this, both George and Ringo viewed the band's early rock and roll days with a sense of nostalgia and perhaps a longing to return to the simplicity and energy of those early performances.
The Hit-and-Run-Gigging Phenomenon and Wings
Interestingly, the idea of rediscovering early rock and roll experiences didn't fade away with the disbandment of The Beatles. Rounded off with Wings, Paul McCartney drove a car around university campuses in search of new crowds to delight. This spirit of 'hit-and-run-gigging' showed that McCartney was not just a nostalgic for rock and roll, but aimed to recapture the authentic energy and connection with audiences that defined the band's early days.
Paul McCartney's Post-Beatles Reflections
When reflecting on the band's output, especially the '60s rock and roll albums, Paul McCartney was often critical, feeling that the records could have been better crafted. However, his love for the era that shaped his music personality was clear. While he was the one who wanted a reunion, his criticism of the Beatles' work might suggest a desire to do things differently, perhaps with a new perspective or with the benefit of later insights.
In conclusion, the desire to relive the rock and roll days was a unifying force among the Beatles, with Paul McCartney perhaps leading the charge. His deep craving for the adulation and energy of live performances was a nod to the times when the band was just starting their journey in the music world. The idea of 'hit-and-run-gigging' and the continued interest in early rock and roll among the other band members paint a picture of a group that, deep down, never forgot their roots and the passion that drove them.