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Four Young Lads that Shook the World..."There were perpetual screaming, and yeh-yehing for three years, one long continuous succession of hysterical teenagers of every class and color, shouting uncontrollably, not one of whom could hear what was going on for the noise of each other. Each of them emotionally, mentally, or sexually excited, foaming at the mouth, bursting into tears, hurling themselves like lemmings in the direction of the Beatles" (Aertsgaard). No words can fully describe the scenes. Only the people witnessing a dramatic revolution, could account for the feeling from within. |
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But What Makes Them so Great???The definition of a great band is the Beatles. They have withstood time and change. Few bands, if any, can last over 30 years. People from around the world crave the music that satisfies their inward desire to express emotions and individuality. "It is impossible to exaggerate Beatlemania because Beatlemania was in itself an exaggeration. No words can fully describe those scenes, although every major newspaper in the world has miles of words and pictures in its clipping library, giving blow by blow accounts of what happened when the Beatles descended on their part of the globe." Countless magazines and books have been written about these remarkable musicians known to the world as the Beatles or to their dedicated fans as John, Paul, Ringo, and George. "Beatlemania was once called a phenomenon transcending social classes,
age groups, intellectual levels and geographical areas" (McKeen). The Beatles broke down barriers
and became a symbol to the younger generation, arbiters of taste and style in the 1960's. The Beatles influenced history far more than
any other musicians of their time. Their musical influence went beyond music,
and affected films, fashion, speech, and politics. This mass hysteria and surge of emotions known as Beatlemania has significant and ample
effects on society despite the constant arguments that claim the Beatles to be yet just another band.
"The impact the Beatles had upon popular music cannot be overstated; they revolutionized the music industry
and touched the lives of all who heard them in deep and fundamental ways" (rockhall.com). "In order to understand the Beatles message to the world you must look at their work, both the words
and the music" (Riley).
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So who did they reach with their music???The Beatles and Beatlemania have had a significant impact on society and essentially it is a positive and beneficial one. Music has been dramatically altered. However, one might argue that if it weren't the Beatles it would have been some other band. I don't deny the fact that the Beatles had great timing, and the country was ready for some sort of change, but the Beatles did spark this movement. The band still had to have talent and definite appeal to their audience, which the Beatles possessed. It still does not dismiss the fact that the Beatles did affect society in a positive manner. To critically analyze the Beatles' music would take a tremendous amount of time and patience, but what proves the success of the Beatles is the band's outstanding popularity. Not many bands can last over 30 years and span many generations. A person born in the midst of Beatlemania might not feel as though the Beatles have any special meaning or influence. However, they were born into a changing era, and it was the Beatles that caused that change. Without this British band things would have progressed much slower and the impact would not have been long lasting. The Beatles are not just some band. They are artists and idealists. Their music inspired a vast number of fans and musicians. The death of John Lennon broke the hearts of many. One little band has had so much influence and control over so many people.
Explanations are not necessary, but rather one should appreciate the gift that these four young lads gave society. Their music is the gift that fills the hearts
of fans and can be heard across the world. It's a unification of different worlds and cultures. Some might
say that the Beatles' music isn't anything special, but when the craze of Beatlemania is shown
on TV and written about, it's hard to believe that so many people could be wrong. Music is not to be loved by all,
but it should be appreciated and noted for its positive influence. The Beatles are not one to be overlooked. |
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And their Fame Liveth Forever More... A group of inexperienced boys took hold of a world ready for a change and transformed the world into a new society by spreading their thoughts and ideals through their wonderful gift of music. This band still remains popular: "The Beatles have outsold every pop group in the world this year, and sales of more than 20 million albums make them the most successful band since... The Beatles. Three 'Anthology' volumes of out-takes and live recordings shot to number one in the US charts. The Guinness Book of Records had to rewrite its 1996 entry on the world's most famous group and will have to do so again next year. An Anthology publicist said the Beatles have sold more albums this year than in any one year in the Sixties. The Beatles have beaten the Beatles"(www.merc.com). For a generation to listen to the music their parents do, it is a gigantic step, but the Beatles have made such a lasting impression that age is no boundary to their talent. Dedicated fans dream as to what might have been if the Beatles hadn't broken up or of John was still living. Along with the rest of the world, the three remaining Beatles wish too that things had ended different. Paul sill can't quite believe that the four will never play together again. "It's like those dreams you have. He's still alive.. the you wake up and.. 'Oh'" (Time). To the Beatles great many fans, they will remain forever a part of society and "their fame liveth forever more". |
Tanya M. Brethour
Copyright 1998 All Rights Reserved
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