TUNE IN by Mark Lewinson

Recently, I read a book called Tune In, by Mark Lewisohn, which describes the Beatles' critical pre-fame years. The years that shaped the Beatles' unorthodox personalities and style. These early years turned four ordinary boys into a legendary band that defined culture in the 1960s. They transformed the music industry in ways that affect us all (stadium concerts, music videos, album formats)

Formation of the Beatles

The Beatles was made up of four unique Liverpool boys: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. In 1956, John Lennon created a rock band called Quarrymen with his schoolmates. At a performance in 1957, John was introduced to a talented young guitarist, Paul McCartney. Later that year, Paul joined the band and developed a close friendship — musically and personally — with John. A couple months later, Paul's friend, George Harrison, was invited to join the Quarrymen.

Discovery

By 1961, the Quarrymen had evolved into the Beatles, consisting of three guitarists (John, Paul, George) and a drummer (Pete Best). Attracting lots of young fans, the Beatles were well-liked at their performances for their hilarious personalities and unconventional playing styles. After watching a Beatles performance, record store manager, Brian Epstein, offered to be their manager. As their manager, he helped the Beatles transform their clothing style (from leather to suits), find a producer (George Martin), and replace their drummer with the more skilled and agreeable, Ringo Starr.

The First Record

In 1962, with the assistance of Brian Epstein, Decca Studios, and their producer George Martin, the Beatles produced their first record: Love Me Do. It was a hit! Love Me Do rose to 21 on the Record Retailer Top 50 chart. By the end of 1962, the Beatles were getting ready to release a new record (Please Please Me) and were looking forward to coming years of TV, songs, and tours.

Why were the Beatles successful?

Apart from many other needed traits, the Beatles were highly successful because of their image to the audience. As Mark Lewisohn writes, "Its part of the double-act: the audience try to watch the singer but can't tear their eyes off his mate."

Tune In portrays strong dynamic that existed between the band members. Each Beatle had the similar sense of humor (dry, rude, and intelligent), they were able to stand up to severe scrutiny, and accepted nothing but the best from each other. Besides their similarities, the Beatles could work together because they were able to fill-in the needs of other members. The book points out how John was the rebellious leader with a vision; Paul was the charming, sensible one, who could gloss over any damage caused by John; George was the kind and intelligent one; and Ringo was the mature and sharp one.

With their personalities in sync, the Beatles worked tightly as a team, having fun, and playing with passion. Their beautiful music and unorthodox character has entranced the world like no other band has ever before. They are proof that ordinary people can become legends with just some passion, hard work, perseverance and a bit of luck.

Early photography of the Beatles

Epstien and Beatles

Beatles in Suits