The Beatles.

The effect of the premature demise of Buddy Holly in 1959 has only in the last decade began to be fully realised by not only musicians but by rock purists alike. Hollys' manner in no way matched todays' notion of a 'wild rocker,' unlike Elvis Presley, whose alleged evil hips spurned Holly to continue as a rock musician. His appearance was no that of a rebel without a cause. It

was the music of Buddy Holly that fired the imagination of more than a few musicians; musicians who would go on to be legends themselves in the world of rock music.

In the same year that Buddy Holly was tragically taken, two young lads from Liverpool in England met and embarked on a quite amazing ten-year journey that would change the face of rock music. John Lennon and Paul McCartney would not only form the most successful band in rock and roll history but become the greatest songwriting partnerships of all time.

Having been asked to join Lennons' skiffle band, Johnny and the Moondogs,' an almost instant writing rapport was struck between McCartney and Lennon. They were soon joined by the younger George Harrison whose talent and enthusiasm soon won over a sceptical Lennon. After quite a few line-up changes and appearances at local fete's The Beatles emerged, with drummer Pete Best, as a hard-rocking outfit ready to take on the world.

It was this 'take on the world' attitude that saw The Beatles do exactly that. After the gruelling regime in Hamburg, Germany, where the band played eight-hour days, seven

days a week in riotous conditions. As Gerrry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers said of this era, "You either got good or you got out." The Beatles got good.

On their return to Liverpool in December, 1960, The Beatles had adopted a 'harder' image, dressing in leathers wearing Cuban-heeled boots and Elvis-styled hairdos. Their touring schedule was outlandish by todays conditions. They still performed regularly at the The Cavern Club, which is where their major break occurred. Brian Epstein, the son of a local record store owner visited the Cavern Club during a lunchtime session. He was impressed with the band musically and also saw their drive and potential. Not wishing to detract from the bands' individuality but seeing the need for some changes, Epstein came up with a few marketing strategies which although apparently minor and some borderline subliminal,

were nothing short of genius.

The first move, which was not entirely the doing of Epstein, was to replace Pete Best on drums. Best was unable to hold a beat for studio purposes so it was advised he be replaced. His replacement was Richard Starkey (aka; Ringo Starr). Ringo was a few years older than the others and his  track record included playing on cruise liners with local heroes Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. Epstein also assisted in the 'drop-T' design on the drumkit. As a sharp dresser himself, Epstein came to a compromise with The Beatles with regard to attire. Their famous Grandad-collar suits are now synonomous solely with The Beatles.

Their first single, Love Me Do, was met with moderate success compared to what was about to unfold. The song was produced by B.B.C. producer, Sir George Martin. Any scepticism Martin had was overshadowed by the talent, drive and charisma of the band. Lennon played harmonica, McCartney performed backing vocal and for reasons unknown, Ringo played tambourine while a Scottish drum tutor played drums.

Their next single, Please Please Me, unleasehd what has come to be referred to as Beatlemania. Thus Lennon and McCartney continued writing and The Beatles cotinued recording. Money was, by now, no object but time was. Admittedly their touring was more professional

but there was now the added pressure of a massive increase of fans. Everybody wanted a piece of The Beatles. Many still do. People who initially treated the band as a novelty item were now changing their tune.

In 1964 The Beatles left Great Britain and toured The United States of America. The 'Beatlemania' witnessed in Great Britain was intensified as their shows, T.V. appearances and chart ratings continued to break records. In a whirlwind two years The Beatles would go on to escalate in both popularity and output. With the benefit of hindsight one might say, "Something had to give."

Something did give and did so in spades as a rapid-fire series of events merely acted as catalysts to the inevitable. The compilation album 'Yesterday and Today' was created by Capitol Records for the American market. The albums' cover (intentionally) caused public outcry as it depicted The Beatle, smiling, dressed in white overalls accompanied by mutilated dolls and what appears to be raw meat. It is alleged that this was The Beatles response to the way Capitol Records had 'butchered' their albums. This was the first of a multitude of supposed hidden messages by The Beatles. The other side of The Beatles squeaky clean image was beginning to show.

The Beatles were then placed in an almost life-threatening position when they inadvertantly snubbed The Phillipines First Lady Imelda Marcos by refusing her presidential invitation

to breakfast. It is alleged that The Beatles and Epstein had great difficulty in leaving the country due to the extent of the riots that had been caused.

Shortly after arriving home from this barrage The Beatles, more specifically John Lennon, were confronted by a backlash from extreme U.S. conservatives relating to a comment that Lennon had made three months earlier where, in part, The Beatles were, "....more popular than Jesus...." The only interested to the comments in the UK were with regard to the off-the-cuff' and humorous nature of the comments. Having read the article in its' entirety, this

reader is somewhat perplexed by the onslaught of hatred aimed at John Lennon. Having also witnessed John Lennon interviewed at the time regarding the matter, I see a frightened man trying to defend himself against powerful rednecks.

In August, 1966, The Beatles performed their last official concert at Candlestick Park.

With the the freedom of now being able to write and record when they wanted to The Beatles music took on a different dimension. Despite becoming even less structured, their music remained very definitive. Even with their very early material, what sounds

like a standard three-part harmony is far from it. Although rumoured but never admitted until well after touring had finished, mind-altering chemicals had become a part of The Beatles lifestyle. The albums Revolver and Rubber Soul gave pretty good indications. This would be evident on their following albums, most notably the iconic 'Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band' and 'The Beatles,' commonly known as 'The White Album.

Despite the public admission to the use of drugs, no backlash was observed. What was observed in interview was, contrary to interviews held when touring, was a more forthright and assertive band. John Lennon in particular had the air of a caged lion waiting for someone to enter.

It is difficult to pinpoint particular songs of The Beatles as there are so many but imagine, if you will, 'Strawberry Fields Forever' without the drums of Rings Starr. It is not conventional nor is it random. 'Penny Lane' without a Paul McCartney bass line is unthinkable. Again, it isn't conventional or random. George Harrisons' slide-work in 'Two Of Us.' The raw yet controlled vocal quality of John Lennon as he sings 'Ticket To Ride.'

The Beatles got it right. No-one has come close. No-one ever will. It has already been done.

Not Fade Away.

The music didn’t die in 1959 when Buddy Holly, along with ‘The Big Bopper’ and Ritchie Valens, died as Don Maclean sang in the early 1970s. Rock music was only starting to get a head of steam up, with Buddy Holly leading the charge. He was spurned to do so after seeing Elvis Presley some three or four years earlier performing what was termed by the more conservatively minded 'evil' rock and roll.

After his death the multitude of rock and roll, blues and rhythm, folk and blues  artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton  to name but a few, were quick to mention him as a major influence at the start   of their careers.


Buddy Holly was 'the man' who, tragically, was never able to fully enjoy this, let alone be aware of it. He wasn't the first to play rock and roll but his timing with regards to making it globally popular and influencing the face of rock music is unquestionable.

As with all forms of music, rock music is kinetic. The impact that Buddy Holly had on rock music is, to this writer, the most profound.