The endless feuds of rock and roll are a stark reminder that even artistic geniuses can succumb to petty squabbles and ego trips. It seems Paul McCartney is still sorting through the breakup of The Beatles, this time in a new documentary.
Here’s the lowdown:
- McCartney defends suing The Beatles.
- He blames John Lennon for the band’s split.
- The documentary, “Man on the Run,” is available now.
McCartney Still Blaming Lennon?
For decades, the narrative has been that McCartney broke up The Beatles. Now, in his new Prime Video documentary, McCartney is singing a different tune, claiming it was John Lennon who truly shattered the legendary group. According to him, Lennon wanted to hire Allen Klein as manager, a move McCartney feared would “swallow up all The Beatles’ fortune.”
McCartney took the bold step of suing the band in 1970, a move he knew would make him the villain. He felt trapped by Klein’s management of Apple Corps.
The “F— You, John” Moment
Lennon, never one to shy away from conflict, fired back with the scathing diss track “How Do You Sleep?” The lyrics took aim at McCartney’s talent and legacy. McCartney claims one of the lines was actually suggested by Klein.
McCartney’s response? “F— you, John.” He also reflected on his deep connection with Lennon, forged in teenage mischief and shared experiences.
The Bigger Picture: Money vs. Art
This whole saga boils down to a classic conflict: money versus art. McCartney, perhaps more business-minded than his bandmates, saw the potential for financial ruin under Klein’s leadership. He was right: by 1973, even Lennon, Harrison, and Starr realized Klein was a mistake and sued him for financial misconduct.
What’s so frustrating to watch with the band is that they lost sight of the values that made them great. Their individual desires led them astray from the common good. This is not only true for bands but for families, communities, and even countries. The lesson we must learn from the Beatles is to always put common goals and values ahead of individual desires. It is a lesson our country is in danger of forgetting.
This drama reminds us that even the most successful groups can crumble from within. Was McCartney a savior protecting their fortune, or a power-hungry control freak?
