Bitten by The Beatles

Golden years

When John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr got together in the 1960s, little did they know that their impact on music would be so thunderous, that it would be felt even after 50 years! How else can one explain their timeless melodies that even the current generation enjoys listening to? 2010 marks 50 years of The Beatles and Metrolife spoke to some young fans of the legendary group.

Mamtha Pullat, a first year degree student of Jain College, is a huge fan and has grown up listening to The Beatles. “They were so awesome. I prefer listening to them than the artistes of today,” she exclaims. Her favourite songs are Hey Jude and Come Together. “John Lennon is my favourite of the four. He was so good. Paul McCartney is still good.”
According to her, no one can sing like the foursome. “Be it this generation or the future ones, everyone will always love The Beatles,” she says.

Nikhil, a content developer, heard The Beatles thanks to his father. “My favourite song of theirs is Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.” He adds, “Even though John and Paul were the driving forces, The Beatles was one of the few bands in which all the four artistes were equally talented.”

But he feels that amongst the youngsters, “only a handful” listen to The Beatles. “Right now, everyone is leaning towards heavy metal in India. Very few bands actually play songs of The Beatles.” He notes, “They laid the foundation for many other bands. Without them, music wouldn’t have been what it is today. They knew what the people of their time liked and went in that direction. The band was big then, it is big now and it will be big for a long time to come.”

Popular Bangalore-based singer and advertising professional, Jude Lazaro, has performed many songs of The Beatles live. He has even performed John Lennon’s Imagine on stage. “Who isn’t a fan of theirs,” he smiles.

“Their song-writing ability was amazing and so many people have covered their songs. They are like Abba. Every song of theirs is a hit.” Yesterday is Jude’s favourite song. “I love listening to it as well as performing it.” How about Hey Jude which is based on his name? “Its ending is so famous and beautiful,” he answers.

Says Vishwas, a final year BA student of St Joseph’s College, “They were different from the rest. Even now, artistes who cover their songs, don’t find it easy to reproduce the amazing vocals of John and Paul,” he says.

Ask him about his favourite song and pat comes the reply, “Drag My Car.” Despite performing for a thrash metal band, Vishwas seeks inspiration from The Beatles. “If a musician wants to learn, he or she should start from the grassroots. And the only way to do that is to listen to The Beatles. Those who do truly know who they are.”