Wiki #22: The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band active during the 1960's. Formed in Liverpool, England the band originally consisted of five people: John Lennon who played rhythm guitar and did vocals, Paul McCartney who played bass guitar and did vocals, George Harrison who was the lead guitarist and did vocals, Stuart Sutcliffe who played bass guitar, and Pete Best who played the drums. Sutcliffe, however, left the group in 1961 and Best was replaced by Ringo Star, who played the drums and did vocals, in 1962. The Beatles had their first minor hit on the single Love Me Do in the same year, and only two years later they were international stars. Between 1964 and 1966 they toured the world, having their final commercial concert in August 1966. After that The Beatles spent their remaining years recording in studios, until their breakup in 1970. All four found success individually in the music business, but John Lennon was murdered outside his home in 1980 and George Harrison died of metastatic cancer in 2001. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr continue staying active in the music business. To date The Beatles are the bestselling band in history, having more number ones and holding the top spots on UK charts than any other band ever has, and according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) they have sold more albums in the United States than any other artist. Some of their songs include Hey Jude, Eleanor Rigby, Can't Buy Me Love, Help!, and Hello,Goodbye.