Beatles Members Clash on Songwriting, Influence, Legacy

John Lennon openly criticized Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones for imitating The Beatles' music shortly after their releases, highlighting a rivalry rooted in competition and influence during the 1960s. George Harrison expressed frustration with Paul McCartney's dominant creative control within The Beatles, even mocking McCartney with his own song to highlight tensions and the overshadowing of Harrison's contributions. Despite internal conflicts, McCartney revealed how Lennon supported and saved one of his most famous lyrics in "Hey Jude," demonstrating the complex yet collaborative dynamic between band members. Meanwhile, outside The Beatles, Frank Zappa accused Lennon and Yoko Ono of appropriating one of his compositions without credit or payment after a brief collaboration in 1971, adding another layer to Lennon’s contentious interactions in the music world. These stories collectively shed light on the interpersonal and professional challenges faced by The Beatles and their contemporaries during their peak and post-breakup years.