Melody Maker publishes a “Beatles Get Together!” article on its frontpage

The Beatles are back together again! That was the strong report which swept through the American music business last week, adding fuel to the speculation which has been rife in London for the past few weeks. Informed sources in New York suggest that the four of them are preparing a joint statement to be released in the next few days, revealing their plans for a new Beatles album. Melody Maker understands all four ex-Beatles have been in New York during the last weeks for legal talks. Ringo Starr, indeed, is still believed to be in America. The New York reports suggest that financial reasons lie behind any decision to reform the band. Since the legal dispute started, it is believed that both Lennon and McCartney’s songwriting royalties have been frozen. Only Harrison and Starr have benefited from publishing royalties during the past four years.

From Break-up of the Beatles – Wikipedia:

In February 1974, it was widely reported that the Beatles would soon reform, but although all four members were present in Los Angeles the next month, they chose not to meet. During the promotional run for his December album Dark Horse, Harrison remarked: “It’s all a fantasy, putting the Beatles back together. If we ever do that, it’s because everybody is broke. … Having played with other musicians, I don’t think the Beatles were that good … I’d join a band with John Lennon any day, but I couldn’t join a band with Paul. That’s not personal, but from a musical point of view.

Going further

The McCartney Legacy: Volume 2: 1974 – 80

The follow-up to The McCartney Legacy, Volume 1, the most complete work on the life and work of Paul McCartney ever published. Volume 2 continues to paint the portrait of one of the world’s greatest musicians, his work post-Beatles, and his life from 1974 to 1980.

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The Beatles Diary Volume 2: After The Break-Up 1970-2001

An updated edition of the best-seller. The story of what happened to the band members, their families and friends after the 1970 break-up is brought right up to date. A fascinating and meticulous piece of Beatles scholarship.

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