In the years following the Beatles’ breakup, many stories have emerged about ideas floated between band members to continue making music in various forms. One such story involves George Harrison allegedly suggesting a new band lineup with John Lennon—but without Paul McCartney. This idea, if true, reveals the complicated relationships and creative dynamics that fueled the Beatles during their later years and highlights the personal rifts that had developed within the group.
By the late 1960s, tensions between McCartney, Harrison, and Lennon had reached a breaking point. McCartney’s leadership style and perfectionism often clashed with Harrison’s desire for more creative freedom and Lennon’s interest in more experimental, avant-garde projects. Harrison had grown frustrated with being relegated to the background, despite writing songs like “Here Comes the Sun” and “Something,” which were widely celebrated and marked his evolution as a songwriter. These tensions, combined with differing visions for the band’s future, laid the groundwork for Harrison’s alleged idea of a Beatles “without Paul.”
Reports suggest that Harrison may have casually mentioned the idea of forming a new group with Lennon and possibly other musicians, leaving McCartney out of the equation. Lennon, too, was disillusioned with McCartney’s control over the band’s direction and was exploring other musical paths, notably through his work with Yoko Ono. Although Lennon is said to have entertained the idea briefly, he ultimately dismissed it, understanding that the Beatles’ magic relied on the unique interplay of all four members.
The suggestion never materialized, but the very fact that it was mentioned points to the depth of Harrison’s frustration. He, like Lennon, wanted to be free from the internal pressures that had accumulated over years of touring, recording, and the burdens of fame. After the Beatles’ split, Harrison thrived as a solo artist, releasing the successful *All Things Must Pass* album and enjoying newfound creative freedom. Lennon, similarly, embraced his solo career and collaborations with Ono, while McCartney, though hurt by the split, found success on his own terms as well.
In retrospect, the notion of a “new Beatles” without McCartney underscores how the Beatles’ breakup was fueled not by any single member, but by the changes each experienced as artists and individuals. Harrison’s suggestion, though fleeting, remains an intriguing “what if” in Beatles history, illustrating the personal and professional struggles that eventually drove them to part ways.
