As someone growing up in Merseyside, it was impossible to not hear the Beatles regularly.
However, I had never really considered myself a fan of the Fab Four. Born in 2000, I missed out on seeing the band in their heyday by decades. I would listen to their songs if they were played on the radio, but would never go out of my way to immerse myself in their sound or to look into the rich history of the band.
I would even go as far as to say that part of me didn't see why they were held in such high acclaim by so many people. All of that changed through my job at the ECHO.
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Being tasked with covering all things Beatles related for a paper based in the city which birthed the legendary quartet is a daunting task, even more so for someone without a great level of knowledge on the band. Quickly after taking on the role, it became clear just how special the Beatles are, and why they are still so important to so many people- in Liverpool and beyond.
In just my second week covering the band, I was tasked with visiting the childhood home of Sir Paul McCartney, 20 Forthlin Road, and given the opportunity to interview Paul's brother Mike, who grew up in the next bedroom as Paul and John Lennon were penning some of the most influential tracks of all time. I almost felt undeserving of the opportunity, knowing that many diehard fans of the band would have revelled the chance to visit the birthplace of the Beatles.
Immersing my self in the history of the band, and speaking to Mike about the origins of the band, coming from a 'terraced home with no hope', really resonated with me. It became clear to me why these four normal lads from Liverpool took the world by storm, because they were just that, normal lads, and people could see themselves within John, Paul, George and Ringo, they inspired hope to the working class lads of Liverpool.
My writing around the Beatles has put me in touch with many fan groups devoted to the band from all corners of the earth, and I can safely say I have never seen a fanbase more devoted to an artist. The legacy that the Beatles have had on music is second to none, and will likely last generations.
I would say, the history and the 'idea' of the Beatles is what made me fall in love with the band more than just the music. Because for millions across world, the Beatles are about much more than just music.
