Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Well, it is a gross simplification that Yoko split the band. The ill will was less Yoko and more business related, the harebrained goings on at Apple, Brain's death. Plus, Yoko to this day espouses many things Beatley..peace and love, etc. Plus, that part of the part she keeps up for Beatles fans....so many of which diss her.

IMHO, it depends on who's more important for the band member: his woman or his bandmates. I'd suggest, if there's a real comradery, friendship and no strains between the band members, no woman will manage to ruin the band!

UPD: but it refers to the "critical" ("ultimatum") situation only, of course, when somebody claims: "either me or them" or "either us or her". If there's no such situation, then everything is okay and nobody suffers...

I disagree that Yoko gave up her artistic identity. Those bag-ins and bed-ins were part of her schtick. And in interviews and the "Official" Lennon biography she repeats, mantra-like "John and I are (were) artists".
She had half the songs on the final Lennon recording as well.
I don't think she broke up the fabs, but couldn't have been unaware that she was stepping on toes. But perhaps John liked that at that point in his life/career.
I don't think history will remember fondly, and there has to be a reason.

I like yoko. I thought she did john well

-Alex

Brian, is David Geffen still her friend?

Alex-
We hear a lot of why people don't like her. I'd be interested in hearing why you do, and why and how you think she did John well.

Well, Yoko was an inspiration for all sorts of great music. She gave John the power to beleive that he could achieve anything....even without the beatles.

That was a bit of humour on my part Brian. But the question raised is a good one that I don't have an answer for.

Anyone know how their relationship is these days?

"She gave John the power to beleive that he could achieve anything....even without the beatles."

IMO. John had a few really good songs after the Beatles, but I believe he needed a "McCartney" to be a real genius. Believing in yourself is important and all, but maybe we could have had a few more "A Day in the Life's" or "Stawberry Fields" if Yoko wouldn't have been there "inspiring" him.

Kevin I also subscribe to the sum of the parts theory.

Not to make too sweeping a generalization but I preferred their music when they were all together as the Beatles.

Yes there was some great stuff afterwards but when they were together they were magic.

There's only so long a band is going to be at the top of its game, even the Beatles. Once everyone's married with kids and life no longer revolves around art and full time creativity, the act ain't gonna be what it once was. At least they went out on top. And to his credit, John got out of the game when he needed to. Thus he produced no Back to the Eggs, Speed of Sounds, and London Towns.

John and Paul both needed someone to drive their writing. Someone to say "hey, that's a piece of ****" to! Both the competition and the working together, produced some of the best music we will ever have.

Well said, Glenn...

I think the Beatles thang had run it's course, Yoko Orno Yoko...

Oil and vinegar have to separate at some point...

Glenn, I would beg to differ. I think John did produce a "Back to the Egg" or "London Town". Although IMO London Town did have some great melodies. I always thought that "Tug of War" was a well polished London Town. As for John getting out of the game, well I think he was back when he passed away.

Obviously they were better together than apart.