Few bands in history have shaped music and culture the way The Beatles did. Formed in Liverpool in the late 1950s, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr began as a tight live act playing clubs in Hamburg and local UK venues before exploding into global superstardom in the early 1960s.
Their evolution from catchy pop songs to groundbreaking studio experimentation changed what rock music could be. Albums like Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The White Album and Abbey Road pushed boundaries in songwriting, recording techniques and artistic ambition.
But what makes The Beatles even more remarkable is what happened after they split in 1970.
Each member went on to carve out a powerful solo career, releasing classic albums, forming new bands, and continuing to influence generations of musicians. Let’s take a look at The Beatles not just as a band, but as four individual artists whose post-Beatles journeys are just as fascinating.
John Lennon – The Voice of Peace, Protest and Raw Honesty
John Lennon’s solo work stripped away pop polish and leaned into emotion, vulnerability and political conviction. Where The Beatles often wrapped big ideas in melody, Lennon confronted listeners directly.
His landmark 1970 album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band is one of the most honest records ever made.... sparse, intense and deeply personal. Songs like Mother and Working Class Hero showed a side of Lennon the world hadn’t fully seen before.
Then came Imagine (1971), featuring one of the most iconic songs in music history. The album blended hope, social commentary and beautiful songwriting, cementing Lennon’s place as a solo legend.
Beyond his own albums, Lennon also collaborated heavily with Yoko Ono on experimental and avant-garde projects that challenged traditional rock structures.
Key solo highlights include:
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John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970)
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Imagine (1971)
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Mind Games (1973)
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Walls and Bridges (1974)
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Double Fantasy (1980)
Paul McCartney – Melodic Mastermind and Hit-Making Machine
If Lennon was raw and confrontational, Paul McCartney was endlessly melodic, versatile and prolific.
After The Beatles ended, McCartney wasted no time releasing his self-titled debut McCartney (1970), followed by Ram (1971), now widely regarded as one of his best solo efforts.
He then formed Wings with Linda McCartney and Denny Laine, becoming one of the most successful bands of the 1970s. Wings delivered massive hits like Band on the Run, Live and Let Die, Jet, and Silly Love Songs.
Paul’s post-Beatles career spans decades and genres... rock, pop, classical, electronic and acoustic, proving his songwriting brilliance never slowed down.
Key solo & Wings highlights include:
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McCartney (1970)
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Ram (1971)
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Band on the Run – Wings (1973)
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Venus and Mars – Wings (1975)
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Tug of War (1982)
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Flaming Pie (1997)
George Harrison – The Spiritual Beatle Who Found His Voice
Often overshadowed in The Beatles by Lennon and McCartney, George Harrison truly flourished as a solo artist.
His 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass is widely considered one of the greatest solo albums by any Beatle, filled with rich songwriting, emotional depth and spiritual themes. Tracks like My Sweet Lord and What Is Life became instant classics.
Harrison blended rock with Indian influences, introspection and slide guitar mastery, creating a sound uniquely his own.
He also formed The Traveling Wilburys in the late 1980s alongside Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne... a supergroup that produced two beloved albums full of laid-back brilliance.
Key solo & side project highlights include:
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All Things Must Pass (1970)
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Living in the Material World (1973)
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Thirty Three & 1/3 (1976)
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Cloud Nine (1987)
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Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 (1988)
Ringo Starr – The Heart of the Band and King of Collaboration
Ringo Starr may have been The Beatles’ drummer, but his solo career leaned heavily into fun, friendship and collaboration.
Rather than chasing heavy concepts, Ringo made upbeat rock and pop records filled with guest appearances from his famous friends including Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston and many others.
His biggest solo hits like It Don’t Come Easy, Photograph, and You’re Sixteen became radio staples in the early 1970s.
Ringo’s albums often feel like musical celebrations, proof that rock doesn’t always have to be serious to be great.
Side Note: Ringo is considered to be one of the best session drummers in the world also having played with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes and The Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group. Ringo also played on recordings for John Lennon, George Harrison, Harry Nilsson, and Keith Moon.
Key solo highlights include:
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Ringo (1973)
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Goodnight Vienna (1974)
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Ringo’s Rotograve (1976)
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Time Takes Time (1992)
Four Paths, One Legacy
While The Beatles’ story will always be legendary, their solo careers show just how much creative power existed within the band.
John brought honesty and activism.
Paul delivered timeless melodies and chart-topping success.
George explored spirituality and musical depth.
Ringo spread joy through collaboration and classic pop rock.
Together they changed music forever.
Apart, they proved true greatness doesn’t disappear when a band ends.
Whether you’re rediscovering their solo albums on vinyl, diving into remasters on CD, or adding classics to your collection, each Beatle’s journey is worth exploring.
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