When I was a kid, this was a real question. You were either in camp with the Beatles or you were rockin’ out with the Rolling Stones. For me, it was . . . 
the Beatles all the way.
I was nine years old when I heard my first Beatles song – Love Me Do – and promptly fell in love. It was the beginning of a lifelong love affair. The first “45” I was able to purchase on my own was I Feel Fine from A Hard Days Night. My girlfriends and I had gone to the local theater on a Sunday afternoon to see the movie, and screamed ourselves hoarse. All the while laughing, and feeling like we were part of something really special.
And actually, we kinda were.
There’s never been another group like The Beatles (sorry Stones fans). It seemed like they came on the scene and forever changed rock n’ roll. And changed us right along with them.
A couple of weeks ago, Michael and I were browsing through an antiques shop and came across an old Abbey Road poster. It was already framed, so we bought it and hung it in our laundry room. I know – that doesn’t sound like a very honored location, but it’s a room that I’m in multiple times a day, and the poster hangs on a wall that can be seen just walking by. Seeing that poster every day still evokes such memories and so many emotions for me.
Even though I’m a tried and true Beatles loyalist, I still love the Stones music, and fell in love with about a thousand other groups throughout my teen years. It’s just that you never forget your first. (wink)
At one point or another, I was in love with Paul first, then John, then George, and finally Ringo . . . then back to Paul. Of course, always Paul.
Over the years, the Beatles evolved from neophytes to music-genre creators to spiritual seekers, and as a fan group, we evolved with them. Starting with their “long” hair, which by today’s standards is incredibly conservative, it seemed every teenage boy in America started growing their hair longer and sending their parents into hissy-fits (is that still a word?).
And when they went to India to study with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement, we followed their lead and their interest in Indian clothing, meditation, and yoga.
In fact, we followed their every move, every album, every relationship, every every. For so many of us, their music was the soundtrack to our teen years. All the ups and downs, dramas and firsts, all somehow had a Beatles song attached to it.
When Michael and I first met, we were very happy to learn that we were both “Beatles people.” It’s not much of a stretch to say that if it had been otherwise, it just might’ve been a deal breaker. Just sayin’. I’ll never forget our first road trip together up the coast of California when we listened over and over to one of our favorite Beatles albums, Rubber Soul. Every song on that album is still a favorite.
To this day, the Beatles are prominent in our playlists and definitely on road trips. Listening to their music takes me back to so many different times and fond memories – more than just about any other music can do.
Isn’t it funny how music can do that to us – transport us to different eras and experiences? Sometimes I like to give in to the indulgence of listening and remembering. It seems an indulgence only because it takes away from the present moment, but at the same time, remembering those experiences, especially with music, is a way to savor your life. An indulgence, maybe. A worthwhile one? Definitely.
So no matter how old I get or how full my playlists are, I’ll always be a Beatles girl – first, last and always.
How about you? Do you have a favorite group from youth that still moves you? Do you indulge in those memories?
Till next time,
Judy
My first love was the Beach Boys, followed by the Beatles,Stones,Steeley Dan, The Eagles
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Yeah, gotta love the Beach Boys, too. Especially if you’re a Southern Californian. It’s mandatory. 🙂
It’s a toss up. I love them both!
It’s a toss up. I love them both.
It’s a toss up. I love them both!
The Beatles all the way. I was a little older than you when they burst on the scene but they immediately became my first also. When I was 18 I convinced my dad to take the whole family to Minneapolis to see their concert at Metropolitan Stadium. You couldn’t hear a thing for all the screaming fans. It’s one of those standout memories along with so many others over the years. I ❤️ The Beatles.
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Oh I’m sure your parents just loved that concert. haha!
Such a cute piece, Jude! There are sooo many I loved in the ’50s but then I’m alot older than you are. I loved the Beatles but before them there was Chuck Berry, The four Freshmen, Chubby Checker, The Platters, The Coasters, Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee, Bill Haley and the Comets. I danced to every one of them and we can’t forget the Beach Boys and Elvis Presley. When I think of their music I always reflect on the good times I had as a teenager and as a young woman too. I still dance around when I hear their tunes. Good memories!!
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Ooh – I love all those groups from the 50’s too — thanks to my big sisters! 🙂
Have to say, I love both, although as a kid I was in the Beatles camp. Now I love the beautiful Beatles ballads, but also the ‘bad boy’ Stones. The coolest thing is they’ve both held up with time.
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Yep – you’re right, Laurie. Love how they’ve held up and are still “showing us the way.”
Beatles rule! Always will! My Ex was a Stones lover, should have known that wouldn’t work..I did go to one Stones Concert with him in the 80’s, was supposed to be there last tour..lol..anyway, I got very drunk and don’t remember much of the concert..except that Journey was the opening act and got booed off the stage, I would have rather watched them.
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LOL re: your ex. But booing Journey off the stage??? Wow – must’ve been an impatient Stones crowd.
I couldn’t agree more! It was incredible growing up listening to the Beatles and knowing one band had capacity to cover so many genres- breaking the barriers. I love it. Thanks for sharing XOXO
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They were truly amazing. Glad we got to grow up with them.
I loved the Stones. Partly because my boyfriend was obsessed. I went to two of their concerts and they were fabulous. Loved the Beatles too.
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Wow – two Stones concerts? Lucky you. It’s hard not to like the Stones, but I reserve love for the Beatles. 🙂