Deconstructing the Beatles

In 1966, after years of touring, the Beatles' music was getting increasingly complex, but it could not be performed live due to the limitations of the technology. And so, the group made the pivotal decision to stop touring. This could have spelled the end for the Beatles. Instead, they used this moment to embark on a new artistic direction, pushing the boundaries of songwriting and recording.

In October 1965, the Beatles faced an impossible task: produce a new album of original music in time for a Christmas release. Within a month, they had emerged with what many consider to be one of their greatest albums – Rubber Soul. They even had time to create a Double A-side single, “We Can Work It Out,” backed by “Day Tripper.” Both sides, as well as the album, hit No. 1 on the charts.

While "Beatlemania" had taken over the U.K., in the fall of 1963, the Beatles were practically unknown in America. Through the efforts of band manager Brian Epstein, TV host Ed Sullivan, and a teenage fan from Silver Spring, Md., all of that would change by February 1964. By the time the Beatles arrived at JFK Airport, "Beatlemania" was a full-blown phenomenon in America.