The Beatles’ final album was released in the UK on this day. Ostensibly the soundtrack to their fifth film, Let It Be was issued only in stereo, initially as Apple PXS 1.
Let It Be divided critics and fans upon its release, although attitudes towards it have mellowed somewhat in the years since. People were generally disappointed that The Beatles’ legacy should end in such a way, and yearned for the magic that had been a hallmark of their 1960s releases.
Another reason for disappointment was the box set and book which accompanied the vinyl disc. This added 33% to the retail price, raising it to £2 19s 11d, and was considered an unnecessary step by many – including Paul McCartney, who also took exception to Phil Spector’s production work.
The book was titled The Beatles Get Back, and included photographic stills and dialogue from the Let It Be sessions. It contained 164 pages, but the binding was of poor quality and copies with intact pages are today sought after by collectors.
The extra price affected advance orders of the album, although inevitably it topped the UK charts. Let It Be spent three weeks at number one from 23 May 1970, and spent a total of 59 weeks in the charts.
Within six months production of the box and book had been ceased, and the album was made available as Apple PCS 7096.
Also on this day...
- 2022: Paul McCartney live: Oakland Arena, Oakland
- 2012: Paul McCartney live: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- 2009: Unpublished George Harrison lyrics go on show at British Library
- 2009: Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan to collaborate?
- 2009: George Harrison best-of tracklisting announced
- 2003: Paul McCartney live: König-Pilsener-Arena, Oberhausen
- 1991: Paul McCartney live: Zeleste Club, Barcelona
- 1976: Wings live: Olympia Stadium, Detroit
- 1969: John Lennon and Yoko Ono are interviewed for the BBC’s Scene And Heard
- 1969: John Lennon signs contract appointing Allen Klein business manager of The Beatles
- 1962: The Beatles live: Star-Club, Hamburg
- 1961: The Beatles live: Top Ten Club, Hamburg
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
I love this album as much as the others, but somehow it doesn’t seem to be a Beatles album. No George Martin? I know he worked on it but the final recording had Phil Spector’s hands doing things Paul disagreed… If a single Beatle disapproved then it was because it didn’t sound the way he wanted. Therefore it is a collection of songs by them but it was not really by them as a whole. But…I think Phil Spector did a good job. I love those dialogues between the tracks. Too bad Paul disliked it but that always warm my heart. But I agree The Long and Winding Road should be only Paul on the piano. Phil removed his piano, so I heard. The piano we listen was played by somebody else. Very disrespectful to Paul .I also think “Dont let me down’ should have been included. The book was not included in Brazil. But I got my copy in London. In fact the quality was bad. Really bad. Why? But if we think of how they were living a turmoil at that time the album is a miracle and it gave us some classics that are as good as the ealier ones. It deserved the Oscar;
How much was £2 19s 11d in 1970 US Dollars?
How much is it now in 2021 Decimal Pounds and US Dollars?
Just curious 🙂