In June 1994, a pivotal meeting took place among three of The Beatles—Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison—at a nondescript office in West London, marking their first gathering since 1979. The meeting’s atmosphere was both tense and nostalgic; Ringo humorously questioned Paul about his vegetarian leather jacket, which sparked a light-hearted but revealing conversation that symbolized the beginning of healing among the band members.
They convened to discuss *Anthology*, an ambitious eight-part project set to encompass a documentary, book, and a box set chronicling the band’s history. The plan included transforming three home recordings by John Lennon from the 1970s into complete Beatles songs: “Free as a Bird,” “Real Love,” and the posthumously produced “Now and Then.” While this initiative did not lead to the highly anticipated reunion of the band, it served as a significant milestone in reconciling past grievances and documenting their legacy.
Oliver Murray, the director of the new expanded episode, which comes alongside remastered original episodes, reflects on his teenage inspiration drawn from the series when it debuted in 1995. He aimed to capture the complexity of the Beatles’ identity, highlighting the challenges they faced as individuals amidst their monumental collective success.
The history leading up to this meeting is fraught with turmoil; discussions for a documentary emerged as early as 1971, but legal and emotional barriers stalled progress. McCartney shared the burdens of the Beatles’ abrupt split, which stemmed from contentious business decisions, including the appointment of an accountant that exacerbated their internal conflicts. By moving to a Scottish farm, he attempted to escape this tumultuous phase, yet the shadow of the Beatles remained ever-present.
The new episode of *Anthology* poignantly showcases the surviving members reflecting on their intertwined past while navigating their identities apart from the band. It is imbued with melancholy, particularly due to Lennon’s tragic death, which leaves an indelible mark on the narrative. The footage of the former Beatles gathering, playing music, and reminiscing encapsulates both a sense of camaraderie and somber acknowledgment of their shared history.
Notably, the camaraderie carried through as the three ultimately went over the recordings of the unfinished Lennon tracks. The process of “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love” offered them not just a means of creative reunion, but also a way to confront and process their collective grief. Murray emphasizes the Beatles’ duality of pride and ambivalence toward their legacy, with even light-hearted moments emerging during their collaboration.
The evolution of their relationship, as showcased in the remastered documentary, is a testament to their enduring bond and the complexity of their experiences. Despite the tensions of the past, Murray notes the ongoing evolution of their music and friendship, resonating with audiences old and new. With *Anthology* set for re-release on Disney+ on November 26, alongside lavish vinyl and CD collections, the legacy of the Beatles continues to captivate, breathing fresh life into their timeless story.
As McCartney suggests, many musicians search for the right collaborators throughout their careers, but he feels deeply privileged to have worked alongside Starr and Harrison, fostering a connection that transcends generations. With the new *Anthology*, fans are reminded that while the world may change, the essence of The Beatles remains, offering hope and inspiration for future music enthusiasts.