A Storm Behind the Music
For decades, the breakup of The Beatles has been one of the most debated chapters in music history. While many point to clashing egos, creative differences, or business disputes, there has always been a shadow of speculation over George Harrison’s role. Some critics argue that beneath his quiet exterior, George carried frustrations that fueled growing rifts within the band.
The “Quiet Beatle” Who Found His Voice
Nicknamed the “Quiet Beatle,” Harrison often seemed to stand in the shadow of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who dominated much of the songwriting and spotlight. Yet as the 1960s progressed, George’s songwriting blossomed, and his hunger for recognition grew sharper. Songs like “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Here Comes the Sun” proved his genius, but also highlighted the tension: his work was often overlooked in favor of Lennon-McCartney material. This imbalance led to heated arguments in the studio — and eventually, to George walking out during the recording of Let It Be.
Clashes, Complaints, and Competing Visions
Accounts from those sessions paint a picture of a man caught between admiration and resentment. George reportedly bristled at Paul’s controlling style and John’s dismissive attitude. “I’ll play whatever you want me to play, or I won’t play at all,” George once snapped during a session — a line that has since become emblematic of the band’s unraveling.
Ringo and the Shadows of Doubt
Even Ringo Starr, though often considered the peacemaker, was not immune to frustration. He briefly quit the band in 1968, weary of the constant tension. While Ringo’s role has been described as quieter, some observers argue that his silence masked his own struggles with being sidelined creatively.
More Than One Reason
To say George Harrison alone caused the breakup, however, would be an oversimplification. The truth is that The Beatles were collapsing under the weight of many pressures: personal rivalries, business conflicts, and the sheer exhaustion of living inside a global phenomenon. George’s growing independence, his spirituality, and his desire to step out of Lennon and McCartney’s shadow were certainly factors — but they were part of a much larger story.
The Legacy of Division
Looking back, what is clear is not who broke The Beatles, but why they could not remain together. Each member had outgrown the roles they played as young men in Liverpool. George, far from being a saboteur, was a gifted songwriter demanding space to be heard. His frustrations were real, but they also gave birth to some of his greatest work, including his legendary solo album All Things Must Pass.
And so the debate lingers: was George Harrison a source of division, or simply a man refusing to be silenced any longer?