Would the Beatles have lasted longer as a group if Brian Epstein didn't die?

Question

Which of the following would have happened if Brian was still alive?
1) A U.S. and European tour at the beginning of 1969.
2) More movies in the 1970s.
3) Happy Xmas (War is Over) would be the Beatles' first commerically released Beatles Christmas record.
4) John Lennon still alive today.

Here's one clue that shows that things might have been different for them if Brian Epstein lived.

I was listening to the Beatles Fly on the Wall disc from the Let it Be...Naked album and I heard Paul say, "We've been very negative since Mr. Epstein passed away."

Answer 1

Things were changing before Brian's death. In fact, their was even talk of Brian stepping back and Robert Stigwood taking over most of his duties, including some Beatles related stuff. So some of the stuff wouldn't of happened. John being alive today is something we can only speculate. He went to New York with Yoko to help her find Kyoko and Yoko's pull on John was stronger than Brian's. Besides, who is to stay that John wouldn't have been hit by a bus if he stayed in England. Their are many other ways John could've died! For all we know, he may have died earlier if he stayed in the UK. The point is, the Beatles would've drifted apart anyway. They already were. The lack of Brian didn't help, but it was always gonna happen.

Answer 2

Good Q!

I'd say Def' yes. At least a few more years into the 70s, though I doubt they would've made it to 1980.

1) A U.S. and European tour at the beginning of 1969.

Very possible. Paul had wanted to tour for the then titled 'Get Back" album.

2) More movies in the 1970s.

Mmm. I don't think so. They hated the whole process of making Let It Be.


3) Happy Xmas (War is Over) would be the Beatles' first commerically released Beatles Christmas record.

Very possible.
4) John Lennon still alive today.

Doubtful. The guy was bent on getting Lennon. Wouldn't've mattered when. (though I remember reading that Paul was his 1st target, but he was too innaccesible)

Answer 3

i don't think it really would have mattered if epstein was alive or dead at the time. They would have broken up indefinitely.
John and Paul were going in two completely different directions as artists.

John wanted to stay with rock and roll roots

paul, who was the best musician of the group, was trying more experimental arrangements and progessions.

neither of the two would compromise so the group was doomed. i think they would have gotten back together, but who can be sure?

john lennon was assasinated, not murdered

Answer 4

Possibly a little longer. John and Paul were going in two different directions musically and there was still a lot of tension in the band.

A U.S. and European tour at the beginning of 1969

Answer 5

None of the above...they had had enough of touring, had outgrown Epstein, George was tired of only getting a couple of songs on an album, Lennon and McCartney hadn't really written anything together in years, Paul wanted to go solo, John wanted to work with Yoko, Ringo wanted to do movies, etc. etc.

Answer 6

Yeah but with the internal conflict Paul probably would have killed John if whats his name hadn't. A band can't last long with two front men.