Remembering "Beatlemania"

On December 8, 1980, a celebrity was murdered by a twenty-five year-old-man named Mark David Chapman. Pop culture icon John Lennon was one of the four members of the British pop music sensation, the Beatles. Originally from Liverpool, England, Lennon was one of the many millions of people who have found a home in New York City. Although Lennon was aware of the millions of fan he had worldwide, he was unconscious of the intentions of one of his followers, Mark Chapman. In December of 1980, Chapman shot Lennon in front of his New York home across from Central Park. Tears were shed throughout the world as one of the most famous music celebrities in history lost his life to a man who claimed to have “invoke[d] the devil’s assistance” to have the opportunity to murder Lennon. Because Chapman pleaded guilty to the crime, a clear account was never given to the public explaining why Chapman did what he did. Later, however, the murderer would give a detailed explanation of the events that winter evening, stating his actions were “‘a white knight kind of thing --- a crusade.’” No matter what his intentions, Chapman received his desire for attention, while the world continues to mourn the loss of a true legend twenty-five years after the tragic event.

The Beatles were a worldwide cultural movement during the 1960s. The music group sparked a phenomenon, known as “Beatlemania” in countries all around the world. The “fab four” combined all music genres to create a unique style all their own, which to this day has yet to be matched. The Beatles consisted of John Lennon, vocals and rhythm guitar, Paul McCartney, vocals and bass guitar, George Harrison, vocals and lead guitar, and Ringo Starr on the drums. With more than eighteen records and two movies, the boys were ultimate celebrities for ten years, singing songs such as “Yellow Submarine” and “Can’t Buy Me Love”. More than thirty years after the group disbanded in 1970, the Beatles were named the most important entertainers of the twentieth century. Although the group has been dissolved for more than three decades, their success is undeniable and their influence throughout the world will never be forgotten.