All You Need is “Real Love”

The Beatles Reunite!

But all good things come to an end – The looks on the faces of Paul, George and Ringo on the “Ballad of John and Yoko” 45 picture sleeve (below) spoke volumes about them sharing John with Yoko – not so much as a couple but with Yoko inserting herself into their life as a band.

“The Long Winding Road” in 1969 marked the end of an era – with the only other effort to reunite purposely was Harrison, McCartney and Starr coming together on a couple of Lennon tracks the first being “Free as A Bird” which was released in 1995 followed by  “Real Love” in 1996.  Lennon composed and worked on “Real Love” way back in 1977 and “Free as a Bird” in 1980 with neither finding a home on vinyl.

In actuality, the four Beatles did reunite very briefly in 1973 when George, John and Paul all worked on a track titled “I’m the Greatest” which appeared on Ringo’s LP appropriately titled “Ringo” that year.  That would be the final time until 1995 came along.  The three former Beatles (if you can be a ‘former’ Beatle) were offered four Lennon tracks by Yoko – the other two being “Now and Then” and “Grow Old With Me”.  At the time Yoko sadly acknowledged that many had charged her earlier-on with ‘breaking up’ the Beatles.   She stated that by offering the tracks to the three she contribute toward bringing them back together – if only for a short time.

Paul told Yoko that the only condition placed on the project was that she “not impose too many conditions” on the group – saying it was difficult enough to undertake the endeavor as it was.  She agreed and the world received “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love”!

(Yoko – Martin – Lynne)

Former Beatles producer George Martin was invited by the Trio to work on the project but he declined.  Instead, Electric Light Orchestra leader Jeff Lynne came into the studio with the boys.

George, Jeff, Paul and Ringo – Free as Birds

Laying down the tracks was not easy for the surviving Beatles.  Ringo recalled that during the sessions they opted to pretend that John had temporarily departed for a ‘holiday’ – keeping the atmosphere as loose as possible not to be overwhelmed by their emotions.  “Free as a Bird” went to number 6 in the U.S. and number 2 in the U.K. in late 1995.  “Real Love” climbed to number 11 in the U.S. and number 4 in the U.K. in the Spring of 1996.

Real Love U.S. Release

Real Love U.K. Release

Free As a Bird U.S. Release

Beatles Free As a Bird U.K.