The Self-Managed Beatles Lacked ‘Symbolic Discipline’ According to Paul McCartney

Things weren’t easy for The Beatles, as seen during The Beatles: Get Back. Specifically, when they were tasked with managing themselves, this band struggled to find “discipline,” according to Paul McCartney. 

The Beatles managed themselves after the death of Brian Epstein

Before they were the world’s biggest band, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, John Lennon, and McCartney had humble beginnings. These artists had business owner Brian Epstein as their band manager, guiding them in the right direction. 

As The Beatles grew in popularity, Epstein remained The Beatles’ manager until he died in 1967 of an accidental drug overdose. Still, footage surfaced of this manager, offering insight into his experience. 

“I was immediately struck by their music, their beat, and their sense of humor, actually onstage,” Epstein said during one video clip from The Beatles: Get Back. “And it was there that, really, it all started.”

Paul McCartney said that The Beatles lacked discipline

Thanks to the original Disney+ documentary series The Beatles: Get Back, fans got a never-before-seen look at this band. In the days leading up to their rooftop performance, these musicians collaborated on new songs, even discussing the group’s future. 

As their live show drew closer, the band mentioned where they should perform — and if they should perform. They also talked about the differences in their work ethic since the untimely death of their manager. 

“Ever since Mr. Epstein passed away, it’s never been the same,” Harrison said.

“I mean, we’ve been very negative since Mr. Epstein passed away,” McCartney noted. “And that’s why all of us, in turn, have been sick of the group. It’s [the] discipline we lack. We’ve never had discipline. We’ve had a sort of slight, symbolic discipline. Like Mr. Epstein.” 

“You know, and he sort of said, ‘get suits on’ and we did… we were always fighting that discipline a bit,” he continued. “There really is no one there now to say ‘do it.’ Whereas there always used to be. Daddy’s gone away now, and we’re on our own at the holiday camp.”

When The Beatles first debuted on the music scene, they were known for their “posh” suit look, even worn during live performances. As they matured, these artists branched out regarding fashion, culture, and even music. That was especially true for songs like “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.”

The Beatles eventually broke up in 1970

After a strenuous rehearsal schedule and conflicts writing music, the Beatles eventually broke up in 1970. Their final live performance was the rooftop concert featured in The Beatles: Get Back, recorded in 1969.

Even following their breakup, The Beatles remained one of the world’s best-known bands. Several members explored solo careers, with McCartney embarking on his “Got Back” tour in 2022.

The Beatles: Get Back is available exclusively on Disney’s subscription service.