Let It Be

Let It Be

Year: 1970

Runtime: 81 min

Language: Italian

Director: Michael Lindsay-Hogg

MusicDocumentary

"Let It Be" chronicles the extraordinary journey of The Beatles as they record their iconic final album. Through intimate rehearsals and candid studio sessions, witness the band's creative process unfold and experience the magic that birthed timeless classics like "Get Back" and "Let It Be."

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Let It Be yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Let It Be (1970)
Trace every key event in Let It Be (1970) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Initial Rehearsals Begin

The documentary opens with George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr gathering to rehearse songs for an upcoming album. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal as the band members begin to explore their musical creativity together.

Apple Corps headquarters
2

Songwriting Collaboration

As the sessions progress, the band members collaborate, sharing snippets of lyrics and melodies. Each artist contributes their unique musicality through piano, guitar, and drums, revealing their collective yet individual talents in the songwriting process.

Apple Corps headquarters
3

Personality Clashes Emerge

The distinct personalities of the band members become more apparent as rehearsals continue. While Paul McCartney aims to unify the group's talents, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr begin to assert their individuality, creating a more divided creative environment.

Apple Corps headquarters
4

Diverging Creative Paths

The group's strong independent ideas lead to a divergence in their creative paths. John Lennon and Paul McCartney focus on shaping several songs, while George Harrison dedicates himself to his own compositions, illustrating the increasing separation among the members.

Apple Corps headquarters
5

Drumming Jam Sessions

Ringo Starr contributes to the sessions with his drumming, participating in various jam sessions throughout the rehearsals. His rhythmic support enhances the creative atmosphere, yet highlights the growing complexity of collaboration among the members.

Apple Corps headquarters
6

Shift in Focus

The band's initial excitement transforms into a struggle to innovate as they grapple with their individual desires. The rehearsal sessions that once promised a collective synergy now echo with uncertainty and a longing for the past's collaborative magic.

Apple Corps headquarters
7

Deciding on a Public Performance

As the band realizes their rehearsal may not yield groundbreaking new tracks, they decide to take a different approach. They opt for a bold public performance on the rooftop of Apple Corps headquarters as a way to connect with fans and re-energize their image.

January 30, 1969 Apple Corps headquarters rooftop
8

Rooftop Performance Preparations

In the lead-up to the rooftop performance, the band members prepare both mentally and musically for their unique public appearance. This decision reflects a significant moment where they choose to engage directly with their fans, breaking away from traditional concert settings.

Apple Corps headquarters rooftop
9

Final Public Performance

On January 30, 1969, the Beatles perform on the rooftop of their Apple Corps headquarters. The performance draws a significant crowd below, showcasing their enduring popularity while also symbolizing a last hurrah for the iconic group.

January 30, 1969 Apple Corps headquarters rooftop
10

Police Intervention

As the rooftop concert continues, the police arrive in response to noise complaints from bystanders. They eventually shut down what becomes the Beatles' final public performance, marking a historic moment for the band and the music industry.

Apple Corps headquarters rooftop
11

Reflections After the Performance

Following the rooftop performance, the band members reflect on their journey and the emotional weight of the experience. This moment encapsulates the complexity of their relationships and the inevitable changes in their creative paths ahead.

Apple Corps headquarters
12

Legacy of the Rooftop Concert

The rooftop performance becomes an iconic part of music history, symbolizing the Beatles' innovative approach to engaging with their audience. It is remembered as a defining moment that illustrates both their unity and the tensions that had developed within the band.

Apple Corps headquarters rooftop

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:22