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The Beatles aren’t just the most iconic band of all time—they’re four musical legends with unique personalities, fascinating lives, and enough trivia to fill a Yellow Submarine. At Rockaway Records, we’ve been curating Beatles collectables since 1992, and trust us, there’s always something new to learn about John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

Here’s a quick look at each of the Fab Four—who they were, what made them special, and a few quirky facts to impress your mates at the pub (or record fair).

John Lennon – The Rebel with a Cause

Role: Vocals, rhythm guitar, co-songwriter
Born: 9 October 1940, Liverpool
Died: 8 December 1980, New York

John was the sharp-tongued wit and unapologetic visionary behind many of the band’s most politically charged and emotionally raw tracks. He co-founded The Beatles and, along with Paul, formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in history.

Fun Facts:

• John’s middle name was Winston, after Winston Churchill.
• He loved wordplay and nonsense—check out his book In His Own Write for proof.
• He was legally blind without his glasses!
• He once described The Beatles as “more popular than Jesus”—a statement that sparked controversy, but reflected just how massive they’d become.

At Rockaway, we’ve seen Lennon solo collectables skyrocket in value—especially signed items and early pressings of Imagine.

Paul McCartney – The Melodic Mastermind

Role: Vocals, bass, piano, co-songwriter
Born: 18 June 1942, Liverpool

If John was the edgy poet, Paul was the melodic craftsman. His ear for harmony and melody helped shape timeless classics like Hey Jude, Let It Be, and Yesterday (which holds the record for the most-covered song in history).

Fun Facts:

• He composed When I’m Sixty-Four when he was just 16 years old.
• Paul is a left-handed bassist and famously plays an upside-down Hofner violin bass.
• After The Beatles, he formed Wings and enjoyed one of the most successful solo careers of any musician, ever.
• Rumours swirled for years that Paul had died and been replaced by a lookalike—Google “Paul is dead” for a wild ride.

Rockaway’s Paul-related gems include Wings vinyl, rare solo pressings, and even autographed memorabilia (with our Rockaway COA, of course).

George Harrison – The Quiet One with the Loudest Guitar

Role: Lead guitar, vocals
Born: 25 February 1943, Liverpool
Died: 29 November 2001, Los Angeles

George was often called “the quiet Beatle,” but don’t let that fool you—his playing and songwriting were crucial to The Beatles' evolution. His spiritual leanings and love of Indian music helped take the band into new, psychedelic territory.

Fun Facts:

• He was just 15 years old when he joined the group.
• George was the first Beatle to release a solo album (Wonderwall Music, 1968).
• He introduced the sitar to mainstream pop music in Norwegian Wood.
• He funded Monty Python’s Life of Brian—literally mortgaging his home to get it made.

? Harrison solo records like All Things Must Pass are always in demand at Rockaway—especially on early vinyl pressings.

Ringo Starr – The Beat Behind the Beat

Role: Drums, vocals
Born: 7 July 1940, Liverpool

Born Richard Starkey, Ringo joined the band in 1962 and brought the groove that solidified The Beatles’ sound. His laid-back humour and unique drumming style made him both a fan favourite and a surprisingly underrated contributor to their legacy.

Fun Facts:

• Ringo got the nickname from the rings he loved to wear.
• He narrates Thomas the Tank Engine for a whole generation of ‘90s kids.
• He wrote and sang hits like Octopus’s Garden and Don’t Pass Me By.
• He’s a left-handed drummer who plays on a right-handed kit—this gives his fills a distinctive, slightly delayed feel.

Ringo-related items always turn heads in-store, especially signed drumsticks or solo LPs like Ringo (1973).

Rockaway Records – Beatles Experts Since 1992

For over 33 years, we’ve been collecting, curating, buying and selling authentic Beatles memorabilia and music from around the world. From rare UK Parlophone vinyl to autographed treasures, vintage tour gear, and quirky imports, we’ve built a collection that honours each Beatle’s legacy—and makes fans of all ages swoon.

And remember: all autographed items come with a Rockaway Certificate of Authenticity (COA) and a lifetime authenticity guarantee.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a lifelong collector, or just starting your Beatles journey, you’ll find something magical at rockaway.com.au—or in person at our Westfield Carindale store in Brisbane.

“The love you take is equal to the love you make.” – The End, The Beatles