The Beatles: Reunited and Solo In Their Live Shows

The idea of the Beatles reuniting and performing live has always been a topic of speculation and interest. Fans and critics alike have pondered the possibilities of such a reunion. One intriguing question is whether the band members would incorporate material from their solo careers into their performances. Let's explore this hypothesis in detail.

Would They Include Solo Material?

Given the band's history and the nature of their solo work, it's likely that a few songs from individual solo careers would be included in a Beatles reunion show. However, the majority of the setlist would probably consist of their timeless classics from the 1962–1966 period.

John Paul, George, and Ringo, if they ever decided to reunite, would have the freedom to choose their favorite songs. But it's doubtful that they would play cover songs like "Back Off Boogaloo" or "Sue Me Sue You Blues." These songs were more genre-specific and less reflective of their coming-of-age rock and roll era. "All Those Years Ago" might be a special exception, as it resonates deeply with the group's collaborative spirit.

One might argue that fans would primarily want to hear the Beatles' most famous songs. Therefore, over 90% of the show would likely feature material from the iconic 1960s period, including hits like "Help," "Hey Jude," and "Let It Be." Some of the more complex songs, such as "A Day in the Life," would be difficult to perform live, given the intricate arrangements and multiple vocal parts.

Collaborations and Guest Appearances

Another fascinating aspect of a Beatles reunion would be the possibility of collaborations and guest appearances. For instance, considering the episode of the "Something About the Beatles" podcast, the hosts argued about the nature of some solo songs being collaborations, while others were not. This debate adds an interesting layer to the band's reunion possibilities.

A hypothetical setlist proposed by the podcast hosts would include a range of songs that highlight the unique aspects of each member's work. Some highlights from this proposed setlist include:

"Because" - The Beatles "I Saw Her Standing There" - The Beatles "Hey Jude" - The Beatles (with Eric Clapton on guitar) "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" - The Beatles (guest guitarist: Eric Clapton) "On the Wings of a Nightingale" - The Beatles (guest vocalists: the Everly Brothers) "Strawberry Fields" - The Beatles "Penny Lane" - The Beatles "Let It Be" - The Beatles "Help" - The Beatles "I'm the Greatest" - The Beatles (guest pianist: Billy Preston) "Photograph" - The Beatles "It don't come easy" - The Beatles "Sergeant Pepper/With a Little Help From My Friends" - The Beatles "Here There and Everywhere" - The Beatles "Yesterday" - Solo by Paul McCartney "Twist and Shout" - The Beatles "Long Tall Sally" - The Beatles "Lady Madonna" - The Beatles "Hey Jude" - The Beatles "Hey Bulldog" - The Beatles "Cold Turkey" - The Beatles "Come Together" - The Beatles "Something" - The Beatles "Blackbird" (Acoustic) - Paul McCartney "Across the Universe" (Acoustic) - John Lennon "Helter Skelter" - The Beatles "Golden Slumbers" (Acoustic) - Solo by Billy Preston (guest pianist) Encore: "I Want to Hold Your Hand" - The Beatles "Dear Prudence" - The Beatles "Yer Blues" - The Beatles "It's all Too Much" - The Beatles "Here Comes the Sun" - The Beatles "Goodnight" - The Beatles

Conclusion

While a reunion of The Beatles would surely be a unique and memorable event, it's highly unlikely that it would focus primarily on their solo work. The band's legacy and the overwhelming demand for their classic material would likely make the setlist favor the 1960s hits. However, the possibility of special collaborations and guest appearances adds an exciting layer to the overall experience.