1974

1974
June

Pleased by the results of recording together for Ringo’s sake, the four decide to try recording some songs together again (from late 1970 on, they mostly recorded separately). Four songs from these short sessions make the next album: BAND ON THE RUN, WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT, GOODNIGHT VIENNA and NINETEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE.

July
Ringo releases solo album RINGO, consisting of leftovers from sessions over the past two years that didn’t make it to Beatles albums.

August
John releases solo album WALLS AND BRIDGES, consisting of leftovers from the sessions over the past two years and some new songs. He holds back a few songs for the next Beatles release.

October
Beatles release album
BAND ON THE RUN

BAND ON THE RUN (5:09)
GOODNIGHT VIENNA (2:34)
JET (4:08)
SCARED (4:37)
HELEN WHEELS (3:45)
BLESS YOU (4:37)

WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT (3:27)
DARK HORSE (3:41)
LET ME ROLL IT (4:51)
NO. 9 DREAM (4:48)
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE (5:30)

(47:07 running time)

BAND ON THE RUN goes to No. 1 and stays there most of the rest of the year.

SINGLES:
BAND ON THE RUN b/w BLESS YOU
WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT b/w JET
GOODNIGHT VIENNA b/w HELEN WHEELS

BAND ON THE RUN goes to No. 1.
WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT goes to No. 1.
GOODNIGHT VIENNA peaks at No. 8.

Ringo also submitted ONLY YOU, but was rejected strongly by Paul, declaring “This isn’t an oldies album.” Miffed, Ringo considers leaving the group again. John gets an idea for next Beatles album.

November
Paul releases single JUNIOR’S FARM b/w SALLY G

December
George debuts his new solo label with the release of his album DARK HORSE, ironically minus the song DARK HORSE, which he used as his Beatles release this year. He adds the song I DON’T CARE ANYMORE. George also releases the single DING DONG, DING DONG.

-Zube.