Latest Articles by Sarah Canice Funke
Since Evan got me started on the subject of Beatles, I'll just add a few more things about the group: The mythology surrounding the Abbey Road album cover.
At the time of the album's release in 1969, rumours had been circulating that Paul McCartney was dead, but that his absence was being covered up by the band. The album cover plays into the mythology by portraying the Beatles in a stylized funeral procession. John, in white with an exbordinant amount of facial hair, represents Jesus. Ringo, in his black suit, represents the officiating minister. George, in jeans, boots, and a workshirt, represents the undertaker. Paul, with bare feet and a suit, represents the body. The cigarrette in his hand brings to mind firing squad rituals, and their associations with death. The four Beatles are all marching in step, left foot forward, right foot back, except for Paul, who has right foot forward and left foot back. The band is traversing a typical English crosswalk (a feature that suggests "crossing over to the other side," an image also associated with death). There is also speculation that the license plate pictured on the car parked beyond the crosswalk says "28IF" since Paul would have been "28 if" he had survived to the date of the album's release.
Obviously rumours of Paul's death were greatly exaggerated. Now fans are placing bets as to whether he or Ringo will be the last Beatle to fall. I speculate it will be Paul. The first to "go" will be in fact the last to remain. Or something like that.
