The Beatles almost reunited more than a decade after split despite ‘friction’

One notable instance occurred in 1974 when Lennon and McCartney had an impromptu jam session at Lennon’s New York apartment. This session, which also included Stevie Wonder, marked the last time Lennon and McCartney recorded together. Though informal and unreleased, it demonstrated that the two could still connect musically despite past disputes. 

In 1976, during a broadcast of “Saturday Night Live,” producer Lorne Michaels humorously offered The Beatles $3,000 to reunite on the show. Lennon and McCartney, watching the broadcast together, briefly considered walking to the studio to accept the offer but ultimately decided against it due to fatigue. This anecdote underscores how close a reunion came, even if only in jest. 

Despite these moments, a full reunion never materialized. George Harrison, in particular, was resistant to the idea. He believed that a reunion would not recapture the magic of their earlier years and preferred to leave The Beatles’ legacy untouched. In interviews, Harrison expressed that the band’s time had passed and that a reunion would only serve to diminish their accomplishments. 

The possibility of a Beatles reunion was further diminished by Lennon’s tragic death in 1980. However, the surviving members did collaborate on projects like the Anthology series in the 1990s, which included the release of previously unheard tracks featuring Lennon’s vocals. These efforts allowed fans to experience a semblance of reunion, even if the full quartet could never perform together again.

In retrospect, the near-reunions of The Beatles serve as poignant reminders of what could have been. They highlight the enduring connections between the band members and the complexities that prevented a full-fledged comeback. While a complete reunion never occurred, the legacy of The Beatles continues to resonate, their music timeless and their story a testament to the challenges and triumphs of creative collaboration.