Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
Moderators: greatmutah, GuitarBilly
- Axe
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 5947
- Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 1:28 pm
- Location: Squatter's Crog by way of North Haverbrook
Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
I ended up on a webpage with a listing of the artists with the most number one hits on the Billboard 100 (US).
1. The Beatles (20)
2. Mariah Carey (18)
3. Elvis (17) pre-Hot 100
4. Michael Jackson (13)
5. Three tied with 12
-Madonna
-Rhianna
-The Supremes
6. Whitney Houston (11)
7. Two tied with 10
-Janet Jackson
-Stevie Wonder
The page included milestones including this fucking insane one -- on April 4, 1964, The Beatles occupied the entire top five! Other artists have occupied the top two spots at the same time, but never more than that.
Can't Buy Me Love
Twist and Shout
She Loves You
I Want to Hold Your Hand
Please Please Me
So it got me to thinking -- will there ever be another band like The Beatles in terms of chart success and media exposure?
I just can't see it happening -- the confluence of the band members, their off-the-chart songwriting abilities and the emergence of mass media seems like those once-in-a-lifetime occurrences.
While they're far from being my favourite band, I do respect them. As a friend of mine said, "You know you're in a fucking ridiculous band when George Harrison is the third best songwriter."
1. The Beatles (20)
2. Mariah Carey (18)
3. Elvis (17) pre-Hot 100
4. Michael Jackson (13)
5. Three tied with 12
-Madonna
-Rhianna
-The Supremes
6. Whitney Houston (11)
7. Two tied with 10
-Janet Jackson
-Stevie Wonder
The page included milestones including this fucking insane one -- on April 4, 1964, The Beatles occupied the entire top five! Other artists have occupied the top two spots at the same time, but never more than that.
Can't Buy Me Love
Twist and Shout
She Loves You
I Want to Hold Your Hand
Please Please Me
So it got me to thinking -- will there ever be another band like The Beatles in terms of chart success and media exposure?
I just can't see it happening -- the confluence of the band members, their off-the-chart songwriting abilities and the emergence of mass media seems like those once-in-a-lifetime occurrences.
While they're far from being my favourite band, I do respect them. As a friend of mine said, "You know you're in a fucking ridiculous band when George Harrison is the third best songwriter."
Guitars: '16 Gibson Les Paul Classic • '16 Fender Deluxe Stratocaster HSS • Jackson Pro Soloist SL2Q
Amps: EVH 5150 iii 100 watt • Peavey 5150 • Fender Super-Sonic Twin • Mesa-Boogie Triple Rectifier
Effects: Line 6 Helix
Amps: EVH 5150 iii 100 watt • Peavey 5150 • Fender Super-Sonic Twin • Mesa-Boogie Triple Rectifier
Effects: Line 6 Helix
- marshallnoise
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 583
- Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 11:25 am
- Location: Sandy Eggo!
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
Hopefully not. I know, I am a heretic.
Sic vis pacem, para bellum.
- Elessar [Sly]
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 5936
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2013 5:10 am
- Location: The Land of Hope and Glory Holes
- Contact:
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
Who are all these artists?
slyelessar.com
Leader of the Lefties in the war against right handed facists!
Laney army member
Selling: Right handed Ibanez Paul Gilbert signiture
Good deals with: Cirrus, wilsoneffectsll, mr cheef, the.nameless, kpd78, Seano_Porno, jonPhillips, gjhardwick, Korgi
Leader of the Lefties in the war against right handed facists!
Laney army member
Selling: Right handed Ibanez Paul Gilbert signiture
Good deals with: Cirrus, wilsoneffectsll, mr cheef, the.nameless, kpd78, Seano_Porno, jonPhillips, gjhardwick, Korgi
- nightflameauto
- Crystal Lettucer
- Posts: 15543
- Joined: Thu May 30, 2013 10:29 pm
- Contact:
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
I hate to agree with mraslulznadz on anything, but I hope to hell not.
I think there was a lot of talent in the Beatles, and they made music that appealed to a huge percentage of humanity. I am not one of those people, but just by sheer popularity it still, to this day, feels like they get shoved down my throat on a consistent basis. I remember moving to Sioux Falls in 1990 and having kids my own age (10th grade) start preaching the holy gospel of the Beatles to me when they found out I liked music like it was something I couldn't have possibly ever heard of. Just stop. I've heard 'em. I just don't enjoy it. Maybe at one time I could have if not for the absolute oversaturation every single one of their populars songs has gotten. On the rare occassion I hear one of their less popular songs, I can almost stomach it. Until a progression or a melody or a rhythm reminds me who it is.
I'm not a pop music guy to begin with, but any "phenomenon" act will oversaturate and will annoy the piss out of me because of it.
I think there was a lot of talent in the Beatles, and they made music that appealed to a huge percentage of humanity. I am not one of those people, but just by sheer popularity it still, to this day, feels like they get shoved down my throat on a consistent basis. I remember moving to Sioux Falls in 1990 and having kids my own age (10th grade) start preaching the holy gospel of the Beatles to me when they found out I liked music like it was something I couldn't have possibly ever heard of. Just stop. I've heard 'em. I just don't enjoy it. Maybe at one time I could have if not for the absolute oversaturation every single one of their populars songs has gotten. On the rare occassion I hear one of their less popular songs, I can almost stomach it. Until a progression or a melody or a rhythm reminds me who it is.
I'm not a pop music guy to begin with, but any "phenomenon" act will oversaturate and will annoy the piss out of me because of it.
- Marc G
- Crystal Lettucer
- Posts: 11089
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2013 10:07 am
- Location: Trinidad, West Indies
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
I love the Beatles... I'm not a SUPER fan by any means but I dig their stuff.... just based on how the music industry is set up now I doubt we will ever see something like them again...
- sleewell
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 9927
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 10:38 pm
- Location: sitting in the waiting room
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
i love the beatles and dont think anyone will ever be as big as they were.
- benjamin801
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 5056
- Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2013 6:29 pm
- Location: Houston, TX
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
Marc G wrote:just based on how the music industry is set up now I doubt we will ever see something like them again...
There's your answer.
"If there was only a way that I couldn't even any less than I already can't then I'd gladly not, but I think I've entered some quantum paradox, dark matter levels of can't evening where the total absolute value of not evenness exceeds all ability to explain the can'ting." - MR RUBATO
- Axe
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 5947
- Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 1:28 pm
- Location: Squatter's Crog by way of North Haverbrook
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
It's pretty easy to be cynical about them now -- after all, they've had 50 years to accrete on pop culture.
My dad tried to explain exactly how huge they were in the early to mid-'60s but he said there isn't a suitable example today to compare it to. The way he put it, you know you're something unusual when kids are lining up to buy Rubber Soul in a small mining town in Northern Ontario (Kirkland Lake, where I was born).
My dad tried to explain exactly how huge they were in the early to mid-'60s but he said there isn't a suitable example today to compare it to. The way he put it, you know you're something unusual when kids are lining up to buy Rubber Soul in a small mining town in Northern Ontario (Kirkland Lake, where I was born).
Guitars: '16 Gibson Les Paul Classic • '16 Fender Deluxe Stratocaster HSS • Jackson Pro Soloist SL2Q
Amps: EVH 5150 iii 100 watt • Peavey 5150 • Fender Super-Sonic Twin • Mesa-Boogie Triple Rectifier
Effects: Line 6 Helix
Amps: EVH 5150 iii 100 watt • Peavey 5150 • Fender Super-Sonic Twin • Mesa-Boogie Triple Rectifier
Effects: Line 6 Helix
- Axe
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 5947
- Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 1:28 pm
- Location: Squatter's Crog by way of North Haverbrook
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
Let's get rid of Clarence.
[video]http://vimeo.com/27037546[/video]
[video]http://vimeo.com/27037546[/video]
Guitars: '16 Gibson Les Paul Classic • '16 Fender Deluxe Stratocaster HSS • Jackson Pro Soloist SL2Q
Amps: EVH 5150 iii 100 watt • Peavey 5150 • Fender Super-Sonic Twin • Mesa-Boogie Triple Rectifier
Effects: Line 6 Helix
Amps: EVH 5150 iii 100 watt • Peavey 5150 • Fender Super-Sonic Twin • Mesa-Boogie Triple Rectifier
Effects: Line 6 Helix
- neilrocks25
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 4759
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 2:17 am
- Location: British isles
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
no, is the simple answer.
Gear
Gibson les paul Traditional, les Paul signature T, U.S strat, Japanese Strat , 1970s Greco Tele, Charvel So-Cal Pro Mod style 1, Fernandes TEJ-85, 70's Greco tele. Marshall JVM 205c (Dan Gower modded), JCM900 SL-X, some pedals, Yamaha THR10
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn9mDZX16nm60_-wcgZg9Vg/videos
Website https://www.guitarsmusicandtech.com/
Gibson les paul Traditional, les Paul signature T, U.S strat, Japanese Strat , 1970s Greco Tele, Charvel So-Cal Pro Mod style 1, Fernandes TEJ-85, 70's Greco tele. Marshall JVM 205c (Dan Gower modded), JCM900 SL-X, some pedals, Yamaha THR10
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn9mDZX16nm60_-wcgZg9Vg/videos
Website https://www.guitarsmusicandtech.com/
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
Yeah, some artist or group will come along and have a similar kind of success.... But it won't happen the same way as the Beatles. My guess is that it will happen via the internet and without marketing support from any known commercial success machine in existence. Oh, once they realize it's starting to happen they'll leach on, but they won't be the reason it happens.
- racerevlon
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 603
- Joined: Mon Mar 04, 2013 4:57 pm
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
Didn't the Bee Gees occupy the top five in '78 or '79, or was that just 5 cuts off the soundtrack?
To answer the original question (as it's already been answered), no, due to the new industry model and the pervasive access to new media. Even great music today is just a "flash in the pan" with a short shelf-life.
To answer the original question (as it's already been answered), no, due to the new industry model and the pervasive access to new media. Even great music today is just a "flash in the pan" with a short shelf-life.
Race
Too much gear, getting there on the talent...
My Recommendations
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Splawn Amplification -- Awesome Modded Marshall Tones --http://www.splawnguitars.com/amps08.htm
WhiteBox Quality Guitar Cabinets -- Well-built USA Cabinets -- http://www.whiteboxeng.com/
Too much gear, getting there on the talent...
My Recommendations
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Splawn Amplification -- Awesome Modded Marshall Tones --http://www.splawnguitars.com/amps08.htm
WhiteBox Quality Guitar Cabinets -- Well-built USA Cabinets -- http://www.whiteboxeng.com/
- Shark Diver
- Registered Member
- Posts: 80
- Joined: Wed Jul 03, 2013 1:19 am
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
No, but I think it has less to do with the new industry model and more to do with the state of our culture then and now.
- marshallnoise
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 583
- Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 11:25 am
- Location: Sandy Eggo!
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
In general, good music rarely occupies the top of charts. Best selling cars are rarely the best cars. Pop is pop and The Beatles were every bit as manufactured as Lady Gaga. That's how I feel about it anyway.
Sic vis pacem, para bellum.
- facefirst
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 3575
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 1:34 pm
- Location: Cleveland, OH
- Contact:
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
I just don't get The Beatles. I mean, I think they're a decent group but I can name a ton of groups that I think are infinitely more talented and make way better music. I know it's all subjective. But to answer the OP's question - No way. Never again. As it has already been stated, there's too much access to new music. There are no musical phenomenons. Even the ones that reach that sort of level (Adele, for instance) still pale in comparison. So no, there will never be something like that in music again. Pop music sucks anyways, but that's another discussion.
- Le_Marteau
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 270
- Joined: Fri Jun 21, 2013 3:34 am
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
Skrillex
I run Destroy All Guitars.
Good deals with: Bloodnail,
Good deals with: Bloodnail,
- PunchedDrunk...
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 125
- Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2013 8:27 pm
- Location: MD
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
In terms of a cultural impact there will not be another act that can follow let alone surpass what has been done by any of the notable acts in our past. As for as 20+ #1 hits I think it is doable. If it is done it will be done by a Disney kid actor that sticks with it as they get older. Pretty much the path Miley Cyrus was put on, except they don't veer off the wholesome America road. Sucker in the kids and their parents.
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
I don't trust a man that doesn't like the Beatles or Zeppelin.
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
Telephant wrote:I don't trust a man that doesn't like the Beatles or Zeppelin.
This is a good general policy for life.
- GuitarBilly
- Chief Executive Owl
- Posts: 48416
- Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2013 9:03 pm
- Location: Rockville, MD
- Contact:
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
There won't be anything like the Beatles, at least as far as rock bands are concerned. Rock now is pretty much a "traditional" music style like blues, jazz etc and no one will reignite the same excitement there was when rock was like 5-10 years old.
Having said that, we are just in the beginning of the new century/millennium and a lot of things will change. Rock N Roll was the music that defined the last century and it didn't appear until the 50's (mid-century).
We're in 2013 still so a lot will happen. You can say a lot of things in 1913 were still like the 1800's but as the last century progressed, things started to change. No reason why this century will be any different (and probably faster).
So yes, there may be another phenomenon like The Beatles, but it won't be a rock band.
Having said that, we are just in the beginning of the new century/millennium and a lot of things will change. Rock N Roll was the music that defined the last century and it didn't appear until the 50's (mid-century).
We're in 2013 still so a lot will happen. You can say a lot of things in 1913 were still like the 1800's but as the last century progressed, things started to change. No reason why this century will be any different (and probably faster).
So yes, there may be another phenomenon like The Beatles, but it won't be a rock band.
Guitars:
'78 Les Paul Pro / '89 SG Special/ '04 Gibson Les Paul Classic 3 pickup / Jackson Star/ Endres Tele / Fernandes Rhoads/ ''74 Hohner MIJ strat/ 2 Partscasters
Amps:
Depends on when you ask. I got tired of constantly updating this section lol
Cabs
Marshall 1960A w V30s/ Seismic 2x12 w Redback and V30.
Questions about the forum: please PM here. Can't access the forum? Need a password reset? Please access our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GuitarGearForumOfficial and message me through it.
'78 Les Paul Pro / '89 SG Special/ '04 Gibson Les Paul Classic 3 pickup / Jackson Star/ Endres Tele / Fernandes Rhoads/ ''74 Hohner MIJ strat/ 2 Partscasters
Amps:
Depends on when you ask. I got tired of constantly updating this section lol
Cabs
Marshall 1960A w V30s/ Seismic 2x12 w Redback and V30.
Questions about the forum: please PM here. Can't access the forum? Need a password reset? Please access our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GuitarGearForumOfficial and message me through it.
- 100 watt
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 5653
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 2:03 pm
- Location: In the goddamn woods
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
There are 4 types of music.
Hendrix '66-'68
Hendrix '69-'70
The Beatles
then there's everything else.
(IMHO)
Hendrix '66-'68
Hendrix '69-'70
The Beatles
then there's everything else.
(IMHO)

Murdoch wrote:Nothing I would do to her would be in the same country as hygenic. If it were, I would be actively devaluing the act, and we can't have that.
Good Deals With : Facing Failure (now Van_Muddlestein) . goodhonk . benjamin801. sublimeride. River Bend. Flying Milkman. Crunchtime. MickTaylorFan. ~Abstract~. colejustesen. paul88lx .guitarbilly74. Mike LX-R. Murdoch. Le_Marteau. matt rhoads.nwright.Mk2 Steve
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
If Nickelback + Avril co-write an album on honeymoon, yes.
Tell yer Momma I aksed her how she durrin...
The No Limit Honky
The No Limit Honky
- spawnofthesith
- Crystal Lettucer
- Posts: 10856
- Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2013 4:13 pm
- Location: Denver, CO
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
I sure hope there's never another band so absurdly overrated....
Guitars: 2018 Gibson Les Paul Standard | Fender American Pro II Stratocaster | PRS S2 Mccarty 594 | PRS S2 Vela Semihollow | PRS CU-22 | PRS CE24 semihollow
Amps: ENGL Thunder | '76 Fender Deluxe Reverb | Mesa Boogie Roadster | Peavey XXX 40 | EVH 5153 50w | EVH 2x12 | Marshall 1960 4x12 | Madison 2x12
Music: https://linktr.ee/jawaofficialband
Amps: ENGL Thunder | '76 Fender Deluxe Reverb | Mesa Boogie Roadster | Peavey XXX 40 | EVH 5153 50w | EVH 2x12 | Marshall 1960 4x12 | Madison 2x12
Music: https://linktr.ee/jawaofficialband
- SpacedOutAce
- Registered Member
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2013 6:12 pm
Re: Will there ever be another phenomenon like The Beatles?
spawnofthesith wrote:I sure hope there's never another band so absurdly overrated....
Fucking this. The Beatles are godawful.

Telephant wrote:I don't trust a man that doesn't like the Beatles or Zeppelin.
I want a white Zeppelin shirt [Beatles would work too, I guess], so I can write "Fuck" at the top, similar to Johnny Rotten's "FUCK Pink Floyd" shirt, though to Floyd's credit, they are actually enjoyable.
Murdoch wrote:Realize that Nicki fucking Minaj was THE JUDGE of talent on a show, then ask that question again.
Could've been worse... she could've been elected vice president as Beyonce's running mate.
