Streaming through a glass onion

This article contextualizes the Beatles’ efforts to maintain a consistent chronological narrative of their career, art and achievements in light of commercial and technological advancements in popular music since the 1960s. It examines the tensions between art, authenticity, commerce and chronology to ascertain the contours of fandom, mythmaking and industry that have lent the Beatles the ability to preserve their legacy on their terms. It argues that the Beatles’ repeated and consistent efforts to chronologically affirm and fix their narrative allows fans to enter the Beatles’ story from multiple points in time and to create their own stories within that chronology, thereby allowing the Beatles to continue to serve as musical and cultural symbols across generations.