Throughout history, a pattern has developed with musical celebrities and their children. Someone who is large in the public eye, such as Elvis, is a major icon and held on the highest pedestal when it comes to the genre of music they represent. After their passing, however, their offspring seem to always capitalize on the legacy that their parents have left and try to form their own careers off of that. If born into any other family, these children would still find their way to fame by the chance of fate; but I believe their successful lives are more dependent upon the family they were born into as opposed to the talent they were born with.
Needless to say, it did not come as a surprise to me when I heard that the Beatles’ sons were planning on forming a band to record an album and tour. Do I think that it would be great for a new generation to experience what the Beatles did for their time period? There is no doubt about it. However, I do not believe there will ever be another band like the Beatles, even if it is made up of their children, and for that reason, I believe the band could definitely be seen as a way to capitalize off of what their fathers left for them.
James McCartney, son of Paul McCartney, first announced the news. The kids — Sean Lennon, John Lennon’s youngest son; Dhani Harrison, George Harrison’s only child; and Zak Starkey, one of Ringo Starr’s kids — are all established musicians (if you were the song of a Beatle, and did not make music, something would be wrong). McCartney revealed that discussions of forming the band took place between himself, Lennon, and Harrison, and they all see “picking up” where their fathers left off as a great way to give tribute. McCartney admits that Starr’s drummer son Zak, however, was less than eager: “I don’t think it’s something that Zak wants to do.”
After hearing James’s commentary on the idea, I do have to say that the formation of the group seems more like a tribute in his eyes, rather than a optimistic gain. There will definitely be mixed reactions regarding the formation of this band, but one thing can be said for sure. If the sons are anything like their fathers, they will make history no matter what. The Beatles will definitely be a tough act to follow, but who better to do it than their own children?
