The Beatles: 'Get Back' Puts Yoko Ono in a New Spotlight

Sarah Zheng

Arts and Entertainment

Imagine being a Beatles fan in 1970, having just heard the news that the band broke up. You hear rumours about why, one of the biggest being John Lennon's relationship with Yoko Ono. Yoko was vilified by fans and many still blame her for causing conflict in the band. However, the recent Peter Jackson documentary The Beatles: Get Back challenges this persistent claim.

Whether you like or dislike her, Yoko was not the sole reason The Beatles broke up. The death of their manager, Brian Epstein was a much more powerful factor. Throughout the series, the band laments this loss. Sitting in a circle, George broods over it, saying “ever since Mr. Epstein passed away, it’s never been the same.” Paul argues this loss of a father figure is “why all of [them], in turn, have been sick of the group.” In comparison to this devastating grief, Yoko’s presence is unremarkable.

Tensions were mounting after Epstein’s death, and during one particularly fraught rehearsal, George Harrison decided to quit the band. The moment comes and goes quickly; all Harrison says is “I think I’ll be… I’m leaving the band now.” This moment has nothing to do with Yoko. The band is simply growing up and growing apart.

Ringo, George and Paul seem annoyed at Yoko for speaking on John’s behalf on countless occasions. But ultimately, they were fine with Yoko being in the studio.Yoko barely spoke during their Let it Be recording sessions. She was mainly sitting next to John, observing silently or doing her own thing. Paul was even joking around with them, saying, “the Mersey Beat award for the best couple of the year goes to John and Yoko.”

Many rumours surrounding Yoko Ono are unfounded, especially the one speculating that she caused a rift between The Beatles. Though the band’s relationship may not have been unicorns and rainbows, the footage in Get Back suggests they still consider each other friends. While they argue with each other, there are scenes where they enjoy each other’s company. John and Ringo cling onto each other while walking, George helps Ringo compose “Octopus’s Garden,” and when Paul, sitting with Ringo, thinks the band might break up, he desperately tries to not cry.

Relationships are complicated, and interpersonal conflicts are rarely cut and dried. The Beatles: Get Back, available to stream on Disney+, is a glorious 7 hours and 50 minutes, providing a new perspective on Yoko Ono and The Beatles’ break up.