Get Back was Peter Jackson's peek into the past that showed viewers the last days of the band's time together, and it pulled back the hands of time to show the days leading up to the Beatles' final performance. While the world knew one version of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, the studio execs and producers saw another.
Listening to the band members and their entourage give commentary on both the music-making process and the status of the Beatles' future is a gold mine of insight into the end of an era. The personas displayed by the Fab Four were as eclectic and remarkable off the record as they were in the studio.
Cold Comfort
“If This Boy Dies, You’re Gonna Comp Him.”
Apparently, microphones are a lot more dangerous than some performers might know. One of the most memorable moments from the lengthy Disney+ documentary was the somewhat comical scene of George getting an electrical shock from his mic mid-rehearsal. Since the possibility of electrocution with musical equipment is a real risk, Paul called out with this half-joking half-serious remark.
Paul truly does shine in this series, but his sense of humor at times goes overlooked. What makes it so funny is seeing one of the producers reach down and get shocked themselves as they try to sort the issue. Chalk it up to an occupational hazard of working with such electric musicians.
Double Meaning
“The Drums Are On PA!” “It’s Not my Idea Of A Personal Assistant.”
Whether he was with the band or not, John Lennon was never one to be at loss for words. Easily the wittiest of the four, Lennon had more than a few quirky quotes throughout the band's days in the studio. And that certainly didn't stop during prep work.
Puns and riffs were no stranger to Lennon's sense of humor, so when Ringo is configuring his drums and the sound system and he refers to the audio access, John can't help but make a clever remark. It's nice to see his humor still followed him even until the last days of the group.
Irritating Equipment
“God Damn You, Little Microphone!”
George wasn't the only one having to deal with temperamental microphones. Once more, John Lennon stands out as one of the funnier members of the cast in this documentary as he contends with a problematic microphone constantly blaring out feedback whines.
The events of Get Back can be very sobering at times, so it's a relief to have at least some humor sprinkled in. Out of nowhere and with a mocking Wizard-of-Oz-like voice, John blurts into the mic this comical command as the feedback continues to interrupt his conversation.
An Apt Metaphor
“Your Apple Hasn’t Gone Rotten?”
Apple Records was the Beatles' original record label, and the name and the studio wouldn't exist without the band's involvement. So when the future of the label is at stake, more than a few comments have to be made.
During a discussion with music producer, George Martin, Paul drops this ironic turn of phrase used to describe the dwindling state of affairs for both the band and the concert project. A bitter truth, but it's a statement that sounds more than appropriate coming from Paul McCartney.
The Yoko Factor
"They Broke Up Because Yoko Sat On An Amp."
Tragedy plus comedy equals time, so the saying goes. For decades, it's been somewhat debated whether or not the inciting incident that led to the Beatles' breakup was the frequent presence of Yoko Ono, John's partner and frequent collaborator. As displayed in the film, that's a notion that's not entirely true.
What makes this quote worth mentioning is the context of the band discussing how the public will view their breakup after the passage of time. Paul probably wasn't intending to be an oracle, but it's remarkable how soon he was able to predict the outcome of public opinion.
George Is Going
“I’ll Be Leaving The Group Now.”
Another piece of evidence in Yoko's defense was the on-camera documentation that the official breakup wasn't triggered by John's departure, but George's. After some musical disputes with John and Paul, George defeatedly simply states his departure, takes his instrument, and walks away.
George's leaving sends the band into a depressing spiral that spans further into the series, but it's eerily one of the quietest moments of the documentary. The band's future wasn't abrupted by a fight, by foul words, or by furious anger, but by one statement from a tired guitarist.
A Dynamic Group
“It’s Silly Not To Be Near Each Other.”
To say that George's departure after their criticisms didn't have an effect on John and Paul would be untrue. Especially when they admit to quotes like the one above. The dialogue in the cafeteria is easily one of the most insightful moments in the entire series, and to hear both Lennon and McCartney's commentary on the situation truly tugs at the heartstrings.
The Beatles as individual artists were some of the most creative and innovative minds the music industry has ever known, so it's no wonder they worked so well together for as long as they did. But even the best of friends can butt heads after a long while, and it's clear to see the disbandment wasn't intended or wanted.
Paul's Prophecy
“And Then There Were Two.”
Once more, Paul delivers a semi-prophetic statement as George doesn't show up to the studio the day following his departure. With George MIA and John late due to spending time with Yoko, Paul and Ringo are the first and briefly only members of the Beatles to show up to continue recording and rehearsals. The fact is made all the more grave with this utterance to Ringo.
This quote is absolutely haunting, especially because they would eventually be the surviving members of the group decades later. Pair it with the overall aura of uncertainty for the group and it makes for truly a stand-out quote.
An Acceptable Performance
“I Hope We Passed The Auditions.”
The Rooftop Concert was the punctuation mark that sealed the Beatles' careers, as it was the last time they would all four perform together. While it might not have been as memorable as it would have been if they'd performed at the Colosseum or other discussed venues, it was truly a historic moment nevertheless.
One of the most memorable overheard lines and moments in Get Back was John's comment about "passing the auditions" during what he was probably sure was their last hurrah. Witty and ironic as most of Lennon's commentary tends to be, there's also an element of unshakable truth.
The End
“They’ll Be No More Rooftops.”
A better example of John Lennon's wit cutting to the chase is the quote he makes towards the end of Get Back's final chapter, stating there'd be no more concerts like the one they'd just finished. Whether he knew it or not, he was right on more accounts than one. There wouldn't just be no more rooftop concerts, there'd be no more concerts for the Beatles period.
The concert on the roof of Apple Studios would be one of the last Beatles projects all would be involved with until the album and film Let It Be was released a year later in 1970. After that, the biggest influence the band as a whole would have would be over the airwaves.