You Never Give Me Your Money: The Beatles After the Breakup

by Peter Doggett

“Peter Doggett’s book about the Beatles’ split is a real page-turner.” — Annie Lennox

“Enthralling… Impossible to put down.” — The Independent

Acclaimed journalist Peter Doggett recounts the previously untold story of the dramatic final chapter in the lives, loves, and legal battles of John, Paul, George, and Ringo—aka The Beatles—from their breakup in 1969 to the present day. Called “refreshingly straightforward and highly readable” by The Daily Telegraph (London), You Never Give Me Your Money is the dramatic and intimate story of the breakup and aftermath of The Fab Four as it’s never been told before.

The world stopped in 1970 when Paul McCartney announced that he was through with the Beatles. His statement not only marked the end of the band's remarkable career, but also seemed to signal the demise of an era of unprecedented optimism in social history. Though the Beatles' breakup was widely viewed as a cultural tragedy, one of the most fascinating phases of their story was just about to begin.

Now, for the first time, You Never Give Me Your Money tells the behind-the-scenes story of the personal rivalries and legal feuds that have dominated the Beatles' lives since 1969. Journalist Peter Doggett charts the Shakespearean battles between Lennon and McCartney, the conflict in George Harrison's life between spirituality and fame, and the struggle with alcoholism that threatened to take Richard Starkey's life. In vivid detail, Doggett also describes the wild mismanagement of the Beatles' fortune staked largely in Apple Corps.

You Never Give Me Your Money is a compelling human drama and an equally rich and absorbing story of the Beatles' creative and financial empire, set up to safeguard their interests but destined to control their lives. From tragedy to triumphant reunion, and chart success to courtroom battles, this meticulously researched work tells the previously untold story of a group and a legacy that will never be forgotten.

Beatles Covers: Ringo Starr - Love Me Do

Pattie Boyd Pictures

George Harrison on "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)"

"I once read in the newspaper what Roger McGuinn, of the Byrds, had said. He was about the only one who spotted it, that 'My Sweet Lord' was a prayer, and that's all it was. I had a lot of letters from people saying, 'Oh, you're lost. Why don't you come to our church.' They missed the point. With 'Give Me Love,' again it was a personal thing for me and if anybody else got off on it, well, there it was. But it was awareness of what we need, just give me love, thank you. So, at that period, I was really involved and doing a lot of chanting on these little wooden beads during the whole session. It was just a personal thing. Sometimes you open your mouth and you don't know what you are going to say, and whatever comes out is the starting point. If that happens and you are lucky, it can usually be turned into a song. This song is a prayer and personal statement between me, the Lord and whoever likes it."

George Harrison on "Within You Without You"

"Klaus [Voormann] had a harmonium in his house, which I hadn't played before. I was doodling on it, playing to amuse myself, when 'Within You' started to come. The tune came first then I got the first sentence. It came out of what we'd been doing that evening."

Listen To: Paul McCartney - "Monkberry Moon Delight"

Such a wonderfully bizarre track that it is little wonder that it caught the attention of John Lennon as he listened to Ram. He liked it so much he later wanted to feature the song while guest DJing in New York City in 1974 (he was told it was too long and substituted "Jet" in its place). A showcase for McCartney's gruff vocal talents a la "Why Don't We Do It In The Road" and a rare instance of his dabbling in absurdist lyrics in his early solo efforts. An apt cover can also be found in Screamin' Jay Hawkins' version.

John Lennon on the Watergate Hearings

"I only went once to see Watergate but it made the papers because I was recognized straight away. I thought it was better on TV anyway because I could see more. When it first came on, I watched it live all day, so I just had the urge to actually go. I had other business in Washington, anyway. The public was there and most Senators have children, so every time there was a break in the proceedings, I had to sign autographs. I was looking like a Buddhist monk at the time because all of my hair had been chopped off and I thought nobody would spot me. They spotted Yoko before me and assumed, rightfully, that I must be with her. It was quite a trip."