Lead-In
- John
- Paul
- George
- Ringo
- Lennon
- McCartney
- Harrison
- Starr
Before You Read
Discuss the questions below. Use the Internet to help you.
- When were the Beatles active?
- How is Abbey Road connected with the band?
- There is a word in English that is pronounced the same as Beatles. What word is it? How is it spelt?
The Way to Abbey Road
Listen and read.
The Beatles formed[explanation: form [fɔːm] – looma] in Liverpool in 1960, and over[explanation: over [ˈəʊvə(r)] – jooksul (eessõna)] the next ten years, they became the most famous[explanation: famous [ˈfeɪməs] – kuulus] and successful[explanation: successful [səkˈsesf(ə)l] – edukas] band[explanation: band [bænd] – bänd, ansambel] of all time[explanation: of all time [əv ɔːl taɪm] – kõigi aegade]. They have sold more records[explanation: record [ˈrekɔːd] – plaat; salvestus] and had more number one hits[explanation: number one hit [ˌnʌmbə ˈwʌn hɪt] – number üks hitt] than any other band in history. Many experts believe that their albums are some of the best in the history of music.
Excerpt from Beatles with an A: Birth of a Band by Mauri Kunnas. Used by permission of Doghill Productions Oy, Wordcraft Ky and Otava Publishing Company. Text & illustrations © Doghill Productions Oy and Otava Publishing Company. Published by Knockabout Limited, 42c Lancaster Road, London, W11 1QR, United Kingdom.
- The Beatles have set a few records in the history of music.
- The Beatles did not perform anywhere before June 1962.
- It was easy for the Beatles and their road manager to find Abbey Road Studios.
- George Martin showed the band the studio facilities.
- The Beatles were full of enthusiasm when listening to the producer.
- One of the band members joked about George Martin’s outfit.
- The joke ruined the collaboration between the producer and the band.
- The Beatles had to play more than one melody for George Martin.
- The producer immediately found a song with great potential.
- ?
In 1960 in Liverpool. - ?
To London. - ?
To see what each member of the band could do. - ?
He wondered who was going to front the Beatles.
Date: | Explanation: |
March 22, 1963 | |
May 8, 1970 | |
January 16 | |
June 25 |
- well-known =
- man =
- in the end =
- melody =
- amazing =
Time to Talk
Pairwork 1
Match the parts of the sentences according to the text. In turns, say the sentences in Estonian.
The boys returned after their Hamburg dates,
Eventually,
Producer George Martin seemed a nice geezer,
The lads listened
It was certainly strange to stand in a large, empty studio
They’re not bad,
if a bit like a headmaster.
but none of these numbers is chart material.
they found the place.
but seemed a bit reserved and somehow low on energy.
and in early June, they travelled in hope to London.
and try to recreate a live feel.
Pairwork 2
Imagine that you are a famous solo artist or a member of a popular band, and your partner interviews you. Answer the questions using the Internet and/or your own ideas. Switch roles.
- What’s your name?
- How old are you?
- What instruments do you play?
- Can you sing?
- What is your favourite song at the moment?
- What is your favourite band?
- Who is your closest friend? Why?
- How often do you have gigs?
- What is the most memorable[explanation: memorable [ˈmem(ə)rəb(ə)l] – mälestusväärne, meeldejääv] place where you have had a gig? Why?
- What would you like to say to your fans?
Did You Know?
There is a live street camera showing what is going on at the Abbey Road zebra crossing in London.
Click the link and observe what is happening. Is anyone trying to take the same picture as the Beatles did for their album cover?
