What happens when the biggest band in the world stops getting along? In April 1970, Paul McCartney released a statement saying he would no longer work with The Beatles. The announcement shocked fans around the world. The Beatles -- John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr -- had been together since the early 1960s. They had sold more records than any other band in history. Their music changed what pop songs could sound like. Early hits like "I Want to Hold Your Hand" were simple and fun. Later albums like *Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band* used experimental sounds that no one had tried before in pop music. But success brought problems. Each member had grown as a musician and wanted to go in a different direction. Lennon wanted to make political art. McCartney wanted to write pop melodies. Harrison felt his songs were being ignored. Business disagreements made things worse. The four members could not agree on who should manage their money. After the breakup, each member made solo albums. Lennon recorded "Imagine," which became one of the most recognized songs ever written. McCartney formed a new band called Wings. Harrison organized a massive charity concert in 1971. The Beatles never played together again.