How to Change the World

Chapter 15

Paul took another sip of wine as he talked with the reporter. Today was the press launch for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, their newest album. Though it received some bad reviews from some snobs, there were a lot of critics who thought it was ahead of the times. The band was proud of their achievements, and so were several other people.

They had the party at Brian's house, and at the moment, that house was full with conversation and excitement.

The brief chat with the journalist ended quickly, as there were several other journalists just as anxious to get a chance to speak with Paul.

There were hoards of photographers trying to surround them as the band members regrouped. There was also a table filled with hundreds of different foods and drinks ready for consumption, that the Beatles couldn't even reach.

They were forced to bunch together, taking pictures laughing and smiling together. The record was playing in the corner of the room, as a celebration of what took them almost six months to create.

"Alright," one of the photographers said, "How about we show off the LP?"

Someone handed them the record, and they held it open for the press to indulge in. The flashes would have been blinding to anyone, but the Beatles were used to it.

When the photographers got a sufficient amount of photos, another man approached the four men for a brief interview. He walked up to them when they were sitting on Brian's couch.

"Hello I'm Norrie Drummond, New Musical Express. May I ask you lot a few questions?"

"Alright," John said, speaking for the rest of them. He was dressed rather interestingly, with a large orange puffy coat and a flamboyant green shirt. His attire was the most noticeable, but at the same time, they were all dressed flamboyantly.

"Do you believe any of your own personal beliefs or emotions can be shown in this album?"

"I've had a lot of time to think," said John, peering at the reporter through his wire-rimmed specs, "and only now am I beginning to realize many of the things I should have known years ago. I'm getting to understand my own feelings," he unconsciously glanced at Paul.

"Don't forget that under this frilly shirt is a hundred-year-old man who's seen and done so much, but at the same time knowing so little."

With the man's questions, the Beatles revealed this album was a big step in their career, like a turning point.

"Since your world-wide fame was achieved by mostly singing pleasant hummable numbers, don't you feel that you may be too far ahead of record buyers?"

"No," George said, answering the question, "People are very, very aware of what's going on around them nowadays. They think for themselves and I don't think we can ever be accused of under-estimating the intelligence of our fans."

John interjected, "The people who have bought our records in the past must realize that we couldn't go on making the same type forever. We must change and I believe those people know this." He looked at Paul again, not even noticing.

The man under John's stare was on the other end of the couch, sipping a glass of champagne. The reporter moved more to Paul's side, ready to ask even more.

As Paul greeted the reporter with a charming smile, he began his own thoughts.

"You know," Paul said, "We've really been looking forward to this evening. We wanted to meet a few people because so many distorted stories were being printed. We have never thought about splitting up. We want to go on recording together."