Marking the 55th Anniversary of the Iconic Beatles Logo

We consider ourselves fairly open-minded people here at Promo Marketing, but if anyone—even our illustrious sales colleague Rob Margulies—expects for us to alter our choice for the best band ever, that person will have to walk down a long and winding road of disappointment. Our ears and hearts will forever find themselves fixated on The Beatles, as their songs and personas figure to continue to be the litmus tests by which we judge all music acts. And, of course, we can't discuss them without mentioning their amazingly appealing logo. Though the band, in earnest, formed in 1960, it is that symbol, which debuted in 1963, that is celebrating a special birthday this year.

Though we are disciples of the Liverpool Lads, we confess that because of their catalogue and unmatched record of sales dominance, pondering the history of their logo might end up being a tad low on the depth chart. However, since we geek out on well-executed branding, we owe the iconic insignia and its various iterations as much respect as we do the group’s 20 No. 1 singles and other jaw-dropping stats associated with the revered rockers.

To our fellow aficionados of all-things Beatles and to those who likewise appreciate a good tale of customization at its finest, we highly recommend this video from Vinyl Rewind, through which viewers can learn that Ringo Starr, long lambasted as the least notable member of the quartet, deserves the lion’s share of the visual esteem that fans give The Beatles. It is the droll drummer, after all, whose purchase of a kit from a London-based store inspired the proprietor to sketch what would eventually become a constant on Starr’s bass drum.

As he and his mates conquered the world, they, along with drastically altering their sound and appearance as they matured, made sure their logo received similar modifications, with Fast Company touching on the different skins that Starr used to serve as a musical declaration that the British were coming. If we focus on the color scheme, well, there is really nothing to analyze, as the drum kit mainstay is devoid of vibrant tones. However, the composition deserves a nod, as it brilliantly carried the weight of expectations that the band put on itself by making its name a pun on “beat” music.

Anyone who knows the history of the group (we are biased in saying that everyone should master it) is aware that the Fab Four initially struggled to gain clout in the U.S., but from 1963 until they disbanded in 1970, their run served as quite the advertisement for the belief that talent and time can yield amazing results. Perhaps the logo-bearing drum kit, which Starr took possession of on May 12, 1963, will come to play a more prominent role in any and all discussions of how The Beatles, who rooted themselves in American music, came to cross the pond and managed to change almost “every little thing” about how Americans perceive music and musicians’ roles as cultural trendsetters.

To our aforementioned co-worker, a Rolling Stones devotee, we must say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with supporting the second-best band ever. Cheerio, chum!