The Beatles were definitely innovators. But that didn’t (doesn’t) cause me to particularly like their music. A few songs, yes, such as some on the Rubber Soul album. But most of their stuff I don’t care for. About the time they were at the peak of their popularity, another well-known band of the same era was, and still is, one of my all-time favorites - the Rolling Stones.

What’s interesting is that most people who were involved in music at that time are generally one or the other.  Rolling Stones fans or Beatle fans.  I agree you don’t have to like them at all as for some rock-n-rollers the Beatles had no teeth, no edge.

It’s about time we had a Stones versus Beatles thread on this forum. No website is complete without one.

i’m equally bored by the stones as i am the beatles. to me, the ROCK genius of the 60s was carlos santana (and he continues to be) ... and second place would be janis joplin, i think ... but even more than rock ... (it’s really all a matter of taste, mind you) ... my personal Lord and Savior ... curtis mayfield ...

of course, i was much too young to be “in the moment” with any of them ... ;-P

(and i admit i intentionally instigated with that monkees comment, even though i do believe it to be true ... )

When I bought my very first Stones album, “Got Live If You Want It,” I was totally blown away. Loved every song on it. Couldn’t get enough of it, playing it over and over. Actually, I can’t think of a single Stones song that’s ever come out that I don’t like, not that I really listen to them any more (I stll have that original vinyl record, plus a bunch more stored away). I have other musical interests nowadays. Never got to see them in person, but always wanted to. Tried to get tickets once when they were playing in L.A. sometime during the ‘70’s, but it was an immediate sellout.