The four Beatles—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr—changed music forever in a relatively brief timespan, bursting onto the scene in 1963 with “Please Please Me” and recording their last albums, “Let It Be” and “Abbey Road,” in 1969. The foursome came together as teenagers and became superstars by their early 20s, sharing a unique set of experiences and, naturally, forming a unique set of rivalries and grievances. But why did the most influential band of the 20th century break up within seven years of releasing their first album? The answer is as complex as the relationships between the men themselves.

You Never Give Me Your Money: Money Gets in the Way

Many trace the breakup of the Beatles to the death of their manager, Brian Epstein, on August 27, 1967. A record store owner with no experience managing bands, Epstein had nonetheless played a crucial role in their rise to worldwide fame. Epstein also co-founded Northern Songs Ltd. to publish the Beatles’ music, giving Lennon and McCartney each a 15 percent stake.

Exhausted from their extensive tours, during which they couldn’t hear themselves play over the roar of their fans, the Beatles decided to stop performing live in 1966. Epstein opposed the decision, which the foursome felt was necessary in order to focus on the quality of their music. Over the next few years, the Beatles redefined pop music with the seminal “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and became global countercultural icons. But they also made less money, and drifted away from Epstein.

When Epstein died of a drug overdose, the Beatles lost a man who expertly managed both their finances and their egos. While Lennon, Harrison and Starr wanted Allen Klein, manager of the Rolling Stones, to take over, McCartney favored Lee and John Eastman, the father and brother of his soon-to-be wife Linda.