Forty Years of Crossing the Street

It's not just any street. It's the street. It's the only street that's recognized by people around the whole world.

Forty years ago today, the Beatles marked the beginning of the end of their rise to universal stardom as a group by taking the cover picture for their final album.

Marking the height of the shift from classic rock-n-roll to the era of landing on the moon, Woodstock, and free love, the 1969 image of John, Ringo, Paul, and George strolling confidently across Abbey Road is iconic, capturing them--and a generation--looking and moving forward.

Though four decades have passed, this image inspires young and old alike today as evidenced by the thousands of fans who flock to the Abbey Road crosswalk in London's St. John's neighborhood each year.

Thirteen years ago this past week, I had the pleasure and honor of walking in their footsteps "with the help of my friends." I don't remember much from that day except the thrill of finding the right spot and standing there staring at it in awe (and probably irritating the countless locals sick and tired of fans holding up traffic in the busy intersection). As we walked across the street, I couldn't help but wonder, "Did my feet touch the exact spot where John and Paul stepped? What were Ringo and George thinking that day right here?"

The energy of the place fills visitors with exhiliration. To those who don't care or don't understand its importance, it's just another street. To fans, it's a place of worship. To those who fall somewhere in between, it's a historical location where we can actually follow in the footsteps of music's finest.

I can't quote every Beatles' song. Heck, I can't even name half of them, but I can recognize their significant contribution to the music world and to a generation caught between the clash of political and social ideologies.

The unforgettable Abbey Road shot lives on in the minds and hearts of millions--not just because it was made timeless by the Beatles but because of what it represented. Hope. The picture and the band are as valid today as they were back then. As one of the album's songs says:

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right
It's all right
("Here Comes the Sun," The Beatles, Abbey Road)




From left to right: "George," "Paul," "Ringo," & "John" (aka me) -- Picture taken by John Perrotto






Sources: Forty Years On, Beatles Fans Flock to Abbey Road Crosswalk
Abbey Road Album