Fans of The Beatles who uncovered alternate shots of their Abbey Road album were left saying the final choice is the best of all.
Separate takes of the Fab Four crossing the road outside of Abbey Road Studios were shared to The Beatles’ subreddit, though many were left saying the photo chosen for the cover was the clear favourite. The post, which can be found below, featured five alternate shots of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, crossing the road. One fan has since said: “The one they picked was definitely the best, but the outtakes are cool too.”
Many agreed with this top comment and suggested any of the other photos, had they been chosen, would not be suitable. Another user replied: “I was going to say the same thing. It’s clear why they chose the one they did. I wonder if they took more than these six. Also considering this is film I wonder who they knew they nailed it so perfectly.”
Other users speculated on which image The Beatles would have selected had it not been for their final choice. One user suggested: “I think so, the upper middle one looks good. It looks closer to the album version, just going the other way. I do see why they chose the one they did. Even spacing between them, and they were all in step with one another.”
Another wrote: “Crazy how perfect the one they used is. I feel like seeing the others really makes you realize how iconic the original is.” A third added: “It’s amazing how close an iconic album cover was to not being so iconic.
The other five shots are good, but the selected shot is just sooooo much better — from the cigarette in McCartney’s hand to the alignment of each Beatles’ steps.
“I’ve never really thought about it this way, but considering no one could know for sure how well the pictures would turn out before developing them, the world was awfully close to missing out on something special.”
Some have suggested why The Beatles chose the now legendary album cover. One user wrote: “You can see why they picked the one they went with…the timing of their stride/placement of their legs is perfect and near symmetrical compared to the others.” Another added: “To me it’d be a whole different vibe if the Abbey Road cover had them walking into the studio rather than away.”
Those freaks were right when they said you were dead..