The Beatles fans have pointed out one member as the “weak link” of the group for the Abbey Road album cover.
Fans did not comment on the quality of their work, but their spot on the recognisable album cover. Alternate photos were taken for the cover, but one member of The Beatles could not nail the timing of the walk across the road. Those other photographs were shared on social media platforms, where fans pointed out that George Harrison seemed to be struggling with his part in the photo. Of the six photos shared, one was used as the iconic album cover for Abbey Road.
A fan took to X with the alternate takes and wrote: “The amazing thing about the Abbey Road photo is that there were only six shots taken and they were all awful apart from the one that absolutely nailed it.” Another pointed out that Harrison could be seen lagging behind or even out of step with the uniformity of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr.
They wrote: “Weak link in the chain – George.” The original poster agreed, replying: “Not even trying.” Another fan was stunned by The Beatles’ photographer taking just six shots of what would be one of the band’s best albums.
“How the hell do you take only six shots of that ON FILM and feel confident you have enough material AND be correct,” they wrote. Another fan suggested there were more photos taken of The Beatles crossing the road outside of the studio.
They wrote: “Other photos exist of that half hour at the crossing and at The Abbey Road studios’ mainly taken by Linda McCartney and a few are credited to Paul or Mal Evans.”
Fans who had previously viewed the alternate shots took to The Beatles subreddit and confirm the group chose the right photo for Abbey 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.”
