The band that was mistaken for The Beatles during the late 1970s was Klaatu. This Canadian progressive rock band released their debut album, "3:47 EST," in 1976, and their music generated a great deal of speculation and controversy because it bore a resemblance to The Beatles' sound.
Klaatu was a Canadian progressive rock band that gained international attention and sparked controversy in the late 1970s due to rumours that they were actually The Beatles recording under a pseudonym. The band's members included John Woloschuk, Dee Long, and Terry Draper.
Klaatu's debut album, "3:47 EST," was released in 1976. The album generated a great deal of curiosity and controversy because it was shrouded in mystery. The band did not provide any photographs or detailed information about themselves in the album's promotional materials, leading to speculation that Klaatu might be The Beatles recording in secret. This rumour was fuelled by the fact that the music on the album had some sonic similarities to The Beatles' work.
The Beatles breakup in 1970 left many fans hungry for new music from the iconic band. When "3:47 EST" was released, some fans and journalists speculated that Klaatu's music bore a striking resemblance to The Beatles' sound, and they believed that The Beatles might have reunited under a different name. The rumour persisted until Klaatu's true identities were revealed.
Klaatu: Did you know?
Regardless of the rumours, Klaatu's music was characterised by its melodic and often symphonic rock sound. Their music featured lush harmonies, complex arrangements, and thoughtful lyrics. Some of their notable songs include "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" and "Sub-Rosa Subway."
In 1977 it became clear that Klaatu was in fact not the Beatles. They had remained anonymous initially because they simply wanted the focus of their music to be on the music, rather than on them as individuals.
After the Klaatu project, the band members pursued individual musical careers. They released solo albums and continued to work in the music industry.
Klaatu developed a cult following over the years, with fans appreciating their music for its own merits rather than its association with The Beatles. Some listeners regard Klaatu as an underrated gem of the progressive rock era.
Klaatu's story is a unique chapter in the history of rock music, marked by intrigue and speculation. While they never achieved the level of fame of The Beatles, they left an indelible mark on the music landscape with their distinctive sound and the mystery that surrounded their early career.
Rumours and conspiracy theories about The Beatles weren’t limited to rumours about Klaatu. Other well-known and spread Beatles theories include:
Paul McCartney's Death: The "Paul is dead" theory claimed that Paul McCartney died in 1966 and was replaced by a look-alike. Clues were said to be hidden in album covers and songs.
"Revolution 9" Backward Messages: Fans speculated that hidden messages, including "Turn me on, dead man," could be heard when playing "Revolution 9" backward. This technique is called backmasking and further fuelled the ‘Paul is dead’ theories.
The "White Album" Symbolism: Cult leader Charles Manson believed that The Beatles were sending him hidden messages throughout the "White Album."
