Who was the tallest Beatle?
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| Warning! Not exactly to scale |
This is surprisingly controversial question. The Beatles fan club and other 'official' sources stated that Lennon, McCartney and Harrison as the same height: 5'11" (180cm) with Ringo Starr 5'8" (172cm)
Early publicity photos emphasise a certain height uniformity. This harmonised with the identical suits and ‘Beatle’ hair styles. It was as if you could walk over their heads without breaking step.
Late 60s photos tended to emphasise individual difference rather than collective branding. They revealed that Paul was/is fractionally taller than John, who in turn had the slightest of edges over George. Ringo was/is closer to 5'6" (168cm)
Great Hoax?
A belief that the real (small) Paul was replaced by a taller 'fake Paul' or Faul is a key component of the (bonkers) 'Paul is Dead' conspiracy theory.
'Evidence' of an alleged height disparity
McCartney brazenly maintains that he is still very much alive. Speaking of the biopic, Nowhere Boy, he tried to put the record straight regarding how he measured up to his songwriting partner.
My character, my actor, is shorter than John!’ he laughs. ‘And I don’t like that! I’m the same size as John.
