The Beatles: How original were they?

[Neil McCauley]

From Record Collector Magazine .....

While The Beatles transformed pop, contrary to popular opinion, they didn’t invent it. In fact throughout their careers, they were magpies, gathering shiny inspiration here, there, and of course, everywhere. Spencer Leigh investigates.

http://recordcollectormag.com/articles/original-beatles

[The Black Adder]

Of course they were magpies, that's how the creative process works. It's how an artist (no matter if it's art or music or anything) 'lifts' and uses ideas and concepts that make them outstanding artists.

There is a difference between a forger and a copyist... for former being only when he/she is caught.