Did The Beatles Make The ‘First Heavy Metal Record’?

There’s no question The Beatles were pioneers in the world of rock, pop culture, and stardom. But were they pioneers of heavy metal as well? John Lennon thought so.

Lennon once argued in a Playboy interview that the band’s 1965 single “Ticket To Ride” was “one of the earliest heavy-metal records made”.

While few people would consider “Ticket To Ride” a metal song, Lennon thinks Ringo Starr is bringing the heavy metal thunder. He said “It’s a heavy record and the drums are heavy, too. That’s why I like it.”

Are you buying Lennon’s idea that “Ticket To Ride” is a metal song? What other ways were The Beatles rock pioneers?