Over six decades since they released their debut record and Beatlemania began to sweep the nation, The Beatles still hold their title as the biggest band in the world. Few other artists can claim to rival their influence and impact on music, which extends across sonic engineering feats, stellar songwriting, and even fandom culture. Their experimentation and innovation in the studio and beyond earned them an unparalleled legacy, their influence stretching across every generation of artists.

In the 1960s, the Beatles honed a sound and level of success that evoked envy in their peers. Brian Wilson was inspired to create the Beach Boys’ magnum opus, Pet Sounds, after hearing Rubber Soul for the first time, hoping to create something that could compete. Joni Mitchell used to cover ‘Norwegian Wood’ in coffee shops before she became a folk star. Even Bob Dylan was subjected to their influence.

The Beatles’ influence on the actual sound of popular music has diminished slightly in the last few decades. Britpop appears to be the last full-blown ode to the era. 1960s nostalgia has given way to new genres since then, but the sound of Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s songwriting does still occasionally find its way into modern music, into the guitar twangs of The Lemon Twigs and Dr Dog.

Given how wide-ranging and long-lasting the Beatles’ influence has proven to be, and their legacy as pioneers, it’s difficult to imagine the Beatles ever taking inspiration from another artist. However, they often borrowed from their peers and predecessors, inspired by the songwriting talents of Dylan and the inimitable rock and roll of Roy Orbison. The influence of the latter came to the fore on one song in particular.