Whenever I am asked "What is the attraction of The Beatles?" I always recall these words---"I like the happy atmosphere of The Beatles," the words which were left by my friend S, who passed away by accident. Being a student of Tokyo University and a drummer, he and I got to know each other in the live performances of The Beatles circle, and we played together and talked a lot. I always imagine the meaning of his words when I play The Beatles. "Happy atmosphere." Without this, it is not The Beatles.

John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr: all four of them are unique and great musicians so that they can do solo by themselves. However, without all of them together, The Beatles would not be The Beatles. At the live performances, they swing along with freedom and with the best smile.

Paul says about "Baby's in black" in which he harmonizes with John, "It doesn't matter which part is the main theme, as long as the song is good." John, who seems like a ball of ego at first glance, also puts on a happy face when other members sing---actually looking happier than when he himself sings. It seems as if he is bragging "Check my band members out! They are that cool!" So, we, also would like to play our favorite songs with our favorite members. When I sing, my favorite person harmonizes. When my favorite person sings, I harmonize and cooperate. I think this is The Beatles.

The music of The Beatles is full of dreams. Dreams of four young men who led the 60s and who thought "our music can change the world." The war, which destroyed Europe, was over, and they spent their time pursuing the new world, calling for freedom and peace. They pursued their music, not by themselves individually but with four members. That is why The Beatles has such a happy and cheerful atmosphere and that is why they are succeeded around the world.

In February 1978, attracted by this warmth of The Beatles, our seniors of the circle joined together, consciously or unconsciously and "Waseda Beatle-mania" was established. And that time, The Beatles circles existed not only in Waseda, but also in Todai, Keio, Meiji and Aoyama, and we have kept close relationships with each other. Our "Waseda Beatle-mania" became 30 years old this year. At our anniversary live performance at Waseda Festival, the bands from other schools will participate.