The novel begins with the death of John Lennon as its prolog.
The story traces the development of the emotions and the relationships among the band members on their way to "Beatlemania." The young Beatles meet, starting their trek as a group, and they grow up in a tumultuous environment of fame and fortune. The struggle grows to live normal lives, and they attempted to keep the global frenzy concerning them in perspective.
The hell and orgies of the tours are described. Brian is a somewhat competent manager who is always being blackmailed. The Beatles force him to quit signing them up for tours.
A disagreement in philosophies as to what path the music should take and changes in life styles come to a drunken climax in the (now famous) Studio number 2 at Abbey Road. Paul runs outside during a lightning storm and roars off in his car.