Prince Albert Daily Herald by Ruth Griffiths April 10 is the anniversary of the breakup of the rock group that defined my generation — The Beatles. Although the Fab Four were together for only a decade, their influence remains strong. On April 10, 1970, Paul McCartney announced the end of the band known as the Beatles. The band officially split on Dec. 31, 1970. Musicians John Lennon and Paul McCartney played together in the late 1950s as The Quarrymen. With George Harrison they formed The Silver Beatles in 1959. In 1962, Ringo Starr became their drummer and they dropped the Silver to be known as the Beatles. The Beatles were unique in many ways. They were the first British band to write their own songs and music. They are the only group in recording history to have 20 songs reach No. 1.