Long and winding road

Besides Chinese fans, the Beatles have also been a great inspiration for Chinese singer-songwriters.

Beijing-based indie band, The Life Journey, traveled to London to record their new album, titled Always Be There, at Abbey Road Studios last year, as a tribute to the Beatles.

They have collaborated with Scottish musician and producer Howard Bernstein, professionally known as Howie B, who has worked with artists like U2.

The four members of the band also took a picture outside the studio, imitating the cover photo of the Beatles Abbey Road album, which is regarded as one of the most iconic images of pop history.

"There were lots of tourists taking photos on the road. Because of the Beatles, people make the pilgrimage to London to follow in their footsteps. We were deeply impressed," says Kong Yang, the band's lead vocalist.

"When we were working in the Abbey Road Studio, we felt close to not only the Beatles but also to George Martin, who produced many of the Beatles' classic albums," adds guitarist Huang Zijun. "Producing an album is like doing experiment in a lab. It's the achievement of all four members of the Beatles and George Martin."

The band was founded by lead vocalist Kong and guitarist Huang when they were about 16 years old. In 2005, they moved from their hometown, Liuzhou, in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, to the capital to pursue their music dream. So far, they have released eight studio albums.

"We admire the Beatles' creative songwriting, which evolved along with their personal growth. It's amazing to think that 50 years later we are looking back on their music, which is still vibrant and pioneering," says Kong.