Abbey Road

Picture author: Iain Macmillan

Picture date: 8 August 1969

Publish date: 26 September 1969

"Abbey Road" is a record with probably the most famous cover in history. Especially when you think about all of the tourists and drivers who go there to visit the spot on that street, or even recreate the cover. According to officials, this crossing is a "death trap" for tourists, and there were 22 accidents at the crosswalk since 2000. The crossing was given grade II listed status for its "cultural and historical importance" in December 2010.

Album cover did not include band's name or its title, which was actually an indication of band's fame and status, and become one of the most successful Beatles albums. It was Paul McCartney's idea to make a cover with four ban members outside Abbey Road studios. Iain Macmillan was taking photos while a policeman held the traffic back from the crossing. He had ten minutes to make photos, so he took six pictures, and the cover features fifth one with all band members with legs in perfect "V" formation. 

The picture presents all group members crossing the street in single file from left to right. Lennon is leading, Star, McCartney and Harrison follow him. The group is wearing suits designed by Tommy Nutter, but Paul McCartney is barefoot, because he turned up on the shooting day wearing sandals, and he kicked them off after the first two takes.