Global superstar Billie Eilish has broken records, sold out arenas, and reshaped pop culture with her unique sound. Yet, despite her modern success, Eilish openly admits that her greatest inspiration comes from one of the most legendary bands in music history: The Beatles.
Growing up in Los Angeles in a deeply creative household, Billie and her brother Finneas O’Connell were surrounded by music from an early age. Their parents, Patrick O’Connell and Maggie Baird, homeschooled them and prioritized creativity, encouraging both children to experiment with writing, performing, and producing songs.
According to Maggie, The Beatles were instrumental in sparking this early interest. Speaking to Variety, she recalled teaching her children about music using Beatles classics:
“It was The Beatles who inspired them to begin writing their own songs. I used simple examples like ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ to explain song structure. Finneas picked it up immediately and soon after started a band. Billie followed right behind.”
Billie Eilish and Glastonbury: A Full Circle Moment
In 2021, Eilish’s lifelong admiration for The Beatles came full circle when she performed at Glastonbury Festival, sharing the stage with Sir Paul McCartney. For Billie, who had grown up idolizing the band, this was not only a professional milestone but also a deeply personal victory.
“He created the music that soundtracked my childhood,” Billie said of McCartney. “If it wasn’t for The Beatles, I don’t think I’d ever have made it to the Pyramid Stage.”
Despite her already legendary career, including Grammy and Academy Award wins, Eilish considers performing at Glastonbury alongside McCartney one of her proudest moments.
“95% of My Love for Music Is Because of The Beatles”
In an interview with NME, Billie was clear about just how much The Beatles shaped her artistry:
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, where you’re from, what you look like or who you are: you can do this. The Beatles were what raised me. My love for music I feel 95% owes to The Beatles and Paul. It’s insane to think about.”
Her statement highlights the timelessness of the band’s influence. More than half a century after their debut, The Beatles continue to inspire new generations of artists, proving their legacy is eternal.
Billie Eilish’s Favorite Beatles Songs
Like any devoted fan, Billie has her personal Beatles favorites. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she revealed her top picks:
- “Something” (Abbey Road)
- “Julia” (The White Album)
- “You Never Give Me Your Money” (Abbey Road)
- “Anna (Go to Him)” (Please Please Me)
- “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” (Abbey Road)
Her diverse selection demonstrates her deep appreciation for both the band’s greatest hits and their more experimental tracks. “Gosh, I could go on and on. I love The Beatles,” she admitted.
The Beatles’ Enduring Impact on Billie’s Career
For Eilish, The Beatles didn’t just provide a soundtrack — they provided a blueprint for creativity. Their ability to reinvent themselves across albums and decades mirrors Billie and Finneas’s own approach to music: fearless, genre-blending, and experimental.
Her acknowledgment of The Beatles serves as a reminder that even the most contemporary artists stand on the shoulders of giants. As Billie continues to dominate the global stage, her connection to The Beatles keeps her grounded in the roots of her artistry.
Conclusion
Billie Eilish’s confession that “95% of my love for music is because of The Beatles” is more than just fan admiration — it’s a tribute to the band’s ongoing legacy. From homeschooling lessons in Los Angeles to headlining Glastonbury with Paul McCartney, The Beatles have been the invisible hand guiding Eilish’s path.
For fans of both artists, this bond across generations proves one thing: The Beatles’ music is truly timeless, and its power to inspire shows no sign of fading.
