The album 's preparation and release coincided with rumours in the press that the group were on the verge of splitting up . This speculation was encouraged by the band members ' high-profile individual activities since completing their final US tour , in late August 1966 , and the announcement that , unlike in previous years , the Beatles would not be performing any concerts in Britain at the end of the year . The album cover is a painting combining contemporary psychedelic and op art themes and was commissioned by the band 's manager , Brian Epstein . To adherents of the Paul is Dead hoax , the artwork offered the first clues relating to the alleged demise of Paul McCartney and his replacement in the Beatles by a lookalike , a scenario that is said to have taken place in November 1966 and been facilitated by the group 's retirement from live performance
final US tour
The Beatles' 1966 US tour
A Collection of Beatles Oldies