The publication in the US of Lennon 's remarks about the Beatles being " more popular than Jesus " then embroiled the band in controversy and protest in America 's Bible Belt . A public apology eased tensions , but a US tour in August that was marked by reduced ticket sales , relative to the group 's record attendances in 1965 , and subpar performances proved to be their last . The author Nicholas Schaffner writes : On the Beatles ' return to England , rumours began to circulate that they had decided to break up . George Harrison informed Epstein that he was leaving the band , but was persuaded to stay on the assurance that there would be no more tours . The group took a three-month break , during which they focused on individual interests . Harrison travelled to India for six weeks to study the sitar under the instruction of Ravi Shankar and develop his interest in Hindu philosophy . Having been the last of the Beatles to concede that their live performances had become futile , Paul McCartney collaborated with Beatles producer George Martin on the soundtrack for the film '' The Family Way '' and holidayed in Kenya with Mal Evans , one of the Beatles ' tour managers . Lennon acted in the film '' How I Won the War '' and attended art showings , such as one at the Indica Gallery where he met his future wife Yoko Ono . Ringo Starr used the break to spend time with his wife Maureen and son Zak
US tour in August
The Beatles' 1966 US tour
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band