The Beatles ' low public profile since completing their 1966 US tour in late August caused concern for Brian Epstein , their manager , who feared that the band 's popularity might suffer . Wary also of the threat presented by the Monkees , an American television and recording act formed in the Beatles ' image , Epstein conceded to pressure from EMI in January 1967 and approached Martin for a new single by the band . Martin told him that they had recorded " Strawberry Fields Forever " and " Penny Lane " , which he considered to be the group 's best songs up to that point
1966 US tour
The Beatles' 1966 US tour
Penny Lane