'' Sgt. Pepper '' was widely perceived by listeners as the soundtrack to the Summer of Love , during a year that author Peter Lavezzoli describes as " a watershed moment in the West when the search for higher consciousness and an alternative world view had reached critical mass " . '' Rolling Stone '' magazine 's Langdon Winner recalled : According to Riley , the album " drew people together through the common experience of pop on a larger scale than ever before " . Writing in his book '' Electric Shock '' , Peter Doggett describes the release as " An Event " and " the biggest pop happening " to take place between the Beatles ' debut on American television in February 1964 and Lennon 's murder in December 1980 . The album 's impact was felt at the Monterey International Pop Festival , the second event in the Summer of Love , organised by Taylor and held over 16 – 18 June in county fairgrounds South of San Francisco . '' Sgt. Pepper '' was played in kiosks and stands there , and festival staff wore badges carrying Lennon 's lyric " A splendid time is guaranteed for all "
Lennon 's murder
Murder of John Lennon
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band