Beatles Real Person Fiction

Beth Easton identifies and analyzes Beatles Real Person Fiction (BRPF) as a significant element of 21st-century Beatles fandom through which fans create intimacy through the creation of new content, regardless of its fictional status.

21st-century Beatles fans continue to find new ways to access the group and view new content. Interviews with and surveys of authors and readers alongside textual analysis of BRPF texts provide insight into the fandom and creation of fanfiction. This analysis ultimately demonstrates that all generations of Beatles fans desire belonging to a community in which their fandom can be shared and Beatles knowledge celebrated.

BRPF enables this, as both authors and readers connect over their shared fandom and a desire to learn and distribute Beatles information. However, within the community a hierarchy of fans is present, with first-generation Beatles fans possessing a curator role to ensure the Beatles are presented accurately. For newer generations of fans who were not present during the Beatles active period, BRPF offers a way to learn more about the group whilst gaining an intimacy with them.