In January 1967, Paul appeared on a TV show called 'Scene', defending London's counterculture, asking the public to look at it open-mindedly.
By the end of 1967, The Beatles had made Sgt. Pepper and self-directed the film Magical Mystery Tour.
Many of the British public were confused by Magical Mystery Tour - they didn't understand what The Beatles were trying to do, or why. Paul had to go on The Frost Programme to defend their efforts.
The BBC wrote a damning report of the film's public reception, to which one, elderly viewer (who had not previously heard of The Beatles) articulately responded. It seemed that, gradually, the influence of psychedelia and 'alternative' London at the time had found routes to more mainstream culture that didn't have to be as polarising. Some said it was The Beatles' special ability to explore new ground whilst staying connected to their roots that made them who they were.
