The Beatles’ world famous back catalogue is now available on music streaming

The songs won’t be limited to paid subscribers, either – they’ll be available on free versions, such as Spotify’s ad-supported no-cost tier.

“On December 24 at 12:01 a.m. local time – here, there and everywhere – The Beatles’ music is available for streaming worldwide”.

“Happy Crimble, with love from us to you”, The Beatles said on its website, referring to a term popularized by John Lennon to describe Christmas. But just as mp3s replaced CD’s, streaming music has replaced mp3s, so The Beatles have finally gotten on board, buying a ticket to ride with nine streaming services starting Christmas Eve. In an interview with Time magazine the singer said that music should be “an event”, and described streaming as “a bit disposable”. Probably rock and roll’s most popular band, and no sign of them on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal et al.

“If you open up the Google app on your Android phone and say ‘Ok Google, play the Beatles, ‘ There will be an answer”, writes Gwen Shen, Music Partnerships, Google Play. The entire catalogue will now be available for streaming.

Which Beatles songs are we talking?

The news comes at a time when streaming services have taken over digital downloads as the most prominent way to consume music, although several artists – most notably Adele and United States singer Taylor Swift – have questioned the value of the platform. Well, not really magical, but it will actually lead you to your favorite Beatles song or album.

It is not a secret that Apple had to do a lot of negotiating and convincing before The Beatles agreed to put their albums and songs on iTunes.

Streaming services have suffered a few high-profile setbacks in the a year ago. Beatle albums will be available on 9 streaming sites including Apple Music, Google Play, Rhapsody and Spotify.