Kaylah Walton
Recent allegations have emerged regarding potential mistreatment of The Beatles—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—linked to their celebrity dentist, John Riley. Initially brought to light in Craig Brown’s notable book, One Two Three Four: The Beatles in Time, these claims are now under scrutiny again, coinciding with the band’s upcoming 65th anniversary.
In the early 1960s, Riley, a well-known dentist from Harley Street who catered to high-profile figures, treated all four Beatles. Pattie Boyd, ex-wife of George Harrison, has stated that Riley often administered intravenous Valium during procedures, rendering patients unconscious irrespective of the treatment’s nature.
Boyd characterized this practice as “sinister,” suggesting that Riley may have exploited his patients’ vulnerable state. She recounted a specific incident where she saw Riley trying to revive Harrison after giving him excessive tranquilizers, stating, “No one questioned it. We would wake up not knowing what he had done.”
Riley’s Role in Their Lives
Riley was more than merely a dental provider for The Beatles; his charm and frequent interactions fostered a close bond, especially with Harrison. Brown’s book highlights how Harrison visited Riley often due to his dental issues during their early performances at Liverpool’s Cavern Club.
Their friendship was so strong that Riley even accompanied the band to the Bahamas while they filmed Help! in 1965. However, Boyd‘s unease around Riley—particularly in delicate situations—casts a shadow on their relationship.
The Notorious “Wicked Dentist”
Riley’s fame as the “wicked dentist” of The Beatles is rooted not just in these allegations but also in an occurrence where he purportedly administered LSD to Lennon, Harrison, and their partners without their awareness. Harrison later suggested that Riley’s intentions were inappropriate, hinting at fantasies of organizing a “big gang bang.”
Riley passed away in a car accident in 1986, yet unsettling stories continue to circulate. While Brown’s book does not provide concrete evidence for the allegations, these renewed claims have sparked conversations about the troubling aspects surrounding The Beatles‘ ascent to stardom.
As enthusiasts honor the band’s heritage, these revelations remind us of the darker elements that often accompany celebrity.
