Read what others have said..

norman howells oxford
they changed everything!

Alan Hird, Basingstoke
The Beatles are without a doubt the greatest musicians and song writers of all time. They instigated a music revolution in that young people could perform their own music, if that had not happen we would still have British singers singing American tin pan alley songs. The Beatles influenced the seventies and beyond, and still influencing today's musicians. Without the Beatles there would be no British rock music.

Carl wallace newbridge gwent
An ispiration to a generation,their musical influence will last for ever.

shaun, keighley
i was growing up to the sound of the beatles , listen to my older brother playing there music , on the radiogram, it is part of so many peoples lifes ,no mater how old thay are

David Bourne
The Beatles music have had an effect on all people from all walks of life all over the world, and the effects of their music revolution still continues and will continue to influence music deep into the future. A true icon of the last 4 decades and more. Long live the Beatles

Linda Holmes
Radio 2 is about good music over the past 40 years and the Beatles have been the backbone of that excellent music. I am sure they will still be played in another 40 years.

tim beaconsfield
it must be the beatles - the first few bars of love me do changed everything - no more billy fury - no more eden kane - no more adam faith

ALISTAIR. D. DUFFY. STOCKPORT,CHISHIRE
THE BEATLES WERE THE SIXTIES AND WILL ALL WAYS BE THE ULTIMATE ICON

steve wissun glos
this group is the god of the pop world true icons

Clare Glover-Wright Amersham
Growing up in the post war years, for me as a young woman it seemed a sudden blaze of colour and life was injected into the world - musically and in their personalities. Popular music, dance, and dress were altered overnight and for the first time you could go out and the music touched every age group.

kevin king kidderminster
were would music be without them, not worth thin-king about!!!!

Chris Davis, Market Harborough
Because their music spans the last 4 decades and will continue to please, amaze, and influence generations to come, The Beatles have to be the ultimate icon.

Kanako, Japan
Absolutely the Beatles! They opened up my mind towards outside world!

Gazza Newbury
They were a one off, I don't think we will see such creativity again, but perhaps thats where the magic lies.

Alan Forbes, Macduff, Aberdeenshire.
Although not an actual "fan" during their successful career, I have to admit they changed the entire music industry. Many stars since have been inspired by the music of Lennon and McCartney. Their music is still enjoyed today by people throughout the world. I feel they stand head and shoulders above the other candidates for the ultimate icon over the past 40 years.

tilly brodie
the best of the best

Alan C Boyle, Copenhagen
great!

Lauren, Lancashire
Hello there Beatle Peoples! Please vote for The Beatles - There will be no other band like them in the history of music, and anyone who believes this too should vote! Although they were before my time, I still love those four lads - their music touched millions, and still does - therefore they should be recognised for this - so if you agree, vote Beatles - YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH!

Lauren, Lancashire
Hello there Beatle Peoples! Please vote for The Beatles - There will be no other band like them in the history of music, and anyone who believes this too should vote! Although they were before my time, I still love those four lads - their music touched millions, and therefore they should be recognised for this - so if you agree -

Doug Grantham
John Paul George and Ringo Their Music will be listend to for ever. Icons above all others.

Phil Bass Wellington Somerset
Simply the greatest and most talented band to ever perform. All were superb individual artists. Their variety of music and influence is second to none

Julia Boswell, Chester
Ideal icons for radio 2 as they were established 40 years or more ago - radio 2 is known for its music as well as great entertainment shows - they are fitting icons for radio 2 - more so than the other three nominations (who are all worthy in their own right) simply because they fit into bbc broadcasting at its development and are still iconic today.

Anne Christie Wirral
It's amazing to think they went from playing 'Bird-dog' over and over at a wedding (pre The Beatles) as that was all they knew; to the amazing sounds throughout the 60s, especially 'Seargent Peppers'.

Jeffrey Bynon, Wirral
What more can you say that hasn't already been said. The music has transcended through the decades and continues to be inspirational for millions of people across the universe. The positive influence has defined generations, there historical significance has its place in history from the 20th century, and will continue till the end of time. No band will earn its place in history more than The Beatles. Thats way they are the icons not only for radio 2, but for popular culture per se.

karen.moya@tiscali.co.uk
still the gratest!

stuat young, Bury, Greater Manchester
The beatles laid down the blueprint for popular music and still do

Chris Stothard Friskney Boston Lincolnshire
I think we should all think about this ... I bet the others on the short list,have listened to the Beatles a lot more than the Beatles have listened to them (apart from the great lord Wogan)but what would he be doing now if the Beatles had`nt made us all want to listen to pop music ? Ofcourse they are the best Who els realy could be?? I just luv em Ta Chris.

Bill King
The best group. Period.

Tony- telford
its has to be the beatles,none of the other finalist's come anywhere near. I mean one crashed in a tunnel, the other was a jail bird and wogans always on friggin holiday what sort of icons would they make?

David Redcar
Beatles Music has been covered by more artists than any other. Only Elvis music sounds great if sung by Elvis. Beatles Music sounds great no matter who sings it but their versions are of course the best. I took a busload on a Cavern pilgrimage every last Sunday of the month in 1963 and I saw them in concert at Stockton, Scarborough and a TV show in Blackpool. They were " The Peoples' Beatles ".

John-Durham
cant stop listening to them after all these years and they still make me feel good

Dave - Runcorn
Once you break away from the lennon/maccartney 'are the beatles' stigma and appreciate Ringo and George's contributions as just as important - their look, style, accent etc. you realise just how whole the Beatles where. Apart form the Stones there are not many other bands who deserve my vote!

Stuart Clarkson, Sheffield
It was 1964,I was nine years old and thinking there must be more to life than this. Then I heard the Beatles on the Radio; I had to admit 'it's getting better'. These four are the ultimate icons, the music never dates nor does their influence, All you need is love.

robert greaves
best band ever

lisa suttill
they are the best group ever

Mike - Ilkeston derbyshire
you can not compare any other band with the beatles they started something that has rolled on and on and they will go down in history and always be remembered along side other great composers when all their peers are long forgotten

Lesley Carter
Love them, always have and always will

Mo Wright...London
the greatest band that ever was

Jayne and Gary Peach Castleford
We are voting for the Beatles as they were the Best Group and song writers of all time. We are avid fans. We even got married in Liverpool two years ago and had Backbeat Beatles at our wedding evening celebrations. I am sure the real Beatles would not have played at our wedding !

oldbeatlechick, Southampton
The Beatles are the best band ever they have to be they led the way for all the bands that have followed since! They made it ok to be different and to try new sounds and use new ways to produce sound!!

Alan Wright, Worthing
They are musical geniuses that have given the greatest amount of pleasure to music fans all over the world! Our lives would be so much the poorer if they hadn't existed. A cultural phenomenon unlikely ever to be repeated.

Dave- ulverston
Without John Lennon and his band, Rock/pop music would not exist as a serious art form,you would be left with Cliff and Elton.Only Wogan comes anywhere near, who are the othertwo anyway

John Lennon, Everywhere
We touched more peoples' lives than Diana, Mandela and Wogan put together (sorry Terry.) Christ, we were bigger than God!

Rachael Bowes, North Lincolnshire
I'm 13 and last year one of my mates introduced me to the Beatles. We're both now loving every thing to do with the Fab Four and go on the internet during form time at school just to find out wakey facts that no one else knows!

James Sinclair - Peterborough
No contest

Pat Donnelly
They served a long hard apprenticship before reaching fame. And that is why the music and lyrics still live on. How many of todays fabricated bands will still be rembered in forty years.

Peter Bower, Hemel Hempstead
I grew up listening to their music, I still listen to it now. Their music will live forever. I am proud to say that Britain produced the most famous band in the world and the best.

Charlie Webster - Witney, Oxon
It has to be the Beatles for pure class. The others are a joke...

Stephen Dawson
Unique, Phenomenan, Geunius, Amazing, Ultimate, Transendental, Infinate.

John J Turner,London
the Beatles may have done a lot musically in the short time that they have been together,but they are NOT as Ultimate Icon as the real winner,Elvis Presley.this last four choice sure ain't of my choosing.it smacks of hypocrisy and favouritism towards a certain "sir" in the last 4

jonathan harvey. jon-sue@talk21.com
there has been no other influential individuls thats has had an outstanding effect on our society, and is still having so today after all these years.they broke down and paved the way for the younger generation.They seemed to have opened the way for a new direction in music and art.It was a fun time to be in the sixties, when ever the Beatles brought out a new record it would be a news feature on tv,it was so eciting to hear what they could come up and do next,and when SGT Pepper was released well that just knocked us for six,it was years ahead and advanced of anything that other indivdul, groups or musicans were attemting to do musically at that time.Even today after all the years forty or so SGT Pepper is still voted number one album of all time,if ever theres is a news item about the Beatles or the remaining surviving Beatles I stop what I'm doing to quietly listen just hoping that I'm not missing out on something.their music can be likened to footprints in my life which I'm fortunately to have experienced in which I'm greatfull for.Thankyou Beatles.

Tony Gee
Without the beatles life and radio two would be so much duller. They were the icons of the sixties seventies and eighties. they still are to many many people young and old from all countries they still play and sing the beatle songs and long may they continue to do so. THEY ARE DEFINATLY MY ICON.

Ivor Lewis, Hereford
Ultimate icons of the last 40 years in all aspcts of popular culture. Laid the road that all bands follow today.

Paul Smith - Welwyn Garden City
It has to be The Beatles for me!As a certain ex-Prime Minister managed to say about everybody, I DID grow up with the marvellous new and ever progressive sound of the Beatles ringing in my ear. No other band then or now could make me queue up at my local record store before they opened on release day for every new single or album.It was said at the time that the Beatles music would be played in 100 years time (much to the disdain of some), but here we are 40 odd years later and their music is still fresh, vibrant and relevant to all generations.I'd love to be around in 2062 to hear The Beatles still being played, but at 110, I fear I won't quite make it. I'll be sure to let you know if I am still around!

hazel -sheffield.
saw them in 63 in Gleadless, fab. thanks to pete stringfellow for bringing them for us.so many,many happy memories, so many great songs. thanks boys.

Malcolm Wheeler - Bletchley Milton Keynes
They changed the musical world forever - thier music is the past 40 years

Angela Owens, Leicester
Greatest group ever. Real lyrics, sound as good today, their music will always be played.

fred ade I.O.W
THE BEATLES ARE No 1 forever

celine simpson
they were original and made you think

Geoff Dunn (Norwich & Liverpool)
Simply the greatest musical & social phenomenum in history! Their achievments can never be equalled in my opinion. The quality, bresdth & prolific quantity of their musical portfolio means that they will live on FOREVER... They were, are and always will be the ULTIMATE ICONs of our era - and beyond!

John Cartwright-Stoke-on-trent
Grew up in the 60s with listining to the beatles and seen them live absolute fantastic total ICON.

Jan of Swindon
Disappointed that Paul didn't get through in his own right [or should that read,write!] so now let's vote for The Beatles, yeah, yeah, yeah,yeah!!!!!!!!!

Rhodri Davies, Isle of Benbecula, Scotland
They still reign supreme. Nothing like them will ever happen again.

Jackie, Halifax
Does anything really need to be said about The Beatles?

Steve Short Frinton-on-sea
Greatest Band of all time.Made Britain feel Great again.

Steve Luck, Orchard Cottage, Brightwell, Oxon
From your list The Beatles are the only ones that have truely been at the forefront of peoples minds in the last 40 years. Some names on the list have not even been around for that long. Who made the list?

Neil - The Cotswolds
Why a vote. everyone knows its the fab 4

Audrey, 17 - California
When you think of British Icons...who do you think?The Beatles.And after that?Each individual Beatle.They are everything, they put England back on the map for entertainment, raised standards, and paved the way for the British Invasion. The Beatles are ingrained in all of us - wether we know it or not, they are there, through either thier influence or wether you know it's a Beatles song or you cant quite tell, they are there, and I guarentee it.

John Steel ,Acomb York
no offence but not one of these artist or`so called icons'can hold a candle to the Beatles.My vote is for them.All you need is Love.

greg ,south west
The Beatles were Quite simply the best !! I could go on and on about it , but i can't be bothered. They are in every poll for this sort of thing and that surely says it all..

fred -harlow
From my point of view, the Beatles made the 60's what they were. Their talant in their song writing and playing, still stands out head and shoulders above everyone else even to this day.

Sue in Poole
The Beatles were the beginning of the Pop era. I can't think of anything they recorded as being bad, each record was right for the time it was released. They were my late husband's favourite band so they are extra special to me.Happy 40th birthday and keep up the good work.

Richard - Whitby
Absolutely the very best icons of the last 40 years - any other votes are iconoclastic!!

Steven - Clackmannanshire
They have influenced everyone be they a group or a solo artist and did it all with their own material group or solo - that is the "ultimate"

Jimbo lincolnshire
My first love at the age of 16 was a holiday romance and within 3 days after the holiday she sent mr a copy of She Loves You by The Beatles,

Raymond Wheat
fantastic music after 50yrs still going strongtodays rubbish is forgotten tomorrow especiallyrapping, lets be serious its not music is it.

Jason Goy - Manchester
They ARE pop music. So is Elvis but er, I like the Beatles more.

jenny mitchell, Aberdeen
fab.lots of great music.

terry terry, nottingham
although any of the creative sections of the band would merit an award in their own right, the band as a whole created the turning point for popular music scene they also set the trend for todays performers

Sandra Lomax, Surrey
It has to be the Beatles, for the impact their music has had on our lives, and the way this shapes music still today.

Phil, London
If they don't win this I'll eat a live beatle.

Dawn - Leicestershire
How can you not vote for The Beatles - an amazing band, 100% fab individuals and they have brought joy to millions. Their music is still listened to on a daily basis and they hold special memories for a "million, trillion, zillion" people throughout the world.

ray brooks
with out them there would be no .oasis, paul weller,ocs the list could go on forever vote the beatles

Alan Price
They changed everything. They wrote magnificent songs, created music that sounded like nothing that had made before, and that groups have been trying to copy since. At their best the music they made was the cultural highpoint of the 20th century.

David ..... Livingston
Quite simply the band that changed the face of modern music

Gary, Stirling
The Beatles have done nothing important in my life time and i'm over 30! They were famous in the past but not over the last 40 years...! Where are Bruce Forsyth, Richard Brandson etc...

Denise Morris
They were the best

Philip John Blakeman, Alton, Hants
They are beyond any shadow of a doubt the ultimate music icons of the last 40 years and as such are the most suitable icon for BBC Radio 2. Their influence on popular music is almost immeasurable, producing a back catalougue that has stood the test of time.

Colin Rainford , Prescot Merseyside.
No contest

Jaquie Fallon, London
The Beatles had the most impact worldwide than any other artiste. They are the best and the biggest icons over the past 40 years.

R Benson Potters Bar
the beatles, the first time british music could hold its head up in the world and say "listen to this, this is new". to me it sounds as good to-day as it did when I first heard it as 7 year old.

george connett south shields
I was 17in 1962 when they first appeared, grew up with them during my late teens and 20's.fell in love for the first time to their music --- and lost, but first love never dies.

Mr G.j. Gilbert(Gavin)
Born in July 1943,ment that my teen life,earlyand later working life was almost totally shaped and influenced by Rock & Roll and in particular the Beatles ,their music and more importantly the words too their music spread love throughout the world ,and because their music was so well constructed it was much much more than just Rock & pop , their music will always live on in history, therefore they are as a group truely iconic .

Suzi Croshaw
They were the greatest group ever - no one has come close to them - they were trail blaizers

timothy crothers heath cardiff
class is forever the beatles where class all the others are good but not quite up to them .

PAUL &JANET DEWSBURY
THE BEST BAND EVER, THE RECORDS THAT THEY WROTE WILL NEVER BE BEATEN. wHO COULD EVER WRITE THE CLASSIC YESTERDAY......

Gary Wilson, Brighouse
The BeatlesWithout doubt the best

Jean, London
The Beatles changed the world. Its as simple as that.

Barbara Pazmino, Brooklyn NY - USA
They are without a doubt the Ultimate Icons of the past 40 years! They shaped the direction of future music and dress and were one of the first, if not the first, rock groups to voice their political views publicly in interviews and in their lyrics. You would not have the singers and groups that followed, if The Beatles hadn't come first and opened the doors. There never has and never again will be anything like The Beatles.

D. Tipping Andover
it has to be the Beatles,the infuence they had on Music, Fashion etc.is huge. there song writing produced so many classics,as well as hits for other singers and groups.and George also was a gifted song writer.

Stan Cronin from Hartlepool
The Beatles were the teachers of generations of up and coming musicions, they imprinted thier unique style of song writing on many of todays greatest artists and left a legacy no other team of singers will ever match. Giving a breath of fresh air to some of thier own idols songs they went on to make history in thier own time.

David Ashton Mirfield West Yorkshire WF14 0ER
Just the very best ever.

mac - Sheffield
I grew up with The beatles they have influence the world with their music and still paul amazes me with his music today,but don't listen to me go on see him live he's still an icon at 65 and one of the best.

Peter Steele, Bradford, West Yorkshire
You may not like them but collectively and as individuals their impact on at least 2 generations has been inestimable

Dorothy at Middlesbrough
Musical backdrop to my life!Their music always touches me either by making me happy ,soothing me or simply making me want to dance with my grandchildren as i did with my children!! They are fab!!!

Mark - Birmingham
The only choice for Radio 2 ICON.

MALCOLM FISH CROMER NORFOLK
WITHOUT THE BEATLES WE WOULD STILL HAVE PERRY COMO IN THE CHARTS BEATLES MUSIC WILL LAST FOREVER MAL

Bob Mortimore London
The Beatles were the best thing to happen to Pop music ever

buzzybee61, Manchester
vote for the beatles

geraldine malavin
songs that touch the heart