[originaltext] Liverpool was only well-known as one of Britain’s largest por

Liverpool was only well-known as one of Britain’s largest ports until the 1960s.[22]But almost over-night, it became world-famous as the birthplace of the new pop culture, which in a few years swept across Britain and America, and across most of the countries of the western world.
    Four Liverpool boys who joined together in a group called themselves the Beatles. They played in small clubs in the back streets of the city. Unlike the famous solo stars who had their songs written for them,[23]the Beatles wrote their own words and music. They had a close personal relationship with their audience, and they expected them to join in.[24]The audience participation is an essential characteristic of pop culture.
    The Beatles finally won the affection and admiration of people of all ages and social backgrounds. As they developed, their songs became more serious. They wrote not only of love, but of death, old age, poverty and daily life. They were respected by many intellectuals and serious musicians.
    In 1970 and 1971 the partnership of the Beatles broke up, but their influence continued, both in Britain and America. When John Lennon, one of the four boys, was murdered in New York, in December 1980, he was mourned by millions of people all over the world,[25]not only because of his fame as a Beatle, but because he had dedicated this fame to the cause of peace. Whatever happens to their music, the Beatles will surely have a permanent place in the social history of Britain.
22. What was Liverpool suddenly famous for in the 1960s?
23. Who wrote music for the Beatles?
24. Which of the following is an essential characteristic of pop culture according to the passage?
25. Why was Lennon mourned by so many people?