Final answer:
The three major controversies that caused the Beatles' career to decline and forced them to stop touring were John Lennon's 'more popular than Jesus' comment, their experimentation with drugs, and their decision to stop touring.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three major controversies that surrounded the Beatles and caused their career to decline were:
- John Lennon's 'more popular than Jesus' comment: In 1966, Lennon made a remark in an interview stating that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus, which sparked outrage among religious groups in the United States. This led to boycotts, protests, and even death threats against the band. As a result, their music was banned by some radio stations and their concerts faced opposition and cancellations.
- Their experimentation with drugs: Starting in the mid-1960s, the Beatles began experimenting with drugs, particularly LSD. This not only affected their personal lives but also influenced their music, which became more experimental and psychedelic. Some fans and critics accused them of promoting drug use, which further added to the controversies surrounding the band.
- Their decision to stop touring: After years of relentless touring, the Beatles decided to stop touring in 1966. This decision was influenced by various factors, including exhaustion, the difficulty of reproducing their studio recordings live, and the growing tension within the band. While their decision was met with disappointment by fans, it allowed them to focus on creating innovative and influential studio albums like 'Rubber Soul,' 'Revolver,' and 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.'
These controversies, along with other factors, contributed to the decline of their career as a live performing band and eventually led to their breakup in 1970.