The Beatles were an influential English rock band formed in 1960 in Liverpool. They were composed of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They became hugely popular in the 1960s, helping to launch the "British Invasion" and shift the focus of rock music from the United States to the United Kingdom. The Beatles pioneered experimental studio techniques and incorporated elements of world music. They remain one of the best-selling and most influential bands of all time.