The article revisits how The Beatles regarded keyboardist Billy Preston as an unofficial "Fifth Beatle" during their fraught final years, when tensions within the band were running high amid business disputes following manager Brian Epstein's death. Unlike most outsiders, Preston was welcomed into the band's rehearsals and recording sessions, with George Harrison bringing him in and the rest of the group embracing his presence at a time when internal relationships were strained.

During the sessions captured in the "Get Back" film, John Lennon can be heard suggesting Preston formally join as a "Fifth Beatle" and telling him "you're in the group" after he played on several tracks. Ringo Starr later recalled first meeting Preston in Germany when he was just 16 or 17, playing with Little Richard, describing him as "an incredible musician" who felt "like part of the band". Preston went on to feature on tracks including "Don't Let Me Down", and was given one of the only credited guest appearances on a Beatles record.