What's Next for Strawberry Peppers? (Phase Two)

As Phase One of Strawberry Peppers comes to a close, the inevitable question has been, what's going to happen in Phase Two? Well, the period of 1971-1976 is going to be a pretty big one for sure, so here's a brief summary as to what will happen for the already established stories:

The March of the Queen Beatle

John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr continue as the Ladders, effectively leaving the Beatles in limbo. Meanwhile, Paul McCartney tries to make a solo name for himself per OTL, with questionable results. He eventually forms a band with Denny Laine of the Moody Blues, Brian May and Roger Taylor of Smile, becoming Paul McCartney & Smile (OTL's equivalent to Wings and 1970s Queen). Meanwhile, Freddie Mercury has a solo career during the 1970s under Apple.

Jumpin' Jack's Knife

The Rolling Stones plus David Bowie have a discography falling into Bowie's trajectory during this period.

Villains and Heroes

Dennis Wilson continues with the Passions, even absorbing some members of the British band Traffic into becoming Passions members. He will also come across a certain Liverpudlian trio, even producing for them.

The Reconstructor had suggested to me that I make Denny Laine a member of Traffic as Wings doesn't form in this timeline, but already having Denny as a member of Smile, I figured I could re-purpose the idea for the Passions instead.

Interstellar Overdrive

Syd Barrett stays with Pink Floyd until 1972, at which point, he ends up deciding to carve his own path and forms a supergroup with David Bowie, Lou Reed and Iggy Pop called Hunky Dory. They are then joined by Barrett's friends Kevin Ayers and Robert Wyatt; although the supergroup doesn't reach dizzying heights, their music soon gains a cult following in later years. Meanwhile, Pink Floyd continues as a four-man group.

Inspired partially by Auran's Gummaumma timeline.

Happy Jacks

The Who release Lifehouse to try and one-up the Rolling Stones before finally throwing in the towel after the Stones put out Ziggy Stardust.

Through the Looking Glass

Things happen just about the same as OTL, although Peter Tork, alongside George Harrison, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, assists in the formation of Highway Records, the Los Angeles branch of Apple, even serving as a producer for up and coming acts.

Dazed with Confusion

Things happen the same as they did in OTL, but the albums have differing tracklistings.

Seasoned for the Time

The Zombies' discography of the 1970s draws parallels to both Colin Blunstone's initial solo discography and Argent's in the 1970s.

Apple Badge

Cream breaks up around late 1971/early 1972 following the release of Layla, often considered to be the group's magnum opus. Eric Clapton's solo career continues as it did per OTL.

And now for the new stories that will be taking place in this already crazy story:

Day After Day

Badfinger gets better promotion and recognition than they did in OTL, and Pete Ham doesn't commit suicide in 1975. After Badfinger breaks up, Ham gets a change of musical career as producer as a request to George Harrison.

Before the Silver Rushes

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young continue as a group into the 1970s despite their clashing egos. Despite all the drama, they still get together in the midst of the political climate with songs such as "War Song", and manage to put out Human Highway.

The Wizzards of Art Rock

The Electric Light Orchestra gets signed onto Apple, and Roy Wood stays with the group until 1975.

The following don't have a determined story title as of yet, but they will play a big role in the politically challenged world of 1971-1976:

President George McGovern (term; 1973-1977)

The Watergate scandal explodes earlier when a member of Richard Nixon's cabinet blows their whistle, resulting in Nixon's popularity declining sharply. The likes of CSNY and the Ladders use their music to bring more social awareness in the United States, even supporting Democratic candidate George McGovern against Nixon. McGovern is not particularly popular by the time the election takes place due to being ahead of his time, but he ends up winning the presidency as America does not want a crook in the White House. McGovern, the 38th President of the United States of America, lasts for one term, his most notable achievement ending the Vietnam War on Christmas Eve, 1973. Meanwhile, Richard Nixon is trialed for his involvement in Watergate and is sentenced to ten years in prison on August 9, 1974 (the same day he resigned in OTL).

The Mel Brooks Posse and Apple Films

Michael Lindsay-Hogg and Brian Epstein agree to a contract for Mel Brooks to produce and direct three movies in conjunction Apple Films; Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and Silent Movie. It's during the production of the former (as well as the midst of the Ladders' Lost Weekend) that John Lennon first meets with actress Madeline Kahn (the woman he was married to in the prologue), even beginning a relationship with her. The Ladders also befriend the likes of Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Harvey Korman, Peter Boyle and Dom DeLuise during the production of these movies.

There's also one more idea I have in mind for the Beatles in 1976... but I won't spoil anything until we get to it.

Anyway, those are all the ideas I have thus far for Phase Two. Things may inevitably change during the writing phase, so keep an eye out for everything.