I think their experience in Germany made them really able to do almost anything...I love the Beatles, too...more than Zeppelin...As a matter of fact, I think Lennon could have done lead vocals for Zeppelin...And it would have been awesome...You're right, the Beatles broke big ground, and when they went solo, they kept the high standards 

How can a band that had such an enormous influence on pop & rock music possibly be overrated?

Even aside from the actual music, they completely changed the business. The Beatles made it not only common, but EXPECTED that bands would write their own material.

Guitar bands are a fad.

bapu
Guitar bands are a fad.

Maybe they should have been dubbed "the Fad Four"?