Leng says that the song especially resonates in pop culture history after John Lennon's murder in New York City in 1980 and Harrison's knife attack at Friar Park in 1999, both of which were carried out by individuals who were obsessed with the Beatles. He comments that the Beatles' unprecedented impact "virtually invented" the tradition of rock fans being emotionally invested in their heroes' work; given that this tradition became increasingly manipulated for commercial gain, Leng continues, "Apple Scruffs" represents "an echo from a distant, carefree age" and "shows how much has been lost".