Is a consensus client now mandatory for ETHEREUM? geth - cannot sync

[ascqrwasc33]

Dear all,

All I intend to do is to create a few ethereum addresses and check the balance using geth.   I am not staking or doing anything else.
Do I till need a beacon? .. a consensus client?
I am unable to sync using geth - I get this warning:

Code:

Post-merge network, but no beacon client seen. Please launch one to follow the chain!

Please advise.

[ascqrwasc33]

Please someone, it is  a simple yes and no question for those who run geth.