Apple Denies Paul McCartney Has Left The Beatles – 9 April 1970
Thursday 9 April 1970 | Paul McCartney
On 9 April 1970, Apple Corps issued an official statement denying that Paul McCartney had left The Beatles, as rumours of a split began to spread through the media.
The speculation followed the distribution of advance copies of McCartney's debut solo album McCartney, which were sent to journalists along with a self-interview questionnaire discussing his music, Apple, and the future of the band.
Apple's Official Response
The statement was delivered by Mavis Smith, assistant to Derek Taylor in Apple's press office, in an attempt to calm growing reports of a break-up.
“This is just not true. Although it is true that there are no plans at the moment for more Beatles recordings, this is quite normal. Next month, their new LP will be issued. It has already been recorded so, consequently, as there is already material available, there are no plans for more recordings. I hope that The Beatles will get together for another recording session after the summer.”
Smith also addressed McCartney's absence from Apple headquarters:
“He communicates by telephone and, as he has got recording studios at his home, it is not necessary for him to come in. Paul will issue a statement today with the release of his new album, but any critical statements do not mean a real break-up of the group!”
Behind the Scenes Tensions
Despite the public denial, tensions within The Beatles had been escalating for months. McCartney had not visited Apple's Savile Row offices since before Christmas 1969, further fuelling speculation.
Later that day, aware that the story was about to escalate, McCartney telephoned John Lennon, who was staying at Dr Arthur Janov's private clinic in London.
Lennon later recalled the conversation:
“Paul said to me, ‘I’m now doing what you and Yoko were doing last year. I understand what you were doing’, all that s**t. So I said to him, ‘Good luck to yer.’”
The Beginning of the End
Although Apple publicly denied the split on 9 April, the situation would change dramatically within 24 hours.
On 10 April 1970, McCartney's press release would confirm what many already suspected — effectively signalling the end of The Beatles as a working band.
This moment stands as one of the final attempts to maintain unity in public, even as the group was privately dissolving. Read more about this era on our Late Beatles Era page.
Location: Apple Corps, Savile Row, London
3 Savile Row
London
England
Location of The Beatles' Apple office, from which the official denial statement was issued.
FAQs
Did Apple deny The Beatles had split in April 1970?
Yes, on 9 April 1970 Apple issued a statement saying the reports were not true.
Why did rumours begin?
Advance copies of Paul McCartney's solo album included comments that suggested a possible break from the band.
Who issued the official statement?
Mavis Smith, assistant to Apple press officer Derek Taylor.
Was the denial accurate?
Only temporarily — McCartney confirmed his departure the following day.
Why is this moment important?
It marks the final public attempt to deny The Beatles' break-up before it became official.
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