Paul McCartney Announces The Beatles’ Split – 10 April 1970
Friday 10 April 1970 | Press Release, The Beatles
On 10 April 1970, Paul McCartney issued a self-interview press release to promote his debut solo album McCartney. Within it, he effectively confirmed the end of The Beatles.
Although he did not explicitly state “The Beatles have split,” his answers regarding the future of the group and his relationship with John Lennon left little doubt.
The Self-Interview That Changed Everything
Rather than conducting traditional press interviews, McCartney asked Peter Brown of Apple to compile a questionnaire, which he answered himself. The document accompanied advance copies of his album.
Its contents were quickly leaked to the press, triggering global headlines and confirming what had been rumoured for months.
“The world reaction was like ‘The Beatles Have Broken Up – It’s Official’ – we’d known it for months… I think it was the press who misunderstood.”
Key Statements from McCartney
Several answers within the interview made the situation unmistakable:
Q: Are you planning a new album or single with the Beatles?
A: No.
Q: Do you foresee a time when Lennon-McCartney becomes an active songwriting partnership again?
A: No.
Q: Is your break with the Beatles temporary or permanent?
A: Personal differences, business differences, musical differences… Temporary or permanent? I don’t really know.
He also made clear his independence from the group’s management:
Q: What is your relationship with Klein?
A: It isn’t. I am not in contact with him, and he does not represent me in ANY way.
Context Behind the Announcement
The announcement came just one week before the release of McCartney (17 April 1970), and while the Beatles’ final album Let It Be was still awaiting release.
John Lennon had privately left the band months earlier but had agreed to keep it quiet for business reasons.
McCartney’s public statements broke that silence—intentionally or not—and marked the definitive end of the group in the public eye.
Apple’s Response
Later that same day, Apple issued what would become The Beatles’ final official press statement — a deliberately vague response written by press officer Derek Taylor, attempting to calm the situation without directly confirming or denying the split.
Reaction and Legacy
The press response was immediate and global. Headlines declared the breakup official, shocking fans despite ongoing rumours throughout late 1969 and early 1970.
The moment remains one of the most significant turning points in music history, signalling the end of the most influential band of the 20th century.
Location
3 Savile Row
London, United Kingdom
Headquarters of The Beatles’ business operations in 1970
Location Map
Also on This Day in Beatles History
10 April is one of the most significant dates in Beatles history. Here's what else happened:
- 10 April 1961 – The Beatles live at the Top Ten Club, Hamburg
- 10 April 1962 – Stuart Sutcliffe, original Beatles bassist, dies in Hamburg
- 10 April 1964 – The Beatles’ Second Album released in the US
- 10 April 1964 – The Beatles filming A Hard Day’s Night at Twickenham
- 10 April 1965 – The Beatles film Top Of The Pops at Riverside Studios
- 10 April 1967 – Paul McCartney records with The Beach Boys
- 10 April 1970 – George Harrison BBC Fact Or Fantasy interview
- 10 April 1970 – The Beatles’ final Apple press release
- 10 April 1972 – FBI surveillance of John Lennon ordered
- 10 April 2002 – Paul McCartney live at United Center, Chicago
- 10 April 2003 – Paul McCartney live at Manchester MEN Arena
- 10 April 2011 – The Beatles’ first contract goes to auction
- 10 April 2019 – Ringo Starr All-Starr Band live in Amagasaki
FAQ
Did Paul McCartney officially say The Beatles had split?
No, but his answers in the press release made it clear the band was no longer active.
When did this announcement happen?
10 April 1970.
Had John Lennon already left?
Yes, Lennon had privately left the band in 1969 but had not made it public.
Why did McCartney release the statement?
It was issued as part of the promotion for his debut solo album McCartney.
Explore more Beatles history: The Beatles Knowledge Hub | On This Day in Beatles History
Shop the Let It Be era: Let It Be & Get Back Collection | The Beatles: Apple Collection
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