The Beatles’ Final Press Release – 10 April 1970
Friday 10 April 1970 | Press Release, The Beatles
On 10 April 1970, in response to worldwide headlines following Paul McCartney’s self-interview press release announcing the Beatles split, Apple issued what would become The Beatles’ final official press statement.
While McCartney’s comments had effectively confirmed the group’s breakup, this statement attempted to calm the situation—without directly confirming or denying it.
The Official Apple Statement
“Spring is here and Leeds play Chelsea tomorrow and Ringo and John and George and Paul are alive and well and full of hope.
The world is still spinning and so are we and so are you.
When the spinning stops – that’ll be the time to worry. Not before.
Until then, The Beatles are alive and well and the Beat goes on, the Beat goes on.”
Written by Derek Taylor
The statement was written by Apple press officer Derek Taylor and typed by his assistant Mavis Smith. It was deliberately vague, offering reassurance without addressing the reality of the situation directly.
Taylor later reflected on the moment:
“I did put out a statement, one of those very circular statements that actually says nothing… ‘John, Paul, George and Ringo are still John, Paul, George and Ringo… the world keeps spinning…’”
“I absolutely did believe – as millions of others did – that the friendship The Beatles had for each other was a lifesaver… But we expected too much of them.”
Global Reaction
Despite the attempt to steady public perception, the damage had already been done. McCartney’s earlier statements had triggered global headlines, and the press widely interpreted the situation as the official end of The Beatles.
This final statement now stands as the last official communication from the band as a unit, closing one of the most important chapters in music history.
Location
3 Savile Row
London, United Kingdom
Headquarters of The Beatles 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 – Paul McCartney announces the Beatles split
- 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
What was The Beatles’ final press release?
A statement issued by Apple on 10 April 1970 responding to reports of the band’s breakup.
Did it confirm the split?
No, it avoided directly confirming or denying it.
Who wrote the statement?
Derek Taylor, The Beatles’ press officer.
Why is it significant?
It is the final official communication issued on behalf of The Beatles as a group.
Explore more Beatles history: The Beatles Knowledge Hub | On This Day in Beatles History
Shop the Apple era: The Beatles: Apple Collection
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