UK Single Release: Get Back / Don’t Let Me Down
Friday 11 April 1969 | Release, The Beatles
On 11 April 1969, The Beatles released ‘Get Back’ backed with ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ as a UK single through Apple Records (Parlophone R 5777).
The single was credited to The Beatles with Billy Preston — the first time a guest musician had received a credit on a Beatles single release.
Release Details
- A-side: Get Back
- B-side: Don’t Let Me Down
- Label: Apple Records (Parlophone R 5777)
- Release date: 11 April 1969 (UK)
- Producer: George Martin / Glyn Johns
- Credit: The Beatles with Billy Preston
Chart Performance
‘Get Back’ entered the UK singles chart and reached number one, where it remained for six weeks.
It also topped the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of The Beatles’ most commercially successful late-period singles.
Billy Preston’s Contribution
Billy Preston had joined The Beatles’ sessions at Apple Corps and Savile Row in January 1969, playing keyboards and helping to ease tensions within the group during the difficult Get Back sessions.
His credit on the single was unprecedented for a Beatles release and reflected the genuine collaborative spirit he brought to the recordings.
The Get Back Sessions
‘Get Back’ originated from the January 1969 sessions that would eventually become the Let It Be album and film. The song was conceived as a return to The Beatles’ rock and roll roots — stripped back, live, and unadorned.
The version released as a single was recorded live on the rooftop of Apple Corps, 3 Savile Row on 30 January 1969 — The Beatles’ final public performance.
Historical Significance
Released just days before ATV’s bid for Northern Songs became public knowledge, ‘Get Back’ arrived at one of the most turbulent periods in The Beatles’ history — yet still demonstrated their undiminished commercial power.
Location
3 Savile Row, London
England, UK
Rooftop concert location, 30 January 1969
Also on This Day in Beatles History
11 April is a significant date in Beatles history. Here’s what else happened:
- 11 April 1961 – The Beatles live at the Top Ten Club, Hamburg
- 11 April 1962 – The Beatles fly to Hamburg for the Star-Club residency
- 11 April 1963 – From Me To You UK single release
- 11 April 1963 – John Lennon meets his son Julian for the first time
- 11 April 1963 – The Beatles live at Co-operative Hall, Middleton
- 11 April 1965 – The Beatles at the NME Poll-Winners Concert, Wembley
- 11 April 1965 – The Beatles on The Eamonn Andrews Show
- 11 April 1966 – The Beatles recording Love You To & Got To Get You Into My Life
- 11 April 1967 – Paul McCartney jam session with Brian Wilson & John Phillips
- 11 April 1969 – ATV offers to buy Northern Songs shares
- 11 April 2002 – Paul McCartney live at United Center, Chicago
- 11 April 2019 – Ringo Starr All-Starr Band live in Osaka
FAQ
When was Get Back released in the UK?
11 April 1969 on Apple Records.
Who received a credit on the single?
Billy Preston — the first guest musician credited on a Beatles single.
Did Get Back reach number one?
Yes, it topped both the UK and US charts.
Where was the single version recorded?
The released version was recorded live on the rooftop of Apple Corps, Savile Row, on 30 January 1969.
Explore more Beatles history: The Beatles Knowledge Hub | On This Day in Beatles History
Shop the Get Back era: Let It Be & Get Back Collection
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