Paul McCartney: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy

Sir James Paul McCartney CH MBE (born 18 June 1942) is a co-founder of The Beatles and one of the most successful musicians and composers in history. This page covers his full story – from the streets of Liverpool and the Cavern Club to Abbey Road, Wings, and his ongoing solo career.

Early Life & Liverpool

James Paul McCartney was born on 18 June 1942 at Walton Hospital, Liverpool. Mary McCartney died of breast cancer in 1956, when Paul was just fourteen. Her loss had a profound effect on him and would resurface throughout his songwriting for decades — most explicitly in Let It Be, inspired by a dream in which his mother came to him with words of comfort.

Paul met John Lennon on 6 July 1957 at a church fête in Woolton, where Lennon's skiffle group The Quarrymen were performing. He was invited to join the group — a decision that would change the course of popular music.

The Beatles Years (1960–1970)

By 1960, The Quarrymen had evolved into The Beatles. The band honed their craft during residencies in Hamburg before building a devoted following at the Cavern Club. In 1962, they signed with EMI and began working with producer George Martin at Abbey Road Studios.

Paul McCartney as a Songwriter

The Lennon–McCartney partnership is widely regarded as the greatest songwriting collaboration in popular music history. Yesterday — written entirely by McCartney — remains the most covered song in history, with over 2,200 recorded versions.

Paul McCartney in the Recording Studio

McCartney's studio instincts shaped The Beatles' sound across every era. His bass playing, often recorded last and treated as a lead instrument, is studied by musicians worldwide.

The Beatles: Album by Album

The Beatles Era by Era

Early Era (1960–1963) – Hamburg, the Cavern Club, and the rise to national fame
Beatlemania Era (1964–1966) – World tours, Ed Sullivan, and global fame
Psychedelic Era (1967–1968) – Sgt. Pepper's, Magical Mystery Tour, studio experimentation
Late Era (1969–1970) – Get Back sessions, Abbey Road, and the break-up

Paul McCartney's Solo Career & Wings

After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, McCartney launched one of the most commercially successful solo careers in music history, selling an estimated 100 million records as a solo artist across 18 studio albums.

→ Paul McCartney Solo Discography: The Complete Guide
Every album from McCartney (1970) to McCartney III (2020) and beyond — reviewed with recording facts, chart history, and legacy.

McCartney (1970) – Debut solo album, recorded entirely at home
Ram (1971) – With Linda McCartney, now regarded as a classic
Band on the Run (1973) – Widely regarded as his finest solo work, recorded in Lagos
Tug of War (1982) – Produced by George Martin; featuring Stevie Wonder and Here Today
Flaming Pie (1997) – A critically acclaimed return to form
Chaos and Creation in the Backyard (2005) – Produced by Nigel Godrich
McCartney III (2020) – Recorded during lockdown; UK #1
The Boys Of Dungeon Lane (2026) – 18th solo studio album, released 29 May 2026

Paul McCartney Live: Touring History

Wings Over the World Tour (1975–76)
Paul McCartney World Tour (1989–90)
New World Tour (1993)
Driving World Tour (2002)
- 18 May 2002: National Car Rental Center, Sunrise
Back In The World Tour (2003)
- 18 May 2003: Königsplatz, Munich
Out There Tour (2013–2015)
- 18 May 2013: Amway Center, Orlando
- 18 May 2014: Tokyo National Stadium shows postponed
Got Back Tour (2022–25) – Including headline at Glastonbury 2022
Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles (March 2026): 27 March | 28 March
Apple Park, Cupertino (31 March 2026)

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul McCartney

How old is Paul McCartney?

Paul McCartney was born on 18 June 1942. He is 83 years old as of 2026.

Is Paul McCartney still alive?

Yes. Paul McCartney is alive and actively recording and performing. His 18th solo studio album, The Boys Of Dungeon Lane, is released on 29 May 2026.