• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

Paul McCartney says John Lennon instigated breakup of The Beatles

2:46
Exclusive 1st look at new docuseries, 'McCartney 3,2,1'
PA Images via Getty Images, FILE
ByMegan Stone
October 11, 2021, 3:38 PM

It's been more than 50 years since Paul McCartney announced The Beatles were going their separate ways and, in a new interview, the rock legend discussed who actually was responsible for initiating the breakup.

"I didn't instigate the split. That was our Johnny," McCartney, 79, said regarding the late John Lennon when talking to BBC Radio 4's "This Cultural Life." The Guardian obtained an advanced copy of the special, which is scheduled to air Oct. 23.

He recalled, "John walked into a room one day and said, 'I am leaving The Beatles.'"

Related Articles

MORE: Paul McCartney admits he often dreams about John Lennon and playing with The Beatles

McCartney said ending The Beatles was a difficult pill to swallow that led to "the most difficult period" of his life. He said he and bandmates Ringo Starr and George Harrison were "left to pick up the pieces" by being forced to keep Lennon's exit a secret.

"So for a few months we had to pretend. It was weird because we all knew it was the end of The Beatles, but we couldn't just walk away," McCartney told the outlet.

The pressure eventually got the best of him. He said he became "fed up of hiding it" and admittedly "let the cat out of the bag" when promoting his debut solo album "McCartney" in April 1970.

Related Articles

MORE: John Lennon's son Sean posts photo with Paul McCartney's son James

McCartney also reflected on the infamous lawsuit he brought against his bandmates, saying it was because he didn't want to be controlled by manager Allen Klein.

"I had to fight, and the only way I could fight was in suing the other Beatles," he noted. "They thanked me for it years later."

McCartney also said he thinks that, had Lennon stayed, The Beatles "could have" survived for longer, adding, "This was my band, this was my job, this was my life, so I wanted it to continue."

Up Next in Culture—

Eric Dane says he's 'resilient' and 'very hopeful' amid ALS diagnosis

June 17, 2025

Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson star in 'The Naked Gun' trailer: Watch here

June 16, 2025

Venice locals protest Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' wedding in Italy

June 16, 2025

Justin Bieber talks 'anger issues,' says he's 'broken' in emotional Instagram post

June 16, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News