Career Timeline of Paul McCartney: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Paul McCartney made an impact.
Sir Paul McCartney is an iconic English musician, singer, and songwriter, renowned for his pivotal role in The Beatles. As the band's bassist and keyboardist, he shared primary songwriting and lead vocal duties with John Lennon, forming arguably the most successful songwriting partnership in music history. Known for his melodic bass lines, versatile tenor vocals, and musical eclecticism, McCartney has explored diverse genres from pop and ballads to classical and electronica, solidifying his legacy as a highly influential and innovative figure in popular music.
July 1957: Meeting John Lennon
In July 1957, Paul McCartney met John Lennon at the St Peter's Church Hall fête in Woolton, where Lennon's band, the Quarrymen, was playing.
1957: Joining The Quarrymen
In 1957, Paul McCartney began his music career by joining John Lennon's skiffle group, The Quarrymen. This marked the beginning of his journey toward global fame.
1958: Harrison Joins the Band
In 1958, George Harrison joined the band as lead guitarist, further solidifying the lineup that would become the Beatles.
May 1960: Band name trials
By May 1960, the band had tried several names, including Johnny and the Moondogs, Beatals and the Silver Beetles.
August 1960: Becoming The Beatles
In August 1960, after trying several names, the band formally adopted the name 'The Beatles' and recruited drummer Pete Best, marking the start of the band's journey.
1960: Evolution into the Beatles
In 1960, The Quarrymen evolved into the Beatles, marking a significant milestone in music history. Paul McCartney played a crucial role in the band's success.
1961: Becoming the Beatles' Bass Player
In 1961, after Stuart Sutcliffe left the Beatles, Paul McCartney took over as the band's bass player.
January 1962: Brian Epstein Becomes Manager
In January 1962, Brian Epstein became the manager of the Beatles, marking a pivotal moment in the band's subsequent development and success.
January 1962: Rejected by Decca Records
In January 1962, The Beatles were famously rejected by Decca Records, Paul McCartney would later sign with them in August 2011.
June 1962: The Beatles sign with Parlophone Records
In June 1962, The Beatles, including Paul McCartney, signed their first recording contract with Parlophone Records, which was a subsidiary of EMI.
1962: Start of Songwriting Success
Between 1962 and 1978, Paul McCartney wrote jointly or solo 43 songs which sold one million or more records.
1963: Dick James establishes Northern Songs
In 1963, Dick James established Northern Songs to publish the songs of Lennon–McCartney.
1963: Beatlemania Photos Taken
In 1963, Paul McCartney took photographs at the height of Beatlemania, which were later published in his 2023 book "1964: Eyes of the Storm".
1963: Popularity in the UK
In 1963, the Beatles became popular in the UK, marking a significant milestone in their early career.
1964: McCartney bought the Casino
In 1964, Paul McCartney bought the Casino guitar, noting that its hollow body would produce more feedback. He has retained that original guitar to the present day.
1964: Beatlemania Photos Taken
In 1964, Paul McCartney took photographs at the height of Beatlemania, which were later published in his 2023 book "1964: Eyes of the Storm".
1964: The Beatles groundbreaking performance on The Ed Sullivan Show
In 1964, The Beatles had a groundbreaking performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, which was celebrated in a 2014 tribute show.
1964: Popularity in the US
In 1964, the Beatles gained popularity in the US, with fan hysteria becoming known as 'Beatlemania.'
1965: Favoured Rickenbacker 4001S for recording
From 1965, Paul McCartney favoured his Rickenbacker 4001S for recording.
1965: McCartney's ownership in Northern Songs decreases
In 1965, Paul McCartney's ownership in Northern Songs decreased from 20% to 15% after a public stock offering.
November 1966: Experimental Recording Sessions
Beginning in November 1966, the Beatles adopted an experimental attitude during recording sessions for their album, leading to innovative approaches in their music.
1966: The Beatles played their final concert for a paying audience
In 1966, Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California, was the venue at which The Beatles played their final concert for a paying audience, before Paul McCartney performed there again in 2014.
1966: Film Score for The Family Way
In 1966, Paul McCartney completed his first independent musical project by composing a film score for the UK production 'The Family Way,' winning an Ivor Novello Award for Best Instrumental Theme.
August 1967: Epstein's Death and Leadership Shift
In August 1967, Brian Epstein's death created a void in the Beatles' leadership, leading Paul McCartney to gradually step into the role of de facto leader and business manager of the group.
1967: Started using a Fender Bassman for amplification
By 1967, Paul McCartney had also begun using a Fender Bassman for amplification, in addition to Vox amplifiers.
1967: The Beatles re-sign with EMI
In 1967, The Beatles re-signed with EMI for another nine years, continuing their recording contract.
1967: Ascension within The Beatles
Starting with the release of 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' in 1967, Paul McCartney gradually became the de facto leader of The Beatles, providing creative direction for their music and film projects.
1968: Drumming on "And the Sun Will Shine"
In 1968, Paul McCartney played drums on Paul Jones' rendition of "And the Sun Will Shine".
1968: The Beatles form Apple Records
In 1968, The Beatles formed their own record label called Apple Records, through which their recordings would be released, although EMI retained ownership of the masters.
1968: "Hey Jude" Success
In 1968, The Beatles' composition "Hey Jude" achieved the highest sales in the UK that year and topped the US charts for nine weeks. It was also the longest single released by the band and, at seven minutes eleven seconds, was at that time the longest number one.
September 1969: John Lennon privately leaves the Beatles
In September 1969, John Lennon privately left the Beatles, but agreed to keep it secret to not jeopardise ongoing business negotiations.
1969: James sells controlling interest in Northern Songs
In 1969, Dick James sold a controlling interest in Northern Songs to Lew Grade's Associated Television (ATV), after which McCartney and John Lennon sold their remaining shares.
1969: Drumming on Steve Miller Band tracks
In 1969, Paul McCartney played drums on Steve Miller Band's tracks "Celebration Song" and "My Dark Hour".
April 1970: Departure from the Beatles
On April 10, 1970, amidst business disagreements, Paul McCartney announced his departure from The Beatles.
December 1970: Suit for dissolution of The Beatles
On December 31, 1970, Paul McCartney filed a suit for the formal dissolution of The Beatles, marking a significant step in the band's separation.
1970: Release of first solo album, McCartney
In 1970, Paul McCartney released his first solo album, "McCartney", which reached number one in the US.
1970: Solo Debut and Formation of Wings
In 1970, after the Beatles disbanded, Paul McCartney debuted as a solo artist with the album 'McCartney' and formed the band Wings with his wife, Linda, and Denny Laine.
March 1971: Appointment of receiver for Apple Corps
In March 1971, the court appointed a receiver to oversee the finances of the Beatles' company, Apple Corps.
1971: McCartney bought the publishing rights to Holly's catalogue
In 1971, Paul McCartney bought the publishing rights to Buddy Holly's catalogue.
1971: Formation of Wings
In 1971, after the break-up of The Beatles, Paul and Linda McCartney collaborated musically and formed the band Wings.
1972: McCartney re-signs with ATV
In 1972, McCartney re-signed with ATV for seven years in a joint publishing agreement between ATV and McCartney Music.
1972: First concert tour with Wings begins
In 1972, Wings' first concert tour began with a debut performance at the University of Nottingham, initiating a series of unannounced gigs across UK universities.
March 1973: First US number-one single for Wings
In March 1973, Wings achieved their first US number-one single, "My Love", from their second LP, Red Rose Speedway.
1973: End of ATV contract for Lennon and McCartney
In 1973, McCartney and John Lennon's contract with ATV ended, following the sale of their shares in Northern Songs in 1969.
1973: Collaboration on "Six O'Clock"
In 1973, Paul McCartney contributed instrumentation and backing vocals for "Six O'Clock", a song he wrote for Ringo Starr's album Ringo.
1973: Voted Best Rock Bassist in Creem's Reader Poll
In 1973, Paul McCartney was voted the best rock bassist in Creem's Reader Poll.
1973: Release of Band on the Run
In 1973, after McCullough and Seiwell departed, the McCartneys and Laine recorded "Band on the Run". The album became the first of seven platinum Wings LPs and topped charts in both the US and UK.
1974: Voted Best Rock Bassist in Creem's Reader Poll
In 1974, Paul McCartney was voted the best rock bassist in Creem's Reader Poll.
1974: Wings achieved a second US number-one single with the title track
In 1974, Wings achieved a second US number-one single with the title track. The album also included the top-ten hits "Jet" and "Helen Wheels", and earned the 418th spot on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
January 1975: Legal dissolution of the Beatles
On January 9, 1975, an English court legally dissolved The Beatles' partnership.
1975: Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance
In 1975, Paul McCartney and Wings won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance for the song "Band on the Run", and Geoff Emerick won the Grammy for Best Engineered Recording for the album.
1975: McCartney campaigns against UK membership of the EEC
In 1975, Paul McCartney campaigned against the United Kingdom's continued membership of the European Economic Community in the referendum.
1975: Voted third best rock bassist in Creem's Reader Poll
In 1975, Paul McCartney was voted the third best rock bassist in Creem's Reader Poll.
1975: Wings Over the World Tour begins
In 1975, Wings embarked on the fourteen-month Wings Over the World Tour, encompassing the UK, Australia, Europe, and the US, and marking the first live performances of Beatles songs by McCartney with Wings.
1976: Release of Wings at the Speed of Sound
In 1976, Wings released the chart-topping album "Wings at the Speed of Sound", adding to their string of successful albums.
1976: Inauguration of annual "Buddy Holly Week" in England
In 1976, on the fortieth anniversary of Buddy Holly's birth, Paul McCartney inaugurated the annual "Buddy Holly Week" in England.
1976: End of Beatles' contract with EMI
In 1976, the Beatles' 1967 recording contract with EMI, which had been releasing McCartney's music through Apple Records following the band's break-up, came to an end.
1977: Voted third best rock bassist in Creem's Reader Poll
In 1977, Paul McCartney was voted the third best rock bassist in Creem's Reader Poll.
1978: Songwriting Success Statistics
Between 1962 and 1978, Paul McCartney wrote jointly or solo 43 songs which sold one million or more records.
1978: McCartney acquires publishing rights to early Beatles songs
In 1978, McCartney acquired the publishing rights to two of the Beatles' earliest songs, "Love Me Do" and "P.S. I Love You", from Ardmore & Beechwood, an EMI subsidiary.
1978: Release of London Town
In 1978, Wings released "London Town", which spawned the US number-one single "With a Little Luck" and achieved top-five status in both the US and the UK.
1979: McCartney signs with Columbia Records
In 1979, McCartney signed with Columbia Records in the US and Canada, reportedly receiving the industry's most lucrative recording contract to date, while remaining with EMI for distribution throughout the rest of the world.
1979: Release of Back to the Egg and final concert tour
In 1979, Wings released "Back to the Egg", featuring the 'Rockestra' supergroup. Also in 1979, Wings completed their final concert tour in the UK.
1979: Wings' last number-one hit
In 1979, the live version of the song "Coming Up", recorded in Glasgow, Scotland, by Wings, became the group's last number-one hit.
1979: MPL Communications publishes McCartney's songs
Since 1979, MPL Communications has been the publisher of McCartney's songs.
1980: Release of McCartney II
In 1980, Paul McCartney released his second solo LP, "McCartney II", which he self-produced and performed alone, reaching number one in the UK and number three in the US.
1980: Resuming Solo Career
In 1980, Paul McCartney resumed his solo career after the dissolution of Wings, continuing to create music as an individual artist.
April 1981: Wings discontinue
In April 1981, Wings discontinued after Denny Laine quit due to disagreements over royalties and salaries.
1981: McCartney and Ono attempt to purchase Northern Songs
In 1981, Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono attempted to purchase the Northern Songs catalogue, but Grade declined their offer.
1981: Rupert and the Frog Song
In 1981, Paul McCartney asked Geoff Dunbar to direct a short animated film called "Rupert and the Frog Song"; McCartney was the writer and producer, and he also added some of the character voices. His song "We All Stand Together" from the film's soundtrack reached No. 3 in the UK Singles Chart.
1981: Backing Vocals on "All Those Years Ago"
In 1981, Paul McCartney sang backing vocals on George Harrison's tribute to John Lennon, "All Those Years Ago", which also featured Ringo Starr on drums.
1982: Collaborations with Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson
In 1982, Paul McCartney collaborated with Stevie Wonder on "Ebony and Ivory" and with Michael Jackson on "The Girl Is Mine", achieving his 28th number-one single on the Billboard 100.
1982: Release of "Here Today"
In 1982, Paul McCartney released his own tribute to John Lennon, "Here Today".
1984: Starring in Give My Regards to Broad Street
In 1984, Paul McCartney starred in "Give My Regards to Broad Street", a film he also wrote and produced, which received poor reviews but had a successful soundtrack album.
1985: McCartney returns to Capitol Records
In 1985, McCartney returned to Capitol Records in the US, remaining with EMI until 2006.
1985: Michael Jackson acquires ATV Music
In 1985, Michael Jackson acquired ATV Music from Robert Holmes à Court, the parent company of which had been acquired in a takeover. ATV Music held the Northern Songs catalogue.
1985: Participation in Live Aid
In 1985, Paul McCartney participated in Live Aid, performing "Let It Be", despite initial technical difficulties. Other musicians like David Bowie, Alison Moyet, Pete Townshend and Bob Geldof joined McCartney on stage.
1985: The Real Buddy Holly Story
In 1985, Paul McCartney produced and hosted "The Real Buddy Holly Story", a documentary featuring interviews with Keith Richards, Phil and Don Everly, the Holly family, and others.
1986: Collaboration on Press to Play
In 1986, Paul McCartney collaborated with Eric Stewart on "Press to Play", with Stewart co-writing more than half of the songs on the LP.
1988: Release of Снова в СССР
In 1988, Paul McCartney released "Снова в СССР", an album initially available only in the Soviet Union, featuring eighteen covers recorded in two days.
September 1989: Launch of Paul McCartney World Tour
In September 1989, Paul McCartney launched the Paul McCartney World Tour, his first tour in over a decade, with a band including himself, Linda, and other musicians.
1989: McCartney participates in Ferry Cross the Mersey recording
In 1989, Paul McCartney participated in the charity recording of "Ferry Cross the Mersey".
1989: Release of Flowers in the Dirt album
In 1989, Paul McCartney released the Flowers in the Dirt album which was his previous number-one solo album in the UK before McCartney III in 2020.
1989: Solo Touring
Since 1989, Paul McCartney has been touring as a solo artist, performing his music for audiences worldwide.
April 1990: Performance at Maracanã Stadium
On April 21, 1990, during the Paul McCartney World Tour, Paul McCartney performed for the largest paying stadium audience in history, with 184,000 people attending his concert at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
July 1990: Quote in Guitar Player
In July 1990, Paul McCartney was quoted in Guitar Player magazine.
1990: Changed back to the Höfner bass
Around 1990, Paul McCartney changed back to the Höfner bass after using a Wal 5-String during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
1990: Last performance in Pittsburgh before 2010
In 1990, Paul McCartney last performed in Pittsburgh before his 2010 performance at the Consol Energy Center.
1990: Favourite guitar players
In 1990, when asked who his favourite guitar players were, Paul McCartney included Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton and David Gilmour, stating, "but I still like Hendrix the best".
1991: Liverpool Oratorio and MTV Unplugged
In 1991, Paul McCartney ventured into orchestral music with Liverpool Oratorio and performed on MTV Unplugged, releasing a live album of the performance.
1992: BAFTA award
In 1992, Paul McCartney worked with Geoff Dunbar on an animated film about the work of French artist Honoré Daumier, which won them a BAFTA award.
1993: Collaboration with Youth of Killing Joke and release of Off the Ground
In 1993, Paul McCartney collaborated with Youth of Killing Joke as "the Fireman", releasing their first electronica album, and also released the rock album "Off the Ground", followed by the New World Tour and the Paul Is Live album.
1995: Northern Songs dissolved into Sony/ATV
In 1995, Michael Jackson merged his catalogue with Sony, establishing Sony/ATV Music Publishing, and Northern Songs was formally dissolved and absorbed into the Sony/ATV catalogue.
1995: Appearance on Simpsons
In 1995, Paul McCartney made a guest appearance on the Simpsons episode "Lisa the Vegetarian" with Linda and directed a short documentary about the Grateful Dead.
1995: McCartney narrates 'Devour the Earth'
In 1995, Paul McCartney narrated the documentary Devour the Earth, written by Tony Wardle, advocating for animal rights.
1995: Radio series Oobu Joobu and Honorary Fellowship
In 1995, Paul McCartney recorded a radio series called Oobu Joobu for the American network Westwood One, and Prince Charles presented him with an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Music.
1997: Many Years from Now Biography
In 1997, Barry Miles wrote Paul McCartney's official biography, "Many Years from Now".
1997: Releases of Flaming Pie and Standing Stone
In 1997, Paul McCartney released the rock album Flaming Pie, featuring Starr on drums and backing vocals. Later that year, he released the classical work Standing Stone, which topped the UK and US classical charts.
1997: McCartney supports decriminalisation of cannabis
In 1997, Paul McCartney spoke out in support of the decriminalisation of cannabis.
1997: Collaboration on "Beautiful Night"
In 1997, Ringo Starr played drums and sang backing vocals on "Beautiful Night" from Paul McCartney's album Flaming Pie.
1998: Collaboration on "Vertical Man"
In 1998, Paul McCartney contributed backing vocals on three songs and instrumentation on one song of Ringo Starr's album Vertical Man.
1999: First exhibition of McCartney's art in Germany
In 1999, Paul McCartney first exhibited his artwork in Siegen, Germany. The 70-painting show featured portraits of John Lennon, Andy Warhol, and David Bowie.
1999: Release of Run Devil Run
In 1999, Paul McCartney released Run Devil Run, an album of covers and McCartney originals recorded in one week, featuring Ian Paice and David Gilmour.
1999: McCartney invests in Linda McCartney Foods
In 1999, Paul McCartney spent £3,000,000 to ensure Linda McCartney Foods remained free of genetically engineered ingredients.
September 2000: First UK exhibition of McCartney's paintings
In September 2000, the first UK exhibition of Paul McCartney's paintings opened, featuring 500 canvases at the Arnolfini Gallery in Bristol, England.
October 2000: Art exhibition in Liverpool
In October 2000, Paul McCartney's art debuted in his hometown of Liverpool at the Walker Art Gallery.
2000: Release of Liverpool Sound Collage and Contribution to A Garland for Linda
In 2000, Paul McCartney released the electronica album Liverpool Sound Collage with Super Furry Animals and Youth. He also contributed the song "Nova" to a tribute album called A Garland for Linda dedicated to his late wife.
2001: Publication of Blackbird Singing
In 2001, Paul McCartney published "Blackbird Singing", a volume of poems and lyrics to his songs, and gave readings in Liverpool and New York City.
2001: Post-Harrison Collaborations
Since George Harrison's death in 2001, Paul McCartney has contributed to several of Ringo Starr's albums, and the two have performed together on stage on several occasions.
2003: McCartney meets with Vladimir Putin to advocate against landmines
In 2003, Paul McCartney and his wife Heather Mills met with Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, urging Russia to join the anti-landmine campaign.
2003: Release of Back in the US/Back in the World live album
In 2003, Paul McCartney released the double live album Back in the US internationally known as Back in the World, recorded during the Driving World Tour.
2004: McCartney donates song to aid US Campaign for Burma
In 2004, Paul McCartney donated a song to an album to aid the "US Campaign for Burma", in support of Burmese Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
2004: Tropic Island Hum
In 2004, Paul McCartney worked with Geoff Dunbar on the animated short film "Tropic Island Hum". The accompanying single, "Tropic Island Hum"/"We All Stand Together", reached number 21 in the UK.
2005: Publication of High in the Clouds
In 2005, Paul McCartney's first children's book, "High in the Clouds: An Urban Furry Tail", a collaboration with Philip Ardagh and Geoff Dunbar, was published by Faber & Faber. It featured a squirrel whose woodland home is razed by developers.
2006: Release of Ecce Cor Meum
In 2006, Paul McCartney released the classical work Ecce Cor Meum.
2006: McCartney ends contract with EMI
In 2006, Paul McCartney's contract with EMI ended after a long association.
2006: McCartneys raise awareness of seal hunting
In 2006, Paul and Heather McCartney travelled to Prince Edward Island to raise international awareness of seal hunting. They debated with Newfoundland's Premier on Larry King Live.
2007: McCartney signs with Hear Music
In 2007, McCartney signed with Hear Music, becoming the label's first artist.
2007: Release of Memory Almost Full
In 2007, Paul McCartney released the rock album Memory Almost Full.
September 2008: First Concert in Israel
In September 2008, Paul McCartney performed at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv, marking his first concert in Israel.
2008: McCartney donates song to Aid Still Required's CD
In 2008, Paul McCartney donated a song to Aid Still Required's CD, organised as an effort to raise funds to assist with the recovery from the devastation caused in Southeast Asia by the 2004 tsunami.
September 2009: EMI reissues Beatles catalogue and release of The Beatles: Rock Band
On 9 September 2009, EMI reissued the Beatles catalogue after digital remastering, and a music video game called The Beatles: Rock Band was released the same day.
2009: McCartney narrates "Glass Walls" video for PETA
In 2009, Paul McCartney narrated a video for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) titled "Glass Walls", which was critical of slaughterhouses and the meat industry.
2009: Citi Field Concerts
In 2009, Paul McCartney performed three sold-out concerts at the newly built Citi Field in Queens, New York.
2010: Opened Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh
In 2010, Paul McCartney opened the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a concert, his first in the city since 1990.
July 2011: Sold-out concerts at Yankee Stadium
In July 2011, Paul McCartney performed at two sold-out concerts at the new Yankee Stadium.
August 2011: Signing with Decca Records
In August 2011, Paul McCartney left EMI and signed with Decca Records.
September 2011: Release of Ocean's Kingdom
In September 2011, Paul McCartney released his first score for dance, a collaboration with Peter Martins called Ocean's Kingdom on Decca Records.
2011: Voted third best bassist of all time in Rolling Stone readers' poll
In 2011, Paul McCartney was voted the third best bassist of all time in a Rolling Stone readers' poll.
February 2012: MusiCares Person of the Year honor
In February 2012, Paul McCartney was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
2012: McCartney joins anti-fracking campaign
In 2012, Paul McCartney joined the anti-fracking campaign Artists Against Fracking.
August 2013: Release of "New" title track
On 28 August 2013, Paul McCartney released the title track "New" from his upcoming studio album.
October 2013: Release of New album
In October 2013, Paul McCartney's album New was released.
January 2014: Taping of primetime entertainment special at Ed Sullivan Theater
On 27 January 2014, a primetime entertainment special was taped at the Ed Sullivan Theater featuring Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
February 2014: Airing of The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles
On 9 February 2014, CBS aired The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles, featuring Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
August 2014: Final concert at Candlestick Park
On 14 August 2014, Paul McCartney performed in the final concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California.
2014: Last UK number one single
As of 2014, Paul McCartney earned his latest UK number one with the title track of his LP release that year, "Pipes of Peace".
January 2015: Release of "FourFiveSeconds" and music video
In January 2015, Paul McCartney collaborated with Kanye West and Rihanna on the single "FourFiveSeconds", releasing a music video for the song.
February 2015: Performance at Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special
In February 2015, Paul McCartney performed with Paul Simon for the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special, and also performed "Maybe I'm Amazed".
February 2015: Performance at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards
On 8 February 2015, Paul McCartney, Kanye West and Rihanna performed "FourFiveSeconds" live at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.
September 2015: Release of Hollywood Vampires album featuring McCartney
On 11 September 2015, the Hollywood Vampires released their debut album, featuring Paul McCartney on a cover of his song "Come and Get It".
2015: McCartney opposes fox hunting
In 2015, following British prime minister David Cameron's decision to give members of parliament a free vote on amending the law against fox hunting, Paul McCartney voiced his opposition to the reintroduction of hunting.
June 2016: Release of Pure McCartney career-spanning collection
On 10 June 2016, Paul McCartney released the career-spanning collection Pure McCartney, featuring songs from his solo career, Wings, and the Fireman.
January 2017: Lawsuit against Sony/ATV Music Publishing
In January 2017, Paul McCartney filed a suit against Sony/ATV Music Publishing to reclaim ownership of his share of the Lennon–McCartney song catalogue.
June 2017: Settlement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing
In June 2017, Paul McCartney and Sony agreed to a confidential settlement regarding the lawsuit over the Lennon-McCartney song catalogue.
2017: Cameo appearance in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
In 2017, Paul McCartney appeared in a cameo role as Uncle Jack in the adventure film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
2017: Drumming on "Sunday Rain"
In 2017, Paul McCartney played drums on "Sunday Rain" from the Foo Fighters' album "Concrete and Gold".
June 2018: Release of "I Don't Know" and "Come On to Me"
On 20 June 2018, Paul McCartney released the songs "I Don't Know" and "Come On to Me" from his upcoming album Egypt Station.
July 2018: Performance at The Cavern Club
On 26 July 2018, Paul McCartney played at The Cavern Club with his regular band.
2018: McCartney returns to Capitol Records with 'Egypt Station'
In 2018, Paul McCartney returned to Capitol Records for the release of his album "Egypt Station".
2018: Writing Hey Grandude!
In 2018, Paul McCartney wrote the children's book "Hey Grandude!" together with illustrator Kathryn Durst, which was published in September 2019.
September 2019: McCartney calls Brexit a mistake
In September 2019, Paul McCartney stated that the 2016 Brexit referendum was "probably a mistake" and described the situation as "a mess", citing "crazy promises" made during the campaign.
September 2019: Publication of Hey Grandude!
In September 2019, Paul McCartney's children's book "Hey Grandude!", written together with illustrator Kathryn Durst, was published by Random House Books. The book is about a grandpa and his three grandchildren with a magic compass on an adventure.
December 2020: Charting of McCartney III
In December 2020, the release of his album McCartney III and its subsequent charting at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 earned Paul McCartney the distinction of being the first artist to have a new album in the top two chart positions in each of the last six decades.
December 2020: Release of McCartney III album
On 18 December 2020, Paul McCartney's 18th solo album, McCartney III, was released.
2020: McCartney calls for ban on Chinese wet markets
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Paul McCartney called for Chinese wet markets (which sell live animals, including wild ones) to be banned.
2020: Ranked ninth greatest bassist of all time by Rolling Stone
In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked Paul McCartney the ninth greatest bassist of all time, and Bass Player ranked him the third best bass player of all time.
2020: BBC broadcast of Paul McCartney at the Cavern Club
On Christmas Day 2020, the BBC broadcast Paul McCartney at the Cavern Club, a performance filmed in July 2018.
April 2021: Release of McCartney III Imagined album
On 16 April 2021, Paul McCartney released an album of reinterpretations, remixes, and covers titled McCartney III Imagined.
September 2021: Release of Grandude's Green Submarine
In September 2021, Paul McCartney's follow-up children's book to "Hey Grandude!", titled "Grandude's Green Submarine", was released.
November 2021: Release of The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present
In November 2021, Paul McCartney's book "The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present", described as a self-portrait in 154 songs, was released. The book is based on conversations between McCartney and Irish poet Paul Muldoon and was named Book of the Year by Barnes & Noble and Waterstones.
2021: Voted fifth greatest bassist of all time in a MusicRadar readers' poll
In 2021, Paul McCartney was voted the fifth greatest bassist of all time in a MusicRadar readers' poll.
April 2022: "Got Back" tour started in the US
On April 2022, Paul McCartney's "Got Back" tour started in the United States, marking his first tour in the country since 2019.
June 2022: Headlining Glastonbury Festival
In June 2022, Paul McCartney headlined Glastonbury Festival a week after his 80th birthday. Performing on the Pyramid Stage, he became the oldest solo headliner at the festival with special guests Dave Grohl and Bruce Springsteen.
2023: Publication of "1964: Eyes of the Storm"
In 2023, Paul McCartney published the book "1964: Eyes of the Storm", a collection of recently discovered photos from the height of Beatlemania. The book was published in conjunction with an exhibition of his photographs titled, "Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm."
2024: McCartney sponsors Tree Register Yearbook
In 2024, Paul McCartney sponsored the first ever Tree Register Yearbook, continuing his connection to The Tree Register.
February 2025: Performance on Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special
In February 2025, Paul McCartney performed for the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special. Backed by his touring band, McCartney performed "Golden Slumbers", "Carry That Weight", and "The End" in medley form.
May 2025: Release of new version of "My Valentine" with Barbra Streisand
In May 2025, Paul McCartney released a new version of "My Valentine", recorded as a duet with Barbra Streisand for her album "The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two".
November 2025: Release of a silent track to protest AI usage
In November 2025, Paul McCartney released his first new recording in five years, a nearly silent track to protest against AI companies using musicians' work without permission. The track appears on the B-side of the protest LP "Is This What We Want?", and aims to highlight the risk of unchecked AI destroying career paths for young composers.
March 2026: Release of "Days We Left Behind"
On March 26, 2026, Paul McCartney released the single "Days We Left Behind" from his upcoming twenty-first solo studio album, "The Boys of Dungeon Lane".
July 2026: Appearance on Rolling Stones' album
In July 2026, Paul McCartney is scheduled to appear on "Foreign Tongues", the upcoming studio album by the Rolling Stones.
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