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 a highly successful English singer, songwriter, and musician, most famously known for his role in the Beatles. He played bass guitar and piano for the band, sharing songwriting and lead vocal duties with John Lennon. McCartney is celebrated for his melodic bass-playing, wide vocal range, and musical versatility, spanning various genres. His songwriting partnership with Lennon remains the most successful in music history.
July 1957: Meeting John Lennon
On 6 July 1957, at the age of fifteen, Paul McCartney met John Lennon and his band, the Quarrymen, at the St Peter's Church Hall fête in Woolton, marking the beginning of a pivotal partnership in music history.
1957: Joining The Quarrymen
In 1957, Paul McCartney began his music career by joining John Lennon's skiffle group, the Quarrymen, influenced by his father and rock and roll performers. This marked the beginning of his journey towards becoming a world-renowned musician.
1958: George Harrison Joins The Quarrymen
In 1958, George Harrison joined The Quarrymen as lead guitarist, solidifying the lineup of what would later become the Beatles.
May 1960: Band Name Changes
By May 1960, the band, including John Lennon and Paul McCartney, had experimented with several names, such as Johnny and the Moondogs, Beatals, and the Silver Beetles, before settling on their iconic name.
August 1960: Adoption of The Beatles Name and Residency in Hamburg
In August 1960, the band formally adopted the name the Beatles and recruited drummer Pete Best shortly before beginning a five-engagement residency in Hamburg.
1960: The Beatles Formation
In 1960, The Quarrymen evolved into the Beatles, marking a significant milestone in music history. This transformation set the stage for Paul McCartney's rise to international fame as a key member of the band.
1961: McCartney Becomes Bass Player
In 1961, after Stuart Sutcliffe left the band, Paul McCartney became the bass player for the Beatles, solidifying his role in the group's instrumental lineup.
January 1962: Brian Epstein Becomes Manager
In January 1962, Brian Epstein became the manager of The Beatles, marking a pivotal moment in their career and future success.
June 1962: First Recording Contract with Parlophone Records
In June 1962, Paul McCartney, as a member of the Beatles, signed his first recording contract with Parlophone Records, which was a subsidiary of EMI.
1963: Establishment of Northern Songs
In 1963, Dick James established Northern Songs to publish the songs of Lennon–McCartney, marking the beginning of a significant venture in music publishing.
1963: Popularity in the UK
In 1963, The Beatles gained significant popularity in the UK, achieving their first hit with "Love Me Do" and setting the stage for their international fame.
1964: The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show
In 1964 The Beatles made their groundbreaking performance on The Ed Sullivan Show.
1964: Purchase of Epiphone Casino
In 1964, Paul McCartney bought an Epiphone Casino guitar, knowing that the guitar's hollow body would produce more feedback. He has retained that original guitar to the present day.
1964: Popularity in the US
In 1964, The Beatles became popular in the US, igniting "Beatlemania" and solidifying their status as a global phenomenon. Paul McCartney co-wrote several early hits with John Lennon during this time.
August 1965: Release of Yesterday
In August 1965, the Beatles released the Paul McCartney composition "Yesterday" featuring a string quartet, included on the Help! LP. This song was the group's first recorded use of classical music elements and their first recording that involved only a single band member.
1965: Favoring Rickenbacker 4001S for Recording
From 1965, Paul McCartney favored his Rickenbacker 4001S bass for recording.
1965: Northern Songs Public Stock Offering
In 1965, after a public stock offering, McCartney's ownership in Northern Songs decreased from 20% to 15%.
June 1966: Release of Promotional Films
In June 1966, The Beatles produced short promotional films for the song "Paperback Writer" and its B-side, "Rain". These films, considered "the forerunner of videos", aired on The Ed Sullivan Show and Top of the Pops.
November 1966: Experimental Recording Sessions
Starting in November 1966, the Beatles, including Paul McCartney, began experimental recording sessions for their upcoming album, adopting an innovative approach to their music.
1966: The Beatles last concert for a paying audience
In 1966, Candlestick Park in San Francisco was the same venue at which the Beatles played their final concert for a paying audience.
1966: McCartney Composed Yellow Submarine
In 1966, Paul McCartney composed the song that inspired the animated film, Yellow Submarine.
1966: Final Commercial Concert and Film Score for The Family Way
In 1966, The Beatles gave their final commercial concert at the end of their US tour. Later that year, Paul McCartney completed his first musical project independent of the group, a film score for the UK production The Family Way in collaboration with George Martin.
February 1967: Release of Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane
In February 1967, the Beatles released the double A-side single "Strawberry Fields Forever"/"Penny Lane", produced during experimental recording sessions, showcasing their evolving musical style.
August 1967: Brian Epstein's Death and McCartney's Leadership
In August 1967, Brian Epstein's death created a void in the Beatles' leadership, which Paul McCartney filled by stepping in as the de facto leader and business manager of the group.
1967: Use of 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-signed with EMI
In 1967, The Beatles re-signed with EMI for another nine years, continuing their recording contract.
1967: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Leadership Role
Starting with the 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Paul McCartney gradually became the de facto leader of the Beatles, providing creative impetus for most of their music and film projects.
July 1968: Yellow Submarine Film Premiere
In July 1968, The Beatles' animated film Yellow Submarine, loosely based on McCartney's 1966 composition, premiered. Critics praised the film's visual style, humour, and music.
1968: Drumming on Paul Jones' rendition of "And the Sun Will Shine"
In 1968, Paul McCartney contributed drumming to Paul Jones' rendition of "And the Sun Will Shine".
1968: Formation of Apple Records
In 1968, The Beatles formed their own record label, Apple Records, and subsequently, their recordings were released through Apple, although the masters were still owned by EMI.
1968: "Hey Jude" Success
In 1968, The Beatles' composition "Hey Jude" achieved the highest sales in the UK and topped the US charts for nine weeks, becoming the longest-running Beatles single at seven minutes eleven seconds and the best-selling Beatles single, selling over five million copies soon after its release.
1968: Argument during The Beatles recording session
In 1968, during a recording session for The Beatles album, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr had an argument over McCartney's critique of Starr's drum part for "Back in the U.S.S.R.", contributing to Starr temporarily leaving the band.
September 1969: Lennon Leaves The Beatles
In September 1969, John Lennon privately left The Beatles, but agreed to keep it secret.
1969: Sale of Northern Songs to Associated Television
In 1969, Dick James sold a controlling interest in Northern Songs to Lew Grade's Associated Television (ATV), leading McCartney and John Lennon to sell their remaining shares.
1969: Drumming on Steve Miller Band's Tracks
In 1969, Paul McCartney played drums on Steve Miller Band's tracks "Celebration Song" and "My Dark Hour".
April 1970: McCartney Announces Departure From The Beatles
On 10 April 1970, Paul McCartney announced his departure from The Beatles, amidst business disagreements.
December 1970: Files Suit for Dissolution
On 31 December 1970, Paul McCartney filed a suit for the formal dissolution of The Beatles.
1970: First Solo Release
In 1970, Paul McCartney continued his musical career with his first solo release, 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, embarking on a new chapter in his music career.
March 1971: Receiver Appointed for Apple Corps
In March 1971, the court appointed a receiver to oversee the finances of the Beatles' company Apple Corps.
1971: Purchase of Holly's publishing rights
In 1971, Paul McCartney bought the publishing rights to Buddy Holly's catalogue.
1971: Formation of Wings
In 1971, following the break-up of the Beatles, Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman formed the band Wings. Linda's inclusion in the band was met with some criticism, but Paul defended her musical contributions and dedication.
1972: Re-signing with ATV
In 1972, McCartney re-signed with ATV for seven years in a joint publishing agreement between ATV and McCartney Music.
1972: Wings First Concert Tour
In 1972, Wings began their first concert tour, starting with a performance at the University of Nottingham, followed by a tour of UK universities.
March 1973: Wings Achieve First US Number One
In March 1973, Wings achieved their first US number-one single with "My Love", featured on the album Red Rose Speedway.
1973: End of Contract with ATV
In 1973, McCartney and John Lennon's contract with ATV ended, marking a change in their publishing arrangements.
1973: Collaboration on Ringo's Album Ringo
In 1973, Paul McCartney contributed instrumentation and backing vocals for "Six O'Clock", which he wrote for Ringo Starr's album Ringo. He also played a kazoo solo on "You're Sixteen" from the same album.
1973: Band on the Run Release
In 1973, The McCartneys and Laine recorded Band on the Run which became the first of seven platinum Wings LPs.
1974: Second US number-one single
In 1974, Wings achieved a second US number-one single with the title track "Band on the Run" and McCartney hired guitarist Jimmy McCulloch and drummer Geoff Britton.
January 1975: The Beatles Partnership Legally Dissolved
On 9 January 1975, an English court legally dissolved The Beatles' partnership, marking the formal end of the band.
1975: Grammy Win for Band on the Run
In 1975, Paul McCartney and Wings won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance for the song "Band on the Run".
1975: Wings Over the World Tour Begins
In 1975, Wings began their fourteen-month Wings Over the World Tour, which included stops in the UK, Australia, Europe, and the US. During this tour, McCartney performed Beatles songs live with Wings for the first time.
1975: Becoming a Vegetarian
Since 1975, Paul McCartney has been a vegetarian, influenced by seeing lambs in a field while eating a meal of lamb.
April 1976: Watching Saturday Night Live with Lennon
On April 24, 1976, Paul McCartney and John Lennon were at Lennon's home in the Dakota, watching an episode of Saturday Night Live when Lorne Michaels offered the Beatles $3,000 to reunite on the show. They considered going to the studio but decided against it, making this their last time together.
1976: Chart-Topping Albums
In 1976, Wings continued their success with the chart-topping album Wings at the Speed of Sound.
1976: Inauguration of Buddy Holly Week
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' EMI Contract
In 1976, the Beatles' 1967 recording contract with EMI ended, marking a change in the distribution of McCartney's music.
1978: Acquisition of Publishing Rights for "Love Me Do" and "P.S. I Love You"
In 1978, McCartney acquired the publishing rights for "Love Me Do" and "P.S. I Love You" from Ardmore & Beechwood, an EMI subsidiary.
1978: London Town Album Release
In 1978, Wings released London Town, which spawned the US number-one single "With a Little Luck" and achieved commercial success.
1979: Signing 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: Back to the Egg Album
In 1979, Wings released Back to the Egg, which featured a rock supergroup called "Rockestra" and marked the end of the band's concert tour.
1979: Wings Last Number-One Hit
In 1979, the live version of Coming Up, recorded in Glasgow, Scotland, became Wings' last number-one hit.
1979: MPL Communications Publishes McCartney's Songs
Since 1979, MPL Communications has published McCartney's songs, managing his music publishing rights.
1980: McCartney II Release
In 1980, Paul McCartney released his second solo LP, McCartney II, which reached number one in the UK and number three in the US.
1980: Resumption of Solo Career
In 1980, Paul McCartney resumed his solo career after leading the band Wings throughout the 1970s. He continued to create music and perform as a solo artist, further solidifying his legacy.
April 1981: Wings Discontinued
In April 1981, Wings was discontinued after Denny Laine quit due to disagreements over royalties and salaries.
1981: Attempt to Purchase Northern Songs Catalogue
In 1981, McCartney and Yoko Ono attempted to purchase the Northern Songs catalogue, but Grade declined their offer.
1981: Directing 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 also added some of the character voices.
1981: Backing Vocals on "All Those Years Ago"
In 1981, Paul McCartney sang backup on George Harrison's tribute song to John Lennon, "All Those Years Ago", which also featured Ringo Starr on drums.
1982: Collaborations and Chart Success
In 1982, Paul McCartney collaborated with Stevie Wonder on "Ebony and Ivory" and with Michael Jackson on "The Girl Is Mine."
1982: Release of "Here Today"
In 1982, Paul McCartney released "Here Today", described as a haunting tribute to his friendship with John Lennon.
1984: Give My Regards to Broad Street Film Release
In 1984, Paul McCartney starred in, wrote, and produced the film Give My Regards to Broad Street, which received negative reviews but a successful soundtrack album.
1984: Appearance in Give My Regards to Broad Street
In 1984, Ringo Starr appeared as a fictional version of himself in Paul McCartney's film Give My Regards to Broad Street and played drums on most tracks of the soundtrack album, which includes re-recordings of several McCartney-penned Beatles songs.
1985: Return to Capitol Records
In 1985, McCartney returned to Capitol Records in the US, remaining with EMI until 2006.
1985: Live Aid Performance
In 1985, Paul McCartney participated in Live Aid, performing "Let it Be", but technical difficulties affected the audio.
1985: Production of The Real Buddy Holly Story
In 1985, Paul McCartney produced and hosted 'The Real Buddy Holly Story', a documentary featuring interviews with musicians and the Holly family.
1985: Sale of ATV Music to Michael Jackson
In 1985, Robert Holmes à Court sold ATV Music to Michael Jackson after acquiring its parent company, Associated Communications Corp.
1986: Press to Play Album
In 1986, Paul McCartney collaborated with Eric Stewart on Press to Play, where Stewart co-wrote more than half the songs.
1988: Release of Снова в СССР
In 1988, Paul McCartney released Снова в СССР, an album initially available only in the Soviet Union, featuring covers recorded in two days.
1988: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1988, Paul McCartney was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Beatles.
September 1989: Launch of World Tour
In September 1989, Paul McCartney launched the Paul McCartney World Tour, his first in over a decade.
1989: Recording of 'Ferry Cross the Mersey'
In 1989, Paul McCartney participated in the charity recording of 'Ferry Cross the Mersey'.
1989: Solo Touring
Since 1989, Paul McCartney has been touring as a solo artist, bringing his music to audiences worldwide and continuing to showcase his talent and influence in the music industry.
1989: Lawsuits Persist Until 1989
Sporadic lawsuits against EMI, Allen Klein, and each other persisted until 1989, years after the band's dissolution.
April 1990: Largest Paying Stadium Audience
On 21 April 1990, during the Paul McCartney World Tour, Paul McCartney performed for the largest paying stadium audience in history, with 184,000 people in attendance.
1990: Return to the Höfner Bass
Around 1990, Paul McCartney changed back to the Höfner bass, stating that the lighter bass inspired him to play more sensitively.
1990: Favourite Guitar Players
In 1990, Paul McCartney stated his favourite guitar players were Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton and David Gilmour, stating, "but I still like Hendrix the best".
1990: Last Pittsburgh Concert
In 1990, due to venue issues, this was the last time Paul McCartney performed in Pittsburgh before 2010.
1991: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society commission and MTV Unplugged performance
In 1991, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society commissioned McCartney to create a musical piece for its sesquicentennial, resulting in Liverpool Oratorio. Also in 1991, McCartney performed acoustic songs on MTV Unplugged, which was later released as a live album titled Unplugged (The Official Bootleg).
1992: BAFTA Award for Animated Film
In 1992, Paul McCartney and Geoff Dunbar won a BAFTA award for their animated film about the work of French artist Honoré Daumier.
1993: Collaboration with Youth and album releases
In 1993, McCartney collaborated with Youth of Killing Joke as the Fireman and released their first electronica album, Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest. McCartney also released the rock album Off the Ground in 1993, followed by the New World Tour and the Paul Is Live album.
1995: Oobu Joobu radio series and Royal College of Music Fellowship
In 1995, McCartney recorded a radio series called Oobu Joobu for Westwood One. Also in 1995, Prince Charles presented him with an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Music.
1995: Dissolution of Northern Songs and Merger with Sony/ATV
In 1995, Northern Songs was formally dissolved and absorbed into the Sony/ATV catalogue, following Jackson's merger with Sony.
1995: Guest Appearance on The Simpsons
In 1995, Paul McCartney made a guest appearance on 'The Simpsons' episode "Lisa the Vegetarian" and directed a short documentary about the Grateful Dead.
1995: Narrating 'Devour the Earth'
In 1995, Paul McCartney narrated the documentary 'Devour the Earth', written by Tony Wardle, which highlighted animal rights issues.
1997: Publication of Many Years from Now
In 1997, Barry Miles released the official biography of Paul McCartney, called Many Years from Now.
1997: Flaming Pie and Standing Stone Release
In 1997, McCartney released the rock album Flaming Pie, featuring Starr on drums and backing vocals in "Beautiful Night." Later that year, he released the classical work Standing Stone, which topped the UK and US classical charts.
1997: Support for Decriminalisation of Cannabis
In 1997, Paul McCartney spoke out in support of decriminalisation of cannabis, advocating for a change in drug laws.
1997: Collaboration on Flaming Pie
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 and Ringo Starr collaborated on Starr's album Vertical Man, with McCartney providing backing vocals on three songs and instrumentation on one.
1999: Run Devil Run release
In 1999, McCartney released Run Devil Run, an album of covers with three McCartney originals, recorded in one week with Ian Paice and David Gilmour. It was inspired by Linda McCartney prior to her death.
1999: Ensuring Linda McCartney Foods Remains Free of Genetically Engineered Ingredients
In 1999, Paul McCartney spent £3,000,000 to ensure Linda McCartney Foods remained free of genetically engineered ingredients.
1999: Solo Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1999, Paul McCartney was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.
September 2000: UK Exhibition of Paintings
In September 2000, Paul McCartney's first UK exhibition of paintings opened, featuring 500 canvases at the Arnolfini Gallery in Bristol, England.
October 2000: Art Debut in Liverpool
In October 2000, Paul McCartney's art debuted in his hometown of Liverpool at the Walker Art Gallery. He expressed excitement as it was a place he and John Lennon used to visit.
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.
2003: Meeting with Vladimir Putin on Anti-Landmine Campaign
In 2003, Paul McCartney and Heather Mills urged Russia to join the anti-landmine campaign during a meeting with Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.
2003: Highest Income within Media Professions in the UK
In 2003, Paul McCartney earned £40 million, making him the highest-earning individual within media professions in the UK that year.
2003: Back in the US/World release
In 2003, the double live album Back in the US, recorded during the Driving World Tour, was released internationally as Back in the World.
2004: Release of Tropic Island Hum
In 2004, Paul McCartney and Geoff Dunbar worked together on the animated short film Tropic Island Hum, and released the accompanying single.
2004: Donation to 'US Campaign for Burma'
In 2004, Paul McCartney donated a song to an album to aid the 'US Campaign for Burma', supporting Aung San Suu Kyi.
July 2005: Live 8 performance
In July 2005, McCartney performed at the Live 8 event in Hyde Park, London, opening the show with "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (with U2) and closing it with "Drive My Car" (with George Michael), "Helter Skelter", and "The Long and Winding Road".
July 2005: Live 8 Performance and Record Release
In July 2005, Paul McCartney's performance of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" with U2 at Live 8 became the fastest-released single in history, reaching number one on the UK Official Download Chart within forty-five minutes of its recording.
2005: Increased Annual Income
By 2005, Paul McCartney's annual income had risen to £48.5 million.
2005: Super Bowl XXXIX halftime show
In 2005, McCartney headlined the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXIX.
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.
2006: Ecce Cor Meum release
In 2006, McCartney released the classical work Ecce Cor Meum.
2006: End of Contract with EMI
In 2006, McCartney's contract with EMI ended, marking a change in his recording arrangements.
2006: Campaign Against Seal Hunting in Prince Edward Island
In 2006, Paul and Heather McCartney travelled to Prince Edward Island to raise international awareness of seal hunting, debating with Danny Williams on Larry King Live.
2007: Memory Almost Full release
In 2007, McCartney released the rock album Memory Almost Full.
2007: Signing with Hear Music
In 2007, McCartney signed with Hear Music, becoming the label's first artist.
2008: Electric Arguments release and Liverpool performance
In 2008, McCartney released his third Fireman album, Electric Arguments. Also in 2008, he performed at a concert in Liverpool to celebrate the city's year as European Capital of Culture.
2008: Donation to Aid Still Required's CD
In 2008, Paul McCartney donated a song to Aid Still Required's CD, which was organised to raise funds to assist with the recovery from the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia.
2009: RIAA Certification
As of 2009, Paul McCartney had 15.5 million RIAA-certified units in the United States as a solo artist, and an additional 10 million with Wings, marking a significant milestone in his solo and band career.
2009: Sales of RIAA-Certified Units in the US
As of 2009, Paul McCartney had sales of 25.5 million RIAA-certified units in the US, highlighting his continued popularity and success as a recording artist.
2009: Citi Field concerts and Good Evening New York City release
In 2009, McCartney performed three sold-out concerts at the newly built Citi Field in Queens, New York. These performances yielded the double live album Good Evening New York City later that year.
2009: Performance at David Lynch Foundation Benefit
In 2009, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr performed "With a Little Help from My Friends" at a benefit concert for the David Lynch Foundation.
2009: Narrating 'Glass Walls' Video
In 2009, Paul McCartney narrated a video for PETA titled 'Glass Walls', which was harshly critical of slaughterhouses and the meat industry.
July 2010: Surprise Appearance at Starr's Birthday Concert
On July 7, 2010, Paul McCartney made a surprise appearance at Ringo Starr's seventieth birthday concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York, performing the Beatles' song "Birthday" with Starr's band.
2010: Consol Energy Center Opening
In 2010, McCartney opened the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
2010: Collaboration on 'Y Not'
In 2010, Paul McCartney collaborated on Ringo Starr's album Y Not, playing bass on "Peace Dream" and singing a duet with Starr on "Walk with You."
July 2011: Yankee Stadium concerts
In July 2011, McCartney performed at two sold-out concerts at the new Yankee Stadium.
August 2011: Signing with Decca Records
In August 2011, McCartney left EMI and signed with Decca Records, the same record company that famously rejected the Beatles back in January 1962.
September 2011: Ocean's Kingdom release
In September 2011, McCartney released his first score for dance, a collaboration with Peter Martins called Ocean's Kingdom on Decca Records.
February 2012: Kisses on the Bottom release and MusiCares Person of the Year honor
In February 2012, McCartney released Kisses on the Bottom, a collection of standards. In the same month, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences honored him as the MusiCares Person of the Year.
June 2012: Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Concert
In June 2012, McCartney closed Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Concert held outside Buckingham Palace, performing a set that included "Let It Be" and "Live and Let Die".
December 2012: 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief
On 12 December 2012, McCartney performed with former Nirvana members (Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl, and Pat Smear) during the closing act of 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief.
2012: Joining Artists Against Fracking
In 2012, Paul McCartney joined the anti-fracking campaign Artists Against Fracking, demonstrating his environmental advocacy.
2012: Gross Revenue from On the Run Tour
In 2012, Paul McCartney's 18-date On the Run Tour grossed £37 million.
August 2013: Release of "New" title track
On 28 August 2013, McCartney released the title track of his upcoming studio album New.
October 2013: New album release
In October 2013, Paul McCartney's studio album New was released.
January 2014: Grammy Awards Performance
On January 26, 2014, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr performed "Queenie Eye" from McCartney's album New at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.
February 2014: The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles CBS Airing
On 9 February 2014, CBS aired The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles, a primetime entertainment special taped on 27 January 2014 at the Ed Sullivan Theater featuring McCartney and Ringo Starr that celebrated the legacy of the Beatles and their 1964 performance on The Ed Sullivan Show.
July 2014: Return to touring
On 5 July 2014, McCartney resumed touring with a high-energy three-hour appearance in Albany, New York.
August 2014: Final concert at Candlestick Park
On 14 August 2014, McCartney performed in the final concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, the same venue where the Beatles played their final concert for a paying audience in 1966.
2014: Latest UK Number One
As of 2014, Paul McCartney's latest UK number one was the title track of his LP release that year, "Pipes of Peace".
2014: Collaboration with Kanye West
In 2014, Paul McCartney collaborated with American rapper Kanye West on the song "Only One", marking a foray into hip-hop and a new direction in his musical collaborations.
January 2015: "FourFiveSeconds" single release
In January 2015, McCartney collaborated with Kanye West and Rihanna on the single "FourFiveSeconds". A music video was released, and they performed it live at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.
February 2015: Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special
In February 2015, McCartney performed with Paul Simon for the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special, including "I've Just Seen a Face" and "Maybe I'm Amazed."
February 2015: "FourFiveSeconds" performance at Grammy Awards
On 8 February 2015, Paul McCartney performed FourFiveSeconds with Kanye West and Rihanna live at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.
April 2015: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In April 2015, Paul McCartney inducted Ringo Starr into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
September 2015: Hollywood Vampires album release
On 11 September 2015, McCartney shared lead vocals on the Alice Cooper-led Hollywood Vampires supergroup's cover of his song "Come and Get It", which appears on their debut album.
2015: Collaborations with Kanye West and Rihanna
In 2015, Paul McCartney continued his collaborations with Kanye West, working on the songs "FourFiveSeconds" (with Rihanna) and "All Day", further exploring new musical genres and partnerships.
2015: Opposition to Reintroduction of Fox Hunting
In 2015, Paul McCartney opposed British prime minister David Cameron's decision to allow a free vote on amending the law against fox hunting, calling it cruel and unnecessary.
June 2016: Pure McCartney release
On 10 June 2016, McCartney released the career-spanning collection Pure McCartney, including songs from his solo career, Wings, and the Fireman.
January 2017: Filing Suit Against Sony/ATV Music Publishing
In January 2017, Paul McCartney filed a lawsuit against Sony/ATV Music Publishing in United States district court. The suit sought to reclaim ownership of his share of the Lennon–McCartney song catalogue beginning in 2018.
June 2017: Confidential Settlement with Sony/ATV
In June 2017, Paul McCartney and Sony agreed to a confidential settlement regarding the ownership of his share of the Lennon-McCartney song catalogue.
2017: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales cameo
In 2017, McCartney appeared in a cameo role as Uncle Jack in the adventure film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
2017: Collaboration on Give More Love
In 2017, Paul McCartney played bass on Ringo Starr's album Give More Love.
2017: Drumming on Foo Fighters' "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 performed a gig at The Cavern Club with his regular band.
December 2018: O2 Arena Performance with Starr and Wood
On December 16, 2018, Ringo Starr and Ronnie Wood joined Paul McCartney onstage at his concert at London's O2 Arena to perform "Get Back".
2018: Release of 'Egypt Station'
In 2018, Paul McCartney returned to Capitol Records for the release of his album, 'Egypt Station'.
July 2019: Freshen Up Tour Appearance
In July 2019, Ringo Starr made an appearance on the final day of Paul McCartney's Freshen Up tour, performing "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)" and "Helter Skelter".
September 2019: Publication of Hey Grandude!
In September 2019, Paul McCartney's children's book, 'Hey Grandude!', illustrated by Kathryn Durst, was published by Random House Books.
December 2020: Release of McCartney III
In December 2020, Paul McCartney's 18th solo album, McCartney III, was released and became his first number-one solo album in the UK since 1989.
December 2020: McCartney III Chart Success
In December 2020, the release of Paul McCartney's album McCartney III and its charting at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 made him the first artist to have a new album in the top two chart positions in each of the last six decades.
2020: Call for Ban on Chinese Wet Markets and Support for Ecocide as a Crime
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Paul McCartney called for Chinese wet markets to be banned and expressed support for making ecocide a crime at the International Criminal Court.
2020: Broadcast of Cavern Club Performance
On Christmas Day 2020, the BBC broadcast Paul McCartney's July 2018 performance at the Cavern Club as 'Paul McCartney at the Cavern Club'.
April 2021: Release of McCartney III Imagined
In April 2021, Paul McCartney released 'McCartney III Imagined', an album of reinterpretations, remixes, and covers of songs from his album McCartney III.
September 2021: Release of Grandude's Green Submarine
In September 2021, Paul McCartney's follow-up children's book, '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', based on conversations with Paul Muldoon, was released.
April 2022: Start of "Got Back" Tour
On 28 April 2022, Paul McCartney's "Got Back" tour commenced in the United States, his first tour in the country since 2019.
June 2022: Headlining Glastonbury Festival
On 25 June 2022, Paul McCartney headlined the Glastonbury Festival a week after his 80th birthday, becoming the oldest solo headliner at the festival. Dave Grohl and Bruce Springsteen were special guests during his performance.
2023: Publication of 1964: Eyes of the Storm
In 2023, Paul McCartney published the book '1964: Eyes of the Storm', which is a collection of photos he took during the height of Beatlemania in 1964.
December 2024: O2 Arena Reunion Performance
On December 19, 2024, Ringo Starr and Ronnie Wood joined Paul McCartney again at the O2 Arena in London, performing "Get Back", "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)" and "Helter Skelter". McCartney performed "Get Back" with his stolen Höfner 500/1 bass, recovered in 1972.
February 2025: Performance on Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special
In February 2025, Paul McCartney performed on the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special, backed by his touring band, performing a medley of "Golden Slumbers", "Carry That Weight", and "The End".
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