Childhood and Education Journey of Paul McCartney in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Paul McCartney. From birth to education, explore key events.

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.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

June 1942: Paul McCartney's Birth

In June 1942, James Paul McCartney was born at Walton Hospital in Liverpool, England, to parents Mary Patricia (née Mohin) and Jim McCartney, marking the beginning of his life and future musical journey.

1944: Family Rehoused in Knowsley

In 1944, the McCartney family was rehoused at a flat in Knowsley, indicating a change in their living situation during the war years.

1946: Move to Council Housing in Speke

In 1946, the McCartney family moved to a council housing development in Speke, providing them with new accommodation after the war.

1947: Attending Stockton Wood Road Primary School

In 1947, Paul McCartney began his formal education by attending Stockton Wood Road Primary School in Speke, marking the start of his academic journey.

1949: Transfer to Joseph Williams Junior School

In 1949, Paul McCartney transferred to Joseph Williams Junior School in Belle Vale due to overcrowding at Stockton Wood Road Primary School, changing his educational environment.

1953: Passing the 11-Plus Exam

In 1953, Paul McCartney passed the 11-Plus exam, allowing him to attend the Liverpool Institute, a grammar school, signifying a significant academic achievement.

1954: Meeting George Harrison

In 1954, Paul McCartney met schoolmate George Harrison on the bus from Speke, leading to a friendship that would later play a crucial role in the formation of the Beatles.

October 1956: Death of Mother, Mary McCartney

On 31 October 1956, Paul McCartney's mother, Mary McCartney, died of an embolism at the age of 47. This deeply affected the 14-year-old Paul and later became a connection with John Lennon, who also lost his mother at a young age.

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.

1958: Death of John Lennon's Mother

In 1958, John Lennon's mother, Julia, died when Lennon was 17. This event created a connection between Lennon and Paul McCartney, who had lost his mother two years earlier.

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.

April 1963: First meeting with Jane Asher

On April 1963, Paul McCartney met British actress Jane Asher when a photographer asked them to pose together at a Beatles performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This meeting marked the beginning of their relationship.

1964: Introduction to Cannabis

In 1964, Bob Dylan introduced The Beatles to cannabis in a New York hotel room. McCartney recalls getting "very high" and "giggling uncontrollably."

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: Moving from Forthlin Road

In 1964, the McCartney family moved out of 20 Forthlin Road in Allerton, where they had lived since his mother's earnings allowed them to move there.

1965: Favoring Rickenbacker 4001S for Recording

From 1965, Paul McCartney favored his Rickenbacker 4001S bass for recording.

March 1966: Moving to St John's Wood

In March 1966, Paul McCartney moved from Jane Asher's parents' home in Wimpole Street, where he had been living for over two years, to his own home in St John's Wood.

1966: Meeting Linda Eastman at Shea Stadium

In 1966, Linda Eastman, then a music photographer, met the Beatles for the first time at Shea Stadium. She initially found John Lennon more interesting, but her fascination quickly shifted to Paul McCartney.

1966: Rumor of McCartney's Death

In 1966, according to a rumour that surfaced in October 1969, Paul McCartney allegedly died in a car crash.

1966: First Use of LSD

In late 1966, Paul McCartney eventually tried LSD for the first time.

March 1967: Second LSD Experience

In March 1967, Paul McCartney had his second "acid trip" with John Lennon after a Sgt. Pepper studio session.

May 1967: Becoming Acquainted with Linda Eastman

On May 15, 1967, Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman became properly acquainted at a Georgie Fame concert at The Bag O'Nails club in London. Linda was there to photograph rock musicians, and Paul recalls being uncharacteristically assertive in approaching her that night.

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: 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.

March 1969: Marriage to Linda Eastman

In March 1969, Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman, marking a significant event in his personal life.

October 1969: McCartney Death Rumor

In October 1969, a rumour began that McCartney had died in a car crash in 1966 and been replaced by a lookalike. This was quickly disproven.

1969: Depression During Beatles Breakup

During the breakup of the Beatles in 1969, Paul McCartney fell into a depression, from which his wife, Linda, helped him recover.

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.

September 1971: Birth of Daughter Stella

In September 1971, the McCartneys' daughter Stella was born, named in honour of Linda's grandmothers.

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: Theft of Höfner 500/1 bass

In 1972, Paul McCartney's original Höfner 500/1 bass was stolen.

1974: Brief Reconciliation with John Lennon

In early 1974, Paul McCartney and John Lennon briefly became close again after a strained relationship post-Beatles, and they played music together on one occasion. However, they grew apart again in later years.

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.

Loading Video...

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.

September 1977: Birth of Son James

In September 1977, the McCartneys' third child, a son named James, was born.

December 1980: Reaction to Lennon's Murder

On December 9, 1980, Paul McCartney learned of John Lennon's murder the previous night. When approached by reporters, McCartney responded with "It's a drag", which drew criticism for appearing superficial, though he later explained his intended melancholy.

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".

1994: Beatles Anthology Project

In 1994, McCartney began a four-year break from his solo career to work on Apple's Beatles Anthology project with Harrison, Starr, and Martin.

1997: Nervousness After Lennon's Death

In 1997, Paul McCartney mentioned that after John Lennon's death, the remaining ex-Beatles became nervous that they might also be murdered.

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.

April 1998: Death of Linda McCartney

In April 1998, Linda McCartney, Paul's wife, died of cancer.

1998: Linda McCartney's death

In 1998, Linda McCartney died from breast cancer at the age of 56. Paul McCartney sought counseling to cope with the loss and the guilt he felt about not being perfect during their marriage.

April 1999: "Concert for Linda" tribute performance

In April 1999, McCartney gave an unannounced performance at the "Concert for Linda," a benefit tribute for his late wife, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, organised by Chrissie Hynde and Carla Lane.

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.

2000: VH1 film 'Two of Us'

In 2000, VH1 released the fictionalized television film "Two of Us", which depicted the events of Paul McCartney and John Lennon watching Saturday Night Live at Lennon's home in the Dakota on April 24, 1976.

November 2001: Reaction to Harrison's death

After George Harrison's death in November 2001, Paul McCartney remembered him as a lovely, brave man with a wonderful sense of humor. He reminisced about their shared history and said he would always love him as a baby brother.

July 2002: Marriage to Heather Mills

In July 2002, McCartney married Heather Mills.

2002: Marriage to Heather Mills

In 2002, Paul McCartney married Heather Mills in a civil ceremony. Mills was a former model and anti-landmine campaigner.

2003: Birth of Beatrice Milly McCartney

In 2003, Paul McCartney and Heather Mills had a child named Beatrice Milly, in honour of Mills' late mother and one of McCartney's aunts.

2004: Media Animosity Commentary

In 2004, Paul McCartney commented on the British public's animosity towards his partners, particularly in relation to his relationships with Jane Asher and Linda Eastman.

April 2006: Separation from Heather Mills

In April 2006, Paul McCartney and Heather Mills separated.

November 2007: Beginning of Relationship with Nancy Shevell

In November 2007, Paul McCartney began his relationship with Nancy Shevell.

May 2008: Divorce from Heather Mills

In May 2008, Paul McCartney and Heather Mills divorced acrimoniously.

2008: Public Statement on Football Allegiance

In 2008, Paul McCartney addressed speculation about his football allegiance, stating his family's support for Everton F.C. but also expressing support for Liverpool F.C.

2009: Letter to the Dalai Lama

In 2009, Paul McCartney wrote to Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, questioning his meat consumption and advocating for a vegetarian diet.

October 2011: Marriage to Nancy Shevell

On October 9, 2011, Paul McCartney married Nancy Shevell in a civil ceremony at Marylebone Town Hall in London. The wedding was attended by close friends and relatives.

May 2014: Tour cancellation due to virus

In May 2014, McCartney cancelled a sold-out tour of Japan and postponed a US tour due to contracting a virus.

2015: Quitting Cannabis

In 2015, Paul McCartney quit cannabis, citing a desire to set a good example for his grandchildren.

2016: Solidarity for Orlando Shooting Victims

Following the 2016 Orlando shooting, Paul McCartney expressed his solidarity for the victims during a concert in Berlin.

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.