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 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.

Sections (5)

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

June 1942: Birth

In June 1942, James Paul McCartney was born at Walton Hospital in Liverpool, where his mother worked as a nurse. His parents were of Irish descent.

June 1942: Paul McCartney's birth

On June 18, 1942, James Paul McCartney was born in Liverpool, England. He would later become a world-renowned musician and songwriter with the Beatles.

1944: Relocation to Knowsley

In 1944, the growing McCartney family moved to a flat in Knowsley.

1946: Move to Speke

In 1946, the McCartney family was rehoused in a council housing development in Speke.

1947: Attending Stockton Wood Road Primary School

In 1947, Paul McCartney began attending Stockton Wood Road Primary School in Speke.

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.

1953: Passing the 11-Plus Exam

In 1953, Paul McCartney was one of only three students to pass the 11-Plus exam, allowing him to attend the Liverpool Institute.

October 1956: Mother's Death

In October 1956, when Paul McCartney was 14, his mother died of an embolism as a complication of surgery for breast cancer, marking a significant loss in his life.

1958: Shared Loss with John Lennon

In 1958, Paul McCartney shared a connection with John Lennon after Lennon's mother died, as McCartney had lost his mother in 1956.

1964: The Beatles introduced to cannabis

In 1964, Bob Dylan introduced The Beatles, including Paul McCartney, to cannabis in a New York hotel room.

1964: Move from Forthlin Road

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

March 1966: Moving to St John's Wood

In March 1966, after residing at Jane Asher's parents' home for over two years, Paul McCartney moved to his own home in St John's Wood.

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: McCartney first tries LSD

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

March 1967: McCartney's second acid trip with Lennon

In March 1967, Paul McCartney took his second LSD trip with John Lennon after a Sgt. Pepper studio session.

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.

March 1969: Marriage to Linda Eastman

In March 1969, Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman, marking the beginning of their relationship.

October 1969: Rumours of death in car crash

In October 1969, a rumour circulated that Paul McCartney had died in a car crash in 1966, and had been replaced by a lookalike.

September 1971: Birth of daughter Stella McCartney

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

January 1975: Legal dissolution of the Beatles

On January 9, 1975, an English court legally dissolved The Beatles' partnership.

1975: McCartney becomes a vegetarian

Since 1975, Paul McCartney has been a vegetarian. He and his wife Linda were vegetarians for most of their 29-year marriage.

September 1977: Birth of son James McCartney

In September 1977, the McCartneys welcomed their third child, a son named James.

1978: Copyright law regarding reclaiming copyrights

Under US copyright law, for works published before 1978 the author can reclaim copyrights assigned to a publisher after 56 years.

December 1980: Reaction to John Lennon's Murder

On 9 December 1980, Paul McCartney responded to the news of John Lennon's murder with the comment "It's a drag", which drew criticism. John Lennon was murdered the previous night.

1983: McCartney took up painting

In 1983, Paul McCartney took up painting after watching artist Willem de Kooning work.

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.

1997: McCartney supports decriminalisation of cannabis

In 1997, Paul McCartney spoke out in support of the decriminalisation of cannabis.

April 1998: Linda McCartney's Death

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

1998: Linda McCartney's Death

In 1998, Linda McCartney, Paul's first wife, died from breast cancer at the age of 56.

April 1999: Unannounced performance at "Concert for Linda"

On 10 April 1999, Paul McCartney performed unannounced at the benefit tribute "Concert for Linda" at the Royal Albert Hall in London, organized by Chrissie Hynde and Carla Lane.

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.

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.

November 2001: Reaction to George Harrison's Death

Following George Harrison's death in November 2001, Paul McCartney described him as "a lovely guy and a very brave man who had a wonderful sense of humour".

July 2002: Marriage to Heather Mills

In July 2002, Paul McCartney married Heather Mills.

2002: Marriage to Heather Mills

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

2003: Birth of Beatrice Milly McCartney

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

July 2005: Live 8 performance

In July 2005, Paul McCartney performed at the Live 8 event in Hyde Park, London.

April 2006: Separation from Heather Mills

In April 2006, Paul McCartney and Heather Mills separated.

May 2008: Divorce from Heather Mills

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

2008: McCartney clarifies his football allegiance

In 2008, Paul McCartney ended speculation about his allegiance to football clubs by stating he supports both Everton F.C. and Liverpool F.C.

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: McCartney questions the Dalai Lama about vegetarianism

In 2009, Paul McCartney wrote to the Dalai Lama, questioning his decision to eat meat due to his doctors' advice.

October 2011: Marriage to Nancy Shevell

On 9 October 2011, Paul McCartney married Nancy Shevell in a civil ceremony at Marylebone Town Hall, London.

June 2012: Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Concert

In June 2012, Paul McCartney closed Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Concert held outside Buckingham Palace.

December 2012: Performance at 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief

On 12 December 2012, Paul McCartney performed with former members of Nirvana at 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief.

May 2014: Cancelled Japan tour and postponed US tour

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

July 2014: Resumed tour in Albany, New York

On 5 July 2014, Paul McCartney resumed his tour with a high-energy appearance in Albany, New York.

2015: McCartney quits cannabis

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

2016: McCartney misses Brexit vote

In 2016, Paul McCartney did not vote in the Brexit referendum due to his ongoing tour, and stated that he would likely not have voted due to his confusion on the matter.

2016: McCartney expresses solidarity for Orlando shooting victims

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

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.