Paul McCartney (born 18 June 1942 in Liverpool, England) is the bassist and songwriter of The Beatles, the founder of Wings, and one of the best-selling musicians in history — still recording and touring in his eighties.
Across more than six decades in music, McCartney has written or co-written 32 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles and sold over 100 million records as a solo artist, cementing his place as one of the most successful composers of all time.
Paul McCartney Quick Facts
Full Name: James Paul McCartney
Born: 18 June 1942, Liverpool, England
Age: 84 (2026)
Occupation: Singer, songwriter, musician
Bands: The Beatles, Wings
Spouse: Nancy Shevell (m. 2011)
Honours: Knight Bachelor (1997), 2x Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Early Life
Paul McCartney was born on 18 June 1942 at Walton Hospital in Liverpool, England. His father, James, worked as a cotton salesman and played in an amateur jazz band, while his mother, Mary, worked as a nurse and midwife. Mary died in 1956, when Paul was fourteen.
He attended the Liverpool Institute, where his musical talent grew. In July 1957, at a church fete at St Peter's in Woolton, he met John Lennon — a meeting that would change popular music forever.
The Beatles (1960–1970)
As the Beatles' bassist, McCartney formed one half of the legendary Lennon–McCartney songwriting partnership, writing many of the band's biggest hits. Together they sparked Beatlemania and reshaped pop music with landmark albums including Revolver, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road.
Among the classics he wrote for the band are Yesterday and Hey Jude — read the Yesterday lyrics by The Beatles and the Hey Jude lyrics by The Beatles for the full words. The Beatles broke up in 1970, closing the most influential decade in rock history.
Wings & Solo Career
McCartney founded Wings in 1971, scoring major hits with albums like Band on the Run and the single Mull of Kintyre. From 1980 he continued as a solo artist, releasing albums including McCartney II and Flaming Pie.
His songwriting records are unmatched: he has written or co-written 32 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles and sold more than 100 million solo records worldwide. In 2026 he released the solo The Boys of Dungeon Lane album, which earned him his first solo Mercury Prize shortlist nomination.
Awards & Legacy
McCartney was knighted in 1997 for services to music. He has won multiple Grammy Awards, an Academy Award and a Primetime Emmy, and he is a double inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — as a Beatle and as a solo artist.
He remains a live draw: his Got Back tour played to huge crowds through 2024. Asked by the New York Times in 2026 why he keeps writing, he answered: "I love it. I'm addicted."
Watch the Official Video
Watch the official remastered video for The Beatles' classic "Let It Be" below:
Recent Work (2026)
On 29 October 2026 it was reported that McCartney is among the donors to The King's Trust 50th Anniversary Auction (Julien's Auctions), with online bidding open ahead of the live sale on 19 November 2026 in Los Angeles - one lot is the black Chelsea boots he wore at Queen Elizabeth II's 2012 Diamond Jubilee celebration (estimate $4,000-$6,000).
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Paul McCartney?
Born on 18 June 1942, Paul McCartney is 84 years old in 2026.
What bands was he in?
He was the bassist and co-frontman of The Beatles (1960–1970) and founded the band Wings in 1971.
How many Grammys has he won?
He has won multiple Grammy Awards across his work with The Beatles, Wings and as a solo artist.
Is Paul McCartney still touring?
Yes. He completed the Got Back tour in 2024 and continues to record new music and perform live in his eighties.
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