Photo — John Lennon: Listen to This Press Kit (1974) Immediate (Public domain) · Paul McCartney: album cover for Let it Be (Public domain)
The Short Version
Following the 1970 breakup of The Beatles, creative partners John Lennon and Paul McCartney engaged in a highly public rift involving press statements, diss songs, and angry correspondence before gradually reconciling prior to Lennon's death in 1980.
Latest Development
John Lennon Killed in New York
John Lennon was shot and killed outside his New York apartment building. Linda McCartney and Carl Perkins later recalled Lennon's final words to McCartney as 'Think about me now and then, old friend.'
December 8, 1980 · Reported
The Beef
Chronological, newest first. Every entry cites a source.
Beef timeline
December 8, 1980
John Lennon Killed in New York
ReportedJohn Lennon was shot and killed outside his New York apartment building. Linda McCartney and Carl Perkins later recalled Lennon's final words to McCartney as 'Think about me now and then, old friend.'
Source ↗1976
Pair Consider 'Saturday Night Live' Appearance
ReportedWhile visiting Lennon in New York, McCartney and Lennon briefly considered appearing on 'Saturday Night Live' after host Lorne Michaels offered a comedic $3,000 offer for a Beatles reunion on air.
Source ↗March 28, 1974
Lennon and McCartney Jam in Los Angeles Studio
Verified eventMcCartney made an unannounced visit to Lennon at Burbank Studios in Los Angeles during Lennon's 'Lost Weekend' period, resulting in a recorded jam session.
Source ↗1971
Lennon Sends Angry Letter and Releases Diss Track
Public statementLennon sent a typewritten letter criticizing McCartney and his wife Linda, telling McCartney to 'GET OFF YOUR GOLD DISC AND FLY!', and released the diss song 'How Do You Sleep?'.
Source ↗April 1970
The Beatles Announce Breakup
Public statementPaul McCartney publicly announced his departure and solo debut ahead of the release of 'Let It Be', finalizing the public split of The Beatles. Lennon later expressed frustration that McCartney beat him to the announcement.
Source ↗July 6, 1957
Lennon and McCartney Meet in Woolton
Verified eventJohn Lennon and Paul McCartney met at a church party in Woolton Village where Lennon was performing with the Quarrymen, establishing their legendary songwriting partnership.
Source ↗
Where It Stands
Historical. The feud was resolved prior to John Lennon's murder in December 1980, with the pair having rekindled a friendly private relationship during the mid-to-late 1970s.
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Sources
- 1.SourceJohn Lennon Killed in New York · Dec 8, 1980
- 2.SourcePair Consider 'Saturday Night Live' Appearance ·
- 3.SourceLennon and McCartney Jam in Los Angeles Studio · Mar 28, 1974
- 4.SourceLennon Sends Angry Letter and Releases Diss Track ·
- 5.SourceThe Beatles Announce Breakup ·
- 6.SourceLennon and McCartney Meet in Woolton · Jul 6, 1957
Allegations are attributed to the party that made them and are not statements of fact.