Paul McCartney names his favourite Beatle — then and now
Synopsis
At 83, Paul McCartney has named John Lennon as the Beatle all four members looked up to during the band's run — and Ringo Starr as his favourite today. The revelation came alongside the release of his 20th solo album, which features a rare duet with Starr, making it a quietly historic moment for Beatles fans.
Key Takeaways
Paul McCartney , 83 , named John Lennon as his favourite Beatle during the band's era, saying all four members likely felt the same.
He named Ringo Starr as his current favourite, noting Starr is the only other surviving member of the group.
McCartney shared a humorous anecdote about a woman who changed the lyrics of 'When I'm 64' to 'When I'm 84' for her retirement home audience.
His 20th solo album , The Boys of Dungeon Lane , was released on 29 May and includes a duet with Ringo Starr titled 'Home to Us' .
McCartney described Lennon's 1971 anthem 'Imagine' as a 'beautiful vision' that remains relevant amid continuing global conflict.
Paul McCartney, the 83-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend and co-founder of The Beatles, has revealed who he considers his favourite bandmate — both during the group's heyday and today. Speaking in a new interview with Amelia Dimoldenberg on Chicken Shop Date, McCartney offered a candid and warm assessment of his former and surviving bandmates.
McCartney's Current and Former Favourites
When asked about his favourite Beatle, McCartney was characteristically direct. 'Favourite Beatle? Well, there's only one left. Now, it's Ringo,' he said, referring to drummer Ringo Starr, the only other surviving member of the Fab Four.
As for the band's era, McCartney pointed to John Lennon as the one all four members looked up to. 'During the Beatles, I think we all used to look up to John,' he said. 'He was like the leader even though there wasn't officially a leader of the group. And he was very witty, and he was great to have in the group. I think all of us might have said John was our favourite.'
The 'When I'm 64' Anecdote
McCartney also shared a lighthearted story involving one of The Beatles' most beloved songs. He recalled a woman who performs 'When I'm 64' at a retirement home — but with a lyrical adjustment. 'She said, "I do one of your songs." I said, "Oh, yeah, but which one?" She said, "When I'm 64." She said, "But I had to change the words 'cause that's too young for my people. So, I had to change it to when I'm 84,"' McCartney recounted, visibly amused.
New Album and Ringo Duet
The interview comes as McCartney released his 20th solo album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, on Friday, 29 May. The project notably features a duet with Ringo Starr titled 'Home to Us' — a reunion of the two surviving Beatles on record.
McCartney on John Lennon's Legacy
Separately, McCartney has spoken at length about John Lennon's enduring influence. He described Lennon's 1971 peace anthem 'Imagine' as a 'beautiful vision' that remains painfully relevant given ongoing global conflict. Reflecting on his friendship and creative partnership with Lennon while promoting the new album, McCartney selected the song among the ten that most shaped his life and career.
With a new album out and a rare on-record reunion with Starr, McCartney appears as creatively engaged as ever at 83 — keeping the Beatles' legacy alive while forging distinctly new work.
Point of View
Keeping the Beatles brand alive in a way that feels earned rather than nostalgic. The release of a 20th solo album at 83, featuring a Starr duet, is also a quiet rebuke to the idea that legacy acts merely coast — McCartney is still generating primary material, not just touring the catalogue.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Paul McCartney name as his favourite Beatle?
McCartney named John Lennon as his favourite during The Beatles' active years, saying all four members likely looked up to Lennon as the group's de facto leader. He named Ringo Starr as his current favourite, noting Starr is the only other surviving member.
What is Paul McCartney's new album?
McCartney released his 20th solo album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, on 29 May. It includes a duet with Ringo Starr called 'Home to Us,' marking a rare on-record reunion of the two surviving Beatles.
What did Paul McCartney say about John Lennon's 'Imagine'?
McCartney described Lennon's 1971 peace anthem 'Imagine' as a 'beautiful vision' that remains painfully relevant given ongoing global conflict. He made the remarks while reflecting on his friendship and creative partnership with Lennon.
Where did Paul McCartney give this interview?
McCartney gave the interview on Chicken Shop Date, hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg. The conversation covered his favourite bandmates, a humorous fan anecdote, and his new solo album.
What is the 'When I'm 64' story McCartney told?
McCartney recounted meeting a woman who performs 'When I'm 64' at a retirement home but changed the lyric to 'When I'm 84' because, as she explained, 64 was too young for her residents. McCartney shared the story as a lighthearted aside during the interview.
