By Danika Kirka-
The Associated Press
Paul McCartney has spoken again about the breakup of the Beatles, flatly rejecting the suggestion that he was responsible for the dissolution of the group.
During an episode
of the BBC's
This Cultural Life
radio
show set to air on October 23, McCartney said it was John Lennon who wanted to disband the band.
"I did not incite the separation," McCartney said.
"That was our Johnny."
Fans of the band have long debated who was responsible for the split, with
many of them blaming McCartney
.
However, McCartney said Lennon's desire to "break free" was the main driver of the split.
The Beatles during a presentation for which the date is not specified.
From left to right are Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon.
The confusion over the split stemmed from the band's manager asking members not to say anything until several business deals were concluded, McCartney said.
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The interview takes place before the premiere of a six-hour documentary, directed by Peter Jackson, that narrates the last months of the band.
The documentary
The Beatles: Get Back will
be released in November on Disney + will encompass the group's bitter disbandment.
McCartney's comments were first reported by
The Observer
.
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When asked by interviewer John Wilson about the decision to go his own way, McCartney responded, “Stop there.
I am not the person who instigated the separation.
No no no.
John walked into the office one day and said, 'I'm leaving the Beatles.'
Is that instigating separation or not? "
McCartney expressed sadness over the split, noting that the group continued to do "very good things."
“That was my band, that was my job, that was my life.
Of course I wanted to continue, "he said.