After decades of people asking every possible Beatles question under the sun, Paul McCartney has finally answered one of the big ones: who is his favourite Beatle?
The answer came during his appearance on Chicken Shop Date with Amelia Dimoldenberg, because apparently even Beatles history now happens over vegan nuggets in Camden. Modern culture, everybody.
When asked who he’d choose between John, George and Ringo, McCartney gave the kind of answer only he could. His current favourite? Ringo Starr, simply because he’s “the only one left.” It’s funny, but there’s a bit of heartbreak tucked inside it too.
But when Paul looked back at the actual Beatles years, his answer shifted towards John Lennon.
McCartney explained that the band all looked up to John, describing him as the unofficial leader of the group. There may never have been a proper title or some ridiculous laminated badge saying “Band Boss”, but John carried that natural presence. He was sharp, funny, fearless, and by the sound of it, the one the others instinctively followed.
It’s a small comment, but it says a lot. For all the myths, arguments, documentaries, fan debates and endless “who was really the genius?” conversations, McCartney’s answer feels simple and human. John was the spark. Ringo is the brother still here. George, as always, sits somewhere in the emotional middle of it all, loved and missed without needing the loudest mention.
What makes the moment hit harder is that Paul wasn’t just ranking old bandmates like some pub debate after four pints. He was talking about people who shaped his entire life, two of whom he has now had to live without for decades.
The Beatles are often treated like symbols more than people. Lennon becomes the rebel, McCartney the melody man, Harrison the quiet mystic, Starr the lovable drummer. Neat little boxes for a band that basically rewired popular music while still being four lads trying to survive the madness.
But this moment strips that back. Paul’s favourite Beatle now is Ringo because Ringo is still here. His favourite back then might well have been John because John had that magnetic pull. And behind both answers is the same thing: love, history, loss, and a bond none of us can properly understand.
So, after all these years, McCartney has finally answered the question.
Current favourite? Ringo.
Back in the day? John.
Real answer? He loved them all.
James Waddingham
Collaborator, BritRockHeaven
