Bittersweet Beatles memories

Paul McCartney Recalls "Lovely" Reunion With John Lennon Before His Death

Paul McCartney has spoken on his final relationship with former Beatle John Lennon. In discussion with Lennon's son Sean, McCartney shared that he was able to repair his fractured bond with Lennon prior to his 1980 death. Looking back, McCartney finds "strength" in the reconciliation despite the pair's past differences. Read on for his full comments.

Paul McCartney says Beatles breakup tensions with John Lennon were resolved prior to his death. Speaking to Sean Lennon as part of a new BBC Radio 2 special, McCartney revealed that he and his ex-songwriting partner "reunited" before Lennon was murdered in 1980.

Paul McCartney "reunited" with John Lennon before his 1980 death

The Beatles broke up in 1970 amid internal conflicts, followed by a much-publicized court battle and feud tracks released between McCartney and Lennon. But the divide didn't last, McCartney, 78, says.

"I always say to people, one of the great things for me was that after all The Beatles rubbish and all the arguing and the business, you know, business differences really… that even after all of that, I'm so happy that I got it back together with your dad," he told Sean Lennon.

"It really, really would have been a heartache to me if we hadn't have reunited," he added. "It was so lovely too that we did, and it really gives me sort of strength to know that."

McCartney's comments come in an upcoming a two-part special, John Lennon at 80, which airs on BBC Radio 2 on Oct. 3 and 4. Hosted by Lennon and Yoko Ono's son Sean, it includes interviews with McCartney, Julian Lennon, and Elton John.

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John Lennon's 80th birthday would've fallen in 2020

Oct. 9, 2020 will mark what would've been Lennon's 80th birthday. He was murdered on Dec. 8, 1980 by Mark David Chapman, who last month was denied parole for the 11th time. At the hearing, the 65-year-old confessed to the crime and apologized for the pain caused to Lennon's widow, Ono.

Earlier this year, McCartney also reflected on why the Beatles didn't continue after Lennon quit the band. "It's like a family," he told Howard Stern. "When families break up, it's to do with the emotion and the emotional pain.