Which of the Beatles Members Are Still Alive?
The Beatles are arguably the most popular band of all time. In the 1960s, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr made more music than one could imagine. They played countless shows, released chart-topping hits, and enjoyed international fame. However, decades have passed since the height of the Beatles members’ fame. So, are the Beatles still alive? And if so, which Beatles are still alive?
John Lennon, who was murdered outside his New York City apartment in 1980, was the 1st of the Beatles members to die
The Beatles’ former leader, John Lennon experienced a tragic death at the hands of an obsessed fan. The 40-year-old musician had just returned home from the recording studio with his wife, Yoko Ono. Lennon hadn’t even gotten inside yet when Mark David Chapman shot him several times outside the Dakota Apartments.
Although first responders attempted to resuscitate Lennon, he died before arriving at the hospital. Chapman, who had gotten an autograph from music legend earlier, was standing near the apartment building waiting for him to return. According to History, Lennon was shot in the back. Once word spread of his death, fans gathered outside the Dakota in remembrance.
George Harrison, known as the quietest of the Beatles members, died of lung cancer in 2001
During the band’s reign, George Harrison was nicknamed the “quiet Beatle.” The guitarist wasn’t as popular as Lennon or McCartney, but he was still a vital Beatles member.
After the band officially broke up in 1970, Harrison embarked on a successful solo career. He released All Things Must Pass, which critics adored. Harrison saw the album’s single “My Sweet Lord” become a hit.
The former Beatle battled several types of cancer in his 50s. He received treatment for cancer in his throat, lungs, and brain in the late ’90s and early 2000s, The New York Times reported. Ultimately, Harrison died of lung cancer on Nov. 29, 2001, in Los Angeles. He was 58.
Ringo Starr is still alive and touring
Born on July 7, 1940, Ringo Starr lives in LA and Monte Carlo with his wife — actor and model Barbara Bach — whom he married in 1981. The now-83-year-old was the Fab Four’s drummer, and like Harrison, he wasn’t the best-known of the Beatles members.
Still, Starr, whose real name is Richard Starkey, wrote several songs for the band, including “With a Little Help From My Friends” and “Yellow Submarine.” He occasionally sang backup too.
Today, Starr is considered the world’s wealthiest drummer, largely due to his legacy with the Beatles. He’s still making music and touring with his All Starr Band.
Paul McCartney is still alive and making music
Paul McCartney is arguably the most famous of the Beatles members. And although he doesn’t see the same notoriety he experienced in the ’60s, the acclaimed musician still makes frequent appearances.
Since the Beatles broke up, McCartney has pursued a solo career in other music genres. In 2016, he joined Rihanna and Kanye West (now known as Ye) on the song “FourFiveSeconds.” McCartney also performed in the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2005. In 2020, the two-time Rock and Rock Hall of Fame inductee released McCartney III, his 18th studio album.
Today, at 81, McCartney still travels the world and owns multiple homes in the United Kingdom and the United States. He has been married to American businesswoman Nancy Shevell since 2011. The wealthiest of the Beatles members, McCartney has an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion.
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