Paul McCartney: Biography, Net Worth, Religion & More

Few musicians have lived as many lives in one lifetime as Paul McCartney — Beatle, solo artist, billionaire, agnostic, widower, outspoken critic of presidents — his story is a collection of contradictions. Forbes estimated his net worth at $1.2 billion in 2023, making him Britain’s first billionaire musician, according to the Associated Press (AP).

Born: 18 June 1942, Liverpool, England ·
Net worth: Estimated $1.2 billion (Forbes) ·
Beatles tenure: 1960–1970 ·
Studio albums (solo + Wings): 25+ ·
Grammy Awards: 18

Six key facts, one pattern: McCartney’s life is a study in contrasts — Irish heritage, agnostic faith, and staggering wealth.

Was Paul McCartney’s dad Irish?

Paul McCartney’s father, James “Jim” McCartney, was born in Liverpool, but his own father — Paul’s paternal grandfather — was reportedly born in Ireland, according to IrishCentral (genealogy publication). On his mother’s side, the Irish connection is even clearer: maternal grandfather Owen Mohin (or Mohan) was born in County Monaghan, as documented by The Beatles Story (museum in Liverpool). Paul has publicly described himself as having Irish heritage, and his family background is a blend of Catholic and Protestant traditions that crossed the Irish Sea.

The implication: McCartney’s Irish roots are real and traceable, not just a stage quip. That heritage shaped the working-class Liverpool environment he grew up in.

Was Paul McCartney raised Catholic or Protestant?

McCartney was baptised Catholic, following his mother’s faith, but his father was a former Protestant who later became agnostic, per The Beatles Story. The family did not attend church regularly, and McCartney has said he was raised “non-denominationally,” according to the EPFL Wikispeedia mirror (encyclopedic archive). In interviews, he has described himself as agnostic, though he retains a soft spot for the rituals of his youth.

Which Beatles had the most affairs?

All four Beatles engaged in extramarital relationships, but the frequency and notoriety vary. John Lennon openly admitted to multiple affairs, while Paul McCartney has acknowledged straying before his first marriage to Linda Eastman, according to Songfacts (music trivia database). Ringo Starr and George Harrison also had affairs, but reliable counts are hard to come by. One source claims McCartney was the only Beatle never to divorce until his 2008 split from Heather Mills, per Songfacts.

Four Beatles, one pattern: the rock-star lifestyle came with marital strain, but McCartney’s first marriage lasted 29 years — longer than any other Beatle’s.

The catch: “biggest womaniser” is subjective. Lennon’s affairs were more public, but McCartney’s were quieter until his second marriage collapsed.

What did John Lennon say to Paul before he died?

McCartney has recounted that his last phone conversation with John Lennon, in September 1980, was warm and cordial. Lennon reportedly said, “Think of me every now and then, old friend,” as McCartney recalled in interviews with Wikipedia (comprehensive biography). The call took place just weeks before Lennon was murdered. There is no recording, so the exact wording rests solely on McCartney’s memory, but he has repeated it consistently.

Why this matters: those words are the last known direct communication between the two songwriting partners, and they provide a rare moment of closure in a famously fractured relationship.

Is Paul McCartney still a billionaire?

Yes. In 2024, the Associated Press (global news agency) reported that McCartney had become Britain’s first billionaire musician, with a fortune of £1 billion (about $1.27 billion). The New York Post (U.S. tabloid) also confirmed the figure. His wealth comes from Beatles catalog royalties, steady touring income, and savvy investments. He remains one of the richest musicians alive, alongside the likes of Jay-Z and Rihanna.

The trade-off: while McCartney’s billions make headlines, his wealth is largely tied to a back catalog he fought for decades to control — a business story as much as a music story.

What does Paul McCartney say about Trump?

McCartney has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a 2017 interview with CNN, he said he was “not a fan” of Trump and that the president’s policies made him “very uncomfortable.” He has also supported Democratic candidates and publicly opposed Trump’s travel ban. McCartney’s political stance aligns with his long-standing advocacy for peace and human rights, which he has maintained since the Beatles’ anti-war period.

The implication: McCartney’s political voice is consistent with his public persona — he is not shy about using his platform, even if it risks alienating fans.

Who is richer, Paul McCartney or Mick Jagger?

McCartney’s net worth of $1.2 billion far exceeds Mick Jagger’s estimated $500 million, according to multiple celebrity wealth trackers. Both have had lucrative careers spanning six decades, but McCartney’s ownership of the Beatles’ catalog gives him a decisive edge. Jagger, as a Rolling Stone, shares songwriting royalties with Keith Richards and has less control over his back catalog. The comparison is not just about talent — it’s about deal-making and catalog ownership.

The pattern: in the music business, owning your songs is worth more than selling them.

Timeline

This timeline highlights the key moments that shaped McCartney’s life and career.

What’s clear and what’s not

Quotes

“Think of me every now and then, old friend.”

— John Lennon, as recalled by Paul McCartney in an interview with Rolling Stone (Wikipedia)

“I’m not a fan of Donald Trump. I don’t think he’s a good president. I think he’s a very bad president.”

— Paul McCartney, in a 2017 interview with CNN

“I was baptised Catholic, but my parents weren’t practising. I’m kind of agnostic.”

— Paul McCartney, quoted by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (secular advocacy group)

For a British billionaire raised in a Catholic-Protestant home, the contradictions are not flaws — they are the story. McCartney’s Irish heritage is real, his faith is faded, his wealth is immense, and his political voice is clear. Anyone still wondering whether the “cute Beatle” has depth should look at the decisions he made: owning his catalog, speaking his mind, and keeping the music alive. The trade-off for fans is that McCartney is not the simple, sunny figure of the 1960s — he is a complex, calculated, and very rich man who has earned every contradiction.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Billy Joel: Health, Marriages, Fortune, and Music – Another piano man’s life story, with parallels to McCartney’s career arc.
• Keith Richards: Biography, Net Worth, and Health Updates – A contemporary rock icon’s wealth and legacy, direct comparison to McCartney.