Video: 'George Harrison & Paul McCartney sign Beatles dissolution papers (Plaza Hotel, December 19th, 1974)'
(Thursday, December 19, 1974; during the George Harrison and Ravi Shankar’s 1974 North American tour) — Paul McCartney and George Harrison, former members of The Beatles, signed papers today at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, officially dissolving the band’s partnership.
The historic occasion marked the legal end of the iconic group that redefined popular music.
Ringo Starr, who had already signed the documents in England, joined the meeting via telephone to confirm his participation.
Meanwhile, John Lennon, who lived just blocks away from the hotel, was notably absent, citing astrological reasons, claiming “the stars aren’t right.” He would later sign the paperwork on December 29, 1974, at Disney World’s Polynesian Village Hotel in Florida.
McCartney and Harrison flew in specifically for the signing, joined by lawyers for both the U.S. and U.K. branches of Apple Records. Starr’s lawyer and business manager attended on his behalf. Over the phone, Starr humorously confirmed, “I’m alive,” while Linda McCartney documented the moment with a camera.
Harrison, visibly frustrated by Lennon’s absence, called him directly and demanded he come to the Plaza. Lennon refused, further aggravating tensions. However, Harrison’s anger soon faded, and he extended an olive branch with a lighthearted message: “All is forgiven. George loves you and he wants you to come to his party tonight.”
That evening, Lennon joined the group at a party, where he shared an emotional hug with McCartney and Harrison, mending the day’s discord.
Lennon eventually signed the dissolution papers during his Florida vacation on December 29, 1974. The formal dissolution of The Beatles’ partnership was finalized in London on January 9, 1975.
Video: 'George Harrison Living In The Material World Part 2' (Dec. 19, 1974, audio at 53:07, video at 53:14 and 53:18)
Also this day, Harrison held a press conference at the United Nations in New York City to announce that he would donate the proceeds from his final two concerts of his Dark Horse Tour the next day (Dec. 20, 1974) to UNICEF.
