The Beatles' breakup was a gradual process rather than a single event. The key moments in their breakup timeline are:
- The group's tensions grew significantly after the death of their manager Brian Epstein in 1967, with increasing disputes over business and musical matters.
- In 1968, Ringo Starr and George Harrison briefly quit the band during the difficult "White Album" sessions.
- In September 1969, John Lennon informed the band that he was leaving, effectively ending the group, although this was kept secret initially due to business negotiations.
- The official public confirmation of the breakup came on April 10, 1970, when Paul McCartney announced in promotional material for his first solo album that he was no longer working with The Beatles.
- Legal dissolution was not formalized until December 29, 1974.
Thus, while Lennon left in September 1969, the Beatles' breakup was officially announced by McCartney on April 10, 1970, marking the band's public breakup date.