British music icon Paul McCartney has set the record straight on The Beatles’ infamous split in an upcoming BBC Radio interview claiming that it was John Lennon that “instigated” the break up.

In excerpts from the interview published by The Guardian, McCartney called the split “most difficult period of my life” and addressed the breakup when questioned about his decision to pursue a solo career.

“I didn’t instigate the split. That was our Johnny,” he said.

“Stop right there. I am not the person who instigated the split. Oh no, no, no. John walked into a room one day and said I am leaving the Beatles. Is that instigating the split, or not?”

McCartney went on to express sadness over the band’s split.

“This was my band, this was my job, this was my life, so I wanted it to continue.” he said.

Fans of The Beatles have long speculated the cause of the break up with many placing the blame on McCartney following a press release in which he claimed he was leaving the band as well as their manager at the time, Allen Klein, insisting the break up be kept under wraps.

The recent remarks come after McCartney paid a touching tribute to his late bandmate on what would have been his 81st birthday.

In a black and white photo shared to his Instagram the two music icons are seen holding guitars to their chins like violins.

Paul captioned the image, “Happy Birthday thoughts for John – Paul.”

Fans were quick to comment and share their tributes to the late John Lennon with one writing, “Awe!! So cute happy birthday Johnny! Besties Paul and John forever.”

“Absolutely love this pic, thank you for sharing Paul.”

“Happy heavenly Birthday to John. He’s missed every day.”

“What a journey it must have been for you 2 guys to go from mucking around as kids to the biggest band in history. And what a lovely photo.”

McCartney has opened up about his reconciliation with Lennon following the band’s breakup, noting it ‘It was so lovely’.

The interview with McCartney will air on BBC Radio 4 on October 23.