Sir Paul McCartney has been named the UK’s most successful albums act of all time.
The first ever Albums Chart was published in the UK exactly 60 years ago and to celebrate the landmark birthday on Friday (22.07.16), Paul’s achievement was revealed.
Paul said: "Okay, you know how it really feels? It feels unbelievable, because when you write your songs you don’t count how well they’re doing. I remember when ‘Please, Please Me’ went to number one, that was our first number one record, and it’s a beautiful feeling to suddenly get this [award], I mean it’s amazing. So thank you to the people for giving it to me, I love you. And thank you to everyone who made it possible by buying the records, we love you too!"
Martin Talbot, Chief Executive, Official Charts Company added: "It is a huge honour for the Official Charts to pay tribute to Paul McCartney’s incredible achievements with this special award. Over more than fifty years, Paul has been a fixture on the British and world music scene – so to recognise his contribution as part of the UK Albums Chart’s 60th birthday feels absolutely appropriate.
"Congratulations Paul! Here’s to many more number one albums to come!"
Paul has racked up 22 number one albums across his career as a member of The Beatles (15), Wings (two), through his Paul McCartney solo projects (four) and his work with Linda McCartney (one), to become the most prolific chart topper in UK history.
To commemorate Paul’s status as an all-time Official Chart Record Breaker, Paul was presented with a bespoke Official Chart Record Breaker Award.
He is only the second recipient of the new chart award. The Official Chart Record Breaker award was launched in February 2016, the inaugural winner was Justin Bieber, who was presented with his award by Christmas number one rivals the NHS Choir after becoming the first act in history to hold positions Number one, two and three simultaneously on the Official Singles Chart.
Sir Paul McCartney named UK’s most successful albums act of all time
