“The Boys Of Dungeon Lane” hits No. 1 in the UK

On this day, it was announced that “The Boys Of Dungeon Lane“, released on May 29, 2026, had reached No. 1 in the UK. Paul McCartney’s previous studio album, “McCartney III“, released in 2020, had also topped the UK chart.

An aggressive marketing campaign, including the release of numerous coloured vinyl variants collected by fans, contributed to this result.

Guess what? Our album is Number 1! Can’t get much higher. And we are well chuffed. My team and the whole gang of people who worked on this thing, they have done a fantastic job, so thank you to all of them. And thank you to all of YOU who bought it! And thank you to me!

Paul McCartney

From Official Charts, June 5, 2026:

Paul McCartney extends his lead as the most successful albums act of all time on the Official Chart, adding yet another Number 1 to his tally with The Boys of Dungeon Lane. Paul’s 20th solo LP, he builds on his title, now boasting an incredible 24 Number 1 albums across a career spanning seven decades. Breaking down the numbers, Paul has scored 15 Number 1 LPs as a member of The Beatles, two with Wings, six with his solo projects and one alongside Linda McCartney to become the most prolific Albums Chart-topper in history. […]

On the feat Becca Monahan and Chris Austin, Co-Managing Directors, Official Charts Company, comment:  

“Paul McCartney securing his 24th UK Number 1 album in the UK is an incredible achievement, and his place as the most successful albums artist in the history of the Official Charts is truly deserved. Across seven decades, Paul’s music has found new generations of fans, and this latest milestone is a testament to his extraordinary career. As we near the 70th anniversary of the Official Albums Chart on 22nd July, Paul’s continued success highlights his profound and sustained impact across the lifetime of the chart. Congratulations to Paul on another historic milestone.” 

What’s more, The Boys Of Dungeon Lane also tops the Official Vinyl Albums Chart, this week’s best-seller on wax, and the Official Record Store Chart, shifting the most copies in independent UK record shops over the past seven days. […]

From Official Charts, June 5, 2026

From Music Week, June 5, 2026:

[…] Paul McCarney earned his first No.1 in 1963 with The Beatles’ Please Please Me. His closest rival in terms of career No.1s is Robbie Williams, who has 16 solo album No.1s and up to 21 in total if including all possible Take That releases.

“Congratulations to Sir Paul on yet another incredible achievement in a truly incomparable career,” said Island EMI president Louis Bloom. “To be celebrating his 24th No.1 album in total, following the record-breaking success he has enjoyed throughout his career, [including 15 No.1s with The Beatles, six as a solo artist and three with Wings and Linda McCartney] and to still be creating such brilliant, vital music, is further proof that he remains a true colossus of popular culture. It is a great honour and an enormous privilege to be in his orbit.

“A huge thank you to Scott and Lucie at Maverick, and to the fantastic team at Capitol Records, for being such wonderful partners throughout. I also couldn’t be prouder of the team at EMI for delivering an exceptional campaign, with special thanks to Steve Pitron, Alex Sayers and Marisa Hemson.”

He added: “On a personal note, Paul McCartney has been a huge presence in my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, my dad guided me through The Beatles’ entire catalogue, and ever since I have been in awe of the extraordinary impact Paul has had on music, culture and all our lives.” […]