George Harrison’s final four words to The Beatles as he walked away from band.

When The Beatles’ breakup was announced, it sent shockwaves through their global fanbase. The legendary lineup John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr didn’t split with a dramatic showdown but rather drifted apart over a year filled with subtle jabs and rising tensions. The friction surfaced in veiled insults, biting lyrics, and occasional walkouts, reaching a tipping point when George Harrison, often known as the “Quiet Beatle,” unexpectedly left the group on January 10, 1969.

In his diary, Harrison noted the moment with understated calm: “Got up, went to Twickenham, rehearsed until lunch time left the Beatles went home.” At just 26, he wrote about the day with dispassion, even mentioning evening plans like recording “King of Fuh” at Trident Studio and grabbing chips at Klaus and Christine’s before heading home. His detachment extended to how he broke the news.

During the Get Back sessions—an attempt to quickly create a new album while being filmed—director Michael Lindsay-Hogg had wired the studio for sound, hoping to capture dramatic moments. One of those came when Harrison informed John Lennon in a calm voice, “I’m leaving the band now.” When Lennon asked, “When?” Harrison replied, “Now.” Picking up his coat and guitar, he casually said, “See you ’round the clubs,” and walked out.

Michael recalled the scene vividly: “George stood at the end of the table silently for a moment, then said, ‘See you ’round the clubs.’ That was it he left.” Lennon, never one to hide his irritation, quickly snapped, “Let’s get in Eric. He’s just as good and not such a headache.” Paul and Ringo remained quiet, and after lunch, the remaining three returned to the studio to unleash a raw jam session a burst of frustration in musical form. Meanwhile, Yoko Ono sat on Harrison’s cushion and screamed into his microphone.

Reflecting years later in the 1995 Anthology series, Harrison explained his choice: “They were filming us arguing. It never got violent, but I thought, ‘Why am I here? I can be happy on my own, but I can’t be happy in this environment. I’m leaving.’”