Liverpool music legend Sir Paul McCartney has received the first Mercury Prize nomination of his career, with his deeply personal album The Boys of Dungeon Lane named among the 12 records shortlisted for the prestigious award.
The former Beatle will compete against a wide-ranging collection of British and Irish artists, including Olivia Dean, Dave, RAYE, Florence + the Machine, JADE, Suede and Nia Archives. The winner will be announced during the Mercury Prize ceremony at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October.
Despite a career filled with major awards, number-one records and some of the most recognisable songs ever written, this marks McCartney’s first appearance on the Mercury Prize shortlist.
His nomination comes following the release of The Boys of Dungeon Lane in May, an album which takes listeners back to his childhood in post-war Liverpool and the years before The Beatles changed music around the world.
The record explores memories of his parents, his early ambitions and the friendships he formed with John Lennon and George Harrison before fame arrived. Dungeon Lane itself is closely connected to McCartney’s younger years, when he would spend time birdwatching and exploring the area with a book in hand.
Mixing intimate storytelling with the melodic pop, rock and harmonies that have shaped McCartney’s career, the album offers a personal look at the people, streets and experiences that helped form one of Liverpool’s most celebrated musicians.
The release proved an immediate success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart. It became McCartney’s 24th UK number-one album across his solo career, his time with Wings and his years as a member of The Beatles.
For Liverpool fans, the Mercury Prize recognition carries extra meaning. While McCartney’s career has taken him to stages around the world, the stories at the heart of his latest record remain firmly connected to the city where it all began.
The Mercury Prize celebrates outstanding albums released by British and Irish artists, with the eventual winner chosen by a panel drawn from across the music industry.
The 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist
Dave – The Boy Who Played the Harp
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Florence + the Machine – Everybody Scream
JADE – That’s Showbiz Baby!
Knats – A Great Day in Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
Paul McCartney – The Boys of Dungeon Lane
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
The winner of the 2026 Mercury Prize will be revealed on Thursday 22 October. Whether McCartney takes home the award or not, the nomination adds another landmark achievement to his career while placing Liverpool and the memories of his early life firmly at the centre of one of the year’s biggest music awards.
READ MORE: Sir Paul McCartney Returns to Liverpool as Beatles Legend Visits LIPA Ahead of Ceremony
