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January 2004 to April 2004
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January 31, 2004 -- The Sun
Macca back with wingsPaul McCartney is learning to fly a plane. Sir Macca has had four lessons in a two-seater at Lydd airport in Kent. Pals say he has always wanted to fly - and loves his new hobby. The former Beatle is eager to get wife Heather up in the clouds, too. A friend said, "Paul is a natural. He can't wait to get his license and has his head in a flying book in his spare time. He wants to take Heather to his favorite Scottish places - Mull of Kintyre and the Isle of Bute.
"Paul's daughter Stella got married on Bute last year and Heather fell in love with the place as well." Macca's not the only airborne star - Nicole Kidman's been learning too.
January 30, 2004 -- Commericial Appeal.com
McCartney more than outlasted the rumor of his deathAround 1968, fans, disc jockeys and the media began spreading a rumor that a violent car crash had killed Beatles bassman Paul McCartney in 1966. Moreover, the band and its management supposedly covered it up by holding a secret contest to replace McCartney with one William Campbell, an amazing look-alike.
The Cute One was now known as the Dead One.
"Paul was so funny about it," says George Harrison's sister, Louise. "When they asked him, he said, 'If I was dead, I'd want to be the last one to know.' "
Detroit DJ Russell Gibbs fanned the flaming lie by reporting the wreck in the fall of 1969. Life magazine helped things along by making the real Paul and his fake demise the cover story of its Nov. 7, 1969, issue. The highlight of the article, actually, was a quote from drummer Ringo Starr :
"It's all a load of crap."
The "evidence" was left behind in "clues" on Beatles songs and album covers. The result combines admittedly eerie coincidences, painfully stretched imaginations and the gaping revelation that some people need loftier pursuits such as volunteer work or organizing one's work space.
The clue onslaught usually begins with the cover of the 1966 Beatles album, "Yesterday and Today." It shows a comatose-looking McCartney with his band mates, but he's seated inside a steamer trunk, as if he were in a coffin. One of the album's songs, "Yesterday," has the line, "I'm not half the man I used to be."
And on the back of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," for instance, McCartney's fate is signified by the fact that he's the only Beatle of the four with his back to the camera. In the TV film "Magical Mystery Tour" - which died its own death after debuting on the BBC - the Fab Four are dressed in white tie and tails. They wear red carnations, except for McCartney, whose lapel flower is - drum roll, Ringo - black as death.
The set of clues that pushed the rumor appeared on the 1969 "Abbey Road" cover. The grim-looking boys are famously crossing the legendary street. But Paul is out of step with the other three. He's the only one barefoot (the dead are often buried this way) and is holding a cigarette (hmm, what does that signify?) in his right hand (oh, and Paul is left-handed!). A car is heading toward him and his eyes are closed. (Well, walking around like that might lead to injury.)
The most elaborate interpretation of this scenario is the designated roles: The jeans-clad George Harrison is the gravedigger; Ringo Starr is the black-suited undertaker; Yoko Ono's husband John Lennon is the white-clad preacher, and Paul is, of course, the corpse.
"Any individual 'clue' would be a stretch to consider evidence, but when many of them are presented with a specific theme, they sound like actual proof," write Ralph L. Rosnow and Gary Alan Fine in their 1976 book, "Rumor and Gossip: The Social Psychology of Hearsay."
The funny thing is, the Beatles broke up shortly after "Abbey Road" came out: Paul could have been dead, but they all wanted to kill each other.
In fact, Lennon, in the fall of 1968, recorded "Glass Onion" for the Beatles' "White Album," which contained this line: "And here's another clue for you all/The walrus was Paul."
Sadly, Lennon and Harrison are dead. Ironically, McCartney is one of the last Beatles standing, and certainly the more successful one. Sorry, Ringo. Not only is McCartney a bona fide British knight, but he also remarried two years ago. And at 61, McCartney in October became a father again. Not bad for a dead man, eh?
"It proves he can still do it," says Beatles scholar Martin Lewis happily. "He's had his share of bereavement. It was so unusual that for a showbiz couple he and (first wife) Linda had a textbook marriage for 30 years, so why not have a go at happiness again?"
Here are a few Web sites for you all to explore this never-dying phenomenon in exhausting detail:
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/3674/pid.html
http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Obituary/paul.html
http://www.rareexception.com/Garden/Beatles/Paul.php
http://www.paul-is-dead.com/beatles.htm
January 29, 2004Is there a tour on the horizon for Paul McCartney and his band?
A PR organization is meeting with McCartney's tour manager next week to discuss his upcoming tour.
January 29, 2004
Reports from observers, say Macca has been taking flying lessons for the last six weeks at an airport near his home in East Sussex.
January 29, 2004
"Paul McCartney: Music and Animation Collection" (DVD North America and Canada)
To be released on April 13, 2004
This collection features, "Tuesday," "Tropic Island Hum" and "Rupert and the Frog Song."
McCartney worked with long-time collaborator Geoff Dunbar to create additional special effects in order to enhance the animation. In addition, newly recorded live-action footage -- featuring McCartney himself -- will be included.
January 28, 2004 -- HeatherMillsMcCartney.com
Dear Well-wishers,I feel overwhelmed with your concern regarding my recent medical problems. As most of you know, I crushed my pelvis in my accident in 1993 and had to have two metal plates put across the front of my pelvis, making natural childbirth an impossibility. Recent x-rays showed that one of the metal plates had snapped in half and my mobility really suffered.
I opted out of surgery as I didn't want to spoil Christmas and New Year's and I'm feeling a lot better now. I'm able to walk unaided and am hoping that with regular swimming, pilates and yoga, I can delay the operation for as long as possible.
Once again your well wishing has meant a lot to me.
Be happy,
Take care,
And stay Healthy.
Kindest regards,
Heather Mills McCartney
January 26, 2004 -- UK NewsMcCARTNEYS BREAK FILM CERTIFICATE RULES
Rock legend Sir Paul McCartney and his wife Heather Mills flouted the film certification laws last weekend by taking baby daughter Beatrice to see "Love Actually."
The former Beatle and his campaigning spouse saw the Hugh Grant-starring romantic comedy alongside at London's Odeon Swiss Cottage.
But fellow cinema-goers were astonished when baby Bea - who was born last October - was admitted to watch the film alongside her famous parents as the movie carries a 15 certificate.
However, Beatrice remained well behaved throughout the flick.
One onlooker says, "The baby didn't cry. She was quiet throughout the movie."
January 24, 2004 -- AP
Paul McCartney's wife, Heather, must undergo major pelvic surgery nearly two months after the birth of her baby, her spokeswoman said Friday (January 23).Metal plates inserted in her pelvis following a road accident 11 years ago need to be replaced as a result of the pregnancy, spokeswoman Anya Noakes said.
Heather Mills McCartney, 36, had her first child, Beatrice, on Oct. 28. She gave birth by Caesarean section.
"The weight of the baby has caused the plates to come apart," Noakes said. "She is feeling very uncomfortable."
Mills McCartney's pelvis was shattered and her left leg was severed below the knee when she was hit by a police vehicle in August 1993. The plates were inserted to hold her pelvis together.
Noakes said doctors wanted to operate on the former Beatle's wife as soon as possible and were discussing various options.
January 23, 2004 -- Beatlefan Extra
Guitarist Rusty Anderson of Paul McCartney's touring band tells Beatlefan/EXTRA! in an exclusive interview that about 10 songs have been worked on so far for McCartney's next album during sessions in September and October, and the band is due to join Macca and producer David Kahne in the studio again in February when Sir Paul's "paternity leave" comes to an end.
Details are available in Beatlefan/EXTRA! #197.
January 23, 2004 -- Ananova
Heather Mills McCartney is to undergo major surgery to her pelvis as a result of having her baby daughter.Doctors must replace the metal plates which have held her pelvis together for the past 10 years. They were inserted after the road accident in which she lost a leg.
Mills McCartney, 36, gave birth to a longed-for baby, Beatrice, in October. The pregnancy put strain on her pelvis and the plates now need to be replaced.
A spokeswoman for the anti-landmines campaigner said, "The weight of carrying the baby has put strain on these plates and Heather now needs surgery. The plates were put in after her accident - it is impossible to under-estimate the seriousness of the injuries she suffered in that crash. This will be a big operation but Heather is keen to get it out of the way as soon as possible because she doesn't want to take too much time off work."
Currently on maternity leave, Mills McCartney expects to undergo the operation in the next few weeks.
Her life was altered forever when she was hit by a police motorcycle while crossing a road in 1993. Because of the injuries she suffered in the accident, a natural birth was impossible and Beatrice was born by Caesarean section.
The couple married in June 2002 and feared they would never have a child because Mills McCartney had previously suffered two ectopic pregnancies.
MORE
January 23, 2004 -- The SunLady Macca faces op
Sir Paul McCartney's brave wife Heather is facing major surgery - as a result of having the baby she always longed for. The model, 36 - who lost a leg in a crash ten years ago - is to undergo an op to replace metal plates in her pelvis.
Last night an aide said her pregnancy was to blame. The spokeswoman said, "Strain was put on her pelvis by carrying the baby."
Jubilant Heather gave birth to daughter Beatrice Milly in October - after being told she could never conceive following cancer of the uterus. She had previously had two dangerous ectopic pregnancies, in which the fetus grows outside the womb. The problem with the steel joints was only revealed after the new mum fell from a horse while riding with ex-Beatle Macca, 61, on his 160-acre Sussex estate last month. A source said, "X-rays showed the damage." Heather's spokeswoman stressed it was NOT caused by the tumble from the saddle.Proud dad ... Sir Paul She said, "There are various complications which have nothing to do with falling off a horse. It is all to do with the original injuries she got in the accident all those years ago."
Heather uses an artificial leg after being hit by a police motorbike while crossing a road in London in 1993. The plates in her hips made a natural birth impossible for baby Bea, who was delivered in a caesarean op.
Orthopaedic surgeon Andrew Waterfield said Heather's surgery could last up to four hours. He said, "To replace metal plates in the pelvis is a much bigger deal than originally putting them in."
Jan 23, 2004 -- Daily PostMcCartney plan is culture for masses
Photographer Mike McCartney has been appointed cultural ambassador for Wirral. The younger brother of Sir Paul will spearhead a campaign to boost the borough's profile as well as bringing music and arts events to the area.
As figurehead, McCartney, whose work is currently being exhibited in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, will play a pivotal promotional role and help to steer the strategy.
He says it's an opportunity that he relishes. He added, "It's a big honor but one that can be used to do a lot of good. Culture should be for the masses. It should be amenable, not tied up in bows. The most important part of this job is to get someone who is not interested in theatre, ballet or exhibitions because they don't feel it's for them, and help them find something they can identify with, whatever it is. I'm just a lad from a working class family in Speke but I was interested in photography so I went to the library and learnt all about it. Now I have an exhibition in the Smithsonian Institute. Anyone can do it, it's already been done. That's what we need to get across."
The role has been created by the Local Strategic Partnership, which is made up of public sector, the police and voluntary bodies and implements Wirral's Community Strategy.
The cultural aspect covers art, sport, museums, libraries, theatres, history and heritage. The group will meet next month to put together a detailed plan of action.
McCartney, who recently turned 60, was chosen because of his long-standing career in the arts. He hit the spotlight in the 1960s as a member of The Scaffold when he was known as Mike McGear.
The band had a number one single with "Lily the Pink" and he wrote, among others, their hit song "Thank-U-Very-Much." His passion for photography started when he was a child after he was given a a ten shilling box camera as a Christmas present.
But he is also known for his work as writer and poet, and has published a number of books.
McCartney's appointment was partly at the request of the Bishop of Birkenhead, Rt Rev David Urquhart, chairman of the partnership.
He said, "Mike was approached by the partnership because of his commitment to music and the arts and to Merseyside. He has a lot of contacts and is very enthusiastic about the work. The LSP is a government initiative. It has a broad remit but the aim is to bring in community leaders to champion different themes."
January 19, 2004 -- The Sun
STELLA McCARTNEY IN FURIOUS BUST-UP WITH SISTER MARY
Stella and Mary McCartney are at war after having a blazing row at Kate Moss' 30th birthday bash.The sisters "tore strips" off each other during a 15-minute slanging match at London's ultra-posh Claridges hotel, leaving guests stunned.
As the Krug and Cristal champagne flowed Mary, 34, hit the roof when her 32-year-old sibling got more and more into the, ahem, party spirit.
Stella, fought back by branding her sister "too old."
The flare-up happened at around 3am on Saturday (January 17) when married mum-of-two Mary pulled Stella into the toilets, ordered her to curb her partying and called her "a mess."
But the ultimatum didn't go down well with fashion designer Stella, who yelled that her sister was "boring." Mary was overheard screaming, "What do you think you are doing? You are a mess. Slow down and pull yourself together."
But Stella - who looked the worse for wear - screamed back, "It's a party and I'm having a good time. Leave me alone. You're boring and old."
She then confided in a pal, "I wish she would f***ing go home and leave me alone."
An onlooker at Friday's party added, "Stella was really enjoying herself, albeit a bit too much in her older sister's eyes. She was knocking back the champers as if it was going out of fashion and looked well-plastered. Mary suddenly got hold of her arm and dragged her into the toilet.
"The door slammed then all of a sudden you could hear them both screaming at each other. They were having a right ding-dong and it went on for nearly a quarter of an hour.
"Mary then stormed out of the loo and they didn't talk to each other for the rest of the night."
The row - which took place in the seventh floor suite hired for the supermodel's celebrations - is the latest the Macca sisters have had about Stella's wild nights out.
Mary is worried Stella is heading for burn-out. Stella insists she is just enjoying herself. Photographer Mary is seen as the most sensible daughter of Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney.
As well as settling down with her husband Alistair Donald and their two sons Arthur and Elliot, she is also friends with Tony Blair.
She took the first official pictures of the Blairs' baby son Leo after being asked by the Prime Minister.
Stella is the opposite to her big sis. She enjoys the spotlight and is often seen out partying with the likes of supermodel Kate, Naomi Campbell and actress Sadie Frost.
Kate's birthday celebrations on Friday went on for nearly 24 hours.
They included lunch with ten of her closest pals at Claridges, a party at artist Sam Taylor-Wood's house then the do back to Claridges.
The party was so wild that environmental health noise officers were called after complaints from fellow guests. Maybe they heard Stella and Mary shouting.
January 18, 2004 -- Independent on SundayThe last-minute deal in a Beverly Hills hotel that saved Michael Jackson's empire
Michael Jackson's music empire has been saved by a last- minute $70m loan deal brokered by two businessmen - one of whom has previously been linked to the Mafia - The Independent on Sunday can reveal.
As the pop star was preparing for his courthouse debut in Santa Maria, California, last week on charges of child molestation, another drama in the Jackson's surreal life was being played out in a plush conference room 130 miles away. At stake was not only the future of the troubled finances of the "King of Pop", but the ownership of one of the largest, most valuable collections of popular song publishing rights ever amassed.
The IoS has learnt of a last-minute $70m bail-out by Jackson's close business associates that has allowed the star to retain ownership of the best investment he ever made - his 50 per cent stake in a massive portfolio of up to 400,000 pop and rock songs written or performed by some of the most famous groups and solo artists of the past 50 years, including the Beatles.
The bail-out followed an extraordinary all-day crisis conference - held last Monday in a room at the plush Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles - that was attended by 27 of Jackson's closest business and legal advisors. Jackson did not attend, but is believed to have participated via a phone link. Four days later, he was playing to the crowd massed outside the Santa Maria courthouse as his trial opened, leaping on to the roof of his van, dancing and giving a V-for-victory sign.
Away from the cavorting, some serious business had been seen to. According to one report, two of Jackson's most important aides, Al Malnik - a 70-year-old multimillionaire lawyer, businessman, property developer and money-lending magnate with alleged long-standing connections to the Mafia - and Charles Koppelman, a senior record industry figure, have now steered the singer away from potential disaster by arranging for a crucial $70m loan repayment on Jackson's behalf.
Malnik, who is based in Miami, was at one time personal lawyer to notorious mobster Meyer Lansky, who died in 1983. The character of Hyman Roth, played by Lee Strasberg in The Godfather, Part II, is a thinly disguised version of Lansky. Malnik originally raised bail for Jackson when he was arrested on the current charges last year.
Also reported to be at the Beverly Hills meeting, called to discuss the star's financial situation, were representatives of the Nation of Islam, the fundamentalist black rights group that has recently become closely associated with the embattled singer.
Without the 11th-hour payment, one source told Fox News, "Michael would have been flushed down the toilet". Jackson's part-ownership of the song rights collection, whose total value has been estimated at between $700m and $1billion, has long underpinned the big-spending star's credit-worthiness. His loss of the highly lucrative publishing rights to songs by hundreds of artists including the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Madonna, Little Richard, Oasis, the Pretenders and most of the big names in country and rock'n'roll - which could have happened in the middle of next month - would have knocked away the last pillar supporting the singer's lavish lifestyle.
Jackson started investing in music in 1985, when he paid $47.5m for the rights to 251 Beatles songs and thousands of others held in the catalogue created by the media company ATV, outbidding his then friend Paul McCartney.
An owner of publishing rights usually receives half the royalties every time a song is played on radio, television, a jukebox or a Karaoke machine, or when its lyrics or music are printed. The rights-holder can also charge for the right to record a cover version, or for its use in a film or advertisement, or as piped music. The rest goes to the songwriter or writers.
This can be an extraordinarily profitable investment. In the early 1990s, Jackson's ATV song rights alone earned him around $30m a year.
McCartney, defeated in the bid to buy the Beatles' song rights, went on to amass his own vast catalogue of more than 3,000 songs, currently thought to be worth more than £400m ($724m).
In 1995, Jackson merged his ATV company with the giant music multinational Sony to create a joint venture, Sony/ATV Music Publishing. By 1999, the new firm was valued at more than $900m - most of this down to the "golden core" of Beatles songs. As part of the deal, Sony paid Jackson around £65m ($117m).
According to figures obtained recently by Rolling Stone magazine, revenue generated by the Sony/ATV catalogue has been increasing dramatically, pointing to a likely income for Jackson and Sony of $80m last year.
In one year, 1998, rights revenue from Oasis songs alone raked in around £1m ($1.8m). But at the heart of the Sony/ATV holdings is a small group of Lennon-McCartney songs, led by "Yesterday", "Eleanor Rigby" and "Penny Lane".
The future of the Beatles' song rights held by Jackson are believed to have been a focus of discussion at last Monday's Beverly Hills conference.
By the end of the 1990s, Jackson's extraordinary lifestyle, including monthly "running costs" of more than $1m, had led him to seek a series of huge loans totalling more than $200m from the Bank of America. The cost of producing his 2001 album Invincible was spectacular. Sony lent Jackson $40m to make it - the most expensive album ever - and forked out a further $25m promoting it. But sales were relatively modest: two million copies sold in the US, compared with 26 million copies of Thriller 20 years earlier. Loans were granted to Jackson, using his share of the song rights as security and with Sony acting, in effect, as guarantor.
Since then, disappointing album sales and a series of settlements, as well as large legal bills, have added to financial woes that are thought to include debts of more than $240m. Last year the star failed to sell his fantastical Neverland ranch home for around £30m ($54m).
Sony would automatically have assumed ownership of the entire catalogue, thanks to a deal with the singer whereby Sony has a "first right to buy" should the singer ever sell, had Jackson defaulted on the repayment of his Bank of America loans.
"It was paid," a spokesman for Sony said. "It's not like he defaulted or anything. That's not the case."
Contacted last week, the Bank of America refused to confirm the Jackson repayment, saying that since he was a client of theirs, they would not discuss his financial affairs with a third party. Also not able to speak to the Independent on Sunday last week was Al Malnik.
By making the 15 February loan repayment deadline, Jackson has saved his music empire until the end of 2005. But the $70m bail-out won't help him with his next big battle - in California's criminal courts.
January 16, 2004 -- AP
McCartney's Spokesman Nixes Probe Report
A spokesman for Sir Paul McCartney on Friday dismissed a newspaper report claiming police wanted to interview the singer about an alleged assault.London's Evening Standard said police planned to speak to McCartney about a dispute that occurred when one of the newspaper's photographers tried to take the former Beatle's picture in September.
The incident occurred near the spot by the River Thames where illusionist David Blaine was living suspended from a crane in a plastic box for 44 days. McCartney had gone to see Blaine after dining with friends in London's Soho district.
London's Metropolitan Police said in September that they were investigating two counter-allegations of common assault following a dispute near Blaine's site between a photographer and a group of friends. The police didn't name any of those involved in the incident.
A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said Friday that the investigation was ongoing but said no arrests had been made. She refused to name any of the people involved.
McCartney spokesman Geoff Baker said he had not spoken to the singer about the Evening Standard report. But he added that police had not tried to contact McCartney's office about the allegations of assault, and said he didn't believe the newspaper's claim.
Baker, who was at the scene of the dispute, denied that any assault took place, adding that insulting a photographer did not constitute an assault.
Shortly after the incident on Sept. 19, Baker said there had been "pushing and shoving, but there were certainly no punches thrown." He later described reports of a "fracas" as exaggerated.
The Evening Standard said McCartney stormed off after photographer Kevin Wheal tried to take his picture. It reported that one of the singer's friends then grabbed Wheal by the arm while another friend punched him in the face several times.
January 16, 2004 -- Ananova/icLiverpool/SkyNews
McCartney faces Blaine scuffle quizDetectives are to speak to Sir Paul McCartney. It follows a fracas which took place when he went to see David Blaine's glass box stunt in September.
Officers will speak to Sir Paul as a matter of routine before deciding whether to pursue the matter further. Their inquiries concern an alleged scuffle with a photographer. The former Beatle was upset after the photographer tried to take a picture of him.
Kevin Wheal, who was working for London's Evening Standard newspaper, claimed Sir Paul pushed him in the chest. When it emerged long-standing publicist Geoff Baker had tipped off the photographer Sir Paul fired him but later dismissed the sacking as a joke.
Sir Paul has denied any wrongdoing, describing his involvement as being part of "a group of friends on a night out".
January 15, 2004 -- Northern Star OnlineWhen Tom Ford, the creative director for Gucci, announced he was leaving Gucci Group, trendsetters around the world set their eyes on the hottest gig in the world of looking good. And now, a new name is being whispered by fashionistas about the high-profile job British designer Stella McCartney.
England's Hello magazine reports rumors of McCartney taking over are gathering momentum in industry circles.
In 1997, McCartney was credited with turning around the fashion fortunes of the French fashion house, Chloe.
In 2000, there were rumors she was going to move to Gucci, but it was believed that her attitude on animal rights made her turn it down, as the Italian luxury label would have required her to work with leather, but she squashed such speculation by resigning with Chloe. A year later, however, McCartney started her own label backed by Gucci Group.
A jump to head Gucci would come as a refreshing change for the designer who received a barrage of negative press late last year that even prompted gossip of an organised campaign against her.
The 32-year-old designer's namesake label reportedly lost $8 million in the last two years.
Though Gucci has remained silent about who will be hired as the new boss Narciso Rodriguez and Marc Jacobs are said to be possible candidates at least one insider says the former Chloe designer, and good friend to Ford is a sure-fire bet for the post.
"The position will not become free until April," a source told England's Daily Mail, "but it has been decided that Stella is going to take over."
Ford also designs for the fashion house of Yves Saint Laurent. Avant-garde designer Alexander McQueen is said to be sharpening his scissors as Ford's possible replacement for that job.
January 12, 2004
Were you a Beatlemaniac?Help! We need somebody, not just anybody.
The U Music Section of the LA Daily News wants your memories of the historic first U.S. TV appearance of the Beatles, which took place on "The Ed Sullivan Show' 40 years ago Feb. 9. And while you're at it, did you ever meet or see John, Paul, George or Ringo during their first American tour?
Please write a Fab paragraph or two about seeing the Beatles with Ed or live for a story about the upcoming anniversary. You can e-mail us atdnlalife@dailynews.com or reach us by fax, (818) 713- 3545. Please be sure to include your full name, city and daytime phone number.
January 12, 2004 -- GottaHaveIt.comA Beatle and His Bear - An Auction of Paul McCartney Artifacts - January 15 to January 22
This very unique sale features an incredible collection of Beatles-related memorabilia, consigned by Shelagh Johnston, who was a secretary for The Beatles Official Fan Club and who personally dealt with Jim McCartney, Paul's father, at the McCartney residence from 1961 to 1964. The highlight of this auction is Paul McCartney's personal 1948 edition of "The Rupert Bear," signed and addressed by McCartney as a 6-year-old child with hand-drawn artwork throughout (est. $6,000 - $8,000). This pop culture artifact features the earliest known Paul McCartney signature extant. It was given to a teenage Ms. Johnston by Jim McCartney as a memento and thank you for all the help she had given him. Happy 80th Birthday Rupert!
The auction will also feature many one-of-a-kind, vintage McCartney memorabilia.
January 10, 2004
This month's Mojo Magazine (UK) lists the ten best solo Beatles albums.
1. McCartney
2. All Things Must Pass (Harrison)
3. Plastic Ono Band (Lennon)
4. Ram
5. Beaucoups of Blues (Ringo)
6. Imagine (Lennon)
7. Blast From Your Past (Ringo)
8. Band on the Run
9. Somewhere in England (Harrison)
10. Walls and Bridges (Lennon)
January 9, 2004 -- The Sun
Mrs. Macca to buy girl legs
Sir Paul McCartney's wife Heather Mills is providing false legs for a tragic two-year-old girl.
Heather - who lost her lower leg in a crash - was touched by the plight of Lydia Cross. The youngster had to have her legs amputated below the knee after she developed a bacterial infection and septicaemia. Lydia spent 12 days on life support last month.
New mum Heather, 35, saw Lydia on TV and will meet her soon. The tot will try out limbs at a Dorset firm which has links with ex-model Heather.
Lydia's mum Jodie, 33, of Chippenham, Wilts, said, "This is the best news. "Lydia thinks Santa is making a special return trip, just for her."
Dad Tony, 34, said, "We are so grateful to Heather."
January 9, 2004 -- Rolling Stone
Joe Cocker is at work on a new album at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. The singer hopes to be finished by the end of February."It's tricky territory when you get into some of what I'm working on," Cocker says. "I'm doing a version of 'What's Goin' On' by Marvin Gaye and having a crack at 'Maybe I'm Amazed' by Paul McCartney, in a slightly lower key -- you understand why -- and 'Jealous Guy' by John Lennon. I'm deliberately doing an album of me rethinking other people's work."
Cocker recently received the ultimate compliment from Paul McCartney, with respect to his treatment of the Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends." "We did a thing for the Queen a while back and Paul said, 'Well, I guess your version is the consummate version,'" says Cocker. "So coming from him, that's pretty good."
January 8, 2004 -- The Scotsman
The Scottish Executive will announce shortly it is to scrap a 50 per cent discount in council tax for second or holiday homeowners.
It was recently revealed that the cost of holiday homes to the taxpayer is more than £33 million ($56 million), with 66,000 households claiming the 50 per cent discount. Only 57 per cent of Scotland's 2.2 million houses pay full council tax. Celebrities including Sir Paul McCartney, JK Rowling and Sir Cameron Mackintosh are among those who benefit from the discount.
Supporters of a 100 per cent tax say it would discourage the purchase of holiday homes and increase the amount of affordable housing available for local people. However, opponents say the homes encourage tourism in rural areas and that paying the full amount would still not allow owners to vote in council elections.Euan Martin, a partner in the property agents Stewart & Watson, said, "If people have the money to spend on a second home, I don't think council tax on its own would be enough to phase them out.
January 8, 2004
Is the Apple press release (below) for "The Beatles First US Visit" truth or fiction? Read what one writer has revealed about Apple publicist Geoff Baker's claims about the new DVD.
January 7, 2004 -- APPLE CORPS PRESS OFFICE -- Official Press ReleaseNEW DVD REVEALS THE INSIDE STORY OF THE BEATLES FIRST U.S. VISIT
The only film revealing the inside story of The Beatles conquest of America is to be released next month (February) on a new DVD to mark the anniversary of the birth of Beatlemania in the USA.
"The Beatles First US Visit "DVD, which includes never-seen-before footage, chronicles the remarkable two weeks in February 1964 that began America's still-enduring love affair with the group.
The film of the frantic fortnight records the hysterical reaction to The Beatles US debut in a documentary that was the real-life inspiration for the Beatles movie "A Hard Day's Night." Closely shot at the shoulders of John, Paul, George and Ringo by the pioneering Maysles Brothers, "The First US Visit "innovated intimate film-making that set a benchmark for rock and roll cinematography.
Albert and David Maysles were granted all-areas access the like of which is now unknown, filming The Beatles in the eye of their own hurricane as the band besotted America and lifted the nation from its gloom in the wake of President John Kennedy's assassination.
"The First US Visit" will be released by Apple Corps/Capitol Records on February 3rd in the USA and by Apple Corps/EMI Records on February 9th in the UK and rest of the world. The DVD release will follow exclusive theatrical premieres in New York, Los Angeles and London.
The Maysles film captures the manic moments from when thousands of fans greeted The Beatles as Pan Am Flight 101 touched down in New York on February 7th and sparked a two-week frenzy.
BEATLES FIRST US VISIT 2
As The Beatles became the first British act to conquer America - with "I Want To Hold Your Hand" at No.1 in the US charts - the Maysles Brothers shadowed the band off-guard and off-duty in dressing rooms, hotels and night clubs, at photo-sessions and press conferences, travelling together in limos and on trains as the then-wide-eyed lads from Liverpool sped from New York to Washington and Miami revelling in the wild reception to their first US trip.
Besides the revealing footage of The Beatles offstage, the DVD also features their first concert at The Washington Coliseum and their three historic performances on The Ed Sullivan Show - including the seminal night of February 9th when the band first exploded into the homes of a then-world record 73 million TV viewers.
Beatles performances on the DVD include "All My Loving," "Till There Was You," "She Loves You," "From Me To You," "This Boy," "Twist And Shout," "Please Please Me," "I Saw Her Standing There," "I Wanna Be Your Man" and the hit that began it all for America, "I Want To Hold Your Hand. "
The original black and white film - which was first shown on US and UK TV in 1964 as a 40-minute program - has been re-graded and the sound re-mastered for the new 80-minute version. The DVD also includes a 50-minute "Making Of The Beatles First US Visit," featuring footage that has never been seen before. The DVD also includes a new and revealing interview with cameraman Albert Maysles.
Subtitled in nine languages, "The Beatles First US Visit" DVD chronicles one of the greatest cultural events of the 20th Century and is a permanent record for generations who still remember where they were when the legend began.
January 6, 2004 -- Daily Post
Celebrity line-up for a new WirralA Who's who of Wirral celebrities is to be asked to champion the borough in a new global marketing campaign.
Famous faces including former Tranmere Rovers manager John Aldridge and Sir Paul and Mike McCartney are to be asked to take part.
It will see Wirral given a new brand name following the council's announcment that it was ditching the EuroWirral tag which it was felt had run its course. EuroWirral had been in use for 10 years and has been the major driving force of the council's marketing strategy. Council chiefs are now working on a replacement for the name, with suggestions so far including "The Wirral Way."
A list of the peninsula's rich and famous is being drawn up to tie in with the brand relaunch. Lib-Dem councillor Bob Moon, chairman of the economic regeneration committee, said, "We are looking for people who can champion the borough. We want to raise our profile and need people who are instantly well known round here and can be a face to the area's name when we promote it internationally. There have been a number of names bandied around. If you ask 10 people you get 10 different answers, but one name that does keep coming up is John Aldridge."
Aldridge, a former player and manager with Tranmere Rovers, was widely regarded as the man who did more than any other to keep the club's profile high. He said, "It's great to still have the respect of the people of Wirral and I will do anything I can to help. I have a strong love for Wirral, I have great memories of my time at Tranmere. They were some of the greatest days of my life."
The McCartney brothers' names have both been mentioned, with Mike a potential leading name on the list. His involvement with the local community and celebrity credentials make him a prime candidate.
The new tag and the list of celebrities will be finalized later in the year. It is hoped the re-branding will help Wirral cash in on Liverpool's Capital of Culture success as well as making the most of the 2006 Open Championship.
January 5, 2004 -- Jornal de Noticias (translation)
A newspaper in Portugal is claiming that Paul McCartney has been asked to perform at the Super Festival Bock Rock in the Park of the Nations, in Lisbon, this June. The concert precedes the European Championship of Soccer which begins on June 12.This will be the first time McCartney has played Portugal. A concert planned for September 18 at Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon was canceled for his 1993 tour.
Back in the '60s McCartney vacationed in Portugal finding it to be one of the few places he could walk down the streets unrecognized when the Beatles were at their height. The song "Penina" was written by Paul at the Hotel Penina and later recorded by Carlos Mendes. Paul improvised the song on the spot while at the hotel's bar one night and said, " I never thought about recording it... "
January 2, 2004 -- La Nueva Espana
A Spanish newspaper is reporting that there are negotiations by Xacobeo 2004 to bring Paul McCartney and other artists to a mega pop-rock festival this July to celebrate Camino Del Santiago in Santiago De Compostela, Spain. The multi-artist event will take place in an open field called Monte Do Gozo.
January 1, 2004 -- Washington Post
A British invasion should bring music fans into the National Museum of American History for two photography shows, "The Beatles! Backstage and Behind the Scenes" and "Liverpool Life" from Mike McCartney, brother of Sir Paul.
Both shows kick off Jan. 16 -- the 40th anniversary of the first Beatles' single, "I Wanna Hold Your Hand," reaching No. 1 on the U.S. charts.
January 1, 2004 -- The Sun
Paul McCartney celebrated stepdaughter Heather's 40th birthday during a New Year party at a family home in Heswall, Merseyside. Macca and his missus Heather were there but his frock designer daughter Stella wasn't.
February 2004
February 29, 2004 -- APMcCartney to Kick Off Rock in Rio Fest
Former Beatle and pop legend Paul McCartney will open this year's Rock in Rio festival, joining more than 70 performers for the six-day event starting May 28 in Lisbon, organizers said Saturday.
Sting, Britney Spears and Guns N' Roses also will perform during the festival, scheduled for the last weekend of May and the first of June.
McCartney's appearance will kick off his 13-city "04 Summer Tour."
February 29, 2004 -- ANI
McCartney steals the limelight from pal Wilson!
Rock legend Sir Paul sidelined rocker pal Brian Wilson during a gig when the crowd gave him a standing ovation.The former Beatle was attending a rare concert February 24th by Beach Boys frontman Wilson at London's Royal Festival Hall when the crowd spotted him among the assembled celebrities.
And the sight of the "Let It Be" hitmaker created such a furore amongst the crowd, that they cheered and clapped him.
"McCartney was having a great time and was dancing, clapping and punching the air. During the interval everyone started staring at him. At one point, he stood up to have his picture taken with a female fan which ended up in a standing ovation," said an onlooker.
Other big names in the audience included George Martin, Roger Daltrey, Paul Weller and Natalie Imbruglia.
February 29, 2004
A Day in the Life of Linda McCartney circa 1979
We live in a two-bedroom house so as soon as James (2) starts calling 'Mummy, Mummy', around seven every morning, he wakes everyone up. Being his mother I like to be the first to greet him, so up I get.I take him downstairs and start getting breakfast ready. Before long the other kids - Heather (almost 17), Mary (10) and Stella (8) - are also down. If Paul is recording or we are touring I try to make sure he's not disturbed. But if he isn't working he gets up at the same time and joins the kids at breakfast. He's an excellent father, very involved and protective towards them.
It seems mad to have moved from a large house in London to a small place on the South Coast, but it's so much cosier. Paul and I are in the kind of business where we can be totally detached from our kids and hardly see them grow up. If you have enough money to live in a big house, one kid could be up in the attic and another could be in the west wing and you'd hardly see them.
The kids travel everywhere with us. When touring abroad we usually rent a house and make it our base so we can return to the kids each night.
We're all vegetarian, so breakfast is eggs laid by our own hens, home-grown tomatoes fried, vegetarian sausages, cereals and wholewheat bread. During the bread strike Paul baked the most beautiful bread!
Quite often Paul comes with me when I drive the girls to school. Mary and Stella go to a local primary school and Heather attends a nearby art school. I drive a Mini because being American I'm used to wide roads, so with a small car I've no fear about scraping it.
I buy most of the kids' clothes at Mothercare. I look at their catalogue or go into the shop and pick out things that are made from natural fibres. I myself feel most comfortable in jeans and T-shirt. I don't really spend that much - even though Paul pays all the bills! Because we live locally I'm regarded as just another mother who takes her children to school and has a house to keep. I try to keep my life close to what it was before we married.
Because we have a big breakfast and a big dinner about six we don't have lunch. So about that time I'm doing jobs around the house. Paul never helps me. He likes tidiness but is not too tidy himself! If I'm working or going out I have a woman in to do the cleaning. But I always do the cooking because I enjoy it. I cook for six every day.
For dinner I make things like quiche Lorraine - without bacon - aubergines, spaghetti, salads and Paul's favorites which are pea soup or cream of tomato soup made from home-grown tomatoes and onions. I also make coffee milkshakes which I love. I'm a real baby that way!
If I'm lucky during the day I go for a ride on my stallion called Lucky Spot. He's got a lovely temperament. Horse riding is a marvellous form of exercise, both physically and spiritually.
One interest we share closely is football. We rarely get to see matches but we always watch it on television. Paul is a great Liverpool fan, so we support Liverpool.
Because we live in the country we don't socialize that much. We think that's also partly because we're too lazy. There's so much I'd like to do, especially in the photographic field, but I hate to leave the life I lead in the country unless I absolutely have to.
I get various offers to take photographs, and sometimes might find one particulary attractive. But when it come down to it I just can't bring myself to leave the kids and go to take pictures. So I stay at home and take pictures of them instead.
Most of our evenings are spent in front of the television watching Dallas, Top of the Pops, Old Grey Whistle Test and some quiz shows.
Before I turn in for the night I always go to the kid's bedroom and give them each a kiss. Trouble is, James often wakes up and doesn't want to go back to sleep.
February 28, 2004 -- Ananova
McCartney reveals Euro tour detailsPaul McCartney has confirmed he'll headline Glastonbury on the finale of his new European tour.
The "04 Summer Tour" will be the first time the 61-year-old has been on the road since becoming a father again.
McCartney will kick off the month-long tour in May, playing at 12 cities across Europe.
For the first time the rocker will play in Lisbon, Leipzig, Prague, St Petersburg, Horsens in Denmark and Gijon in northern Spain.
He will also take in Madrid, Paris, Zurich, Gothenburg, Oslo and Helsinki before a finale at Glastonbury on June 26.
Macca is set to perform in front of 700,000 fans during the tour, which will feature music from The Beatles, his band Wings and the star's solo career.
Announcing the details, he said, "Touring really has been a lot of fun for us and the audiences have been great. So why stop now? I'm looking forward to playing and to visiting some new places."
February 27, 2004 -- www.paulmccartney.com
Hi there,
Well here we are already in February 2004 and the year is flying past. How has it been for you so far? Hope you are all having a good time out there in Cyberspace. Heather and I have been busy with our lovely baby Beatrice but we still had time to think up lots of surprises, watch this space.
The first bit of news is that Harvery Weinsteing, Miramax and I are releasing a selection of my Animated Films called Paul McCartney: The Music and Animation Collection, which will be a special DVD package for all you animation fans young and old alike, so look out for that in the shops soon.
I know there has been lots of talk about more concerts.....Keep that chat coming and we will see what happens!
We are also working on a book about our experiences on tour, which talks about all the madness and happiness of being on the road over the past two years - definitely not to be missed - will let you know when and where to get that soon.
For now it's back into the studio to do what I love best!
All the best for a peaceful and happy 2004,
Paul, Heather and family.
February 27, 2004 -- Contact Music
McCARTNEY ORDERED OFF THE WEEDPop legend Sir Paul McCartney has reportedly been ordered to stop smoking cannabis - by wife Heather Mills.
The former model, 36, was heard saying she has told the former Beatle, 61, he is banned from puffing on marijuana, at the Pride of Britain Awards, held at Sir Richard Branson's London mansion, earlier this month (February 4).
She told fellow guests - including soccer player Gary Lineker and British TV host Carol Vorderman - Macca's next album will be his best, because he's drug free.
An insider tells The Daily Mail, "Heather was very firm and said that cannabis was a gateway drug that can lead to schizophrenia. Heather added that Paul is banned from smoking it again. She joked that if he smokes it, he's out. She thought that having given up, his next album would be one of his best."
A spokeswoman for Mills says, "She does recall having a serious conversation in private regarding drugs. The context of the conversation was regarding whether a young person with a drugs conviction should receive an award. I am not going to ask her whether she has stopped Sir Paul smoking cannabis. She's too busy for questions like that."
February 26, 2004 -- The ChannelShow.com
McCartney reveals the secret of his business success
Running a business can often be a solitary experience and it's all too easy to think that only you are going through it. But the practical realities of running a company are universal and it's the same whether you're a small three-man operation, a 250-strong sme or legendary rockstar, writes editor Nick Gibson in this exclusive interview.Sir Paul McCartney is one of the world's most famous musicians and also one of Britain's most successful businessmen. Learning from his experience with both The Beatles and later Apple Corporation, McCartney's MPL company has generated over £1 billion ($1.7 billion) in the past two decades with the star's organisation overseeing a global empire of recorded music, publishing, copyright, product merchandising, multimedia and concert revenues. As ceo, McCartney pockets a cool £10 million ($17 million) a year salary after tax.
Talking exclusively to Nick Gibson, Sir Paul reveals some of the secrets of his business success. The key to running a company is self-sufficiency and a light touch, believes McCartney who learned his first lesson in business from Beatles manager Brian Epstein.
"When Brian first had his NEMS company, he ran it very efficiently because he was always in the office but when he started going on tour with The Beatles it all started to fall apart and I remember thinking, 'If ever I get involved with a company, first thing I'll tell them is, 'I might never be here, so you've got to run it without me'. When I set up MPL, I did so it could operate without the need for me to be there each day, telling people what to do and making all the decisions.
"Now, because I don't HAVE to be in the office all the time, I actually go in quite a lot and I enjoy it because I don't have to get involved in everything. I can simply focus on what I'm supposed to be doing."
McCartney admits it took him a long time to learn how to manage people and make decisions. "If the office needs a big decision from me, instead of prevaricating or putting it off, which I used to do in the past, I now know I have to make a decision something I've found easier to do as I've got older."
MPL operations include concerts, videos and tv projects as well as music publishing, rights licensing and revenue collection. With McCartney's current world tour the biggest grossing in recent rock history, logistics and organisational skills are paramount.
"People say that MPL is a pretty efficient company to deal with; we know what we're doing and we get things done on time. We've got a good bunch of people in the team."
Like any businessman, McCartney has his 'off' days when the pressure gets too much. "I do try to keep business and the office at arm's length because it's easy sometimes to get swamped by it all. There are days when I throw my hands up in despair and just feel, like, 'Ahh Jesus!' and I threaten to give it all up.
"I often think, 'I don't want a bloody company, I hate it - I'm a bloody musician! Then I realize that if I don't take an interest in and control my business, then someone else will have it!!"
The former Beatle has often been criticized in the past for not being seen to use his rockstar fortune to help revitalize his native Liverpool with job creation schemes, etc. Sir Paul, who apart from setting up the UK's first 'Fame' school in Liverpool, has secretly donated millions to good causes there, says, "One time, a pressure group said, 'McCartney should open a factory up here', and I thought, 'Oh, great! A factory. What on earth do I know about running a factory?' What happens if the company goes bust after two years? They're all going to love me then, aren't they! I'm not a natural-born businessman; I'm a musician who's had business forced upon them. I think of myself as a 'builder' and I do what I can, the way I know best."
McCartney has not only had to adapt to changing musical styles but also, as a businessman, to changing attitudes in the workplace. He admits it's been a vertical learning curve.
"When the Beatles broke up and we formed Apple, our own company, I was 26 years old. I didn't want to be a boss of a company, I hated the idea of being a boss, I thought people would hate me - which is true; they do the minute you're a boss. It's like lending money, you do it to be a friend then they hate you.
"When I was younger I was too embarrassed to be in charge. But I'm at the age now when I'm allowed to be a boss and I try to be a good one. It doesn't always work out but I try to create an environment at MPL where people actually like coming to work."
McCartney says attitudes in the workplace have changed much over the past four decades. "The attitude when I was growing up was encapsulated in a popular rhyme, 'the working class can kiss my arse 'cos I've got the gaffer's job at last'. It was about pulling up the ladder once you'd 'made it' in life. I hated such an attitude then and I hate it still. I believe everyone should have the chance to make it in life whatever their idea of success."
February 25, 2004 -- Macca Report ExclusiveIs Paul writing music for the summer Olympics?
Unconfirmed rumors circulating among network executives is that Paul McCartney has composed a series of compositions for the 2004 Olympics. The pieces include a title and closing song with vague titles: "Fanfare Opening," "Closing Credits" and a song called either "Winner" or "The Winning."
February 25, 2004 -- Billboard.com"American Idol," currently in its third season, is Fox's highest-rated series of the year so far, according to Nielsen Media Research. Producers are currently trying to persuade Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder to be guest judges on the show.
February 25, 2004 -- BrianWilson.com
Brian Wilson fan lucks out with Paul McCartneyA lucky Brian Wilson fan was sitting two rows in front of Paul McCartney at the Brian Wilson concert Tuesday night and asked Paul if he'd mind saying hello to his mom who he just called on the cell phone. Paul took the phone and said, "Hello." The shocked mom said, "Is that Paul?" Paul answered,"Yes, I'll hand you back over to your son now." The son shook Sir Paul's hand and said, "Thanks, you've made my Mother's day!" Paul turned to George Martin who was sitting in front of him, shrugged his shoulders, and said, "What can you do, eh?"
February 24, 2004
Paul McCartney showed up tonight at Brian Wilson's "Smile" concert at London's Royal Festival Hall. Macca was spotted in the audience right before the "Smile" segment of the show. He appeared to be enjoying himself, clapping, dancing and singing along. During "Vegetables" band member, Scott Bennet pointed to Paul for the "toss me a carrot" line in the song. Paul is heard on the actual recording chomping on a celery stalk during that song. Also in the audience was George Martin.
February 23, 2004 -- The Sunday Mirror
THE LAND OF MAC BELIEVEby Carole Malone
I must own up to the fact that I was one of the columnists Paul McCartney rang last week to complain about what he called a "vendetta" against his wife.
The ex-Beatle, who managed to get hold of my mobile phone number and who is obviously on a quest to clean up Heather's atrocious public image, spent more than half an hour telling me about the wonderful, selfless things she does for others.
And I'm sure it's true. It's also very touching that a husband who's obviously potty about his wife will go to any lengths to protect her - although if ever we needed proof that love was blind Sir Paul's plea to journalists last week was it.
But however gallant his efforts in rushing like a white knight to his wife's aid you have to ask why it was necessary in the first place.
And the answer is, because the public's mistrust of Heather is ingrained and Macca is just going to have to accept the fact they don't like her. Moreover, since he married her, some of them don't much like him now either. Because what people see when they look at Heather isn't a selfless, loving creature who'll jump on a plane at a moment's notice to help an amputee in distress.
No, what they see is a cold, manipulative, ambitious woman who always has her eye on the main chance and who thinks there is nothing wrong in using men and their money to get what she wants.
They see a woman who has stolen from people who trusted her. They see someone who was a professional party girl who used to take presents from rich Arabs. They see a hard-nosed woman who, days after losing her leg and while she was still in hospital, told a posse of hacks who wanted her story: 'You can have it, but you'll have to pay'.
They see a woman who saw ageing millionaire Paul McCartney - and went for him. And in Sir Paul they see a 61-year-old pop star who dyes his hair and who has become a cliche by marrying a woman nearly 26 years his junior.
You can't blame people for making judgements. It goes with the celebrity territory.
And it's pointless for Macca or Heather to moan about publicity when both of them are perfectly happy to take advantage of it when they've got records, tours and charities to promote.
During our conversation Macca was at pains to stress that Heather and daughter Stella are now friends (although if they're such good friends I wonder why Stella's never come out publicly to defend her).
He also stressed that Heather didn't sign a pre nup because HE didn't want her to. And he was understandably touchy about references to the age gap between them, although he's too intelligent not to expect ridicule when he marries a woman just two years older than his eldest daughter.
Since our conversation I've been trying to work out why the public seems to have taken against the two of them and I think it goes back to when Linda died.
People felt "cheated" by his relationship with Heather and couldn't believe this devoted husband who had so publicly professed undying love for his wife Linda started seeing a woman nearly half his age just a year after her death. Just as his children felt let down, so did we.
On top of that both Macca (and Heather for that matter) have always tried to make out she was more than she is. There's no question she still does lots of charity work for free - but then the wives of multi-millionaires usually do.
But none of that can rub out her past. He insists she's changed and maybe she has - being married to a pillar of the Establishment who in the last two years has earned £160 million ($272 million)often DOES help to change people.
But while Paul may be attempting to rewrite the history of the Lennon/ McCartney partnership he can't rewrite his wife's life story mainly because much of what is in the public domain was put there by Heather herself.
In an effort to refute the "lies" he claims have been written I asked Macca if he'd do an interview to put the record straight. He refused. I also wanted to put on record how much he and Heather had given to charity last year so that people could know how much good work they do. He said that would be vulgar and boastful.
Heather Mills may well have changed but a saint she ain't. And the sooner her husband stops trying to bully us into believing she is the better it will be for her.
email Carole Malone about this article.
February 22, 2004 - - UK News of the World
Something in the way Bea moves...tells us she's happy to go here, there and everywhere with dad Macca.
After all, four-month-old Beatrice had a ticket to ride in a comfy sling carried by dad Paul McCartney.
The tot, who looks just like her daddy, gurgled happily during a stroll in Regent's Park with mum Heather Mills and Paul on Thursday (Feb. 19) afternoon.
Macca, 61, and Heather, 36, drove to the park from their house in north London and spent more than an hour taking in the fresh air.
An onlooker said, "They looked like any other family on a day out. they were just having fun. You could see how happy they were and what really fantastic parents they are. Both of them made a real fuss over the baby."
Macca became a dad for the fourth time on October 28 last year when 7lb Beatrice was born three weeks early by caesarean section. After her birth Paul said, "She's a little beauty and we couldn't be prouder."
The millionaire ex-Beatle has three children from his marriage to Linda, who died in 1998 - musician James, 26, photographer Mary, 34, and 32-year-old fashion designer Stella. He also has an (adopted) stepdaughter, Heather from Linda's first marriage. But he's clearly taking to fatherhood a second time around.
February 22, 2004 -- Hangbag.com
McCartney Mends Wedding WoesPop legend Sir Paul McCartney came to the rescue of pal Julie Wong's terrified bridegroom on Valentine's Day by keeping him occupied while he nervously waited for his bride.
Wong, a close friend of Sir Paul's wife Heather Mills, left John Hoole waiting for more than half an hour at the alter, so the former Beatle distracted him with pictures of newborn daughter Beatrice.
Our insider revealed, "The bride was half an hour late and the groom was getting nervous, Paul ran up to show him the pictures of Beatrice he carries around with him."
The kindness didn't stop there either, the McCartney's only stayed for one drink at the reception at Brighton's Grand Hotel in order to not eclipse the bride and groom's day.
February 20, 2004 -- Insider's News
Rumors are flying that the 2004 tour is set to start May 21 in Verona, Italy at the Arena di Verona which holds 15,000 pending the city council's clearance. A date for a second show there on the 22nd has been set aside.
February 20, 2004 -- Insider's News
The latest news circulating about Paul's yet untitled album is that it includes 10 new songs, some left over from the "Driving Rain" sessions with the following titles; "Oh If they Only Knew," (which has been called one of Paul's best songs) "Comfort of Love," "You Are Still Here," "If This Is Wrong," "Washington," "Always Be There" and a comedy number about someone named Alice.
The fan favorite called "India" played at sound checks and for a Webcast so far has not made the cut for the album, unfortunately.
February 20, 2004 -- The Sun
McCARTNEY'S YES TO DYE
Rock legend Sir Paul McCartney dashes out of a salon after having his hair dyed. The 61-year-old former Beatle emerged sporting darker grey-free locks. He splashed out £50 ($85) for the new look - a snip for someone with a £760million ($1.2 billion) fortune.
An insider at the Uppercuts salon in Brighton, East Sussex, said last night, "He was with us for an hour and a half. He had both a cut and some brown coloring added. It is not that unusual. Despite his age he still has a fine head of hair."
Wife Heather, 36, was so eager to see the transformation that she turned up in a car to pick him up. An onlooker said, "He was keen for Heather to have a look, so he ran over to show off his new bonce."
Macca's new look contrasts with the paler, grey-templed appearance he had previously.
February 19, 2004 -- XFM. UKMacca To Play Glastonbury Festival
At an appearance at the Oxford Union last night (February 18) Glastonbury organizer Michael Eavis has confirmed that Paul McCartney will be headlining the Saturday night (June 26) of the three day event taking place this June in Sommerset.
Eavis confirmed that Paul McCartney is booked for the Saturday night slot (June 26) and explained that the booking was made on the Tuesday straight after last year's festival.
As well as a set from the legendary ex-Beatle, Eavis also confirmed that (jail sentence permitting) soul legend James Brown was also booked to appear for the festival for the first time ever
Eavis also said he would happily book the Red Hot Chili Peppers for the event if they ever asked to play, but thought they were "more for 14 year olds".
Other bands strongly rumored to appear include Irish folk legend Christie Moore, copiously coiffured and potentially inbred rockers The Kings of Leon, The Strokes and Oasis, who, if booked, would be playing the festival for the first time since 1995.
Glastonbury will take place from Friday, June 25 till 27 at Worthy Farm, Pilton, Shepton Mallet in Somerset. Tickets for the festival will be going on sale at 8.00pm on Thursday April 1 and will cost £112 (+ booking fee and post and packaging).
February 18, 2004 -- The ScotsmanHeather's Message for Girl Who Lost Leg in Police Crash
Sir Paul McCartneys wife Heather Mills today pledged to support an 11-year-old girl whose leg was amputated after she was struck by a police car on an emergency call.
Sadie Stevens was admitted to Birmingham Childrens Hospital with serious head, leg and arm injuries following the collision on a busy city road outside a leisure center on February 7. She was struck by an unmarked West Midlands Police car driven by an officer responding to reports of an armed robbery in Smethwick on the busy A34 in Newtown, near the youngsters home. Surgeons took the decision to remove one of Sadies legs on Monday.
Former model Heather Mills McCartney, who had one of her own legs amputated following a collision with a police motorcycle in 1993, said she hoped to speak to the family when they felt ready.
In her message, the charity campaigner said, "I am so sorry to hear of Sadies accident. This will be a difficult time for her and her family, but with strength, courage, determination and support, she will overcome this and go on to be a great inspiration to others. I'm here if she needs to talk to me."
The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) confirmed it would be supervising an investigation into the collision.
PCA member Mehmuda Mian Pritchard said, "This is a tragic incident and my sympathies go to Sadies family. I will ensure that a thorough and impartial investigation is carried out. I would also like to make an appeal for witnesses and ask anyone who might have seen this incident to come forward and contact West Midlands Police on 0121 428 6233."
A spokesman for Birmingham Childrens Hospital said Sadie was due to undergo further surgery today and was currently in a stable condition.
MORE
February 18, 2004 -- The MirrorSadie's Tragedy -- She loses leg after cop car hit her
A girl of 11 mown down by a police car answering a 999 call has lost her right leg, it emerged yesterday.The heartbroken parents of Sadie Stevens told last night how they were yet to break the news to their sports-mad daughter.
She suffered horrific head, leg and pelvic injuries and lost her front teeth when she was hit by an unmarked Volvo estate on a pedestrian crossing 10 days ago.
Now surgeons have had to amputate her right leg below the knee in one of five operations since the smash.
Mother Karen, 45, said: "When we learned that she was going to have her leg amputated our minds went blank and we cried for 15 minutes.
"We are going to have to break the news to her very gently.
"I'm going to tell her that she's going to get a special leg fitted, one which is going to work better and make her run faster than before."
And dad Brian, 52, said: "At the moment Sadie doesn't know she has had the operation but obviously we have thought about how we are going to break the news.
"Before the accident Sadie was a very outgoing little girl, very active and was always involved in sport." She had recently been on a week's football course organised by West Bromwich Albion and is also a keen swimmer.
Former steel worker Brian added, "Knowing how brave Sadie is I'm sure that she will be determined not to let this stop her from doing those kind of things in the future."
But he admitted: "I have been through bereavements many times but what Sadie is going through is far worse than that. This just keeps on tugging at the heartstrings."
Sadie, being treated at Birmingham Children's Hospital, was hurt outside a swimming pool near her home.
The Police Complaints Authority is investigating the accident involving armed police on their way to a robbery in Smethwick, West Midlands.
Mehmuda Mian Pritchard, supervising the probe, said: "I will ensure that a thorough and impartial investigation is carried out."
Sir Paul McCartney's wife, Heather - herself an amputee after she was hit by a police motorbike - sent the family a message of support, telling them: "I'm here if Sadie needs to talk to me."
February 18, 2004 -- Denver PostLinda McCartney's photos intimate portraits of rockers
Sure, access is everything. But sensitivity and humanity can get a photographer further than press credentials or backstage passes. And these are characteristics that Linda McCartney possessed in spades.
The enigmatic work of a photographer who is perhaps better known for her marriage to Paul than for her professional achievements is on display through April 10 at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.
"Linda McCartney's Sixties: Portrait of an Era" is a traveling exhibit that includes 51 historic, unposed portraits, each revealing a photographic artist who used carte blanche access to such iconic rock 'n' rollers as Janis Joplin, the Doors, the Who, Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles to capture their souls on film.
"The most important thing about (the work) was the intimacy of her relationship to the people she was shooting," says Nancy Hall-Duncan, curator of art at the Bruce Museum in Connecticut, which launched the Linda McCartney exhibit five years ago as a millennium tribute to the 1960s.
"It's that personal, intimate, emotional basis in the photographs that really appeals on a broad level, and it appeals to all age levels," Hall-Duncan says. "Not only does (the exhibit) combine McCartney's excellent photographic skills, but it pairs them with a subject that is universally appealing."
Music fans know McCartney best for her ties to the Beatles. Social activists recognize the woman as a staunch supporter of animal rights.
But Linda Eastman McCartney also commanded respect in the world of art and photography. In 1987, she was voted U.S. photographer of the year by the organization Women in Photography. Britain's Royal Photographic Society showcased McCartney's work three times before her death from cancer in 1998. And a photo she took of John Lennon and Paul McCartney hangs permanently in London's National Portrait Gallery.
Linda Eastman first documented the hyper-political, poignant music industry of the 1960s as house photographer for New York's Fillmore East concert hall, and then as a staff photographer for Rolling Stone magazine.
A 1966 portrait of Rolling Stones founding member Brian Jones got the attention of Beatles manager Brian Epstein. He invited Linda Eastman to photograph the Beatles during the press launch of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
"I became like a band member whose instrument was the camera," she would say.
Two years later, the photographer married Paul McCartney.
"Linda McCartney documented a very joyous aspect of the '60s," says Gabriele Abbott, the exhibit's North American tour coordinator. "And there are an amazing number of musicians in this show who are still performing. Those who didn't wipe themselves out are still going strong."
The show includes several quintessential rock portraits, along with a few personal works that point to the depth of McCartney's skill.
In Janis Joplin, McCartney discovered a fun-loving, eclectic and charming entertainer who was also the most poignant female singer of her time. Look closer at McCartney's portraits of Joplin, however, and an uneasy, uncomfortable, sad character emerges.
McCartney first photographed the Doors in New York City in 1966 before the band released an album. In Jim Morrison, she befriended a man whose passion fueled his music but also ate away at his soul. Her pictures of Morrison provide a window into the personality of a performer whose talent and sexuality allured fans worldwide, but who also struggled against insatiable angst and a touch of insanity.
"Jim was a very thoughtful person and we became very deep friends. A lot of that was due to the photography connection," McCartney wrote in the book that accompanies her exhibit, "Sixties: Portrait of an Era" (Bulfinch Press, $60).
The photographer's humanity is equally visible in her black- and-whites of the young Rolling Stones. Yes, we see their cockiness, their playfulness and their unabashed cool. But, similar to McCartney's photographs of the Beatles, she also managed to capture four guys who were coy, goofy and immature during an era when young rock 'n' roll musicians were often blindsided by instant fame and fan adoration.
Most appealing about this traveling exhibit is that the entire collection is devoid of the gloss and glam of present-day music photography. Instead of contrived personas, McCartney managed to honestly portray young musicians at the crest of their careers.
Eye on the '60s
What: "Linda McCartney's Sixties: Portrait of an Era"
When: Today through April 10
Where:Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
Admission: $5 for adults, $3 seniors, $2 for ages 6-16, children under 5 free; free admission Saturdays; for information call 719-634-5581
February 17, 2004 -- Daily ExpressHEATHER HITS BACK ON 'BUST UP'; 'PAUL'S LOOKING OUT FOR OUR DAUGHTER BEATRICE. WE FEAR SHE'LL BE BULLIED'
Heather McCartney yesterday spoke for the first time of her and Sir Paul's fears for their baby daughter over the constant sniping at the state of their marriage.Twenty four hours after the former Beatle pleaded with people to lay off his wife, ex- model Heather said they were both worried that attacks about their personal life in some sections of the media would eventually rebound on baby Beatrice.
Heather, 36, said, "Paul is not only looking out for me these days but also for our daughter Beatrice. If these untruths are perpetuated and not challenged there is every chance she could be pilloried and bullied when she grows up and goes to school. I am not having that and Paul is not having that and we are not the sort of people who simply sit back and let things go unchallenged. Paul is being protective of his family. He has had quite a few years when there has been no adverse publicity but then in more recent times there has been constant sniping about me from certain quarters. From my own point of view things have not been so bad since the birth of Beatrice but Paul from time to time decides that something has to be said."
Sir Paul, 61, yesterday also decried reports that Heather, whom he married in June 2002, does not get on with his fashion designer daughter Stella and asked for the gossip to stop.
He said he was not "some stupid old man who fell for someone who looks good, " adding: "My wife is a really good woman, but people don't like to accept that. Heather is a really decent person. All she does is good things."
Since Sir Paul and charity campaigner Heather first met they have been plagued by stories - which both have repeatedly denied - of rifts between Heather and Sir Paul's four adult children.
Heather dismissed the stories as "nonsense, " saying she had "absolutely no problem" with any of them. Sir Paul also made the point that few people get to hear of the extent and immediacy of his wife's charity work.
Heather has campaigned against landmines since losing a leg in a collision with a police motorcycle in 1993.
"A few months ago this 13 year-old girl was pushed in front of a train by some yobs and lost her leg," he said. As soon as Heather found out we went up to Liverpool and Heather took her for swimming lessons. She gave that young girl confidence to carry on. She's doing things like that every single day. The truth is, Heather never seeks publicity for all the work she does with her landmines charity. And yet all people do is knock her. They don't see all of the things that she does without asking for any thanks or recognition."
In a thinly-veiled attack on her critics, he added, "She actually bothers to get up off her backside and do things to help people. She can make young girls who have lost a leg get their confidence back. I can't do that, and there are very few people on this Earth who can."
In May last year Sir Paul said he was considering legal action over a TV documentary which tore into Heather's reputation.
"The Real Heather Mills" painted a less than flattering picture of Heather including interviews with her former sister-in-law and husband.
However, despite the pot-shots there has been great public goodwill towards the couple, who married at the picturesque Castle Leslie in Northern Ireland.
Since his marriage Sir Paul has been far more visible than before his relationship with Heather began and has played huge concerts across the world to massive acclaim.
He and Heather were guests of honor last summer at Stella's wedding on the Scottish island of Bute, an occasion which Sir Paul said yesterday brought the family even closer than before. "Stella was round at ours the other day seeing our baby girl - and Heather and I had a great time at Stella's wedding. We were dancing there until the early hours, although it was written that we left early to go to bed. We are just a normal family trying to go about as ordinary a life as possible," he said.
Heather also revealed that - unlike the parents of many new-born babies - she and Sir Paul were presently getting a good night's sleep. She said Beatrice was sleeping through the night for up to 12 hours.
February 16, 2004 -- San Francisco Examiner
McCartney says "get back"Paul McCartney phoned the offices of British tabloid The Sun the other day to ask them to stop writing such horrible things about his wife Heather Mills.
Most recently, the paper ran a story in which a source close to the couple claimed their marriage was on the rocks. He poo-pooed the piece and said, "Heather's a good person who does amazing things to help people. I'm not some stupid old man who fell for someone who looks good."
He also called reports that his daughter Stella doesn't get along with Heather "rubbish."
February 16, 2004 -- The Sun
Macca: Lay off my wife
Let Her Be ... Sir Paul leapt to the defence of second wife Heather
Sir Paul McCartney last night made an amazing phone call to The Sun to blast critics of his wife Heather.The fuming star insisted, "I'm not some stupid old man who fell for someone who looks good."
The ex-Beatle telephoned The Sun to hit back at critics who constantly attack second wife Heather - who, at 36, is 26 years his junior.
He said in an emotional call, "Heather's a good person who does amazing things to help people. We are a normal family, trying to do normal things. I'm not some stupid old man who fell for someone who looks good. That's rubbish. I'm not stupid. I wouldn't marry someone for their looks - they'd have to have a lot more than that."
Sir Paul, 61, added, "My wife is a really good woman, but people don't like to accept that. Heather is a really decent person. All she does is good things. I see the other side of her that people don't see because I'm married to her. She actually bothers to get up off her backside and do things to help people. She can make young girls who have lost a leg get their confidence back. I can't do that, and there are very few people on this Earth who can."
Heather, who gave birth to the star's daughter Beatrice in London last October, lost her own left leg in 1993 in an accident with a police motorcycle. She has done tireless work for amputees ever since.
Sir Paul told how she recently dropped everything to help a stricken teenage girl in Liverpool.
He said, "A few months ago this 13-year-old girl was pushed in front of a train by some yobs and lost her leg. As soon as Heather found out, we went up to Liverpool and Heather took her for swimming lessons. She gave that young girl the confidence to carry on. Once again, it's not something I could do. She's doing things like that every single day. She doesn't take one single penny, but she counsels these kids. She's a real good 'un."
Sir Paul, who has four children by his late wife Linda, also insisted Heather - formerly model Heather Mills - DOES get on with his fashion designer daughter Stella, 32. Rumors have spread that the pair are at war.
But Sir Paul, who met Heather in 1999 and married her in June, 2002, insisted, "I'm sick of people saying Heather and Stella don't get on - the truth is they do" He added, "Stella was round at ours the other day seeing our baby girl - and Heather and I had a great time at Stella's wedding. We were dancing there until the early hours, although it was written that we left early to go to bed. Heather is always going into Stella's shop to buy things. She bought all her friends Stella's perfume as presents. There's no problem between them. We are just a normal family trying to go about as ordinary a life as possible. The truth is, Heather never seeks publicity for all the work she does with her landmines charity. And yet all that people do is knock her. They don't see all of the things that she does without asking for any thanks or recognition."
He added, "We're a normal family now, we've got a baby daughter and I don't want her being brought up into this. My wife is a good person."
February 16, 2004 -- Evening Gazette/IcNewcastle
Celeb Bodies: Paul McCartneyOne of pop's richest musicians with a fortune in excess of £700 million ($1.2 billion), he is the working-class boy who made good; a hippy clinging to Sixties' environmental philosophies that are back in vogue with the establishment; a shrewd businessman; a caring philanthropist who has donated hundreds of thousands to charity; a man who has once again found happiness after being long-consumed by grief over first wife Linda's death - and still the most famous left-handed guitarist in the history of rock 'n' roll.
He has teamed up with Hollywood's Miramax Studios to release three animated stories, "Tropical Island Hum," "Tuesday" and "Rupert and the Frog Song," that he produced.
He says he has no plans to quit, even when he's 64. "I'll keep on singing in small-town taverns if that's the only place anyone will have me once my concert-playing days are over."
Framework
He is 5ft 11in, aged 61 and there are distinguished greying streaks in his hair. Although he could have the world's top experts to help keep him young with the newest high-tech treatments - plus the fact that he is 25 years older than his wife Heather Mills, pictured with him, - he prefers to "grow old gracefully as nature intended".
Exercise
He's not a fitness freak but puts his incredible fitness down to being a strict vegetarian - and the Alexander Technique. Devised by Australian Frederick Alexander, it is billed as "a revolutionary method of physical and emotional re-education."
It is designed for actors, musicians, singers, athletes and dancers whose carriage is bad, uncomfortable or painful, or whose occupations lead them into bad postural habits.
"It helps us re-learn to use our bodies as nature intended," says Paul. He's still keen on yoga, from the days when the Beatles went to India to see a guru.
Diet
Along with his late wife Linda, Paul turned vegetarian in 1970. Linda wrote a veggie cookbook and brought out a supermarket range of meals without meat.
"Even the dogs are veggies," says Paul, who isn't a bad cook and specializes in scrambled eggs and hot muffins for breakfast. The eggs are from his free-range chicken on his farmhouse at Peasemarsh near Rye in East Sussex.
He also helps milk the cows and mucks in with the cheese-making. "There is no slaughter on the farm. We raise sheep for wool; we make hay, grow cereal crops and masses of vegetables."
He's now teetotal, and his favorite drink is cocoa. He says his idea of heaven is sitting in front of the fire, feet up, drinking cocoa and eating biscuits.
Love life
Was famously married for 29 years to Linda Eastman until she died of breast cancer in 1998. They had three children, Mary, Stella and James.
Before that he dated actress Jane Asher for five years. Currently married to model Heather Mills whom he met in 1999, became engaged in 2001, and tied the knot in June 2002.
They have a daughter, Beatrice Milly, born last October. Like Paul, Heather is a vegetarian.
February 13, 2004 -- The SunStella is so Cupid!
How Cupid can you get? Stella McCartney has bought hubby Alasdhair Willis some very odd Valentine's gifts - a set of bellows and a torch.
One can only imagine the bellows are to fan the flames of love and that the Mag-Lite torch is to, er, light Ali's fire.
Stella took both items to a West London engraver to have them etched with her and Ali's pet names.
Each read "BB Loves Beep 4 Ever".
A baffled source at the engraver's revealed to me: "The names are engraved with a love heart on the torch and horseshoe design on the bellows."
Mind, this is the couple who asked wedding guests to bring them ... shrub
February 10, 2004
Cooper Owen Auction House in London will have a Rock Legends auction on February 26 which includes several Paul McCartney-related items. To see the rest of the items go to www.cooperowen.com.
Commission bids can be left at www.cooperowen.com until 5.00 pm GMT (12 noon ET) on February 26. The auction will then be completed from 6.00 pm at www.ebayliveauctions.com
197
The Beatles signed 'Peoples Journal' caricature matted with a picture of Paul McCartney signing it, 1963.
Lot 184
A Beatles promo card signed by Paul McCartney who has additionally signed for John and George.
185
Rare 'Please Please Me' LP signed by all four Beatles, 1963.
February 10, 2004 -- Ananova
McCartney urged to give more to charityDave Gilmour says Sir Paul McCartney should give more of his vast fortune to charity.
The Pink Floyd star recently donated £3.6 million ($6.3 million)t o the urban village project of the homelessness charity Crisis. Gilmour said he had more money than he knew what to do with and that giving huge amounts to charity made sense.
But the Pink Floyd star criticized Sir Paul for not giving more of his money to good causes, reports the Evening Standard.
"My friend Paul McCartney is meant to have more than £500million ($875 million). The way he lives you can understand where £100 million ($175 million) goes," he said. "But I have no idea what he does with the other £400 million ($700 million). That's a crazy amount of money and nobody needs it."
Gilmour, who with Roger Waters was the songwriting talent behind Pink Floyd, is close enough to Sir Paul to have attended his wedding to Heather Mills last year.
The Crisis project aims to build 400 homes for down-and-outs and low-income workers in London. Despite Gilmour's generosity, it is still £50 million ($94 million) short.
Sir Paul declined to comment on Gilmour's remarks.
February 10, 2004 -- This is London/Daily Mail
Macca should donate more
Pssst...His own daughter once famously described him as 'a tight bastard'. Now Sir Paul McCartney's generosity has been questioned again, by fellow veteran rocker Dave Gilmour.Gilmour recently donated £3.6 million ($6.3 million) to the 'urban village' project of the homelessness charity Crisis.
The 58-year-old Pink Floyd star said he had more money than he knew what to do with and that giving huge amounts to charity therefore made sense.
He went on to chastise the former Beatle for not giving more of his vast fortune to good causes.
His barbed comments might strike a chord with Sir Paul's fashion designer daughter Stella, who described her father as 'a tight bastard' for sending her to a comprehensive school.
Three years ago, Sir Paul threw a birthday party for Heather where guests had to pay for their own drinks at the bar.
On another occasion, he presented a workman with a gift of one bottle of beer brewed on his East Sussex estate. It did not go down very well.
The star did, however, pass on $1million ($175 million) last year to one good cause - the landmines charity run by his wife - after earning it in one night.
February 10, 2004 -- Hello Magazine
Hugh Grant, Elle Macpherson and Stella McCartney led the list stars from the world of film and fashion who flocked to the Albert Hall on Thursday (February 5) for a charity performance by Cirque du Soleil. Dhani Harrison also attended with his girlfriend. (photos)
February 9, 2004 -- The Scotsman
The Day We Conquered America, by 'Honored' Paul and RingoThe two surviving Beatles today told of their memories of how they first conquered America. They spoke as the group won the "President's Award" at the Grammys in Los Angeles.
The award marked the band's inspirational influence over four decades and celebrated the anniversary of them first bursting into American homes on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964.
The group's first appearance on American TV drew a then-record audience of 73 million viewers who tuned in to watch them become the first British band to conquer America as I Want To Hold Your Hand reigned at No 1 in the US charts.
The award coincides with the EMI release today of "The Beatles First U.S. Visit", a new Beatles DVD of the Maysles Brothers' film from the time which chronicles what went on.
Sir Paul McCartney said today, "We didn't know what to expect on that first visit. We didn't expect the craziness that was there and when we did the Ed Sullivan Show it got even crazier. We were just kids at the time and it was just fantastic. Seeing all the footage of it now is still a great buzz. It's a great memory for me, it was one of the highest points of my life. The great thing about The Beatles and a lot of the other acts then was that we'd done a lot of work before the big break. Some of the kids these days haven't been around as much as we'd been. We'd done Hamburg and England and a few places in Europe and we were cocky, we kind of knew we were a good little band. So even when we got to go to America, playing in New York on Ed Sullivan, we knew we were a serious little unit."
Ringo Starr added, "We had no idea what the Ed Sullivan Show meant, we didn't know how huge it was. I don't think we were nervous because we were doing songs that we knew how to play, we'd done them before and we'd done plenty of TV. But the idea of just coming to America was the mind-blower no-one can imagine these days what an incredible feat it was to conquer America. No British act had done it before. We were just coming over to do our stuff, hopefully get recognized and to sell some records. But it turned into something huge."
The Beatles' American TV debut was seen live by so many people that reports at the time claimed it led to the lowest crime rate in 50 years, with the number of break-ins plummeting as tens of millions stayed home to watch.
Ringo added, "Seventy three million people! As George (Harrison) always reminded us, less crime that day than any day in America. It was mind-blowing, the idea of so many people, but it was also incorporated in all of the madness that was being in New York."
The President's Award is presented by the president of the US awards academy, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Accepting the award in a recorded message, Ringo said, "When we arrived in New York it was the most exciting day of my life. A lot of water has run under the bridge since we first did the Ed Sullivan Show, but we're still here and we still love you."
Sir Paul added, "It's a fantastic award and a great honor for us."
February 9, 2004
Mike McCartney to do slide show at the Smithsonian -- Wednesday, April 14 at 7 pm.
Tickets $15.00 Click here to order tickets.
Mike McCartney's new book of black and white photographs of Liverpool in the vibrant 1960s is a kaleidoscopic personal view of the British Invasion at its beginnings. The book and the Smithsonian exhibition of the same name present an intimate, funny, and dramatic tale of the city that changed music history.McCartney has worn many hats over the past 40 years, recording nine albums, performing as a solo artist and with the legendary British comedy group The Scaffold. He has played with Reg Dwight (a.k.a. Elton John), Jimi Hendrix, Spencer Davis, Graham Nash, and his brother Paul's group Wings. He has also published an autobiography as well as children's and photography books.
In this slide illustrated program complementing the Smithsonian exhibition, McCartney talks about his beloved Liverpool and its lively musical history.
"Mike McCartney's Liverpool Life: Sixties in Black and Whites" is on view at the American History Building through June 16.
February 8, 2004
The 46th Grammys AwardsThe Beatles were honored with the Presidents Award. Paul and Ringo accepted via satellite and Olivia and Yoko accepted in honor of their husbands.
February 6, 2004 -- DVDFile.com
Paul McCartney's 1984 film, "Give My Regards to Broad Street" will be released on April 20 for the first time on DVD. Unique to this remastered version is a separate full screen version with the original theatrical aspect ratios in tact and a trailer.
February 6, 2004 -- The Sun
I Macca good pal to Stella
Stepping out ... Heather
Never one to miss a publicity coup, here's Lady Paul McCartney "just happening" to be snapped outside her stepdaughter's posh shop.Now, everyone knows fashion designer Stella isn't too keen on her dad's new missus. Yet Heather insists the pair are the best of friends. So what better way to prove it than to be caught on camera stepping out of Stella's fancy boutique in London's Mayfair?
Heather, who gave birth to daughter Bea by former Beatle Sir Paul last October, didn't appear to buy anything from Stella's new collection. Mind you, neither has anyone else if her latest sales figures are anything to go by. But for such a photo opportunity, what was Heather wearing?
She's surely too old for those over-the-knee boots and the highwaisted skirt. And as for the flat cap. . . need I go on?
It's not clear whether Stella was in the store at the time of her stepmum's visit. But she spent the evening at swanky London restaurant The Ivy with hubby Alasdhair Willis.
February 6, 2004
Stella McCartney & Other Top Designers Exhibit at Belsay Hall in England
Stella McCartney, Zandra Rhodes and Alexander McQueen are among the top British fashion designers putting their talents to use for designs other than clothes in an unusual new exhibition. McCartney will display a crystal horse chandelier at the summer exhibition at Belsay Hall, a Greek-style mansion maintained by English Heritage and set in acres of landscaped grounds near Newcastle upon Tyne.
It is the first time the 12 designers have been brought together to show work other than clothing, and Belsay's remarkable architecture and fine gardens will show off the imaginative installations to best effect.
The event, "Fashion at Belsay", will run from May 29 September 30, 2004.
February 4, 2004The word out of Germany is there will be an announcement about Paul's upcoming summer tour there on February 21st. Rumors are, dates have been confirmed by the promoter.
Rumored reports from last month had revealed inquiries by Paul's promoters for France, Portugal, Brazil, Italy, Croatia, England and Spain this summer.Rumors are also flying that Paul will tour the US later this year with 21 plus cities on the tour roster.
February 4, 2004 -- Billboard/Reuters
Concert Review: The Funk Brothers
This London show, the second concert in a 10-date European itinerary by the surviving members of the Funk Brothers, shared the name of the Grammy-winning film documentary that brought these mighty musicians their belated recognition.Such has been the impression made by "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" that the venerable cast of sidemen who played on virtually every significant Motown record from its origins until about 1973 are undoubtedly stepping out of the shadows of Motown and into the spotlight. It may have taken far too long to shine on them, but it is certainly shining now.
Percussionist Jack Ashford, one of six of the original 13 Funk Brothers who has lived to see this overdue thanksgiving, was revelling in his improbable new role as stage-front MC. As he told an appreciative and starry London audience that included Sir Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, Nick Lowe and James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers, he had been part of Motown's first international scouting party in this city way back in 1965. He joked that the veteran status of those who remain means that the cigarette breaks of the old days have been replaced by medication breaks.
February 4, 2004
Quote, from Paul in Woman's World magazine:
"I still believe that love is all you need. I don't know a better message than that."
February 3, 2004 -- The Scotsman
Queen to Hold 'Girl Power' Lunch
Buckingham Palace is to host its first female-only get together in celebration of working women and mothers, it was announced today.
JK Rowling, Cherie Blair and other high profile guests will join the Queen for a lunch to mark "girl power" achievements. Up to 200 women will gather at the Palace next month. The Queen will be accompanied by the Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Gloucester.
The royal women will mingle with glamorous guests such as Mobo awards organizer Kanya King, Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman and Tamara Mellon of the trendy Jimmy Choo shoe label. Others on the invite list include sixties icon Twiggy, journalist Sheena McDonald, former athlete Dame Mary Peters and ex-model Heather Mills McCartney. Rosa Monckton, who was a close friend of Diana, Princess of Wales, and opera singer Lesley Garrett have also been invited.
"It will be the first all female event at the Palace. It's one of the theme days that we're having," a Palace spokeswoman said. "It's going to be about women and their achievements. It's not just well known people, there will be lots of business women, women from arts and education and grass roots people."
The event will take place on March 11 three days after International Women's Day. It will be Sophie's first engagement since the birth of her daughter, Lady Louise.
February 3, 2004 -- This is London
Armed robbers who held up terrified diners at gunpoint in a London restaurant are today being hunted by police.In a raid reminiscent of a scene from the film Pulp Fiction, the thieves held a gun to a customer's head as they forced diners to hand over money, mobile phones and other belongings.
The robbers, who also used the gun to threaten one of the waiters, made their victims put all their possessions on the dining tables - reducing women to tears as they forced them to hand over their wedding rings.
A senior flying squad officer described the robbery at Rosmarino in St John's Wood as "audacious and outrageous".
He said: "It is the first time we have heard of diners in an expensive restaurant being robbed while they were eating."
Police believe the men targeted the restaurant because of its wealthy clientele. Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills dined there when they first became romantically involved.
February 3, 2004 -- St .Petersburg Times
McCartney Plans Gig In Palace SquareIn the wake of Paul McCartney's high-profile open-air concert on Red Square in Moscow last year, the former Beatle wants to repeat the feat in St. Petersburg this year.
McCartney even wrote a letter to President Vladimir Putin asking to support the planned event, according to Russian media and promoters.
Very few details are available about the concert that is being negotiated between McCartney's management, Moscow-based Alfa Bank and promoters SAV Entertainment, who cooperated on McCartney's Moscow concert last May.
"The only thing I can say that there are only very initial agreements about this event," said Alfa Bank's representative by telephone on Monday.
"We can also confirm that we, at Alfa Bank, also received a letter from Paul McCartney's agents who asked for our assistance to promote a concert in St. Petersburg."
Signed by longtime McCartney tour director Barrie Marshall, the letter reads, "Paul was very impressed with the city and the culture, and after the wonderful reception he received in Moscow, Paul felt that to play a concert in St. Petersburg would be a great way to finish off his informal visit there last year."
McCartney's press officer Geoff Baker said from London on Monday that he knew nothing about the planned concert and suggested contacting tour director Marshall. Marshall was not available for comment late Monday.
The concert is expected to be held on Palace Square on City Day, May 27. Palace Square can hold 100,000 people.
The news about McCartney's letter to Putin asking for presidential support for the concert, was first distributed by Moscow's Intermedia entertainment news agency last Thursday.
In a telephone interview on Monday, Intermedia's director and editor Yevgeny Safronov said the agency got the information about the letter from its "own very reliable, trustworthy sources," whom he declined to identify.
Though tours of Western artists do not normally demand any involvement of the president or any Kremlin officials, Safronov said asking Putin for support made sense.
"The thing is that events of this sort are high-budget and demand serious financing or granting discounts," he said. "If Putin ignores the letter or just replies 'You are welcome,' the concert can still take place. But if he gives a couple of instructions to a few people in important positions, then you can be 100-percent certain it will take place."
McCartney met Putin on the afternoon of his Moscow concert in May. Putin was reported to have given McCartney and his wife Heather Mills a personal guided tour of the Kremlin, while McCartney later sang "Let It Be" exclusively for Putin.
During the meeting Putin asked the former Beatle about his impressions of St. Petersburg, the president's home city. Later that day, Putin joined the audience for McCartney's concert.
Though McCartney's Russian tour was restricted to the one concert in Moscow, he paid a two-day private visit to St. Petersburg amid celebrations of the city's 300th anniversary last May.
February 2, 2004 -- Itar-Tass News
British rock star Paul McCartney wants to give another concert in Russia, the press service of Russia's Alpha-Bank told Itar-Tass on Monday.This time, the ex-Beatles star wants to perform in St. Petersburg's historic Palace Square on the City Day. Dvortsovaya Square can house about 100,000 spectators. According to specialists, the second concert in Russia' s second biggest city could be as successful as the first one in Moscow's Red Square.
The rock star wants to come back to Russia after an absolute success of his concert in Red Square in May 2003. The Moscow performance was declared the best organized concert among concerts on McCartney's one-and-a-half-year Back in the World tour across the USA and Europe.
March 2004
March 31, 2004 -- BBC News
Stars' artwork in charity auction
Drawings by celebrities including Sir Paul McCartney and Graham Norton are being sold on the internet to raise money for children in Afghanistan.
Individual drawings by 20 celebrities will appear on the online auction site eBay - six with a reserve price of £100 ($183) and the rest at £30 ($55)
The money raised will go to Spirit Aid, the charity set up by TV actor David Hayman, star of "Trial and Retribution."
The Glasgow-based charity invited 200 celebrities to submit drawings after posting crayons and paper to them.
The drawings are currently being displayed in the waiting room of a Glasgow dental surgeon.
"Given the names involved, I hope we can substantially beat the £1,000 ($1,834) mark," said dentist Lloyd Jerome, who works with Spirit Aid.
Spirit Aid was set up by Hayman to raise awareness of suffering in Afghanistan "caused by military intervention both before and after September 11."
The actor has taken funds previously raised to Afghanistan "where it goes straight to doctors and nurses working in villages", Jerome added.
"When he went out there a year and a half ago with £15,000 ($27, 516) three children a day were dying. When he went out again six months later... that figure was down to zero, which shows the difference that can be made."
Hayman, who plays Chief Superintendent Mike Walker in the Lynda LaPlante drama, said, "More funds are needed as loads more work needs to be done.
"I hope the eBay auction can raise extra money so we can continue to help these children."
March 31, 2004 -- Wimbledon Post
Maccas back landmine clearance marathon
A novice athlete is being backed by Paul and Heather McCartney in his marathon efforts to raise money to help clear landmines.Julian Musson, an IT consultant from Fircroft Road, Tooting, is pounding the streets to try and raise £1,000 ($1,834) for Adopt-A-Minefield.
The organization, part of the United Nations landmine program, is looking to raise at least £20,000 ($36,688) for its work.
It costs £1 ($1.83) to help clear a square metre of minefield.
Julian said, "This is my first marathon. I'm a complete novice at all forms of long-distance running, but I've been training on Tooting and Wimbledon Common."
He added, "Adopt-A-Minefield does amazing work to raise awareness about the terrible impact landmines have on kids in other countries."
Ex-Beatle Sir Paul and his wife are the Adopt-A-Minefield founding patrons.
Heather Mills McCartney said, "It is fantastic that Julian is running this year's London Marathon to raise funds to clear landmines.
"He's not only raising money but also raising awareness about the impact these cowardly weapons have years after wars are over."
March 31, 2004 -- The Union
Local musician gets 'gig' with McCartneyGeorge Souza, a guitarist who plays jazz, Latin, blues and flamenco weekly in hometown clubs including Friar Tuck's, Kirby's and the Holbrooke Hotel, ranks Monday's gig as one of the most memorable in his 40-year musical career.
That's because the legendary Paul McCartney - yes, of The Beatles - not only sat three feet in front of Souza's jazz trio at Moody's Bistro and Lounge in downtown Truckee but also sang two songs with them.
Souza, whose trio plays once a month at the Truckee restaurant/bar, was asked months ago by the Moody's Bistro and Lounge owners to save Monday's date for McCartney. The only stipulation: Souza had to keep it "hush, hush," even from his own trio, to respect McCartney's privacy.
The famous Englishman has a little history with Moody's. He walked into the venue and sang a couple of songs last year, which co-owner J.J. Morgan said was a "pleasant surprise."
Although Monday's gig preparations were unusual - McCartney and his wife, Heather, entered the restaurant through the kitchen to avoid public attention as much as possible during their Lake Tahoe vacation - Souza was a trooper.
"I wasn't nervous. Everyone wanted him to have a nice time and not be bugged," said Souza, who had nothing but high praise for his prestigious audience member.
"And he sounded great," Souza added. "Here's Paul McCartney standing next to you and he sounded amazing."
With Souza on guitar and trumpet, the other jazz trio members were Truckee-based Joe Dolister on bass and his son Caleb Dolister on drums.
March 30, 2004 -- Reno Gazette Journal
Prince kicked off his concert tour Saturday, March 29 at the Lawlor Events Center at the University of Nevada in Reno. In the audience was Paul McCartney who was seen dancing and enjoying the show with his wife Heather.
March 30, 2004According to Bill King of Beatlefan, Paul has enlisted the help of drummer Matt Chamberlain, guitarist Jason Falkner and producer Bryce Goggin to work as a power trio on Paul's new album tracks in Los Angeles.
March 30, 2004 -- AP /SFGate.comPaul McCartney capped a ski vacation at Lake Tahoe with an impromptu performance at the same Sierra Nevada restaurant where he entertained surprised diners last year.
"Unfortunately, you have an unscheduled guest here at Moody's," the former Beatle said when he took the stage with a jazz trio late Monday night.
About 70 people crowded around as McCartney sang the jazz standard "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" with the George Souza Trio. Then, he asked the band to play the blues rocker "Kansas City" and he altered the lyrics into a tribute to "Tahoe City" -- a neighboring lakefront town.
"I'm going to Tahoe City, going to get me some skiing," he sang as the patrons joined in for the refrain.
"Everyone totally went nuts," Souza said Tuesday.
McCartney, 61, made a similar appearance last February at Moody's Bistro and Lounge in the old Truckee Hotel built in the 1870s. Last year, he improvised a tune he called the "Truckee Blues." He said Monday night that it was becoming his "annual residency."
"It was awesome," said David LaPlante, 34, Reno, who took in the scene with his wife, Jessica.
"I'm a little young to be a die-hard fan, but he's Paul McCartney, a living legend. ... and he's sitting 15 feet away from you in a restaurant in Truckee," he said.
Adam Comey of Salt Lake City was in town for a ski competition his sports production company is producing at the nearby Kirkwood Ski Resort.
"There was sort of a buzz in the whole room but I was clueless until he got up on stage," Comey said.
"It's something you could never expect in your lifetime, to go to a small restaurant in Truckee, California and see Paul McCartney sing a couple of creative tunes. It was a blast," he said.
McCartney and his wife, Heather Mills, had been skiing at Tahoe resorts for about a week and attended the Prince concert Saturday night at the University of Nevada, Reno, about 30 miles from Truckee. They were guests Monday night of Moody's owner and chef Mark Estee and general manager J.J. Morgan.
"They just kind of snuck him in through the kitchen," Souza said. "They do in-home cooking for him when he's here."
The couple ate dinner at a corner table next to the band before McCartney joined the trio on stage shortly after 9:30 p.m. for about 15 minutes.
"It was definitely a feel-good time by everybody. I think he seemed like he had fun," said Souza, who played a jazz rendition of "Yesterday" for the couple. "They were probably there two hours. He was very gracious," Souza said. "I think the guy has a future in show business.
March 29, 2004
The April 5 "US Weekly"(Jennifer Anniston on cover) has an article about Paul's blanket buying habits with a photo of Paul, Bea and Heather.
Paul McCartney wants only the best for his wife, Heather Mills and 6-month-old daughter Beatrice. His method of quality control? The cheek check!
"He just bought a cashmere blanket and a cotton shawl," says a source a the swanky London baby boutique Seraphine, where the ex-Beatle is now a regular. "He held them up to his cheek to make sure they were the softest."
Not to leave Mills out, he bought her an ultrasoft T-shirt. Says the source, "He's so obviously devoted."
McCartney also splurged on a Moses baby basket. The total tab: over $550.
March 29, 2004 -- St. Petersburg Times
Many citizens are looking forward to former Beatle Paul McCartney's planned concert in Palace Square on June 20. But even before it has taken place the choice of venue has been criticized by Mikhail Piotrovsky, director of the Hermitage Museum, which controls buildings around much of the square.In an interview published in newspaper Izvestia on March 18, Piotrovsky expressed his concern about the concert taking place by the walls of the historical palace where the museum is based.
Piotrovsky said he had nothing against McCartney, but he was worried about the "big crowd", in which many people are "often drunk," and about the "wild decibels of a rock concert."
Irina Titova asked people how they view McCartney's concert. Photographs by Sergey Grachev.
Valentina Andrianova, 52, commodity researcher:
I think, it's OK if Paul McCartney holds his concert at Palace Square. It will allow more people to listen to such a celebrity. It will be especially important for young people. I have two sons and I know they would go to his concert with pleasure.
Besides, McCartney has his own audience and it won't be something like a soccer match. It will be mainly nice people who come to listen to this singer.
Alexei Dorkin, 18, student:
It depends on what kind of a music group is having its concert. If it's one of those whose audience usually does not behave then it should not be allowed, but if it's the usually nice audience that goes to Paul McCartney's concerts then why not?
Vladimir Skripnikov, 54, engineer:
It's surprising that such person as Mikhail Piotrovsky could be against McCartney's concert on Palace Square. I can't even believe it. The whole world listens to McCartney!
As for Palace Square, I think, McCartney's audience will not damage it because most of the Beatles fans are people of my generation, and it would be mostly them who would come to the concert. And it's hard to expect they would misbehave.
Natalya, 34, teacher:
Palace Square is a public place, the main square of the city. It always attracts a lot of people, so how can anyone prohibit McCartney performing his concert there? His audience are decent people.
Besides, Palace Square has already hosted other concerts and performances, such as performances by the Mariinsky Theater, and nothing bad happened.
I myself would like to go to McCartney's concert here.
Alexey, 26, fire officer:
I think, it's better to have such events elsewhere in the city because Palace Square is one of our important historical places. It can be damaged when there are big crowds there.
In addition, Palace Square has already suffered once. A couple of years ago at New Year the arch of the General Staff Headquarters caught fire and was seriously damaged.
Since then I have felt a bit wary about big events taking place on the square.
Lyudmila Ivanova, 58, engineer:
There were other concerts before on that square and it was OK.
Besides, they used to hold big political rallies there and they were not banned, so why not give such opportunity to McCartney.
St. Petersburg is indeed the cultural capital of Russia, and let McCartney's concert become a part of the city's cultural life.
I would like to get to that concert, but they say the prices will be too high for my very modest salary.
Polina Zelentsova, 73, pensioner:
I think, young people need such concerts. I'm personally too old to care if it's right or wrong.
In fact, provided they don't make a mess during such performances they should be allowed, but if people don't behave there, such shows should be prohibited.
March 29, 2004 -- Yahoo News
All of the more than 1,200 tickets for Alicia Keys concert at Copenhagen's 18th-century Royal Theater were sold in 16 minutes, organizers said Monday.Earlier this month, more than 12,000 tickets for a show by Paul McCartney in western Denmark at Horsens Stadium sold out in 11 minutes.
March 29, 2004 -- Hello MagazineHeather Mills McCartney Reveals She Almost Gave Up Charity Work As She Is Recognized With An Award
It is only four months since her daugher Beatrice was born, but Heather Mills McCartney didn't hesitate to turn up in person to accept an award for her charity work from Lions Clubs International.
Heather worked until just two days before her daughter's birth and was back counselling amputees a month later, but recent criticizm about her has upset her so much that she contemplated giving up charity work for good.
The award, she said, was a timely reminder as to why she continued. "I've always respected the Lions Clubs for all the charity work they do around the world and the award was a lovely surprise," she said. "It's nice to get that recognition, particularly when I get criticized for trying to save people's lives."
"It was good to be reminded I'm doing the right thing and why I'm doing it. Girlfriends have asked me why I continue with charity work when I get criticized for it and many a time of late I've thought about giving it up."
"I had a deal going through with an Icelandic prosthetics manufacturer so people all over the world could have legs like mine at a cheap price but they pulled out because they felt there was too much bad press associated with me. Only two companies in the world are able to make these limbs, so it's not just me who is hurt--thousands of other people's lives are ruined."
Heather, 36, accompanied by her husband Sir Paul at the Lions' annual conference in London, was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellow Award--the Club's highest honor--for her humanitarian work.
It is generally assumed that it was the loss of her own leg that jolted Heather into charity work, but in fact it was the terrible sights she saw in Croatia during the fighting there in the early 1990's that was the spur.
She and Paul now work with the charity Adopt-A-Minefield. In 2001, Heather flew to Gujarat in India when it was devastated by an earthquake and launched an appeal for the Lions Club in the area. She raised enough money to buy more than 5,000 limbs for people who had lost legs in the disaster. She also continues to counsel prople who have lost limbs.
Since giving birth to Beatrice, however, Heather is more reluctant to travel overseas. "I will travel abroad for Adopt-A-Minefield, but I've committed myself to my daughter. I've spent my whole life looking after everybody else; I've got to put her first."
March 25, 2004
Chicagoland showing
Lake County Discovery Museum Selected to Host 'Linda McCartney's Sixties -Portrait of an Era'Get out the love beads, bell bottoms and tie dye shirts and get ready for a magical musical sixties tour! Lake County Discovery Museum, near Wauconda has been selected by the estate of Linda McCartney as the only site in the Chicago metro area to host the exhibition "Linda McCartney's Sixties - Portrait of an Era."
Opening April 17 and running through July 25, this outstanding collection of photographs provides an intimate and exciting glimpse into the lives of top 1960s musicians through the lens of then Rolling Stone magazine photographer, Linda McCartney. The highly acclaimed exhibition features 50 photographs of rock, R&B, and folk music icons including Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, Arlo Guthrie, the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, B.B. King, and of course, The Beatles.
McCartney, the late wife of Beatle Paul McCartney, was already a well-known photographer when Rolling Stone magazine hired her on the strength of her exclusive photos of Mick Jagger aboard a yacht on Manhattan's Hudson River in 1966.The show runs April 17-July 25 at the museum in the Lakewood Forest Preserve.
While visiting the exhibition, visitors will also have fun with "groovy" hands-on activities, and exhibits, many on loan from Chicago's future Sixties Museum, all celebrating the '60s music scene. Additionally, a special guitar exhibition will be featured from the historic and innovative Washburn Guitar Company.
Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5.50 for adults, $2.50 youth ages 4-17, and ages 3 and under are free. Special discounts are offered on Tuesday and parking is always free. The Lake County Discovery Museum is located in Lakewood Forest Preserve on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road near Wauconda. For more information call 847-968-3400 or visit the web site at www.lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org.
March 25, 2004 -- Citizen-Times
Filmmaker eyes Asheville as fund-raiser spot
Any charities out there interested in raising money?Ken Vrana, a former Hollywood movie producer, is looking to do a premiere showing of his film "Snow Angels" in Asheville as part of a fund-raising event for a local charity.
"Snow Angels" is a documentary that follows three women for a year, all of whose lives were later taken by breast cancer. The film is dedicated to Linda McCartney, with Sir Paul McCartney and Sarah McLachlan contributing music for the film.
Though the film is related to the tragedy of breast cancer, Vrana is willing to work with almost any kind of local charity.
"So long as it is a good thing," he said.
Vrana will have premiere showings of the film all over the world starting in May. These premieres will continue until October, when "Snow Angels" will most likely be shown on television in honor of breast cancer awareness month.
He is currently working with a charity for at-risk youths as well as one that fights domestic violence.
"An event usually involves a black-tie dinner, a screening of the movie and an auction," Vrana said. But, he added, "We are very flexible."
Seventy-five percent of the proceeds from the event will be used to support the charity that partners with him to host the event, and the other 25 percent will be donated to Garland Appeal USA, a foundation formed in the memory of Linda McCartney.
After leaving Hollywood in 1994, Vrana and his wife moved to Cary and formed Caitlin Productions, a nonprofit documentary film company.
When a friend spoke to Vrana about her fight with breast cancer, he was "blown away by the statistics she started throwing out." At her prompting, he interviewed 10 women he knew and found that all of them had been touched by breast cancer in a very personal way.
He said he's been completely dedicated to the fight against it ever since. All the money needed to film "Snow Angels" was donated.
"Every woman, husband, mother . every person needs to see (the film)," said Maggie Whitcomb, a volunteer for Garland Appeal, the foundation formed in memory of Linda McCartney.
Vrana asked any interested charities contact him as soon as possible, as dates are quickly being booked. Contact him by e-mail at kvrana@nc.rr.com or at (919) 469-5662.
About the movie
Snow Angels, a film dedicated to the memory of the late Linda McCartney, will be used to raise money for a local charity that agrees to be a partner in the film's local premier, as well as for breast cancer research.
Did You Know?* In 2002, one in seven women have a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
* In 2003, 39,800 women were expected to die from breast cancer.
* 96 percent of women who died of breast cancer between 1996-2000 were 40 years or older.Source: American Cancer Society
March 24, 2004 -- LA Gossip
Paul and Heather were spotted recently food shopping in Los Angeles. Rumors are flying that Paul will be a judge on American Idol in April though the show's producer has denied the rumor.
March 24, 2004 -- Vogue.UKSTELLA'S DAY AT THE RACES
Stella McCartney was a surprise sighting at the Cheltenham races this week. The fashion designer and staunch animal rights activist apparently booked her friends a last-minute corporate box on Gold Cup day. Given her work for PETA and Animal Aid as well as the latter's Horse Racing Awareness Week - planned for next month to campaign against the sport, McCartney's appearance amidst the Barbours and green wellies crowd was something of a shock.
Her rep, however, explains the trip away as a fact-finding mission.
"Stella went to the festival as an animal lover, to have a diplomatic meeting with an industry insider in conjuction with the upcoming Horse Racing Awareness Week," he told The Daily Telegraph. "[She wanted] to discuss how she could help in promoting better treatment of race horses across the country. Animal Aid is one of her favorite charities."
March 24, 2003 -- Tour Gossip
Rumors are circulating that Paul will tour Japan in February of 2005.
March 23, 2004 -- The MirrorFrom the mid-1970s until the early 90s, Walter Yetnikoff was the most powerful man in the music business. As head of CBS Records, he worked with stars such as Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand and Bob Dylan.
I spent six months chasing Paul McCartney with a deal but it was worth it. When he eventually arrived at my office to sign the contract, he was with Linda - and they were both charming."I've come to meet the birds," said Paul, before going around the office and signing autographs for the female employees. "You see the ego I have to put up with?" said Linda.
March 23, 2004 -- Vogue.com
MCCARTNEY ON MARRIAGE
Stella McCartney may have found it difficult to come to terms with her father's marriage to Heather Mills, but her older sister Mary is happy to see him settled. "I did not want Dad to be alone," the 34-year-old photographer, whose mother Linda died in 1998, told the Daily Express. "I didn't want him to be a widower. After all, at the end of the day, everyone wants everybody to be happy."
March 23, 2004 -- Moscow NewsMcCartney Will Perform in St. Petersburg After Spending Birthday in Russia
Paul McCartney will spend his 62nd birthday in Russia, where he will give a concert on June 20, Russian and Western media report.
The organizers declined to specify how exactly the former Beatles member will spend his birthday, which falls on June 18.
But two days later the former hearthrob will give a concert in Russia's second capital of St. Petersburg as part of his summer tour, organizers told the Interfax news agency Tuesday.
"A total of 10,000 seats will be installed in Saint Peterburg's Palace Square for the concert," Interfax quoted an unnamed organizer as saying. "Another 50,000 places will also be available for standing room only."
Last May, McCartney threw an open-air concert on Red Square in the Russian capital Moscow, with President Vladimir Putin among an estimated 20,000 fans dancing to the music of the Fab Four.
March 21, 2004 -- Belfast Telegraph
Who'll be king of the castle?A battle of the wrinkly rockers is brewing between music legends, Sir Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan - as to who will be king of Stormont Castle in 2004.
For music insiders are predicting that it's between the two veteran superstars to headline the revived outdoor Stormont summer show.
Just days ago, Dylan, 62, seemed to be the front runner after an Irish music magazine reported that he would be 'blowing in' to perform there on Saturday June 26.
But an Aiken Promotions spokeswoman responded, "There is nothing confirmed for Stormont this year and I think that the magazine has taken the story off its site."
However, she did confirm that it is "interested" staging a show in the shadow of Parliament Buildings - after a year long absence.
But, one music industry source is adamant that 61-year-old McCartney is hot favorite to spread his Wings on an Ulster concert stage, for the first time since the early Sixties.
"I hear that approaches have been made to Paul McCartney to play at Stormont, " he said. "And I've been told that there is a 70 percent chance that McCartney will say 'yes'!"
When contacted by Sunday Life, McCartney's personal PR man, Geoff Baker said that "both Paul and the tour promoter are away." But he added that he may have more news about further live appearances this week.
Beatles' legend, McCartney himself did not rule out the possibility of adding more dates to his forthcoming 14 date European tour, which kicks off in Spain on May 25.
He said, "Touring really has been a lot of fun for us and the audiences have been great. So why stop now? I'm looking forward to playing and to visiting some new places. I know there has been lots of talk about more concerts. Keep that chat coming and we will see what happens."
The Northern Ireland Events Company, which has financially supported the staging of Stormont concerts in the past, revealed that it had recently received an approach from a local music promoter.
Its chief executive, Janice McAleese told Sunday Life: "We had an enquiry from a promoter at the start of the week, requesting an application form."
Previous stars to have performed in the grounds of Stormont include Elton John, Pavarotti, Michael Flatley and The Eagles.
But political controversy raged after it was revealed that £100,000 ($180,000) in public funding had been given to support the last Stormont show in 2002, featuring Rod Stewart.
March 21, 2004 -- VG (UPDATE)
Paul to perform a "special night " in Oslo
Paul told VG, Norway's biggest newspaper, that there will be a 'special' show for Oslo (June 14). The setlist will have approximately 'two dozen' Beatles songs (some never performed live before) and that the 8th millionth ticket holder, counting back from Paul's solo performing years, will be presented a car by Paul himself at the show.
Macca said he didn't know what will be on the setlist for this tour but he promised to cover all of his career with a special emphasis on his Beatles years.
March 20, 2004Sir Paul joins tributes to 'Beatle person' Alf
A chauffeur and friend to the Beatles pop group has died at his home in Deddington.
Alf Bicknell, 75, who inspired the song "Baby You Can Drive My Car," and had a performance of "The Long and Winding Road" dedicated to him by Sir Paul McCartney, lived in Mackley Road with his wife Jean.
He joined the Fab Four at the height of their fame in 1964 and stayed with them until after their final concert together in San Francisco in 1966.
His son Mark, 36, said, "He was a very colorful character, a real showman who shared his experiences with people from across the world.
"He spent three years with the Beatles and must have had experiences that no-one else in the world had. He was loyal to the end and never kiss and told, which made us very proud."
Mark added that his father was very close to the musicians, especially Sir Paul McCartney and John Lennon, and that Paul even dedicated the song, "The Long and Winding Road" to him, at a 1990 concert.
The family has received hundreds of e-mails from well-wishers and a floral tribute from Sir Paul McCartney and Olivia Harrison.
Sam Leach, former Beatles promoter and friend of Alf, said, "Alf was a big teddy bear of a man, who will be greatly missed. He was one of the most genuine and likeable 'Beatle persons' that I have met. Alf will be a much missed man."
After joining the band Alf accompanied them during the making of their second film "Help!" and recorded the lyrics "Full steam ahead, Mr. Bo'sun," on the 1966 single "Yellow Submarine."
It is also thought that the bus driver in the film "Magical Mystery Tour" was named after him.
His friendship with the musicians developed over the years and at one stage he lived in a house owned by John Lennon.
After they split, he went to work for industrialist Sir Robert, later Lord, McAlpine, and also drove for Sophia Loren and Peter Cushing.
He later toured to speak of his experiences and released his autobiography "Baby You Can Drive My Car" in 1989. He moved to Banbury in 1992 with Jean, and then to Deddington last year.
His funeral took place on Thursday at the Banbury Crematorium.
March 20, 2004 -- The Sun
Macca Mull 'to be dump'A nuclear waste dump may be built alongside Sir Paul McCartney's Scottish hideaway.
Military chiefs want to store radioactive submarine material on a former RAF base just five miles away from his Mull of Kintyre estate. It will also overshadow a memorial garden and statue dedicated to the rock star's late wife Linda in Campbeltown.
The plan is to bury waste containers the size of two double-decker buses on the base, where Sir Paul lands his private plane.
The 61-year-old environmental campaigner is abroad and believed to be unaware of the threat to his 600-acre estate. But locals are outraged. Nancie Smith, of the Campbeltown Community Council, branded the dump a "death sentence" on the fragile economy.
Local Lib-Dem MP Alan Reid said it would deter tourists and prospective businesses.
Sir Paul, who bought the west coast plot in the 1970s, says, "I love it. I can breathe up there." His 1977 song "Mull of Kintyre" is one of the biggest selling singles of all time.
The base is on a shortlist after the MoD looked at 107 possible sites.
March 19, 2004 -- Page Six NY Post
Paul Sighting in NYC
Paul McCartney got off an M103 bus on Lexington Avenue and then signed an autograph for the driver, who ran down 52nd Street after him.
March 19, 2004 -- MSNBC
Look out, MadonnaPaul McCartney is getting into the kiddie-book writing biz. And publishing sources say that McCartney - because of his rock-star status - could generate the sort of best-seller that Madonna did with "The English Roses."
McCartney is penning a children's book called "High in the Clouds," about two squirrels and a frog who try to rescue animals endangered by urban development. It will be co-written by Philip Ardagh, and illustrated by Geoff Dunbar.
"High in the Clouds" is being published in the U.K. by Faber and Faber, but no U.S. publisher has been announced, and one book world insider tells The Scoop: "This will be a hot property. Even if the book is awful, it will sell like hotcakes. Because he's Paul McCartney, he's almost guaranteed to get on all the talk shows to promote it, and what politically correct, baby boomer parents wouldn't want their children - or their grandchildren - to read a book by a former Beatle?" MORE
March 19, 2004 -- Business Wire
Live Earth Day Auctions on Radio Stations Across the U.S. and Online
"Save The Earth Fest 2004 Earth Day" event will take place online and on the radio this year. The event will be an online auction and several live auctions at radio stations across the country of some of the most sought after autographed guitars, posters and memorabilia.
This years line up will feature autographed guitars and memorabilia for all musical tastes from country to rock & roll with over 100 popular recording artists. Guitars Autographed by Dave Matthews, Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, U2, Sting, Santana, Garth Brooks, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Metallica, and 100 others will be up for auction.The radio auction will be live on the air and promoted all day on Earth Day Thursday April 22nd, 2004 by the radio station's on-air personalities. A special 800 number and a web page for each autographed guitar will make the auction accessible to as many people as possible. Online users can view full color images of the items to be auctioned, check current bids, and enter their own bids right from their desktop. All auction information on the event is available at http://www.SaveTheEarth.net.
March 18, 2004 -- Macca Report News
A CELEBRATION OF SIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
The McCartney sisters attended an exhibition Thursday, March 18, organized by Mary McCartney Donald to aid Sight Savers International at Oxo Tower Warf in London. The charity provides help to restore sight in adults and children living in the poorest countries.
Also attending the exhibit were Mary's husband Alistair Donald, Stella and her husband Alasdhair Willis, Debra Winger and Rose Martin (former McCartney nanny). The exhibition runs from March 18th to April 4th, 11am to 6pm. Admission is free.
Mary McCartney Donald, has gathered together a unique collection of images by photographers, artists and celebrities of the moment. Personal visions of their favorite sights, scenes and views - extraordinary or simply everyday - offer a true celebration of our most treasured sense. The organization is selling photos taken by Linda McCartney, Mary McCartney, Stella McCartney and Paul McCartney.
One signed photograph taken by Paul in India has a reserve price of £1,000 ($1,800) that you can bid on.
Description from Paul McCartney: "On a recent visit to India, I was driving down a road in Goa when I noticed this beautifully bejewelled and costumed lady digging a ditch. I took her photo and felt very lucky to have been there at that moment in time to capture this amazing sight. Over here, you might encounter an Irish navvy labouring in the roads but never would one run into something like this."
March 17, 2004 -- Publishing News online
Macca and Faber strike againTwo years after they published Sir Paul McCartney's poetry collection, "Blackbird Singing," Faber has bought a new project by the former Beatle. "High in the Clouds: An Urban Furry Tale" is a collaboration between McCartney and Geoff Dunbar - part of the family with whom McCartney worked in the 1960s, when he co-founded the Indica Bookshop and Gallery - and award-winning children's writer Philip Ardagh.
"Two squirrels. One frog. One goal: to set the creatures free," is how it's being described. Suzy Jenvey, Faber's Children's Editorial Director, says the book has "developed out of an exceptional fusion of creative talents, and the result is a story that explodes on to every page." Not surprisingly, given McCartney's concerns, it has a strong ecological message and is aimed at the 5+ age group, so it's a little too grown up for his latest child.
Dunbar's illustrations for the book will be unveiled next month at Bologna, and publication of what is sure to be a very international project is 2005. McCartney and Dunbar have worked together for many years, and their collaboration on the animated film "Rupert and the Frog Song" won a BAFTA.
Faber CEO Stephen Page said, "This is an exciting moment for us to be acquiring a book of such high quality for which we can have such great ambition."
March 17, 2004 -- Miramax
"Paul McCartney: Music and Animation Collection"
(DVD North America and Canada)
To be released on April 13, 2004
CLICK LINK TO PRE-ORDER !!!
View video clip
This collection features, "Tuesday," "Tropic Island Hum" and "Rupert and the Frog Song."
McCartney worked with long-time collaborator Geoff Dunbar to create additional special effects in order to enhance the animation. In addition, newly recorded live-action footage -- featuring McCartney himself -- will be included.CONTAINS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PAUL McCARTNEY
This special DVD includes three classic children's stories magically brought to life through classic animation and the original music of Paul McCartney. Presented in collectible packaging and loaded with bonus features, including an exclusive interview with Paul as well as never-before-seen footage taken from behind the scenes, this musical collection of enchanting animated tales will provide hours of enjoyment for the entire family, and is a must-have for Paul McCartney fans of all ages.
This collector's item edition is loaded with original songs (including the award-winning song "We All Stand Together") and music from Paul. It includes three magical, animated tales produced by Paul McCartney: "Tropic Island Hum," "Tuesday," and "Rupert And The Frog Song."
Bonus DVD Materials· Exclusive Interview - Paul McCartney Talks About The Animation Collection
· The Making of "Tropic Island Hum"
· "Tropical Island Hum" Layouts and Storyboards
· The Making of "Tuesday"
· "Tuesday" Line Test and Storyboards
· "Rupert And The Frog Song" Line Tests
March 17, 2004 -- Fox News
Into The Rock Hall of Fame -- by Roger Friedman
A bigger question for the night might have been: Where was Paul McCartney? Well, I will tell you. This morning (March 16) Sir Paul is arriving in New York to have meetings with the J. Walter Thompson ad agency regarding a project for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. "He could have come in a day early to salute George," griped a board member.
Well, he didn't. It's possible that Paul is played out on the subject of George, having grudgingly participated in the Concert for George and consequent film. entire story
email editor
March 16, 2004 -- New York Daily News
Paul McCartney surprised his bride Heather Mills Sunday (March 14) when he showed up at a New York celebration for their new baby.The Soho House party - put together by the family of Paul's late wife Linda - was supposed to be mostly for the ladies. But the former Beatle, who'd been in London earlier in the week working on his next album, couldn't resist popping in to see Heather and their 4-month-old daughter, Beatrice.
March 16, 2004 -- New York Post
Paul McCartney plays the fab dad as he leaves downtown's Soho House Hotel with baby Beatrice and Linda McCartney's niece (by marriage) Vanessa Brooker-Eastman II.
These days, the Beatle legend has kids on the brain - his next project will be a cartoon.
March 15, 2004 -- The Sun
OUR POTTER GOLD MUM THANKS AUTHOR JK's
£70,000 will buy new feet and hands for PaigeBrave Paige Allan the two-year-old, who had her hands and feet amputated, will be able to have new artificial limbs fitted thanks to a £70,000 ($126,000) gift from JK Rowling.
And last night the toddler's mum thanked the millionaire writer for giving Paige the chance to live as full and happy a life as possible.
Nicola Allan, 25, of Kirkcaldy, said, "Our children already love Harry Potter stories. But now I tell them the Harry Potter lady has helped Paige." Since being struck down by a rare form of meningitis more than a year ago, the youngster has been unable to get suitable prosthetic limbs fitted on the NHS (National Health System).
Her parents were told it would cost £6000 ($10,800) a year to take her to England for appointments and fittings with Dorset Orthopaedic, the firm which made an artificial leg for Heather Mills McCartney.
That cost was beyond the means of Nicola and her husband Barry, 27, who have four other children Sharee, eight, Jade, six, 15-month-old John and baby Liam, who is just three weeks old.
That was until JK bid £70,000 for a motorized scooter at a meningitis charity auction.
It will ensure Paige can receive treatment for more than 10 years. Nicola said last night, "I was amazed by how much JK Rowling bid for the scooter. It takes awaya lot of worries for us and secures Paige's future."
But before she can begin to walk on prosthetic feet, Paige must have an operation next month to straighten out her legs, which are growing inwards. Nicola said, "She has already been through so much. But if it's necessary to help her walk again, we'll have to go through with it."And as Paige races around the house on her knees, giggling madly, her mum looks forward to the day when her little girl walks and even dances like she used to.
Nicola added, "Paige is amazing. She can do everything the rest of us can. It might take her longer to work it out... but she gets there."
You can still make a donation to Leap For Meningitis by logging on to www.leapformeningitis.com or by sending checks to Simmers Enterprises Ltd., PO Box 25246, Glasgow G3, Scotland.
March 13, 2004 -- Business Wire
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, Florida which opened today, features a 50-foot-tall signature Hard Rock guitar modeled after one played by Paul McCartney.
March 12, 2004 -- Contact Music
McCARTNEY 'WILL NOT FACE CHARGES' OVER PHOTOGRAPHER SCUFFLERock legend Sir Paul McCartney will escape charges over allegations he assaulted a paparazzi photographer last September.
The former Beatle reportedly lost his temper with Kevin Wheal on a trip to see illusionist David Blaine during his above the below starvation stunt in London last September.
But despite Wheal's accusations that McCartney pushed him, hurled a torrent of foul-mouthed abuse and then broke his camera - the British Crown Prosecution Service has dropped the matter after a prolonged investigation.
McCartney is now preparing for a European tour this summer.
March 12, 2004 -- Vogue.com
STELLA LA LAND
Is Stella McCartney contemplating a move to Hollywood, in the wake of Tom Ford? The rock chick fashion designer had Miramax honcho Harvey Weinstein safely seated in the front row for her autumn/winter 2004 show on Sunday morning and was subsequently spotted talking and laughing with him at Ford's last show for YSL later that night. However, rather than seeing herself as the new Hollywood starlet, Stella is more likely to be contemplating costume design for Weinstein, whose most recent project was the acclaimed Cold Mountain. According to the Evening Standard, he was heard telling all who would listen that Stella would be brilliant at "doing costume" for his movies.
March 12, 2004 -- Mirror
RIDE OF BRITAIN: THEY ALL DESERVE TO WINTough decision day for judges at Pride of Britain who say: It makes you feel so humble
It is always a time of strong debate, high emotions and difficult decisions. And this year was no different for Gary Lineker, Sir Richard Branson, Lady Heather Mills McCartney, and the other judges of the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards.
But on one thing everyone was agreed - the high standard of finalists for this year's awards was breathtaking. Even Eamonn Holmes and Fiona Phillips, who often bicker on the GMTV sofa, couldn't argue about that.
"The awful thing is leaving people out as every one deserves to be a winner," says Fiona. "Eamonn and I normally disagree on everything, but this is the one thing we do agree on. There wasn't one bad submission."
Pride of Britain, which will be broadcast on ITV1 next Tuesday (March 16) evening, is the annual ceremony which honors the nation's unsung heroes for their courage, selflessness and incredible achievements.
Last year, viewers applauded the bravery of off-duty firefighter Russell Ward, who rescued survivors of the Bali bomb.
Tears were shed for the dignity and dedication of Caroline Hobbs, who tragically lost her mum and daughter on a dangerous road, where she had been campaigning for a safe crossing.
And no one could forget the moving tribute to Sir Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 children from the horrors of the Nazi death camps by setting up freedom trains to bring them to Britain.
On this year's panel, chaired by Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan, Eamonn, Fiona, Sir Richard, Gary and Heather were joined by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens, Carol Vorderman, and former Pride winner Sarah Bennett.
As they met at Sir Richard's West London home and pored over the thousands of extraordinary stories of ordinary people, they knew they faced a tough task picking the winners.
The nominations included children who had risked their lives to save others, brave members of the emergency services and inspirational teachers.
In Pride of Britain's biggest ever response, we were flooded with entries from members of the public, the emergency services, charities and voluntary organizations.
Appeals were made on 30 million lottery tickets, thousands of nominations were posted in special boxes at all of Asda's 259 stores, and GMTV viewers and Daily Mirror readers nominated their unsung heroes.
On Monday, (March 15) the winners of the sixth Pride of Britain Awards will be revealed at a star-studded ceremony at the London Hilton in Park Lane.
Millions of viewers are expected to watch the event, presented by Mirror columnist Carol Vorderman, when it is screened on ITV1 the next night.
Britain's most senior police officer, Sir John - who has been on the judging panel before - says, "In the police world we see the worst things people can do to each other. But Pride of Britain shows human nature at its best. It's about doing good, saving lives and making the community better. I'll walk out of here feeling better about life. And after 42 years as a policeman I need to do that."
Host Carol, who was a judge for the first time this year, adds, "The nominations were excellent. There were quite a few tears when I was reading them."
Singer Sarah Bennett's courage won her last year's Prince's Trust Young Achiever Award. After three years of living rough, she battled back and is helping others. This year, she found herself sitting between Gary Lineker and Eamonn Holmes, deciding who should follow in her footsteps.
"What a responsibility!" smiles Sarah. "I've been through an amazing journey over the past year and I can now pass it on. It's a special gift to give it back to somebody else. I feel blessed to be able to do that."
Sir Richard Branson says, "There are many inspirational people in Britain who do incredibly brave things every day, and this year is no exception. We can only recognize a handful of them but they illustrate the thousands who put themselves at risk to save others. I have taken part in the Pride of Britain Awards every year since it started and I have been honored to be involved."
Former England football captain Gary is no stranger to winning, but he says he felt humbled by the many tales of heroism and bravery.
"All these stories have made me feel very unworthy," says Gary. "The hardest thing was casting aside people with amazing stories. They are all winners. These awards give you an added sense of perspective on things. The children especially have impressed and affected me."
To find out more, log on to www.prideofbritain.com. This year's winners will be revealed in the Mirror on Monday.
March 12, 2004 -- The Sun
Woman's realm at PalaceThe Queen yesterday had a "girl power" lunch with 180 of the most influential women in Britain. Among the star-studded guest list were Harry Potter author JK Rowling, 38, former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, 78, and Tony Blair's lawyer wife Cherie, 49. The youngest there was singer Charlotte Church who has just turned 18.
But the Voice of an Angel star, in a striking multi-colored coat and dress, out- dazzled almost all of the other women as they waited in Buckingham Palace's Picture Gallery to be introduced to the Queen.
She said, "It is my first time here, so I am a bit nervous. This is not my usual everyday routine! I feel privileged to be here - all I do is sing."
Supermodel Kate Moss managed a quick ciggie moments before meeting the Queen, while Heather Mills was among the first to arrive at the Palace - leaving husband Paul McCartney to babysit their daughter Beatrice. The 36-year-old former model, invited for her campaigning work on removing landmines, made a beeline for former PM Lady Thatcher.
Heather said, "I sat next to her husband Denis at a dinner about nine years ago and wanted to tell her a story. I had asked Denis what it was like to be married to such a forceful woman and he told me, 'She might be the boss in the boardroom but I am the boss in the bedroom'. I wanted to tell her the story as it showed what great humor he had."
After being introduced to the Queen, the guests had a buffet lunch of casserole of salmon and monkfish in a cream saffron sauce, sauteed loin of lamb, risotto of mushroom and courgettes, with passion fruit cheesecake for dessert.
Royal aides selected 180 of the top high-flyers for the day, but not all were famous. Many had achieved firsts, such as Hannah Dadds who became the first female Tube driver and Wendy Toms, the first assistant referee in the Premier League. Others had excelled in charity work and helping the community.
Among them were Leah Pattinson, known as the Angel of Nagpur for her work with leprosy sufferers in India, and Marjorie Wallace, founder of the mental health charity Sane.
Other guests included actresses Emma Thompson, Meera Syal and Jane Asher, comedy star Jennifer Saunders, writer Zadie Smith, singer Dame Shirley Bassey, opera star Lesley Garrett, scriptwriter Lynda La Plante, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, Dr Doreen Lawrence, the mother of murdered teenager Stephen, artist Sam Taylor-Wood and Jemima Khan, wife of former Pakistan cricket star Imran.
Representing the broadcasting world were TV executives Janet Street Porter, Dawn Airey and Lorraine Heggessey.
March 11, 2004 -- AP/Yahoo News
Anti-landmine campaigner Heather Mills, wife of Paul McCartney attended a reception at Buckingham Palace in London, Thursday, where celebrities, writers, sports stars, academics and business high-flyers were among the many women achievers being saluted by the Royal family.
She was among 180 high-flying women who joined Queen Elizabeth II for lunch, the first all-women event of its kind to be held at Buckingham Palace.
March 11, 2004 -- Daily ExpressFaced with separation from his wife and newborn daughter as he embarks on his next tour this May, Sir Paul McCartney has come up with the perfect solution taking his family along for the ride.
Wife Heather and five-month-old daughter Beatrice will be heading out on the road with the legendary rocker as he performs 13 dates across Europe. The gesture echoes his earlier on-stage years with first wife, late photographer Linda. "Touring has always been very much a family affair for Paul," an insider told the Daily Express, adding later, "It goes right back to the days when he and Linda were accompanied by their kids from an early age."
Baby Beatrice, who will be travelling with her mum and dad to Madrid, Zurich, Prague, Oslo and Paris, came into the world last October. She is the first child for 35-year-old Heather, while former Beatle Sir Paul has three grown children - James, Mary and fashion designer Stella - from his marriage to Linda, who died in 1998.
March 8, 2004
An Italian newspaper reports that the proceeds from Paul's private concert inside the Roman Colosseum May 10, and funds from the Italian government, were used to establish a workshop in Bagdad to restore Iraq's damaged works of art.
March 7, 2004 -- Reuters
McCartney Answers Critics with Graceful Display slideshow
link to more photos
British designer Stella McCartney Sunday (March 7) showed a highland fling collection of country casuals and vintage inspired dresses that tapped into next autumn's trend for borrowing from men's closets.An oversized black tailored coat was slung over a lipstick red fluttery dress in the display on the fifth day of the Paris ready-to-wear shows, which was also due to feature Tom Ford's eagerly awaited final collection for Yves Saint Laurent.
Guests including former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney -- Stella's father -- and his wife Heather Mills watched models parade in downy shawl-collared jackets in shades of ivory, taupe and tarnished gold.
McCartney mixed casual Fair Isle sweaters, tweed jackets and wading boots with slinky satin dresses with a 1940s feel. A limestone gray bustier dress was looped with thick bands of black jersey that segued into flared panels at the hem.
It was the wardrobe of "a well-traveled woman who fled her glamorous city life to join her rogue boyfriend on an escapade," she said in a statement.
The lovely satin dresses with ruffled chiffon sleeves should silence McCartney's critics in the British press, which has turned on her in recent months.
Fellow designer Jeff Banks called her creations "amateurish" and media reports have focused on losses at her fledgling firm.
In fact, her designs are among the most copied by high street stores and her last collection was featured on magazine covers modeled by Sarah Jessica Parker and Kylie Minogue.
And she is not the only label owned by Italian luxury group Gucci to be posting losses, considered a necessary evil in the development phase of a brand. Yves Saint Laurent is not expected to post a profit until 2005 at the earliest.
Still, the future is looking more uncertain for McCartney, who must deal with the new owners at Gucci when Ford and CEO Domenico De Sole leave in April.
She dedicated her collection to the duo, known in industry circles simply as "Tom and Dom."
March 6, 2004 -- BBC News
McCartney eclipses rival's wealth
Sir Paul McCartney's wealth is bigger than the combined fortunes of Sir Elton John, Sir Mick Jagger and Madonna, a list of the UK's richest stars reveals.His estimated bank balance of £725 million ($1.2 billion) puts him top the Mail on Sunday's Rich Report 2004 for musicians.
Sir Sean Connery leads the field of male actors, with his £66 million ($112 million) fortune beating that of Sir Anthony Hopkins.
And comedian Tracey Ullman, £45 million ($76 million) who lives in the US, is reportedly richer than Catherine Zeta Jones and Anne Robinson.
She is the richest woman on the list. Part of her wealth can be attributed to her stake in The Simpsons, which started life on The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987.
Robinson is the second richest female, amassing much of her fortune through quiz show The Weakest Link.
"Women are really under-represented in the list as a whole because it takes decades to accumulate such wealth," said Rich Report editor Rachel Oldroyd. "But they are starting to make huge fortunes in television and showbiz where success is rewarded much faster." Brains as well as beauty were required, she said. "Wise investment and shrewd merchandising deals have helped to boost showbusiness earnings."
Sir Paul McCartney's ever-growing fortune has been boosted by a sell-out world tour and continuing royalties from Beatles hits, as well as the release of the reworked "Let it Be" album.
Ozzy Osbourne is also named in the top 10 list of male stars, while wife Sharon rubs shoulders with the richest females.
March 1, 2004 -- Daily Post
Wirral the squirrel, Sir Paul's new star, the Liverpool hero of "Tropic Island Hum"Twenty years after his best-selling "Rupert And The Frog Song" animation enchanted the nation, Sir Paul McCartney is to release a follow-up film for a new generation of children.
The former Beatle has teamed up with film company Miramax to release a collection of his acclaimed creations on DVD.
It will also introduce a new cast of all-animal characters in the short film "Tropic Island Hum," including a Liverpudlian squirrel called Wirral.
In the cartoon, which Sir Paul started with his late wife Linda, the friendly grey rodent is forced to flee from huntsmen in a balloon that takes him to a tropical island sanctuary populated only by animals.
Here he falls for shapely red squirrel Wilhelmina.
Sir Paul, 61, first fell in love with animation when he was a boy growing up in Liverpool and later he read Rupert stories to his children.
The musician said, "In animation it's good to have a bit of a childlike quality about yourself and I certainly have, it's just something that's in me. I'm still fascinated by things that fascinated me as a kid - the passion for adventure, humour or romance. Sometimes people grow out of them, or they sort of force themselves out of them, but I've been lucky - because I've been involved in music I've not had to lose those qualities. There's a childlike quality to the art of animation and, married with a bit of music, it seemed the perfect way to bring these magical stories to life."
The new DVD, "Paul McCartney: Music and Animation Collection," is the culmination of his enthusiasm for animation which grew out of his childhood love of classic Disney characters.
As well as Wirral's adventures in "Tropic Island Hum," it features the Bafta award-winning "Rupert and The Frog Song" and "Tuesday," a surreal story of an invasion of flying frogs. It will be released in Britain on April 19.
Miramax co-chairman Harvey Weinstein praised Paul McCartney as "a master of animation."
He added, "In keeping with the great Disney tradition, these three titles are breathtaking and will be a real treat for families to watch together."
All three animations were directed by Geoff Dunbar who has worked with Sir Paul since the early 1980s.
They won a second Bafta in 1992 for an animated film on the work of French artist Honore Daumier and were nominated for a third two years ago for "Tuesday."
The DVD also includes an interview with Sir Paul about his passion for animation as well as bonus features on the making of "Tuesday" and "Tropic Island Hum," line tests of "Rupert And The Frog Song" and "Tuesday" and storyboards.
March 1, 2004 -- The Olympian
Red carpet at the Oscars is a tribute to old Hollywood
The red carpet fashions at Sunday's Academy Awards were a throwback to Oscars past as stars wore sophisticated and classy gowns, such as Naomi Watts' stunning nude-colored Versace dress.
Stella McCartney designed the 1930s-inspired ice blue, silk satin dress that transformed Scottish singer Annie Lennox into a Hollywood princess.
March 1, 2004 -- Rock in Rio Lisboa
Rock in Rio will be seen in 45 countries
Transmission rights grant the Festival a worldwide audience and impact.
Maurice Kaiser, Rock in Rio's vice-president for international affairs and responsible, among other issues, for the festival's international transmission rights -, visited Portugal to announce that, Rock in Rio-Lisbon will be forecast in 45 countries. "And the negotiations are not over yet",, he adds.In Portugal, the transmission rights belong to SIC, and the TV station is going to forecast live through its different channels.
SIC Radical will cover the whole event while the main station, SIC, will forecast some of the festival's highlights and short news about what happens there daily.
Rock in Rio-Lisbon's official TV station is responsible for all the footage and for the images forecasted worldwide.
Portugal is the only country that can enjoy the whole festival through live transmission. All the other countries will only forecast during prime time. There'll be two daily shows (of one hour and two hours), which will later be sent to all the other international TV stations involved.
Maurice Kaiser is quite optimist with the contracts already negotiated and recalls there can be a much larger number of countries interested in the event. He underlined that "for now, Asia and America are the equivalent of one country only." When this changes, the number of countries forecasting Rock in Rio-Lisbon will grow substantially.
Paul McCartney and his band play the Rock in Rio Festival Friday, May 28 in Lisbon, Portugal at the Parque Bela Vista. Tickets are on sale at https://bilheteira.rockinrio-lisboa.sapo.pt
April 2004
April 30, 2004 -- Getty Images
Stella McCartney and her husband, Alasdhair Willis attended the Dazed and Confused / Another Magazine party in London's Belgrave Square on Thursday April 29. (photos)
April 30, 2004
Stella McCartney was spotted Tuesday in New York leaving Da Silvano restaurant with an unidentified friend (photos).
April 29, 2004
Word out of Gijon, Spain is that Paul's "04 Summer Tour" will feature a pre-show with dancers, a 35-song setlist which includes 20 Beatles songs and some new songs. The concert will last 2 1/2 hours. There will be lasers, fireworks and several huge TV screens the size of the 1993 tour screens.
The stage is being built in Los Angeles and rehearsals will take place next month in England. The stage is 18 meters (54 foot) high and 68 meters (204 feet) long and will required over 200 people to assemble it.
April 29, 2004 -- BBC News
TOP 10 MOST PLAYED ARTISTS ON BRITISH RADIO1. George Michael
2. Elton John
3. Robbie Williams
4. Kylie Minogue
5. Bryan Adams
6. Madonna
7. Phil Collins
8. Cliff Richard
9. Mick Hucknall
10. Paul McCartney
Michael picked up his award at the Radio Academy's annual music radio conference in London on Wednesday. "I can't believe it. I've only made six albums in 22 years so I don't know how this happened. I'm the luckiest writer on earth," said Michael.
The data was collected from over 600 radio stations across the country. Sir Elton John took the second spot.
Kylie Minogue and Madonna were the only females to feature in the top ten, at numbers four and six respectively. Robbie Williams was third and Bryan Adams was fifth.
Despite the huge influence of US music on the UK scene, all but three of the artists featured are British.
"This chart is an interesting snapshot of which artists have most shaped popular culture, as the number of radio stations both competing for our attention and playing their material has spiralled," said John Bradford, director of the Radio Academy.
The Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) award given to Michael is named after the company which did the research. PPL collects royalties for record companies. Figures have been compiled for individual years before but this is the first time the figures have been aggregated by the PPL to cover a long period.
April 29, 2004 -- HeatherMillsMcCartney.com
Dear Friends,
On Wednesday, 28th April 2004, I will be giving a speech at the Human Security Summit at the University of California, Irvine.My speech will launch the 'Heather Mills McCartney Fellowship in Human Security'! I'm really excited about this new fellowship - it aims to support UCI graduate students conduct research into human security issues such as the rehabilitation of landmine survivors, restoring mined land and ultimately banning landmines.
Through Adopt-A-Minefield we have cleared 16.8 million square metres of land of landmines and other explosive remnants of war. It is estimated that there are still some 70 million landmines worldwide waiting to be cleared it remains our goal to rid the world of these mines. It is my hope that through this fellowship and through education we will be several steps closer to realising our goal.
I've spent a lot of time counselling individuals, meeting with world leaders and raising awareness of landmine prevention to me this feels like a natural extension of my wish that 'in turn for receiving help you in turn should go on to help someone else'.
Thanks for your continuing support!
Love,
Heather
April 28, 2004 -- The GlobeHeather Mills McCartney recently filmed a commercial with President George Bush for the Pan American Health Organization touting road safety. In the ad, Paul McCartney's wife talks about losing the lower half of her left leg after being hit by a motorcycle in '93, and how her now deceased mother Beatrice lost her leg in a car crash 20 years earlier.
But Beatrice's former live-in lover Charles Stapley denies his ex ever lost a limb and calls Heather's claim complete "nonsense." This isn't the first time she's been accused of making stuff up, but since Beatrice isn't here to speak for herself, we'll have to take Heather's word and Let It Be.
April 27, 2004 -- Yahoo.com
Beatles Mash-up?
David Bowie is giving fans a chance to bootleg his music by using computer software that allows them to create "mash-ups" of his work, that is, mixing parts of songs from his classic catalogue with tracks from his latest release, Reality.Bowie, 57, announced a contest on his Website (www.davidbowie.com) seeking entries that will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Bowie himself will select the top track after the contest closes on May 17 and he will release the tune as an MP3 single. The deejay responsible for the track will win a new car.
And, according to the Times, after liking a remix of Elvis Presley tracks, Paul McCartney is even considering getting in on the game, giving his approval to an official album of mashed-up Beatles tunes--that is, if a deal can be struck with Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and George Harrison's estate. One of biggest tracks to make the Internet rounds of late is Go Home Productions' "Karma in the Life," which combines the Beatles "A Day in the Life" with Radiohead's "Karma Police."
April 26, 2004 -- Altpick.com
Bill Bernstein has been working as a tour photographer with Paul McCartney since 1989. His photos of the 2002-2003 Driving USA, Back in the US and Back in the World tours will be featured in the Chronicle book "Each One Believing" which will be published October 2004.
"The surprise of photography," Bill Bernstein says, "is that even when you think you've got it, a better shot could be just around the corner." 'The Corner' Bill Bernstein is talking about, is the year and a half he has just spent shooting Paul McCartney on his World Tour. "There was a moment backstage when I had finished photographing Paul and I was sitting around doing nothing and all of a sudden George Martin (the Beatles' producer) and his wife walked in the dressing room. There was a wonderful interchange between him and Paul. You just never know." (more)
April 26, 2004 -- BBC4Mary McCartney Donald was a guest March 22 on BBC4 Radio's "Woman's Hour." She talks about the "Celebration of Sight" exhibit which included photos by Paul, Linda and herself. Sales of the prints went to a charity to help the blind. To hear the archived interview click here.
April 23, 2004 -- Scottish Tartans
Lady Linda McCartney's Scottish Tartans
(left) McCartney (Night) Family/Corporate Tartan WR2594. A trade tartan MPL Household
(right) McCartney (Day) Family Tartan WR2593. Designed by Lady McCartney for MPL household.One of the last things Lady Linda McCartney did before she died was to design "family/corporate" Scottish tartans, one for day wear and one for night.
Tartans have become synonymous with Scotland, Scottish clans and families in particular. Tartans were originally a style of cloth intended to be decorative.
April 22, 2004 -- Blogcritics.org
"Silly Love Songs" Paul McCartney's ultimate philosophical treatise"Silly Love Songs" rates as one of Paul McCartney's greatest songs. Indeed, it may be considered his ultimate philosophical treatise as well.
For starters, you've got a model pop song melody. It's uber catchy. It flows. It has that gentle love feeling. It's Beatle worthy.
Then listen closely to the bass line. He's practically got a great whole second counterpoint melody going on underneath.
He also whipped it up into an expertly made record as well. It has a gentle, but deep and smooth groove and a unique sound.
On top of which, the lyric seems to be actually one of his most substantial as well. Take the lyric and by extension the song and recording as the best and most direct retort to Frank Zappa's famously negative outlook on pop love songs, best expressed creatively through the classic satire of Cruisin' with Ruben and the Jets.
"Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs. And what's wrong with that, I'd like to know."
I'm just saying that the gentle love and romance of such songs as this rate just as legitimate as topics of art as any existential angst or anger. "Silly Love Songs" has at least equal emotional and philosophical legitimacy to the work of, say, Eminem.
Paul McCartney makes like Mr .El Senor Love Daddy, spreading the love song vibe across the world. Yeah, hearing this you have to think the world is a little better place for it. The sublime musical presentation of his argument for the defense here should convince any wise and discerning listener of the merit of his position.
April 22, 2004 -- Houston Chronicle
Shea Guinn, president of the Reliant Park complex in Houston ,Texas is "chasing" some major concert events in 2005 for the 70,000 seat stadium.Paul McCartney reportedly is planning a 26-city U.S. tour in 2005. "We're always at the mercy of scheduling and routing but, yes, he is one of the people we've identified," Guinn said.
April 22, 2004 -- Music Tap
Some Paul McCartney news for fans awaiting his new release. We reported several weeks back about his as yet unnamed mystery release coming up.
Despite knowing any news about it we went ahead and let you know that something was coming out. We now have heard that it will be a Box Set...still unnamed. The date is still September 21.April 21, 2004
The annual Adopt-A-Minefield benefit in Los Angeles will be held on October 15 at the Century Plaza Hotel. Paul and his band will be performing with special guest, Neil Young.
April 19, 2004 -- New York Post
Paul was seen working out at the Crunch in Los Angeles and showing photos of his new daughter while wife Heather Mills spent $450 in the gym's shop.
April 19, 2004
Paul and Heather were guests of Paul Newman at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, California Sunday, April 18. Newman is the owner of the Newman/Haas racing team.
Paul receive cheers from racing fans when he strolled down the pit lane. Macca stopped to chat and shake hands with fans. When Paul paused to watch a pit stop the crowd went wild. A lucky fan got to shake Paul's hand as he was riding by in a golf cart. The fan asked Paul if he enjoyed the car race and Paul said, "I love it!" (photos)
April 19, 2004-- Daily Mail
Heather's chatshow blunderIt takes a special talent to become a successful TV interviewer. And judging by her first attempt, Heather Mills McCartney has yet to acquire it. The 36-year-old wife of Sir Paul McCartney made a guest appearance at the weekend as stand-in for the American chatshow host Larry King. Sadly, her hour-long talk with Paul Newman proved embarrassing in the extreme.
The charity ambassador and former glamour model adopted an interview technique which at times baffled the Hollywood veteran, and at others left him blushing. Critics described her performance as "simply awful".Even as she opened the interview, Miss Mills McCartney - as she now likes to be known - took the 79-year-old star by surprise with her clumsy flattery.
"Hi Paul, thanks for being here," she said. "How come you're such a philanthropist?"
A startled Newman replied, "Come on. Well, you start quickly, don't you?"
Further embarrassments followed as Miss Mills McCartney attempted to question the star about his son's death from drink and drugs, his relationship with his wife and his thoughts on the Iraq war.
The interview was broadcast coast to coast in America before being screened on CNN international yesterday to a worldwide audience of 170 million.
Miss Mills McCartney was invited to host Larry King Live after appearing as a guest in November 2002. During that interview, she stunned presenter King by removing her prosthetic leg live on air.
After describing how she lost the limb in a collision with a London policeman's motorbike in 1993, she said, "So I designed this leg, which I'll pop off actually if you don't mind."
King tried in vain to get her to put the leg back on, but was left holding the prosthetic limb as the bizarre conversation continued.
After her return as presenter, a spokesman for CNN said, "When Larry takes a break we usually get people to step in and Heather had already appeared on the show so she was invited to have a go."
Asked what producers had thought of her performance, the spokesman diplomatically replied, "We don't have any comment on that in particular."
editor@dailymail.co.uk
April 18, 2004 -- CNN
To read the transcript of the Heather Mills/Paul Newman interview (aired April 17) on "Larry King LIve" (CNN) click here.
April 18, 2004 -- EDP24 News
McCartney autograph auctionIt was May 1963, The Beatles were at number one in the hit parade and had just gone down a storm at one of Norwich's top venues.
But young bass player Paul McCartney still showed a little uncertainty over his new-found fame.
When signing his autograph, he felt the need to put 'Beatles' in brackets after his name.
Even then, no-one really had to be told who he was, or who the other three musicians were who scribbled their names on the back of the business card of the support band on that night in Norwich 41 years ago.
Yet "Macca" still had to shake off the modesty that surrounded the early hits, including "From Me To You," which topped the charts when they played The Grosvenor on Prince of Wales Road on May 17 that year.
Along with John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, he had signed what was the business card of local band, Ricky Lee and the Hucklebucks.
Now, one of those business cards from that night is about to go up for auction at Christie's in London and could raise as much as £3,000 ($5,500). Where it came from is a closely-guarded secret. But according to Richard Harwood, once Ricky Lee of the Hucklebucks, there's not many in existence.
"I've got one of the band's business cards signed by all of the Beatles," he said, "and most of the boys in the band will have had the same card, which they also got autographed.
"Apart from that the manager and a couple of girlfriends got the autographs and that was it. There can only be seven or eight maximum in existence."
As Lot 139, the signed card goes under the hammer on May 5 and is expected to create a good deal of interest amid several other items of Beatles memorabilia.
But Ricky, who still lives in Norwich, isn't going to be tempted to sell his.
"I was offered £1,250 ($2,287) for mine a few years ago but I wasn't interested. I don't think many of the other boys would be either, it was a special night and I have fond memories of it."
Ricky doesn't keep in regular contact with many of the other members of the band, though a few still live locally, while one emigrated to Australia.
However, it does frustrate the singer that after all these years, his band which toured regularly and worked hard performing at US bases and clubs across the East and the Midlands are forever tagged "the group that supported the Beatles."
But there is demand for memorabilia from that night at The Grosvenor. A signed ticket from that Beatles gig in Norwich sold a year ago in Australia for around £4,300 ($7,870). Another was sold to a Japanese buyer for £3,000.
Christie's say the signed business card could appeal to a wide range of collectors but in the greater scheme of Beatles memorabilia is not among the rarer items on the market.
Pop specialist Sarah Hodgson said, "There are a lot of autographs on sale and the prices tend to go higher depending on how interesting the object that has been signed is.
"Most treasured would be an album like "Sgt. Pepper" that the four Beatles had signed because it was at a time that they would not be together that often. It would fetch £40,000 ($73,200).
"Signed photos, particularly on the front, are popular. This business card is not that rare an item but it may appeal to collectors who aim to buy autographs from particular years such as 1963.
"What makes this a little more interesting is that Paul McCartney still felt the need to put the word Beatles in brackets."
April 16, 2004 -- BBC News
McCartney loses 'rich list' crown
Sir Paul McCartney has lost his place as the richest man in UK music to a former record label boss.The former Beatle has topped the Sunday Times' Rich List of music personalities for the past six years. But while Sir Paul is still estimated to be worth £760 million ($1.4 billion), the paper said his wealth has been overtaken by former Zomba Records boss Clive Calder.
Calder is said to have made £1.2 billion ($2.2 billion) selling Zomba - home to Britney Spears and 'N Sync - to BMG in 2002. Zomba was home to such popular acts as Britney Spears and 'N Sync.
Calder, who was born in South Africa but obtained UK citizenship in 1975, is now the 23rd richest among the Sunday Times's 1,000 strong list.
The Sunday Times Rich List - now in its 16th year - is based on identifiable wealth, such as land, property, other assets such as art and racehorses, or significant shares in publicly quoted companies, and excludes bank accounts.
The full list, with information on who tops it for 2004, will be revealed on Sunday. Last year the Duke of Westminster was named as the richest person in the UK.
April 16, 2004 -- KLSX
Paul was spotted in a Ralph's grocery store in Los Angeles, California. Photo on KLSX- FM's Web site home of Chris Carter's "Breakfast with the Beatles."
April 16, 2004 -- Rolling Stone
Brian Wilson will release the star-studded "Gettin' In Over My Head" on June 22nd.
Joining the Beach Boys mastermind on his first solo album of new material in six years are Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Elton John and Van Dyke Parks. Also included is a duet with late brother and fellow Beach Boy Carl Wilson on the song "Soul Searchin'," with Brian adding vocals to an existing track, to complete the tune.Wilson will debut songs from "Getting' In Over My Head" -- which include "City Blues," "The Waltz," "Desert Drive," "A Friend Like You" and "How Can We Still Be Dancin'?" -- on a summer European tour.
The album's release continues an active period for the famously reclusive songwriter, who has toured extensively over the past few years. In February, Wilson took to a London stage to perform the lost Beach Boys album "Smile" in its entirety.
Wilson will be honored with the BMI Icon award on May 11th at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. "I was so thrilled to hear that I've been chosen to receive the BMI Icon award, especially as so many of my all-time favorite songwriters have previously received this honor," said Wilson upon hearing of his selection. "I still have a rock & roll heart, so to be included with a list of all-time greats that includes my heroes like Chuck Berry and Little Richard is unbelievable."
April 16, 2004
McCARTNEY RE-LAUNCHES "GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROAD STREET"
Sir Paul Mccartney has decided to revive his heavily criticized acting career with the re-release of his maligned movie "Give My Regards To Broad Street."
The former Beatle, 61, was savaged by the critics when the film was released in 1984, but is confident the public will now appreciate the music within the film instead of criticising his acting.
A film insider says, "Even Paul later admitted it hadn't gone to plan. For all his talents, he was never an actor, you'd think you'd want this confined to history."
But, Beatles biographer Keith Badman says, "People tend to forget that the music in the film was very good, let's hope they're a bit kinder this time."
CLICK LINK TO PRE-ORDER !!!
Paul McCartney's 1984 film, "Give My Regards to Broad Street" will be released on April 20 for the first time on DVD. Unique to this remastered version is a separate full screen version with the original theatrical aspect ratios in tact and a trailer.
April 15, 2004
Mike McCartney gave a brilliant lecture and slide show about Liverpool to a packed house at the Smithsonian Institute on Wednesday, April 14 to promote his photo exhibit "Liverpool Life: The Sixties in Black and White."
With him were his wife Rowena and his youngest son. He said his older son Josh was on tour with his band The Last Word and had opened for Alice Cooper.
After the lecture Mike signed autographs and talked one on one to fans.
April 15, 2004 -- Komsomolskaya Pravda
Will Putin will arrive on McCartney's birthday?Sir Paul is going to sing in St.Petersburg. Several weeks ago, every inch of Palace Square, where on June 20 his concert will take place, was measured, and it was finally decided where the stage would be put up.
The preparation to Paul's concert is underway under the personal supervision of president Putin. It has been rumored that Putin is going to listen to McCartney one more time and this time in his own hometown. Ex-Beatle has already informed Putin in a letter that he is coming, and got back the response: "Looking forward to it!"
Paul McCartney arrives in St.Petersburg on June 17, right after his concert in Helsinki. It is thought he will stay at the Konstantinovsky Palace in one of the cottages for governmental delegations.
On June 18, Paul will celebrate in St.Petersburg his 62-nd birthday. He has already received the official invitation from the Temple of John Lennon (an apartment in 10, Pushkinskaya Street filled with Beatles memorabilia). Its curator, a St.Petersburg Beatles-fan Kolia Vasin, is certain sir Paul and his wife would love the set-up and port that was very popular among the Soviet hippies.The organizers of Paul's second coming to Russia has promised a great show with a reasonably priced tickets. The cheapest ticket will be 300 roubles ($10.50 USD). A ticket with a seat in the VIP-stalls $300 USD.
Everything will be 1.5 times bigger than last year in Moscow: the stage, the screens. However, the final cost of this project will be less than the last year's one only $2.8 million USD.
McCartney will perform for the Russians for free. His personal one million premium for the gig will go not into his pocket, but to pay the team of 250 supporting staff working for the concert.The 18-metres (54-foot) high stage is being built in Los-Angeles. Eighteen big trucks will be used to deliver it with the set-up to St.Petersburg. Eight more trucks will be used to haul 4 big video-screens.
The expected number of participants 40 to 50,000 people. 10,000 people will be in seats.
The concert organizers also said McCartney's daughter, Stella McCartney, has expressed interest in opening a clothing store in St. Petersburg.
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April 15, 2004 -- SmenaThe concert was named almost "charitable." Paul McCartney will receive nothing for the concert. The cost of the concert will be less than the one in Moscow.
Though Curator of the Hermiatage Museum, Mikhail Piotrovsky, spoke out against mass crowds in Palace Square, this time his voice will not be heard. The Head of the Cultural Committee of St.Petersburg, Nadezhda Kuschenkova, said yesterday that big shows have always been put on in Palace Square. The Alexander Column suffers not just from concerts, and nobody is planning to change the concert site because of potential damage to the square ensemble especially when Putin has promised to arrive!
To curb unruly crowds, no liquor will be sold, and all drinks will be in plastic bottles. In the pubs near the square will be a ban selling take-away alcohol beverages.
One part of the square will be for the standing room audience, the other for with seats. Tickets are currently onsale. Some will be distributed among the pupils of musical schools. "Our youth needs to be accustomed to music and culture," Nadezda Kuschenkova said. "Just imagine that twenty years ago for the propaganda such culture as the Beatles songs one could be jailed."
Though Paul McCartney is a world famous star, he is a very modest person, and no "unusual" requests have been required in connection to his visit in St.Petersburg.
Two days before the concert, Palace Square will be cordoned off. For security reasons and to prevent fans from penetrating the barriers to listen for free. The organizers promise a stunning show that will include "a huge amount of equipment, and a more exciting show, than in Moscow."
The 18-metres (54 foot-high) stage has been developed in Los Angeles. To mount it, 260 workers will arrive in St.Petersburg. There will be two big 18 metres video screens on both sides of the stage, and some other screens will be put up in Palace Square.
Paul Mccartney's concert will open the program of an annual art festival "City of White Nights."
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April 15, 2004
McCartney in City for Birthday
St. Petersburg fans of former Beatle Paul McCartney, who is to perform a concert in the city's Palace Square on June 20, have invited the pop star to celebrate his birthday on June 18 with them on the Gulf of Finland."We've been celebrating McCartney's birthday for the last 30 years on the gulf and we just dream to have him in person with us this time," said fan Grigory Kozel, who on Tuesday attended a news conference dedicated to the concert.
McCartney is to arrive with his wife Heather to St. Petersburg on June 17.
Between 40,000 and 50,000 people are expected to attend the concert three days later, organizers said.
"The security services won't let any more people into Palace Square than that," said Alexander Gafin, a member of the board of directors of Alfa-Bank, which is one of the organizers.
McCartney is to perform not only songs from the Beatles era, but also a new program.
Organizers said the concert is being staged at the personal wish of McCartney, who really liked the city during a visit last year when he performed in Red Square in Moscow.
Nadezhda Solovyova, a representative of SAV Entertainment, another organizer, said that McCartney had written to President Vladimir Putin's asking for his help before the musician got approval for the concert.
"Putin answered that he would be grateful if McCartney had a concert in his native city," Solovyova said.
The concert will last 2 1/2 hours. A special stage from Los Angeles that is 18 meters (54 foot) high and 68 meters (204 feet) long. will allow the crowd to see and hear McCartney. Organizers said it will take 260 people two days to assemble the stage.
Several huge TV screens will display the action on stage.
More than 2,000 police and private security guards will make sure the concert and its star are safe, said Sergei Rakitin, general director of security firm SDS, which is in charge of security.
Spectators with seats in the stalls will enter the square through the Arch of the Main Headquarters, while others will enter from the side of the Alexandrovsky Gardens.
Rakitin said spectators will pass through metal detectors and go past dogs trained to detect explosives.
"We'll take the standard safety measures, but with some elements of surprise," Rakitin said.
Tickets will go on sale in early May and will range in price from $10 to $300, said Yevgeny Finkelshtein, general director of Planeta Plus, another organizer.
Organizers plan to give away some tickets to students of music schools and orphanages. They admitted it would be hard the prized tickets out of the hands of scalpers.
Several additional charter flights will bring fans from throughout Russia to and from the concert, Solovyova said.
McCartney plans to stay in the Konstantinovsky Palace, which was restored last year as a presidential residence and also offers high-class hotel accommodation, she said.
It is not yet known if McCartney and his wife, Heather Mills, will bring their newborn daughter, although an adult daughter, Stella, a fashion designer, intends to come because she wants to open her fashion store in St. Petersburg, Solovyova said.
In response to a question about whether it is appropriate to hold a pop concert next to the State Hermitage Museum, Gafin said people had criticized the decision to hold McCartney's concert on Red Square, but it went fine.
Nadezhda Kuschenkova, head of St. Petersburg Culture Committee, said that "Palace Square is historically the center of the city and it can't avoid public events."
"However, we forbid alcohol sales in the area around the square," she said. Concert-goers will be admitted to the square two hours before the concert begins.
She appealed to fans to come to the concert on foot or by public transportation because there won't be enough parking. They shouldn't bring photo or video equipment since private photography and video filming will be prohibited.
Gafin said staging the concert will cost about $2.8 million. The general sponsor of the event will be oil firm TNK-BP, which also sponsored McCartney's concert in Moscow last year.
April 13, 2004 -- Interfax
Paul McCartney to perform in St. PetersburgPaul McCartney will open the White Nights concert festival in St. Petersburg with a concert on Palace Square on June 20, the concert organizers told a press conference on Tuesday.
McCartney will arrive in St. Petersburg from Helsinki on June 17 to mark his birthday, June 18, in the Russian city. He is expected to stay at a mansion on the grounds of the Constantine Palace outside the city and go sightseeing.
The organizers said tickets will cost from 300 rubles (about $10.50) to $300 and some of the tickets will be distributed free to St. Petersburg music schools.
April 13, 2004 -- Ananova
Macca admits frog abuse
Paul McCartney says his animated stories are his way of trying to make up for being cruel to frogs as a boy.
McCartney says he thought abusing frogs would help prepare him for being conscripted into the British Army when he became 18.
He told fans during a chat on MSN.com (see transcript), "When I was a kid and I remember thinking as I would have to go into the Army, cruelty to frogs seemed justified as a practice for the Army. Obviously, now this is something I regret and who knows, I may be trying to make it up to the little dears by putting them in every single one of these films. I love them now and I apologize to the children of the ones I abused as a kid. Secret revelations of a frog molester."
He told fans the stories are also a reminder to people "to not be cruel to animals and to love them as our friends".
McCartney avoided being conscripted when the British government ended National Service in 1957 - the year McCartney met John Lennon for the first time at a church fete in Liverpool.
He has just released a DVD of three short musical animated films, called "PAUL McCARTNEY: THE MUSIC AND ANIMATION COLLECTION."
It contains three animated musical short stories made in collaboration with director Geoff Dunbar along with interviews and behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the musical animations.
"Tropic Island Hum," tells the tale of Wirral, a squirrel on the run from hunters. "Tuesday," is based on the book by David Wiesner, while the final film, "Rupert and the Frog Song," features Rupert the Bear.
April 13, 2004- DigitallyObsessed.comLook at Him Working: Paul McCartney Animation Director Geoff Dunbar
by Jeff RosadoMention the name Paul McCartney and several different images come to mind: consumate singer-songwriter, master showman, devoted dad, shrewd businessman, innovative bassist, and animal rights activist easily emerge. But what you may not know is that the former Beatle is a huge fan of animation, and lists vintage Disney and Looney Tunes amongst his favorites. Over the last 20 years, McCartney has made quite a name for himself across the pond as an executive producer of animated shorts, in collaboration with award-winning director Geoff Dunbar.
Recently, the McCartney confidante talked with dOc from his office in Soho about Miramax's just-released "PAUL McCARTNEY: THE MUSIC AND ANIMATION COLLECTION." Sharing the same relentlessy chipper, 'thumbs-up' zeal of the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Dunbar recalls his early influences, the critically acclaimed shorts Lautrec and Ubu, and how the latter film led McCartney to instigate their fruitful partnership.
dOc: What motivated you as a kid in terms of animation to make you decide, "Hey, this is what I want to do with my life"?
Geoff Dunbar: I became interested at [about] 9 to 10 years old; I was just mesmerized by the great pictures we were having over here, the Disney pictures, and I got hooked. Then, one day in my school library, I discovered a small book called How They Make Animated Films and I became mesmerized along with the projection of the image. That fascinated me. And its as exciting today as it was then.
dOc: What were some of your earliest projects in your salad days that led to your first features?
GD: I started with a company called the Film Producer's Film Guild, here in England. We used to make films for the Central Office of Information; pretty self-explanatory like "safety in the workplace" and that sort of thing. Then after my initial love affair with the great American animators, I kind of got more adventurous and started reading more classical works, and I made a film called Lautrec. I got the inspiration from seeing a sketch book of [Toulouse-Lautrec's], and I thought, if I can make these move, it could be something. I did and was lucky enough to win some very prestigious awards.
dOc: And that success led to Ubu, your second major animated short.
GD: Yes, based on the great French playwright Alfred Jarry, who wrote this extraordinary play, Ubu Roi, in the 1890s, which was met with outrage from the theater-going public because it was so wildly mad. I thought it would make a great animated piece. Again, I was very lucky, even winning the Golden Bear award [at the Berlin Film Festival], and this is eventually what caught Paul's attention because he was a big fan of Jarry's as well.
dOc: How did your first collaboration with Paul McCartney begin?
GD: He called me one afternoon and proposed the idea of Rupert [and the Frog Song]; he'd consulted with other animators, but I had a feeling they wanted to change [the character]. I think what impressed Paul was that I managed in the best way that I could to retain the original ideas of the artists [Mary Toutel and Alfred Bestall], because he was very keen on doing that.
dOc: Was it intimidating working with Paul? Were you a fan? I mean, who wasn't a Beatles fan during their heyday?
GD: He's a great guy; he puts you at your ease and doesn't "big time" you, which is tremendous, a mark of a true professional. Over the years, we've developed a great working relationship; I enjoy his company enormously and look forward to his visits.
dOc: You know, judging from the making-of documentaries on the DVD, he seems to be very laid back.
GD: Yes. This comes from confidence in one's own work and abilities, and also just being of that very nature. People think, "it's Paul." Not like, "Hey, it's a Beatle, a movie star, or a pop star" which is helpful, otherwise it'd be very difficult to work.
dOc: How long does it take to complete a film like Rupert and the Frog Song?
GD: In concept time, there's a good four to six months to ease into it; scripting, storyboarding, designing, and getting the look of it. So, you're looking really at 18 months. Six months to develop, a year to make and then, say, another six months for post production and a little bit of tweaking here and there.
dOc: During his interview on the disc, Paul tells an interesting story about voice casting. Could you elaborate on this funny and fascinating tidbit?
GD: We had an audition period at my studio and the children would come in. Some of them were great, And it went on and on and on. But Paul was saying, "Listen, I've kind of got an idea of what [Rupert] sounds like." And then I said, "Come on, Paul, let's put your voice with the picture and see what happens."
dOc: Did you have to do any speed up, slow down or equalizing, like, say, Mel Blanc's voice tracks for Looney Tunes?
GD: Just a teeny bit; we took a little bit of the bass out of it. And I said, "Paul, we're not gonna get much better than that" so that's how that came about.
dOc: It really doesn't surprise me. He tends to have quite the knack for dialects and impersonations.
GD: [Laughing] He does. It is great fun. We have these meetings and he comes up with an incredible range of stuff. He even does [the character of] Frogger on Tropic Island Hum.
dOc: Speaking of which, how did that short come to be?
GD: Well, it came up after I'd made a film with Paul called Daumier's Law [based on the artwork of Honoré Daumier]. He'd come up with the title song about animals and sanctuaries and said, "Hey listen, why don't we create our own characters?" Linda got involved and it was just great; when Chief Bison came on the scene, that's when it got really interesting, for these were characters that we truly believed in, a circle of friends. It wasn't a hard project to develop; a meeting one day in this beautiful garden on a summer's afternoon. We were just talking, a lot of sketching, and that's how it kept going.
dOc: What really fascinated me about Tropic Island were these little nuances you threw in, like when Wirral spills the gunpowder beside that wacky monkey who was pestering Wilhemina. After he gets his comeuppance, you see what appears to be the MPL logo [McCartney's publishing company] swirling around his head.
GD: [laughs] That's great!
dOc: You mentioned Linda's participation. What was it like working with her?
GD: Oh, the wonderful Linda. We had such a good time; those were very happy days and we all miss her terribly. She was a great lady, a great mediator, I have to say. She'd calm us down when we got a little bit excited, and a great contributor to what we were doing. When I'd go down to visit with her and Paul, she'd make the tea, make the cakes, then we'd sit and have a meeting in the kitchen. She loved animation; all the things that you and I have been talking about, she loved.
dOc: Now, your most recent teaming with Paul is an animated film called Tuesday, which marks your first feature to utilize computer technology. Can you take us through the transitional period from your viewpoint?GD: I remember saying to Paul, "We ought to work with computers now; they are getting good." He said, "I don't want it to look like 'computer' stuff; I don't want it to look flat" but I told him I think we can [accomplish] it. So we did what we call a "point sequence" and ran some tests with two computer systems. In the early days of this [procedure], the hand-drawn technique was pulling ahead, and we thought Uh-oh, we're gonna go the old way again. But one day, a member of my team came to me and said, "I think we've done it; come and have a look." It was a sequence of one of the frogs flying over the swamp area. It was by no means perfect, but we were getting there. From that point, it was goodbye cameras and so on.
dOc: Taking nothing away from Rupert and Hum, the clarity on Tuesday is simply breathtaking.
GD: It's great, isn't it? We were very delighted to keep the illustrated look [of David Weisner's book] to give the characters texture and volume while keeping the look of hand-drawn animation. Because that's what we like.
dOc: What are your plans for the future? I hear that you guys are trying to pitch the characters of Tropic Island for a feature-length film.
GD: Yes, it's an idea; I think it would be very worthwhile doing that. Paul has some great songs in the pipeline and we have a plotline that we've been working on for some time. I can't say too much, of course but I believe that may be in the cards.
dOc: What are your thoughts about how today's animated fare compare to the classics you looked up to in your youth?
GD: I have to say I adore them. Looking at the work of Toy Story, Shrek and Ice Age-I thought the latter was so funny-it's like looking at digital marionettes; I'm excited by these developments. But I'm not that keen to work in it, you know. I admire [the work], but I'm very happy drawing. In addition, I have a young family and I notice what they watch; they go through all the new ones and they love them, but they always go back to the time-tested-Snow White, Pinocchio, Lady and the Tramp, and particularly Bambi, which I'm pleased about because I thought that was the greatest all-around picture: great story, great characters, and fabulous art. You can see the great qualities that were achieved.
dOc: There's a brief bit in Tropic Island where Bison points out these two deer, and it looks like Bambi and his mother are making a cameo. Was that kind of a tribute to your choice of cinematic entertainment?
GD: Yes! Absolutely. I just wanted to put that in. It isn't Bambi but I just wanted to create a sense of it; Tropic Island is an homage to that period in our humble way; we wanted to achieve that feeling. We were talking about animals who were threatened and deer are definitely threatened, if not more. So we just popped it in there and it was a delight; we went for it.
April 12, 2004 -- Reuters
McCartney wants to follow in Disney's footsteps
Music star Paul McCartney has a wish to follow in Walt Disney's footsteps by making a beautiful feature-length animation film.McCartney, who has had the dream since his days with the Beatles, takes what he hopes will be a big step toward his goal with "PAUL McCARTNEY: THE MUSIC AND ANIMATION COLLECTION," being released on DVD on April 13.
The DVD contains three exquisitely animated musical shorts made in collaboration with director Geoff Dunbar, along with interviews and behind-the-scenes looks at the painstaking craft, and fun, of creating a musical animation.
"My ambition in the '60s was to make a feature. I don't know why I wanted to but I just loved it so much. It is a passion," McCartney said in a telephone interview last week after a studio recording session in California.
"I remember saying to the guys in the Beatles, 'I'd love to do it some day,' and them saying to me, 'Then do it.'"
McCartney began pursuing the hobby more than 20 years ago and has been creating characters, writing the stories, consulting on the look, doing the voices, composing the music and, of course, singing the songs on the short animations done in the old Disney style of individual cell drawings.
"The big new thing that we want to do is to finally fulfil the ambition of making a feature," said McCartney, who is working on a story idea he hopes to turn into a children's book and then a full-length film.
McCartney and the other three Beatles, or course, were featured in "Yellow Submarine," the animated film that was a hit during their heyday. They provided the music but were not the designers of that psychedelic-era movie.
McCartney, 61, said he came to love animation growing up in Liverpool, England, where he immersed himself in the animated feature films of Disney.
"You could lose yourself in it, it's a magical world, really," he said. "I just always loved that stuff as a kid."
The DVD features Rupert the Bear in "Rupert and the Frog Song," Wirral the Squirrel in "Tropic Island Hum," and a community of frogs in a fantastical frolic in "Tuesday," based on a book by David Wiesner.
McCartney's Rupert animation was already a success in Britain as the top-selling video of 1985, accompanied by the chart hit "We All Stand Together."
Wirral, a squirrel with a Liverpool accent, escapes hunters and finds refuge on an animals' island paradise. Sir George Martin, the longtime Beatles producer, arranged the music for the short.
"Disney was a great infiltrator," said McCartney, a champion of animal rights. "He taught us against cruelty to animals. He made us sympathize so much with animals. He made us realize we've all got a mother. He gave us a compassion for animals. I credit him a lot."
He cited "Bambi," "Dumbo," "The Fox and the Hound," and "The Jungle Book," as consciousness raisers, but named "Lady and the Tramp" as his all-time Disney favorite.
McCartney said he is not "retro," but sees the benefit of some "old fashioned" ways.
"Everybody's into CGI (computer generated images)," he said of the technology that has yielded such modern hit films as "Toy Story" and "Shrek." But he added, "I don't love that as much as the old Disneys."
McCartney says the hand-drawn process produces "a more artistic look, a soft look, a warmer look," although he would probably use a combination of techniques for his feature.
"We'd use computer technology for other things, like coloring in. It's not the same old process, but won't get that sort of shiny, 3D, squeaky clean look."
Although he has spent as long as two years making a short animation, the former Beatle bristled when asked whether the labor-intensive hand-drawn process would prove too costly these days for a feature.
"It's a complete fallacy about computers. They take longer than anything," he said. "Making a record, we used to make four tracks in a day with the Beatles. Now we've got equipment coming out of our ears and it takes us at least a week to make a track.
"It's just our modern world. It's a wonderful world. I'm not retro, but there are an awful lot of people getting away from synthesisers and going back" to creating sounds with instruments.
Now McCartney is looking forward to a new adventure.
"Releasing this DVD is a first step. Then we'll see how the book does and then the film," he said.
"People say, 'Why do you do it? Why are you still working?' McCartney said.
"For me, it's playing."
April 12, 2004 -- USA Today
Paul McCartney unleashes more animal magnetism
Pop's renaissance man is back with a DVD, a children's book, a tour, an album and a possible movie. First up: Tuesday's DVD release of "PAUL McCARTNEY: THE MUSIC AND ANIMATION COLLECTION".
McCartney and director Geoff Dunbar won the British equivalent of the Oscar for 1984's "Rupert and the Frog Song," based on a comic-strip bear. They earned another nomination in 2002 for the surreal Tuesday, inspired by David Wiesner's award-winning children's book.In addition to writing, producing and voicing much of the collection, McCartney, 61, composed "Tuesday's" orchestral suite; Frog's 1984 British hit, "We All Stand Together," and the title theme for the third short, "Tropic Island Hum."
Now he has expanded Tropic's tale into "High in the Clouds," a children's book fleshed out by writer Philip Ardagh. It's headed for the Bologna Children's Book Fair this week and expected on shelves in 2005. Next step: a feature version.
"Geoff and I have been working on this forever, and we finally have an extended story and the expertise to make a feature. It's an idea I've planted in (Miramax co-chairman) Harvey Weinstein's mind, and he's very interested."
The extracurricular pursuits are "freeing exercises" that haven't detracted from McCartney's musical priorities. A European tour starting May 25 in Spain will mark his maiden visit to Prague, his first performance in St. Petersburg and his debut at the U.K.'s Glastonbury Festival. He's now in Los Angeles recording a rock album that he'll release next year to coincide with a U.S. tour.
The constantly active McCartney could have stopped after The Beatles and marinated in acclaim. Instead, he has pursued a solo career that drew some detractors to the table. Forays into painting, poetry and classical music generated boos as well as oohs.
"I'm sort of stupid, because I never see it coming," he says, professing a zeal unclouded by cynicism. "I'm simply very enthusiastic. A painting exhibition? Wow, I'll do that. Poetry readings? Yeah, I can do that. I never think there's someone lurking out in the crowd who's going to judge me."
These days, he's relishing family life with his wife, Heather Mills, and their daughter, Beatrice, who was born in October.
"She's absolutely gorgeous," he says. "Heather and I are having a wonderful time. I could go on for hours and drag the photographs out, but I'd never get back to the studio."
As for all the hubbub about the 40th anniversary of The Beatles' U.S. arrival, McCartney isn't reminiscing.
"I'm forward-focused," he says. "The Beatles notice their anniversaries the least. We were too busy being The Beatles. I haven't got time to notice all that stuff, but I love it when other people do. When I see something on the telly that talks about us 40 years ago, I'm amazed. I think, 40 years? It makes me stop and have a quick heart attack."
April 12, 2004 -- Teen Music
Madonna's Financial Request Upset McCartney
Madonna's request for financial donations for the religious movement she fervently supports is causing friction between her and close pal Stella McCartney.The Material Girl 45, has been criticized by the fashion designer for requesting huge financial gifts for the mystical Kabbalah movement.
A friend of former Beatle Paul McCartney's daughter says, "She doesn't see why she should pay huge sums just to follow the Kabbalah teachings."
McCartney was first introduced to the sect - an offshoot of Judaism - by Madonna over a year ago, and was intrigued enough to attend several meetings.
Her mother, the late Linda McCartney, was Jewish and friends say McCartney was "very open" to joining the alternative religion.
The source adds, "She simply doesn't believe that she should pay through the nose to worship something she believes in."
Madonna's involvement in Kabbalah just keeps growing and growing.
Recent reports have had it that the Material One's adherance to the mystical offshoot of Judiasm has reached the level in which she agreed to fund her brother, Christopher Ciccone's, October-opening Sunset Boulevard restaurant -- but only provided he stocks it with special, rabbi-blessed Kabbalah water.
She's also reportedly plunked down around $300,000 for a Los Angeles area house for Eitan Yardini, one of a pair of Israeli brothers who instruct her in Kabbalah.
Eliyahu Yardini, the other brother holy man, instructs her when she's in London, where she reportedly spent $5 million on a Kabbalah center near her home.
April 9, 2004 -- CUSACenter for Unconvential Security Affairs (CUSA)
Presents Heather Mills McCartney - Clearing Path to a Safer World
When: Wednesday April 28, 2004
Where: The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center
University of California at Irvine
100 Academy Way
Irvine, CA 92612
4:00 pm Presentation
5:00 pm General Reception
Tickets Required
CUSA is proud to honor Heather Mills McCartney for her longstanding commitment to the victims of landmines with the establishment of the Heather Mills McCartney Graduate Fellowship in Human Security. On April 28, 2004, Heather Mills McCartney will present her lecture Clearing a Path to a Safer World, which includes a video presentation about her efforts to address human security issues.Introducing Heather Mills McCartney will be Dr. Ken Rutherford, a landmine survivor and co-founder of the Landmine Survivors Network, a co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize. Proceeds from this event will support graduate students who are committed to the research as well as the field work required to understand human security issues.
Heather Mills McCartney is an internationally renowned activist who has tirelessly campaigned for over eleven years to raise funds and awareness to rid the world of Landmines. Heather is a United Nations Goodwill ambassador whose work earned her a 1996 Nobel Peace Prize nomination.
Established in honor of the significant contributions to human security issues made by Heather Mills McCartney, this fellowship will allow top graduate students to undertake original research on pressing security issues, and allow them opportunities to use their research to help address real world challenges. This fellowship will provide the resources to attract the best and brightest students to UCI, and enable CUSA to help prepare the next generations of business, policy, and academic leaders for the challenges they will face.
Around the world, over 60 million landmines deny people access to the land they need in order to survive. Under these conditions, people often turn to political violence and crime. Humanitarian efforts to rehabilitate landmine survivors, restore mined land, and put an end to the excessive and indiscriminate use of landmines contribute to human security and sharply reduce the attraction of forms of political violence and crime that threaten the interests and national security of America and its allies. CUSA's research on this topic has resulted in an edited volume, Landmines and Human Security, and has shown that humanitarian efforts, such as landmine clearance and victim assistance, can be low cost, high impact strategies to promote peace and prosperity.
The global movement to address the problem of landmines, which originated in the United States, has attracted broad support from every quarter of the world, including many well known figures such as Her Majesty Queen Noor and Princess Diana. In this process, Lady Heather Mills McCartney's voluntary leadership and work over the past eleven years in the campaign to rid the world of landmines and help victims of landmines has made a difference in the security and lives of many individuals.
For tickets to this event please call (949) 824-1278
For more information about this event, please contact:Center for Unconventional Security Affairs
University of California, Irvine
202 Social Ecology I
Irvine, CA 92697-7075
Phone: (949) 824-9670
E-mail: cusa@uci.edu
April 9, 2004
Eric Carmen Talks Candidly About Paul McCartney
When I was playing in bands, I was a big Paul fan. At some point I started to realize, "Gee, most of my favorite Beatles songs are John's songs." It's weird because I always liked Paul better.
Question: Did you catch Paul McCartney on his last U.S. tour and if so, what did you think of it?
Yes I did. And you know what? It was the best damned show that I had seen since Elton John's original Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour. The lighting was perfect. The staging was perfect. Elton's performance was perfect. Everything I've seen since then has been measured against that brilliant performance. Nothing ever came close until I saw Paul McCartney in 2002.
The first time that I saw Paul was on his Wings Over America tour in 1976. I dragged my whole band out to see him and came away thinking, "I can't believe that this guy was once a Beatle." He had all the wherewithal to make the most incredible tour ever. How could he have blown it so badly? I mean, they took twenty minutes to set wicker chairs up on stage so that Denny Laine could come out with an acoustic guitar and sing "Richard Cory" from Simon and Garfunkel's first album. I remember thinking, "What is this song? Is this Simon and Garfunkel? What the hell is going on here? Why isn't Paul singing 'Blackbird' or 'Yesterday?'" It was almost like Paul said, "Well, I've been a Beatle all my life and people will cheer anything I do." Needless to say, he learned his lesson. The recent tour was everything the first tour wasn't. It was amazing. He was absolutely splendiferous. Paul sang 22 Beatles songs and sounded so incredible that I was ready to go home and kill myself.He was almost sixty years old and he sang all of these great songs in the same key that they were originally recorded. Although I will say that Paul didn't really push his voice as much when he was younger as I did in the Raspberries, but even so, he was absolutely great!
The only quibble I had with the show was over one song. If I could ask Paul McCartney one question it would be, "Why do you continue to play 'C-Moon?' It sucked when you wrote it. It sucks now. Why do you continue to play it? We love you. You're great. But why do you keep playing that miserable song?" (laughs)
April 8, 2004 -- Heather Mills Website
Dear Friends,On April 17th I'll be guest hosting the Larry King Live Show on CNN (9-10 ET M-F). My guest is a very popular movie star and well-respected philanthropist - more news soon!
I'm really excited to be back in the television studio after many years and I hope you'll be able to join me.
The show airs Saturday 17th April on CNN.
Thank you for your continued support.
With very best wishes,
Heather
April 7, 2004 -- AP
McCartney's Wife Calls for Traffic Safety
Heather Mills McCartney, wife of the former Beatle, said she will appear in public service ads without her prosthetic leg to provoke attention to the 1.2 million traffic deaths that occur worldwide each year.McCartney's left leg was severed below the knee when she was hit by a police motorcycle in 1993. Nearly 20 years earlier, her mother had lost a leg in a traffic accident.
"It took one human error to take my leg and one human error to take my mother's," McCartney said Wednesday at a kickoff of the World Health Organization's yearlong focus on traffic safety.
She said many traffic deaths and injuries could be prevented if nations would focus on improving safety.
"You really can fix this. It's just about more awareness," said McCartney, who married ex-Beatle Paul McCartney in June 2002.
The televised public service announcements featuring McCartney, a model who also works to help children maimed by war, will be broadcast worldwide this year.
April 7, 2004 -- Music Tap
The BIG news out of Capitol is a Paul McCartney title (title to be determined) scheduled for September 21.
April 6, 2004 -- Press Release from PAHO
Heather Mills-McCartney to Receive Champion of Health Award at PAHOHeather Mills-McCartney will receive the Champion of Health award from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) tomorrow April 7, (in Washington DC) as part of the World Health Day observance devoted to road safety.
The award is being given to the wife of the former Beatle Paul McCartney, who is goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Association, "in recognition of your humanitarian contributions and with gratitude for your support of the global road safety campaign."
Mills has offered her time to support a new campaign being lunched on World Health Day this year, "Road Safety is no Accident," agreeing to appear in public service announcements urging drivers and pedestrians to use care to protect themselves and others.
Mills will speak at the briefing on road safety and release of new World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention, with experts from the Pan American Health Organization, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the World Bank, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.
Mills initiated her humanitarian career defending the rights of the refugees of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. In 1993 she was struck by a London police motorcycle and had her left leg amputated. After the accident, she launched a program to recycle orthopedic prostheses and provide medical assistance to amputees and to victims of landmines throughout the world.She is the founder of the Heather Mills Health Trust for amputees, spokeswoman for Adopt-A-Minefield, and a Nobel Peace prize nominee who has spoken widely on behalf of survivors of land mines and of amputees.
April 6, 2004 -- Rocking Vicar TidbitsFrom Parishioner Martin Scott:
"Parishioner Ellen's non-veggie faux pas reminds me of my time at MPL, Sir Paul's management and publishing company. John Eastman, the urbane New York lawyer and brother-in-law to the boss, was over for meetings, and took the office staff out for a bite. Unmindful of the house 'no meat on company money' rule, they seized the opportunity for a carnivorous freebie in working hours. Unfortunately, Mary McCartney appeared at the office unexpectedly, and on discovering Uncle John was treating everyone, whizzed over to join in. To say she wasn't amused, and that the assembled staff were a little chastened when news got back to the boss, would be an understatement. Shortly afterwards it became a requirement that all new employees were vegetarians. I have to say that otherwise it was a fine place to work, and Paul and Linda top people to work for..."
April 6, 2004 -- JasonFalkner.netNews posted here from Bill King of Beatlefan magazine said that Paul McCartney is currently recording in Los Angeles with guitarist, Jason Falkner and drummer, Matt Chamberlain. Jason Falkner's sanctioned fan Web site has confirmed it.
"Sir Paul McCartney is currently recording with Jason Falkner and drummer Matt Chamberlain."
April 5, 2004
Heather Mills McCartney was a guest in the front row at the Mercedes-Benz Fall 2004 Fashion Week (Friday, April 2) held at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, California. (photos)
April 5, 2004 -- Daily Post
Liverpool's way of life on show to inspire US visitors - A slice of Liverpool life is to be transported to the US this week.Mike McCartney will be selling the city to the Americans in a one-off lecture at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC.
He hopes the talk, which coincides with his photography exhibition currently on show at the museum, will paint a vivid picture of his home and inspire the audience members to pay the area a visit.
He said, "It's a great honor, little old Mike McCartney being asked to do this. I'll be talking about the influences on me when I was growing up and what a great place the Capital of Culture is. I want to inspire them all to come over and see what Liverpool has to offer. There is so much going on at the moment and I want to sell it to them really and make them want to come and see it for themselves."
The MMLL exhibition, which incorporates around 70 black and white photographs, documents his life since early teens. It won rave reviews when it was shown at the Museum of Alberta in Canada last year and in Liverpool.The pictures capture everything from his family at home in Forthlin Road, Allerton, long-changed cityscapes and musicians he has come in to contact with over the years, such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Gene Vincent.
But both the collection and the lecture, which he will give over the Easter weekend, consciously avoids the subject of the Beatles.
And, embracing his new role as Wirral's cultural ambassador, he will also be promoting the other side of the Mersey as a tourist must-see during the talk.
McCartney, 60, of Heswall, was chosen to champion the borough because of his long-standing career in the arts.
April 3, 2004
BLASTONBURY- Fans slam festival bosses as ticket lines fail to copeFurious Glastonbury fans blasted festival bosses yesterday as a stampede for tickets ended in chaos.
A total of 300,000 people rang the music festival hotline as soon as the £112 ($206.85) tickets went on sale on Thursday night, sending it into meltdown.
The website also received two million hits and crashed. Some fans spent all night on the phone but couldn't get through to the 60 operators. All the 112,000 tickets were expected to have sold out by last night.
Disappointed nurse Paul Quinn, 26, from Birmingham, said, "Glasto is all about peace, love and chilling out to the music - but trying to buy a ticket this time has been one of the most stressful events of my life. It's a complete and utter shambles. I've been ringing the ticket hotline for 16 hours without getting through and the message on the website has been the same - it's busy, try later. Whoever organized this should be ashamed, it's a total disgrace."
Part-time DJ Steve Banks, 25, from Bristol, said, "It's ridiculous. I tried all night and all morning but it's like hitting your head against a brick wall every time."
Festival organizer Michael Eavis said the call centre was handling 10,000 tickets an hour.
Eavis, 68, said, "We were selling over 100 tickets per minute. We could have got in a whole lot of computer software and sold them in a couple of hours, but I don't think that would be better. It's most definitely the highest volume of calls we have ever had, but this way everyone had a chance of getting at it. This is going to be the best Glastonbury that's ever happened."
Oasis and Sir Paul McCartney will headline the three day event in Pilton, Somerset, which starts on June 25.
Tickets will have the buyer's name and address printed on them to stop touts selling them on. Festival goers will have to show ID. But a pair of tickets was already was being auctioned on eBay yesterday for £1,000. ($1,840)
NOTE: All 112,000 of the £112 tickets were sold within 18 hours.
April 3, 2004
The Pan American Health Organization will be presenting Heather Mills McCartney with the PAHO Champion of Health award for her humanitarian work on April 7th "World Health Day."
The theme for "World Health Day" this year is road safety. PAHO's plan is to issue a report on traffic safety in Washington D.C. on April 7th and launch a campaign to reduce deaths and injuries from road crashes throughout the Americas.
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