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May 2004 to July 2004
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May 2004
May 29, 2004
McCARTNEY EXPLAINS HIS FROG LOVESir Paul McCartney's frog chorus hit "We All Stand Together" and his new animated tales of pond life is his bid to pay tribute to the amphibians he was cruel to as a child.
The British rocker has admitted in a webchat that he spend so much time bringing frogs to life, because he killed one or two when he was young.
He explains, "When I was a kid, I remember thinking that, as I would have to go into the army, cruelty to frogs seemed justified as a practice. I love them now and I apologize to the children of the ones I abused as a kid."
May 29, 2004 -- Contact Music
HEATHER EYES POLITICAL GUESTSSir Paul McCartney's wife Heather Mills wants to carve out a successful TV talk show career - by interviewing some of the world's most influential men.
The campaigner - who is mother to McCartney's baby daughter Beatrice - was heavily criticized for her interviewing technique when she stood in for American host Larry King recently, where she conducted a disastrous chat with Paul Newman.
But the bad experience hasn't put ambitious Heather off the idea of forging a new career in the field - and she's hoping to encourage her dream guests, including former President Bill Clinton, to help her.
She says, "I would like to interview Putin, Gorbachev, Clinton and Kofi Annan, who I'm lucky enough to know well."
May 28 2004 -- BBC Brazil
The ex-beatle Paul McCartney boycotted the Rock in Rio Festival logo at the show in Lisbon, Portugal on Friday.
McCartney demanded that the Rock in Rio organization's logo and logos of festival sponsors be covered during his concert. For the show, the logos were covered in a black cloth.
McCartney only wanted to be associated with the show, not the sponsors or the festival's logo. (photos)
May 28 2004 -- Liverpool Echo
It's Macca meltdownPaul McCartney caused a communications meltdown when he kicked off his summer tour after too many fans called friends on their mobile phones.
The Ex-Beatle played the first leg of his European tour to an auditorium in Gijon, Spain. But excited fans ringing pals to listen to the gig caused the area's phone network to collapse under the pressure.
Sir Paul, 63, has added some old Beatles' favorites to his set including "Helter Skelter" and "Got To Get You Into My Life."
May 28, 2004 -- Vogue.comStella McCartney went back to her youth to celebrate her Bruton Street store's first birthday on Tuesday night. Guests including Dhani Harrison, Jason Starkey, Patsy Kensit, Katie Holmes, Liberty Ross, Jefferson Hack and Stella's sister Mary milled around the store surrounded by helium balloons and jars full of old-fashioned, colourful sweets. And clowns - who doubled as waiters and waitresses - had painted faces and passed around smiley face pizzas and cupcakes.
"I feel about as old as my underwear," admitted Stella, who turned up to the bash, with her husband Alasdhair Willis, in a full black skirt and denim jacket that knotted at the front, all from her latest collection.
Mary McCartney Donald, however, was quick to admit that the rock chick fashion designer wasn't always so immature. "Sometimes she acts like she's eight and other times, it's like she's 40," she said, of her 32-year-old sister. (photos)
May 28, 2004 -- BBC News
Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has criticized the UK government for being too hasty in going to war in Iraq."Maybe our government went in too fast with the Americans," he told the weekly Portuguese magazine Visao on Thursday.
"It would have been better if the UN had been together," the 61-year-old singer continued. "Now it's become very bloody with Iraq, it's very difficult."
The singer, who is currently touring Europe, opens the Rock in Rio music festival in Lisbon on Friday.
Sir Paul said he understood the need to act after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.
To look for Bin Laden seemed reasonable to go against terrorism, but the war has become very difficult
"If someone came to my house and blew it up, I wouldn't just want to sit there and say thank you," he said. "I'd be angry like I think anyone would be, so I could see America and Britain being angry. To look for Bin Laden seemed reasonable to go against terrorism, but the war has become very difficult."Sir Paul, who became a father for the fourth time last October, wrote a song, "Freedom," after witnessing the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.
The Rock in Rio festival - modelled on an annual Brazilian festival which has been running since 1985 - is held over the next two weekends.
Britney Spears and Peter Gabriel are among the more than 70 performers taking part in the event, held at Lisbon's Bela Vista Parque.
Sir Paul's performance is part of a European tour which began in the Spanish city of Gijon on Tuesday.
May 27, 2004 -- Correiodamanha Newspaper
Paul arrived at the airport in Lisbon 4:30 pm yesterday accompanied by Bea, Heather and the band. Macca was under tight security and was ushered through the airport to his limo and taken to his hotel in Lapa. There were ten security guards at the hotel who made sure all cars were moved away from the hotel entrance so Paul's limo could pull up.
Press photographers and fans were waiting and security warned them about taking photos and moved them away from the entrance. When Paul emerged from the limo he waved to the crowd who took photos anyway!
May 27, 2004
Paul performs on Friday, May 28 in Lisbon, Portugal at the "Rock in Rio" Festival.
A list of countries airing the concert can be found here though the day and time of the airing is not listed. CBS in the US and Channel 4 in the UK are on the list.
May 26, 2004
Paul rocked Gijon, Spain last night making the covers of all the local papers. His show might have caused the mobile phone system to go down due to the number of people using cell phones yesterday. A local cellular company was running a contest to win tickets to the show by text messenging on mobile phones.
May 25, 2004 -- The PulseUPDATE - SIR PAUL IN ST.PETERSBURG - Back in the USSR
Paul McCartney is giving his concert in St. Petersburg. The square can hold over 50,000 spectators, from which only 13,000 will be seated. All the rest will be listening to Sir Paul standing.
All the tickets with seats have already been booked. The excitement about the concert resembles the 300th anniversary of St.Petersburg last year and it is becoming an event of state importance. The government and the city council have set up headquarters for concert preparation and established a telephone hot-line. The concert set list will include songs from The Beatles, Wings and Paul's solo hits.Eugeniy Filkenstein (General Director of PMI Corp.):
"The scale of this event will be one of the greatest and most expensive Paul McCartney has ever done. 260 workers will arrive for technical support. They will bring from Las Vegas 10 screens, and the biggest one is 20 metres high! The 65 metres long stage will be delivered from Los Angeles; such a stage is just not available in Europe. The technical staff from England are considering the right spots for the equipment to be installed. There will be no 'silence zones' in the square: the equipment will be located at six different spots to cover the whole area. And wherever one stands, the sound will be excellent. Taking into acount the architectural set up for the concert - The Hermitage Museum, Palace Square, the Arch of the General Staff Headquarters and taking into acount the scale and the highest level of this concert - it will be something just great!"Vsevolod Gakkel (Musician):
"Last year, when Sir Paul McCartney was on a private visit in St.Petersburg. I spent the whole day with him. The thing is that Anthea Eno - an long time friend of mine who is the wife of the famous composer and producer Brian Eno - had asked me to arrange Paul's visit to St.Petersburg. The unreality of what was going on began at the airport building where I was meeting him in the Governmental section A of the airport. Everything was very secret. I was probably the only one who witnessed Paul's first steps on St.Petersburg soil. Fantastic! There were many events scheduled for that day. We visitied St.Petersburg State Conservatory where no one until the very last minute could believe that the real Paul McCartney would come in. Especially for McCartney, the curator of the Hermitage Museum, Michail Piotrovsky personally conducted a guided tour along the museum. And when Paul looked out through the window on Palace Square, he noted that 'it would be nice to give a concert here one day.'"
'May 24, 2004 -- Elmundo Magazine (Spain)
McCARTNEY Hasn't changed: "All We Need Is Love"
The genious of modern music conserves the same eyes since childhood, from when he used to get on stage with Lennon and company. At 61 years of age, Paul McCartney has everything prepared for an exhausting tour that will begin today in Gijón, and later in Madrid. The set list doesn't leave out many Beatle topics, nor his spirit. Exceptionally, he stops rehearsal to speak with the Magazine and advocate, like he has for the past 30 years, for peace. "We are faced with a new Vietnam," he says about the war in Iraq. Britain's richest man praises his fellow countryman, Beckham, "he is good, has talent," he says. He lives a normal life and he can't separate himself from his wife and baby, which he brings with him on tour.What would you have dedicated yourself to if you hadn't succeeded in music?
PAUL: My mother wanted me to be a doctor, I suppose like all mothers do. However, I think I wasn't intelligent enough. So, eventually, we could see that wasn't gonna happen.Did you have any other preferences?
PAUL: One time I thought of working as a teacher in English literature. Perhaps I would have liked doing that. As a kid I had a very good teacher, which made it enjoyable for me. And that, the kids in Liverpool didn't want anything to do with ancient Shakespeare.What artist did you used to be crazy for?
PAUL: Without a doubt, Elvis Presley. There have been many bands and big ones in musical history. And some incredible solo artists like Ray Charles. I admire soul music, black music, but I have a weak-spot for what the Anglo musicians do too. So, in this case, I'm sticking with Elvis. He was magical, unique. For me, he had, as an artist, something special and indescribable. I love Elvis.However, you didn't go crazy over him?
PAUL: I would've been an unconditional fan of his if the Beatles hadn't been created.And that's why you are returning the music of the Fab Four on this tour?
PAUL: That's why, and because I continue enjoying them as much as the audience enjoys them, it seems like. And with the public, you need to always keep the audience in mind.Do you correspond with what the people want to hear?
PAUL: Yes, I try to imagine what they want to hear from me, I picture myself buying a ticket to one of my concerts. "I'm going to see Paul McCartney, let's see if I get lucky and he will play 'Let It Be.'" I think a lot of people think that way.You plan to give a satisfying set list on this tour?
PAUL: I will attend to what I think the people want to hear. But besides, I have prepared four or five Beatles songs that were recorded many years ago and I never played them live. I don't want to say which ones, so as to keep them a surprise until the last minute. I will say though, that everyone will recognize them.Aren't you afraid that the mega-assortment will destroy the appeal of the music for Beatlemaniacs?
PAUL: Absolutely. A huge show always turns out to be exciting. And the nice thing is it ends like a big event, like at the height of a football team.Difficult challenge while time goes by so quickly?
PAUL: It's good that the people feel the show and the power of a good rock band. Besides, we will hang giant screens for video, so no one is left out from seeing us up-close, at the concerts in Gijón and Madrid. We want to be heard and that everyone can see us. In the Spanish stadiums you will be able to see us better than Beckham.Do you agree that Beckham is an idol?
PAUL: We all have the rights to win in life. Beckham is good. He has talent. What else can be said about him? In any event, sports people usually have a very short career. Beckham still has 10 years left in the calendar, so he should make use of his moment.Football stars don't have more "glamour" than pop-stars?
PAUL: Looks like everyone is talking about football nowdays. Just like before, everyone talked about rock and roll. What's more is that the football players wear the same showy clothes we used to wear. Advertising brand names make it easier for them to stay on top. I suppose they need it, just doing sports gets costly even to survive.Is it difficult to reach fame without paying a price?
PAUL: Fame is tremendously difficult. When you're young, you dream of becoming famous, but the difficult part is, once you reach it, is to know how to deal with it. You open the newspaper on any given day and, all of the sudden, you see that you annoy people you've never met, with whom you've never had any relationship with.What inconveniences do famous people such as yourself have to face everyday?
PAUL: It's not that extreme. "Please don't go to the supermarket without a bodybuard!" I'm always getting that kind of advice from people close to me. "I'm going to the store with no one following behind me," I'll respond to them. In the long run, no can imagine that one can enter these places without a body guard. I intend to behave and live like any other typical normal guy, keeping my feet on the ground.Even though millions of people praise and applaude you when you're on stage?
PAUL: On stage I'm the big boss. Therefore, I try to counterbalance that sensation by going to the movies, the store and doing sports like any other person. I want to continue having a good head on my shoulders.Do you spend very much time away from your family while on tour?
PAUL: I will see my wife and baby everyday on this tour, since they are going with me from city to city. I won't be separated from either one, although, I'm afraid it may be harsh on them. As for the rest of my kids, I can't take them with me, they have their own occupations and commitments.It won't be tiring for your daughter who's only a few months old?
PAUL: We're gonna see how it goes. If it ends up being too difficult and the baby can't take it, we'll abandon the idea. But I think there won't be a problem, because we travel comfortably. We have a stupendous private jet, we go to the best hotels. When we go to Spain, for example, two hours of comfortable traveling isn't very long.Your daughter will grow up seeing a lot of the world. She will fly more than other kids her age. I suppose traveling all over the world is something you'd like isn't it? How is the relationship with your children from your previous family?
PAUL: My respond to you is that the relationship is good. But I don't want to say anything more. Each one has their own private life and I shouldn't be talking about them. We're gonna leave it at that, OK?Let's get back to the music then. You have a small number of musicians with you. Will you be using pre-recorded sound?
PAUL: I don't take anything with me that affects my voice. I can sing Beatles songs in practically the exact same tone for the last four decades. Nor do the group's guitars or drums need add-ons. The small keyboard I'm taking, that one yes, when it's necessary, will shoot off sounds of instruments that we don't have physically, like a trumpet.Is it imperative to dominate the new technology?
PAUL: The group of people, I work with, handle a lot of computers, of which I don't understand well. Of course, neither does it worry me. Nor how to technically achieve the good quality of sound that we have at the concerts. Nor do I understand half of the sophisticated functions that work the projectors for the videos shown on our giant screens. I simply play like always under the lights.Do you let each of your musicians shine individually?
PAUL: In the show there are only guitars, keyboards and drums. To each musician I give them their special moment, because they deserve it. They are all very good.Do you still do surprise appearances at small bars?
PAUL: I like to do it once in a while. But it's not appropriate for the context of a group such as this one.Do you remember any particular recent event in which you played in front of a small audience?
PAUL: On one certain occasion, a rich American asked me to play one evening for his wife, for one million dollars. Do you see what people end up asking you to do? The thing is, afterwards, I found out that the millionaire and his wife had separated.Who would you like to play for you by surprise?
PAUL: Elvis Presley, of course. And also it would be nice if Bob Dylan would do it.In what way do you occupy yourself with LIPA in Britain?
PAUL: There I don't do much. I drop by once a year to work with the young kids. I like to watch them create. They compose music, we listen to it and then I give them advice. However, I always end up telling them, "You don't need to pay me much attention, because, above all, it's all about your music."What would buy with money if you could?
PAUL: I would like it if it were possible to buy peace in the world. Especially right now.What is your opinion on the war in Iraq?
PAUL: The situation goes from bad to worse. We are faced with a new Vietnam. There was the thought we could restore democracy in Iraq, finish the arms of mass destruction. They were good arguments. Evidently, the objectives still haven't been found and the conflict continues getting worse.You don't see any solution?
PAUL: Nothing happened like they said. And now, with the situation of the bad treatment with the Iraqi prisoners, is also terrible. I say, we're living in a worse situation than before the war.What do you think about those who were supporters of Sadam?
PAUL: After 9/11, many in the U.S. thought the war was a good solution. Also, they had support from Great Britain and Spain. Now, without a doubt, we all agree, it was wrong to let it happen and that it should stop.What did life teach you?
PAUL: That all we need is love. We need to be more honest and above all, love one another and communicate more.
May 24, 2004 -- The Sun
Macca caught in Web rowSir Paul McCartney was under fire last night for "spam" website messages.
The star launched a contest offering tour tickets, with fans being told to submit their email address and a friend's.
Macca's site then sends a message to the pals, urging them to enter too. The British Computer Society said, "This is completely unethical."
Sir Paul's spokesman said, "There are worse things on the Internet."
click to enlargeMay 24, 2004 -- Post about Letter
Historical Paul McCartney letter to be auctioned
A rare and historical two page letter in the hand of Paul McCartney written to Peter Eckhorn, the owner of the Top Ten Club in Hamburg, Germany will be auctioned on ebay next week by Lancashire based music memorabilia dealers Tracks and is expected to fetch $26,000.
The letter was sent just days after The Beatles first met manager Brian Epstein at the Cavern Club on November 9th 1961.UPDATE
McCARTNEY LETTER 'TO NET £15,000 -- The Mirror
A rare letter from Sir Paul McCartney is set to fetch up to £15,000 ($28,000) in an Internet auction.He wrote the note in 1961 to the German owner of the Top Ten Club in Hamburg to ask about the Beatles playing another gig there.
It was written days before McCartney met Brian Epstein who was to make the unknown band the biggest in history.
And on it is scrawled Epstein's name (spelt Epstin) and phone number.
In the letter the young Paul says he has bought an amplifier "as big as me" and ends it: Cheers, Paul McCartney (The Beatles)."
With it are two photo-booth pictures of McCartney pulling faces and grabbing his hair.
A spokesman for memorabilia dealers Tracks, conducting The ebay sale, said, "This is important to the history of the Beatles."
May 21, 2004Paul McCartney's "04 Summer Tour" Electronic Press Kit is posted on www.paulmccartney.com.
You will need either Windows Media Player or Real Player to view this video. Click links below.
Windows Media LOW MED HIGHMay 21, 2004
"Hollywood Wives' Tales" E! Entertainment Special, Friday, May 21 at 8pm ET
Repeats: Saturday, May 22 at 12pm ET and 9pm ET - Tuesday, May 25 at 6pm ETFirst, we'll walk you down the aisle of some of the priciest weddings imaginable, from Catherine Zeta-Jones' $250,000 wedding dress to Paul McCartney and Heather Mills' million-dollar fireworks show.
May 20, 2004 -- The Sun
Stella Shows Her Art-orse
This £300,000 ($550,000)sculpture is Stella McCartney's first work of art - a tribute to her late mum Linda and her love of horses. The 10ft-tall steed is made up of 3,000 crystals suspended from the ceiling of 14th Century Belsay Hall, Northumberland.Designer Stella, 32, said, "I loved working in an historical setting to create something with a modern edge."
May 20 2004 -- Daily Post
Countdown to Festival 50
A month-long cultural festival for the over-50s has been unveiled to take place in Liverpool. Organizers last night revealed plans for the event, which will be held in arts venues across the city center from June 1 to 30.It will feature a range of performances, exhibitions, concerts and talks, as well as creative workshops including songwriting sessions. Most of the major Liverpool venues will be involved in the festival, it was revealed at yesterday's launch at the Liverpool Playhouse. The event was organized to give a flavor of what is in store for June and included workshop taster sessions.
Celebrity photographer Mike McCartney, pledged his support for Festival 50 at yesterday's special launch day.
McCartney, 60, a former member of The Scaffold, said, "Often people think that when you get to your 50s you no longer have anything to contribute but that's wrong. When you get to 50 or 60 and have retired, you have time on your hands again and you must not waste it because it is too important."
Festival 50 was first launched in Liverpool last May, as part of the city's Year of Celebrating Learning, with around 50 different events taking place across the city.
May 20, 2004 -- Yoko Talks About PaulYoko Ono was in Dublin, Ireland last week to open an art exhibition. She appeared on the "Late, Late Show" and was asked, "Do you still talk to Paul?" To which she replied, "YEAH! I TALK TO SIR PAUL." The interviewer inquired, "You're in touch with him from time to time?" "YES, YES!" she said and didn't talk anymore about Paul.
May 19, 2004 -- From the Dome
Paul came over to say a quick hi to fans again from the buggy (golf cart) and had a full dress rehearsal. He played to a small audience of family and friends. There was an unconfirmed sighting of Mary McCartney with her two sons.Macca was seen rehearsing his bows and concert banter, "You've been a great audience tonight," he said.
May 18, 2004 -- La Nueva EspanaAn interesting interview with Paul McCartney by Javier Blanco in The New Spain newspaper, about Paul's upcoming concert in Gijon, Spain. Paul talks about song selection for the set-list and other things. English translation and Spanish
May 18, 2004 -- Lucky Fan Meets Paul at the Dome!
Congrats to Dominic Jennings - Macca Reporter!
Paul greeted a small group of fans at the Dome on his way in and talked to Dom!"He rode over on his buggy and said hi and had a little chat. I asked him if he was going to turn the music up today and he mentioned about the complaints from across the water (I told him he was paying enough money to rehearse there!)... then a bit of small talk about how nice the weather was, have a nice day etc., and he buggied off into the dome. He's looking very healthy and happy and the music's sounding great."
See the set-list spoiler for songs to be played on this tour. Click here for list.
Note: rehearsals end tomorrow (Wednesday)
May 16, 2004 -- Hollywood ReporterDuets, awards, 'Smile' give Wilson good vibes
For the first time in their storied careers, longtime creative rivals Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney have recorded a song together -- "A Friend Like You" -- off of Wilson's forthcoming new album, "Gettin' in Over My Head.""Working with Paul McCartney was cool," Wilson says. "He got it in three takes; he did it real quick. He did a great job."
Wilson says the two "hung out for a while" after recording the song.
"We talked about the Beach Boys and the Beatles -- a mutual respect thing, you know?" Wilson says.
The relatively quiet Beach Boy is in good spirits. Wilson is back in the studio putting the finishing touches on his legendary "Smile" sessions -- a musical work he first conceived of almost 40 years ago.
"We got all the sounds right, all the verses, all the choruses are just right now," Wilson says.
It's turning out to be a very busy year for Wilson. On Tuesday, he will be honored with the BMI Icon Award during the 52nd annual BMI Pop Awards dinner at the Regent Beverly Wilshire. He is the first songwriter to be honored with both the BMI Icon and the President's Award, which he received in 1995.
"It's an honor to receive the award," Wilson says. "I'm very proud of myself for being a good songwriter."
Notes BMI Los Angeles vp and general manager Barbara Cane: "The Icon Award is an opportunity to salute and recognize an incomparable individual that has had an indelible influence on generations of music makers. Brian is revered as one of the greatest songwriters, artists and producers. He is considered a musical genius and really embodies all the ideals that the Icon Award represents."
Wilson is humbled by the accolades that keep coming his way. Earlier this year, Wilson debuted "Smile" live in the United Kingdom to critical acclaim.
"I was amazed," Wilson says. "I didn't think it was going to go over so well, but I got a 10-minute standing ovation!"
McCartney also was on hand to join Wilson onstage during one of the performances. "I was so honored I almost cried," Wilson says. "It was such an honor for me."
"Gettin' in Over My Head" marks numerous first-time recording collaborations for Wilson, including "How Could We Still Be Dancin' " with Elton John and "City Blues" with Eric Clapton.
The album also features a duet with his late brother, Carl Wilson, titled "Soul Searchin.' "
"It was quite a thrill," Wilson says. "My friend (producer) Andy Paley and I wrote 'Soul Searchin' ' about 10 years ago. It really turned out good."
Wilson will tour Europe in the summer in support of "Smile" and "Gettin' in Over My Head" (both to be released by Warner Music Group) and hopes to tour the United States by October.
Between touring and working on the two albums, Wilson says he has not written any new material lately. "I'm having a dry spell right now," he admits. Given Wilson's prolific nature, he'll surely be working on his next project soon.
May 15, 2004 -- Daily MirrorMACCA'S DOME REHEARSAL THRILLS COMMUTERS
Paul McCartney may have been getting complaints from residents about the level of noise coming from his rehearsals... but commuters at London's North Greenwich tube station are delighted.
Users of the station have been rolling up to work late for the past few days after dancing and singing to his set-list, thanks to the piping that links the Dome -- where he is performing - to the tube station. And to think he wrote The Pipes Of Peace...
May 15, 2004 -- Macca Report ExclusiveSpeculation about the McCartney Box Set that is to be released on September 21:
The Box Set will be a limited edition-special type of run, numbered much like the "WHITE ALBUM", and the purchaser of the right numbered box receives a prize. The approximate initial run of the limited edition will be 75,000 to 100,000. There will be prizes, for every country of release. What the prizes are, is yet to be determined. What is in the box is unknown. Rumored reports are: Wings and solo material, outtakes and DVD with promo videos.
This is not the new studio album which will be released sometime next year before the launch of the world tour.
May 13, 2004 -- New York Post
Stella McCartney might have to look for a new place to park her namesake fashion house next year. Parent company the Gucci Group has poured over $15 million into McCartney's outfit in the past two years, but it has still tallied losses of almost $13 million. And now that her close friend and booster Tom Ford has left Gucci after Pinault-Printemps Redoute's takeover of the company, a source said her days are numbered. "They're giving her until next year to make it work," the source said. A rep for PPR did not return calls.
May 13, 2004 -- The Scotsman
Keep the Noise Down, McCartney ToldSir Paul McCartney has turned down his practice sessions at the Millennium Dome after residents complained of a hard day's night.
The ex-Beatle has been rehearsing at the venue in Greenwich, south-east London, in preparation for his European tour. But locals have complained that the noise was traveling across the river and into their homes in the Isle of Dogs.
After inspections by environmental health officers yesterday, Sir Paul, who is reported to have paid £250,000 ($457,000) to rent the Dome for three weeks as a practice space, has agreed to keep the noise down to 92 decibels.
Local resident Eric Pemperton, 67, said, "I thought someone was listening to a ghettoblaster in one of the other flats. I had the windows closed and the front door just open enough to let the cat in and out. It took me a while to realize that this bass was coming from the Dome on the other side of the river."
He added, "I rang up the environmental health officers at the council and they told me 'It's Paul McCartney.' I said 'So what?, he doesn't pay my rates, and if it was me that was doing this I would have been prosecuted'.
"I don't care who it is. It is bad enough that he arrives every morning in a noisy helicopter. I thought it was quite unacceptable and even my cat was disturbed."
A spokesman for Sir Paul said today, "We love animals and so we're sorry about Mr. Pemberton's cat. But we're confident that the rest of Europe and Glastonbury will love it when we crank it up again at the end of the month."
A spokesman from Tower Hamlets council said. "Residents in our borough have complained about the noise levels. We took the complaints to Greenwich Council because the Dome is in their neck of the woods. Our environmental health team has been working with Greenwich Council and there has been an agreement to turn the noise down to no louder than 92 decibels. Today our environmental health officer has gone down there to check that the noise levels are being maintained."
May 12, 2004 -- Reports from the Millenium Dome (see updated setlists on Tour NEWS)Paul has been arriving by helicopter for rehearsals. Songs heard: "Jet," "Back in the USSR," "Coming Up," "Live and Let Die," "Let It Be," "Got To Get You Into My Life," "Penny Lane" and "Lady Madonna." Paul has been heard giving instructions to the band to give "more umph!" to the songs.
If you take the Jubilee line to Greenwich you can hear the rehearsals quite well outside the Dome. (email your reports from the Dome)Check out the Millenium Dome Webcam
May 11, 2004 -- The SunOasis unveiled their newest recruit - Zak Starkey, son of Beatles legend Ringo.
Noel Gallagher told the BBC's 6 Music that Zak had been working with them in the studio and would join them on tour and for next month's Glastonbury festival. He said, "We've known Zak for a while and we asked him if he'd play on a few songs and he said yeah, and he has done and it's been absolutely fantastic."
He reckoned Zak was stylish enough to join them even though he was not from Manchester.
"He's a good boy, he's got a good haircut ... good shoes - which is important."
Noel said it was a pity the band did not have any new material to play at Glastonbury - "but I think we kind of George Best'ed it the last time we headlined it so this time will be great I think, but then again we're not doing ourselves any favors because Zak's first gig will be to 150,000 people but y'know... He's rehearsing all the Oasis songs now."
Asked whether Oasis were becoming The Beatles Mark II, Gallagher said, "As long as I'm not becoming Paul McCartney it'll be all right."
May 10, 2004 -- Press ReleaseEast coast premieres of McCartney animation in June
Following the successful world premiere screening of Paul McCartney's new DVD project - "The Music And Animation Collection" in Hollywood last month - screenings have now been scheduled for both New York and the Washington DC-area. They will be the East Coast Premieres of Paul's new project.
The premiere screenings take place on Saturday June 5th at two of the most prestigious film theaters in America. Both screenings have been scheduled as Saturday matinees to make the occasions especially convenient for families.
The Washington DC-area premiere takes place at the American Film Institute - Silver Spring, MD.
Saturday June 5th at 1:00pm.
Click here for location & directions
Click here for details & ticketsThe New York premiere takes place at Lincoln Center.
Saturday June 5th - at 12 noon.
There will be a reprise screening at Lincoln Center the following weekend - Saturday June 12th - at 11:00am
Details of screenings (click on "June Schedule")
Theater location & box-office
Online ticket purchase (requires free registration)The program in both NY and DC will include state-of-the-art presentations of all three animated films "Tropic Island Hum," "Rupert And The Frog Song" and "Tuesday" - plus two short "making of" documentaries and a special filmed interview with Paul.
May 9, 2004 -- Sunday Mail
MACCA TO PLAY HIS 3,000TH CONCERTSir Paul McCartney will play his 3,000th gig next month on his world tour. The former Beatle will play the historic concert in St. Petersburg on June 20.
Macca, 62, said, "I never keep count so I was amazed when people told me I'll do my 3,000th gig. That's an awful lot of late nights. "I guess I must just like the live life. But, as I've said before, it's what I do."
Although exact records of early Quarrymen and Beatles gigs were not kept, a new count indicates Sir Paul has done 3,000 performances. Counting pub gigs, Shea Stadium, radio and TV appearances and the four, five and eight sets a night The Beatles played over three years in Hamburg clubs, Beatles performances total 2523. Adding Wings' 140 appearances, Paul's 285 solo gigs and 40 post-Beatles performances from Live Aid to Adopt-A-Minefield and the Super Bowl Macca's pre-tour tally is 2,988.
The summer tour will also set another landmark someone will be the 8 millionth person to see Macca perform since he turned solo.
May 8, 2004 -- National Post (Canada)
As a student at Toronto's St. Michael Cathedral Choir School in the late 1940s, Rudy Maugeri would get together with friends after school to practice singing around his family's piano. They weren't practicing rock or pop music like most of today's youth. Instead Maugeri used his baritone vocals in a doo-wop quartet known as the Crew Cuts.Maugeri died of pancreatic cancer early Friday at home in Las Vegas. He was 73.
Named after the popular hair style of the day, the Crew Cuts were one of the first white groups to record rock 'n' roll versions of black R&B songs.
Beatles Paul McCartney and George Harrison were also fans. McCartney wrote in The Beatles Anthology that he's good-natured about giving autographs because of people like Maugeri.
"I used to collect them myself at the Empire stage door (in Liverpool), from the Crew Cuts . . . and the fact that they treated me well never left me," he said, recalling his teenage years.
May 6, 2004 -- BBC News
Flame spotlights 'extraordinary' lives -- The 2004 Olympic Torch Relay takes in 27 countries
Dozens of "ordinary" people will get a taste of Olympic glory when the torch makes its way through the streets of London next month.Spectators can still indulge in plenty of star-gazing - Roger Bannister, Steve Redgrave, Heather Mills McCartney and Sally Gunnell will be among the celebs taking part - but the majority of London's 140 torchbearers will be ordinary people.
On 26 June, for just a moment - or as long as it takes to cover roughly 400 metres each - the Olympic torch will put these "extraordinary ordinary" people in the spotlight.
May 6, 2004 -- Hello Magazine (UK)
Heather Mills Interviews Paul Newman on TVHeather Mills McCartney left 79-year-old Paul Newman lost for words in her first live chat-show interview.
The charity ambassador and wife of Sir Paul McCartney was making a guest appearance as stand-in presenter for the host on US talk show Larry King Live.
During the hour-long interview, seen by 170 million people worldwide, she launched into the interview by asking the actor: "You're kind. You're generous. How come?"
"Well, you start quickly, don't you?" Paul replied.
She also tried to quiz the reticent actor on his son Scott's death from drink and drugs, his relationship with his wife and his thoughts on Iraq.
"Oh boy, I'm uncomfortable talking about stuff like that," he said.
Heather was invited to host the show after appearing as a guest in November 2002, during which she removed her prosthetic leg live on air.
May 6, 2004 -- The Sun (UK)
A lingo star, eh Macca?Paul McCartney has hired eleven personal language tutors in a bid to become multilingual.
The super-rich ex-Beatle is going on a European tour this summer - and has decided he wants to communicate with fans everywhere in their own lingo.
He has recruited tutors from Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Russia, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, the Czech Republic and France for crash courses.
Sir Paul, 61, will continue his lessons while he is on the road.
An aide said last night: "He's a very hardworking musician and doesn't want to rest on his laurels. He pushes himself to go that extra mile. He's always been fascinated by language."
Sir Paul kicks off his summer tour in Gijon, Spain, on May 25 and plays 14 dates up to his headline appearance at the Glastonbury Festival.
May 5, 2004 -- Interfax
McCartney's St. Pete concert to outshine Moscow showA St. Petersburg concert by British singer Paul McCartney will be a much grander affair that his Moscow show last year, the concert's organizers told Interfax on Wednesday.
Prior to the June 20 show in St. Petersburg's Palace Square, McCartney will celebrate his birthday, although his plans for a party are still unknown.
McCartney will likely stay at the Konstantinovsky Palace during his visit to St. Petersburg.
"A total of 10,000 seats and approximately 50,000 standing places will be available in St. Petersburg's Palace Square for the concert. Paul McCartney will perform both his new and popular old songs," he said.
A 18-meter (54 ft) stage, 1.5 times bigger than last year's Red Square stage, will be installed, flanked by two 18-meter video screens.
St. Petersburg police and private security firms will be responsible for public order during the event. "It is planned to deliver extra metal detectors through which viewers will pass. People will not be allowed the enter Palace Square with photo or video cameras," the source said.
The St. Petersburg government has already set up an organizing committee and a headquarters in charge of the concert.
McCartney's St. Petersburg concert, his second show in Russia, will take place as part of his "04 Summer Tour," which will be launched in Spain on May 25.
May 4, 2004 -- The Indiana Digital Student
Indiana University students intern with Stella McCartneyAshley Sadler, a junior majoring in accounting, and Tiffany Kraft, a junior majoring in finance, are two IU students currently interning in London. They work for Stella McCartney, a London-based fashion designer and daughter of Paul McCartney. While the girls are gaining valuable knowledge in their field of study, they are also realizing what types of professions they want to pursue.
When Kraft and Sadler heard Stella McCartney opened internship positions, the women jumped at the opportunity. They work in different departments where they fulfill the specific duties to their aspiring careers.
"I'm a finance major, but I was also interested in marketing," Sadler said. "I work for the marketing director of Stella McCartney and do a lot of public relations stuff."
Sadler is working in the public relations side of the company where she sets up events and is becoming accustomed to the marketing side of business while gaining the experience of living in another country. Sadler is in charge of planning a party at Stone with Vogue magazine. Her tasks include things like coordinating the RSVP lists and arranging catering for events.
Sadler's other major duty is competitive analysis. She travels to stores like Gucci at Bond Street and takes notes on new styles in certain areas of apparel. Sadler said she enjoys working in a multi-cultural place where she realizes people are more accepting of different nationalities and speak more languages as well.
Kraft works in the accounting department of Stella McCartney working with bills and invoices. Her boss and the CFO of the company assigns her tasks such as the daily recording of sales from the three Stella McCartney stores and ensuring they match the records at Gucci, since Stella McCartney is in a partnership with the Gucci Group. Kraft also finds invoices and makes sure her bosses pay their bills.
"It's really cool because I get to see exactly what they spend money on," Kraft said. "I sometimes find like £500 limo invoices for Stella to get to Kate Moss' party and just cool stuff like that. From this experience, I learned that I love working in the fashion industry," Kraft said. "It's really exciting stuff to be able to sit there all day and listen to people talking about who is wearing what to the Golden Globes."
May 3, 2004 -- EL PAISMcCartney taking Spanish lessons
The promotors from Paul McCartney's new tour, are looking for a special teacher who can teach him Spanish, just before he begins his new tour at Gijon on May 25th and later makes a stop at Madrid on May 30th.
May 3, 2004 -- The Mirror
Multi-talented singer, instrumentalist and producer Todd Rundgren is one of rock's undersung geniuses. He has had a chequered love life, including a near romance with Linda Eastman, before she became the first Mrs. Paul McCartney."Linda was a photographer in New York and we spent a lot of time together taking photos," he says. "It didn't turn romantic, although it might have done because we spent so much time with each other. Then she got to go to England, met The Beatles and Paul, and the rest is history.
"Some years later - after a show in New York - I got to meet Linda with Paul for the first time. It was strange. For someone so happy-go-lucky onstage, Paul had no sense of humor or irony."
May 3, 2004 -- New University NewspaperMcCartney Honored for Humanitarian Work
On April 28, the UCI Center for Unconventional Security Affairs sponsored a Human Security Summit at the Beckman Center inviting Heather Mills McCartney, anti-landmine activist and wife of former Beatles legend Paul McCartney to speak.
The summit also served to formally commemorate the creation of the Heather Mills McCartney fellowship in Human Security. The fellowship was founded to reward dedicated graduate students of social ecology with financial recourses to promote high quality research and provide opportunities for students to participate in fieldwork.
Richard A. Matthew, associate professor of international and environmental politics at UCI and director for the Center for Unconventional Security Affairs opened the event by addressing an audience comprised of policymakers, activists and scholars about the social problems prevalent in the world today and how landmines continue to take a toll on civilians.
An assistant professor of political science at Southeast Missouri State University and co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize, Kenneth R. Rutherford, who had lost his limbs due to an accident during his humanitarian work in Somalia, introduced McCartney calling her his personal inspiration as well as a visionary for humanity.
Throughout her life, McCartney has had many experiences, from being on her own at age 13, working at a carnival, marrying Paul McCartney to becoming a model and losing her left leg in a motorcycle accident. McCartney recounted her life with such a humorous flavor that many of the audience members had difficulty suppressing their laughter. McCartney referred to her life experiences as the "University of Life" that taught her the ways of the world. She first became aware of the cruelty of war when she lived in Yugoslavia, and returned to the United Kingdom as an activist.
In the summer of 1993, a police motorcycle hit McCartney, tearing off her left leg, crushing her pelvic bone, puncturing her lung and cracking her skull. After miraculously surviving the accident, McCartney decided that she would become an advocate for the victims of landmine explosions. McCartney then began collecting prosthetic limbs that were recycled and given to those whose limbs were amputated because of landmines.
Over the course of 11 years McCartney built a foundation to rid countries of landmines and provide victims with prosthetic limbs.
After her speech, a video was shown that depicted the horrors of landmines and the enormous humanitarian work that anti-landmine organizations have accomplished in war-torn countries like Croatia, Cambodia and Afghanistan. Chilling statistics, such as that one out of 10 Cambodians suffers from an amputation and that landmines kill approximately 26,000 people per year, paint a grim reality of the consequences of war and weapons.
McCartney stressed that charity is not just providing for people but teaching them to be self-sufficient in order to truly help them. She emphasized that everybody can make a difference in the world, saying that even a "homeless one-legged blonde bimbo" like herself is able to make an impact.
After her presentation, the audience was allowed to participate in a Q-and-A session with McCartney. One audience member asked whether landmines were still used today in which McCartney responded "yes" since the United States has yet to sign the anti-landmine treaty.
Another audience member expressed concern for the welfare of the dogs that were used to sniff for plastic bombs. She answered that even though she was an animal-rights activist herself, after researching the matter she found out that landmines kill 47,000 animals, and that only four detection dogs have been killed in the process of sniffing out potential hazards. After weighing the numbers, she concluded that it was a necessary sacrifice in order to save the lives of many others.
Chancellor Cicerone and Matthew presented McCartney with a framed certificate establishing her Fellowship.
Cicerone found McCartney "amazing on several levels. That one person has been able to do so much," adding that any recipient of the fellowship would have to be "really motivated and really committed."
UCI students attended the event like first-year criminology graduate student Michelle Walter thought McCartney was both amazing and motivating. "I realized you can do a lot of things, if you really want to, try to," Walter said.
May 3, 2004
Chris Carter of KLSX - 97.1 FM "Breakfast with the Beatles " in Los Angeles said on his show Sunday that while shopping at a record store in Los Angeles a few days ago, two excited guys came into the shop saying they had just seen Paul McCartney shopping at the baby store across the street!
May 3, 2004 -- The Sunday Herald (Scotland)
His dad was vet to McCartneys' pets now he's swapped legal practice to jet off with Madge
The Scots lawyer who piped at Stella McCartney's wedding last year has been asked to accompany Madonna on her forthcoming Re-invention world tour.Lorne Cousin, a rural property lawyer at the Edinburgh-based legal firm Turcan Connell, flew to Los Angeles last week where the rest of the show's performers are preparing for the five-month tour.
The concerts, which kick off in LA on May 24, are scheduled for 48 venues across the US, Britain and France, with sell-out gigs at London's Earls Court and Wembley Arena, as well as Madison Square Gardens in New York.
Cousin, who specializes in the sale of estates and country houses, will be adding his bagpipes to the tour.
Cousin, from Campbeltown, is no stranger to glittering events. Last August he piped at Stella McCartney's wedding to Alasdhair Willis on the Isle of Bute. The star-studded nuptials were attended by celebrities such as Chrissie Hynde, Kate Moss and Madonna and film director husband Ritchie.
Cousin is an accomplished solo piper and has regularly competed in major piping gatherings across Scotland for many years, in 1988 winning the prestigious Burgh Cup at the Cowal Highland Gathering.
He also plays with the Kintyre Piping Society at their recitals. Although Cousin is too young to have played with the rest of the Kintyre Piping Society on Paul McCartney's 1977 hit "Mull of Kintyre," his family have had celebrity ties for many years.His father, Alastair Cousin, who is a well-respected vet in the Campbeltown area, treated Linda McCartney's pets when she and her family spent time there, and he became a good friend over the years.
Alastair Cousin is also the chairman of the Linda McCartney Kintyre Memorial Trust, which helped to erect a statue of her two years ago after she died of cancer in 1998.
The bronze statue was commissioned and donated by Paul McCartney, but it was the trust who helped to facilitate the project in the area and create the garden in which the sculpture now stands.
June 2004
June 30, 2004 -- Daily Mail
McCARTNEY'S WIFE REFUSES TO BE PHOTOGRAPHEDSir Paul McCartney's wife Heather Mills angered photographers during her husband's headline performance at Britain's Glastonbury Festival when she refused to let them take pictures of her.
The one-time model, 36, was cheering on the former Beatles star from the photographer's pit, and was accompanied by a burly bodyguard to prevent anyone taking snaps of her.
A source tells British newspaper the Daily Mail, "Heather watched Paul from the photographers' pit, accompanied by a burly minder who told the snappers in no uncertain terms not to take pictures of her.
June 29, 2004Security refuse Gallagher entry to speak to McCartney
Oasis wildman Liam gallagher was forced to plea with security guards at Britain's Glastonbury festival on Saturday - so he could chat backstage with Paul McCartney.
The singer's band had headlined the music event in south-west England the previous night and Beatles fanatic Gallagher was desperate to chat with his hero.
An onlooker says, "It was very funny, because he was surrounded by photographers, he couldn't make too much of a fuss. In the end the supervisor had to be called over to sort it out. Liam was not a happy bunny."
June 27, 2004 -- The Sun
You've got to hide your lav away -- C-loo-d up ... Sir Paul knew all about the Glastonbury bogs
It doesn't matter who is on the bill at Glastonbury, all we care about is the state of the lavvies.And this year's top toilet talking point came from Paul McCartney, who had his own five-star facilities brought in specially for the day.
Macca was adamant that only he and Heather should use the loo - so he had a compound built around it.
The toilet was part of Macca's own virtual village that he had erected away from the mud-soaked masses. As well as the private privy, the ex-Beatle had a banqueting tent, offices, dressing rooms and kitchens.
Guarding the camp were some serious heavies who wouldn't allow access to anyone but Sir Paul's intimate circle of around 20 staff.
That's hardly keeping it real, Macca, is it?
Various celebs wanted an audience but were rebuffed. Only a beered-up Liam Gallagher was given access to his idol.
An insider in the camp said, "It wasn't just a festival performance for Macca - it was the final gig of his European tour.
"He wanted to make sure everything was perfect for him and Heather and unaffected by the mud. His toilet was top-of-the range and kept spotless."
Elsewhere on the site, the lavs took their usual battering and some fussy fans were soon turning their noses up.
Macca headlined on Saturday night and went down a storm. He met with BBC bosses a week ago to ensure they filmed his set perfectly.
To celebrate after the show, he laid on a meat-free meal as a thank-you to all his staff.
But not everything went smoothly for the multi-millionaire. He had to be chauffeur-driven to the site from Bristol after fog grounded his chopper.
Macca Cacka Top Ten:
1 Luv Me Do
2 Stool On The Hill
3 Band On The Runs
4 From Me To Loo
5 Here Comes The Bum
6 Spend a Penny Lane
7 Let It Pee
8 Toilet Paper-back Writer
9 Sgt .Pepper's Lonely Farts Club Band
10 Spashback in The USSR
June 27, 2004 -- NME
Saturday Pyramid Stage Part 2 - NME's Tim Jonze feels the love at Macca's return to formSo, you think you know Paul McCartney right? The wrinkly, thumbs-aloft cheeseball who your tipsy uncle could out-cool? The Quorn-scoffing dufus who wrote "Mull Of Kintyre?" Well think again because tonight he shed his goofy reputation and became the hero of Glastonbury 2004.
Oh sure, there were still moments with an alarmingly high cheese-factor stuff like the fists in the air during opener "Jet" or the use of lines like "I'm feeling the atmospheeeere. I'm feeling the vibraaaatiooooons." But in a way it's the cheese that makes it so special. There's no one caring about whether it will be credible all we want to do is bellow "Get Back" until our lungs burst.
So we get treated to some of the best songs ever written in the history of planet earth - "Got To Get You Into My Life," "All My Loving," "Back In The USSR" a version of "Hey Jude" kitted out with a singalong that could have warring nations to give each other cuddles. Plus "Live And Let Die" with an overload of fireworks and balls of fire.
Then there's the encore: "Yesterday," "Helter Skelter," "Let It Be" and "I Saw Her Standing There" (we'll ignore the new song that's not really what tonight was about). Just to prove he's written nearly all of the best songs ever in the history of the universe he tops it all with a verse from "Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" which segues into "The End," mirroring The Beatles swansong from "Abbey Road."
Now we know it all seems a bit wrong for NME to be frothing at the mouth over a 62-year-old man bashing through 'the hits'. But truly, this is something that will go down in Glasto history and how Eavis tops it is anyone's guess. So yeah, until now liking Macca was only saved from being the most uncool thing on earth by the existence of Keane. After tonight, we'll remember him this way forever.
FULL REPORT ON GLASTONBURY
June 27, 2004 -- Scotsman
Festival Just Keeps Getting Better - EavisGlastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis today said that the world renowned music extravaganza "just keeps getting better."
On the last day of the three-day event, the smiling dairy farmer, who allows 150,000 music lovers on his land at Worthy Farm in Somerset each summer, said his highlight, so far, was Paul McCartney.
He summed up the festival saying, "It keeps getting better all the time ... I really enjoyed myself."
Sir Paul, who headlined on the main pyramid stage last night dazzled the crowd and Eavis said McCartney "won the day."
"He was so good and was so into it, "he said.
He said the former Beatle gave him a big hug and kissed him after the performance described by Eavis as "one of the best acts he'd ever seen."
Friday's main act, Oasis, however, did not live up to Eavis' expectations.
He said, "I'm an Oasis fan. I thought it was a good set but the two of them looked a bit grumpy and didn't talk to the audience at all. In that sense I was a bit disappointed."
June 27, 2004 -- BBC News OnlineSir Paul wins over happy campers
Sir Paul McCartney declared, "It's great to be here in Glastonbury finally," as he launched into his festival headline set on Saturday.The veteran star played an extensive two-and-a-half hour set of Beatles hits, solo songs and Wings tunes to a mixed crowd of muddy revellers.
His purple suit and red shirt were plain in comparison to the Spice Girls dress and furry tail worn earlier by Glastonbury performers PJ Harvey and Alison Goldfrapp respectively.
But Sir Paul has an unrivalled pop history to leaf through, and singalongs "Penny Lane," "Lady Madonna" and "Yellow Submarine" kept most of the rain at bay.
Younger festival goers showed a healthy disrespect for Sir Paul, in the same way that the Beatles once poked fun at authority.
Yet no amount of heckling could persuade him to perform "A Hard Day's Night" or "The Frog Chorus," and shouts of "boring" did nothing to silence Sir Paul's drawn-out Beatles anecdotes.
Whipping off his jacket, there was a touch of Tony Blair about his attempts to speak to the Glastonbury crowd in a language they would understand."Standing in the conference of ley lines we are buzzing," he said, prompting further sniggers by adopting rasta and Scouse accents, using the words "groovy" and "cool" and declaring, "We are digging it!"
The Glastonbury gig was the final date on Sir Paul's extensive world tour, and his performance was as smooth and well-rehearsed as his tribute to his late Beatles bandmates.
"Let's hear it for Johnny!" he shouted to huge cheers, then "let's hear it for Georgie!"
But before their wellies could stick in the mud of nostalgia, revellers were persuaded to dance to storming renditions of "All My Loving," "I Saw Her Standing There," "Live and Let Die" and "Get Back."One finale rolled into another, but a world-conquering "Hey Jude" inspired the greatest number of campsite sing-along.
As a man with a pretend pigeon on top of a stick led the crowd back to their tents, one beaming reveller said to her boyfriend, "What a Saturday night - a night with Paul."
June 27, 2004 -- PETAPETA is offering a Paul poster (18" x 24") circa 1990. For $6 they will mail you the poster or you can download it here for free.
June 26, 2004
Heather carried the Olympic torch through the streets of London today. She was one of several chosen to carry the torch.
June 25, 2004 -- The Guardian
Teenage Kicks
Do the heroes of '60s and '70s rock and pop have anything to offer the young? Or are they just surfing a wave of nostalgia? We sent Sam Wetherell, 17, along to their gigs to tell us (after we told him who Kraftwerk were and what Paul McCartney looks like)
Our taxi weaves its way though the Spanish town of Gijon, ferrying us to the opening night of Paul McCartney's 2004 European tour. Outside, the sky is grey and overcast, the weather humid. Inside the cab, however, a terrible frostiness has descended. It began when we passed an advert for tonight's show.
"So is that what Paul McCartney looks like, then?" I asked, pointing to the vast poster of a jowly middle-aged man brandishing a guitar. This perfectly innocent question did not receive the response I expected. My companion, Guardian rock critic Alexis Petridis, frowned, repeated it very slowly as if he thought I was joking, then nodded. Since then, Alexis's entire conversation has consisted of three words: "Jesus", "Christ" and "almighty". Even the taxi driver, who as far as I knew could not speak a word of English, seems to be scowling at me in his rear view mirror.It all seems a bit unfair: how am I supposed to know what Paul McCartney looks like? I'm 17 years old. The last time he had a top ten hit, in 1987, I was a little busy, being born. I have admired my dad's Led Zeppelin albums from a safe distance, and I once went through a phase of listening to his copy of the Clash's London Calling, but I have never really been a fan of "old" music. Instead, like thousands of other teenagers, I have been hungrily consuming Muse albums since the turn of the millennium, but I also listen to Faithless and Massive Attack, and break up the monotony of A-levels by visiting Milton Keynes' beer-soaked punk and ska clubs to see local bands. I had a brief nu-metal phase at 14, but now I hide my pile of dusty Slipknot CDs underneath a pile of GCSE textbooks in my cupboard: at my school at least, nu-metal is now a genre exclusively for the under-12s.
I think my music taste has always been eclectic, but, until three months ago, the closest I had ever come listening to a Beach Boys album was when I wrestled Pet Sounds from the arms of a tipsy middle-aged woman at a New Year's Eve party in 2001. I thought that Kraftwerk was a low budget German airline and that Abbey Road was John Leslie's ex-girlfriend.
This apparently makes me the ideal candidate for a socio-cultural experiment the Guardian are out to conduct. At the moment the heroes of classic 60s and 70s rock and pop music are all out on tour again: Brian Wilson, the Who, Paul McCartney. They are selling tickets by the caravan-load, but no one seems certain whether they have something genuine to offer musically, or are merely surfing a tidal wave of nostalgia and passionate, almost religious, hype. My role is to infiltrate their shows and judge them on music alone. I can't be nostalgic for something I've never experienced, and while I am vaguely aware of 60s music, I'm not informed enough to know the myths and legends that surround these artists.
"Oh yeah," I'd say to friends and teachers, "the Guardian is sending me off to Spain next week to see Paul McCartney." My friends would snort with laughter. "One man sitting on a stool playing an acoustic guitar for three hours!" they said. "Have fun with that."By the time we reached the football stadium Alexis's mood had recovered somewhat from the incident in the taxi, and I began to feel some of the infectious excitement sweeping the arena. While waiting for McCartney to come on, I learned the Spanish for "hot dog" (bocadillo) and noted that we were apparently the only people in the stadium who weren't eating sunflower seeds.
Sir Paul finally arrived on stage at the rebellious hour of 11. The first few Beatles songs he played reminded me of the problem I had with the Beatles stuff I'd already heard. They sound like a middle-of-the-road American/English rock band. As I seemed to be the only one that wasn't in floods of tears during "The Long and Winding Road," I couldn't help but think of all the people who would donate their kidney to be in my seat, and, not for the first time on this project, felt like a bit of waste of space. The feeling intensified when Paul dismissed his band and whipped out an acoustic guitar. One-man-and-his-acoustic-guitar music always sounds the same to me, whether it's played by Paul McCartney, or by a drunken uncle at three o'clock in the morning on New Year's Day. I went for a bocadillo.
But then things got much better. He launched into a string of amazing songs, beginning with "Back in the USSR," and ending with "Helter Skelter." He conducted mass sing-alongs to "Hey Jude" and "Yellow Submarine." It was 1:30 in the morning by the time "The End" drew to a close and Paul walked off, holding his acoustic guitar aloft in a gesture of defiance. I couldn't be entirely sure what he was being defiant about but I was feeling rather defiant myself.
I had learned many things on my Big Musical Adventure. Not only could I now pick out both Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney from a '60s music identity parade, but I also now "own" (and by that I mean illegally downloaded) a copy of both "Revolver" and "Abbey Road." I know that dance music was invented by men who look like German supermarket managers, and that, regardless of whether or not he is actually the Biggest Wanker in Rock Music, Mike Love should keep at least 100 miles away from Alexis Petridis at all times for his own personal safety.
June 25, 2004 -- Glastonbury Web Page
Imagine that...
Rumors are flying from the mill that geriatric rock thing Paul (Macca) McCartney has a sneaky little trick up his sleeve for for his Saturday night headline performance on The Pyramid Stage.It is alleged that the left-handed bassist and one time member of '60s 'supergroup' The Beatles plans to play an unplugged version of bandmate John Lennon's bling-bling hip-hop anthem "Imagine."
Reactions to this news ranged from an indifferent shrug to an angina attack during today's lunchtime poll conducted outside Lidl in Shepton Mallet, but the overall opinion was that it wasn't a very good idea. Andy Orletto from Yeovil, when asked for comment replied ,"I don't think it's a very good idea."
Additionally, in an unprecedented festival gesture we understand it has been requested that music cease on the other stages for the duration of this 'moment/episode/ordeal' (delete as applicable), so that everybody may ponder their own existence before hot-footing it over to the Dance Tent to catch what's left of Sister Sledge.
However, our personal opinion (for what it's worth) is that people are being a bit cruel because we love Paul McCartney and will be there to enjoy his performance in it's entirety.
Hope he plays the "Frog Song"....
June 25, 2004 -- Rock/Indie News-BBC
Matt Bellamy's outdone by dad
Muse are headlining the main stage on Sunday night at this year's Glastonbury, and lead singer Matt Bellamy is holding out for a chance meeting:"Hopefully bumping into Paul McCartney may be a bit of a thing. My dad met him once - apparently he once did a gig supporting Rolf Harris and The Beatles at Manchester Apollo years ago."
"There were so many crazy fans outside that they had to call police security and my dad's band ended up getting off with a whole load of female police officers - they were the good old days!!"
"Anyway, hopefully I'll bump into Paul McCartney - I'm not sure the same thing will happen, but I'm definitely hoping for the best!"
June 24, 2004 -- Getty Images
Paul greeted fans outside the Ritz Hotel in Paris today on his way out to his concert at Stade de France. PHOTOS
June 24, 2004 -- ExaminerMacca has a taste for Black Eyed Peas
Paul McCartney is such a huge fan of the Black Eyed Peas he demanded organizers of this weekend's Glastonbury Festival to ensure he performs immediately after the hip-hop group finish their set.
McCartney is Saturday's headline act at the British music event, and was delighted when he found out the US band were playing the same day as him.
And Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie is overjoyed McCartney is a fan, because Macca always been a hero of hers.
She says, "He wanted us to perform before him - he wanted us to be his warm- up act. It came as a massive shock when we found out."
June 24, 2004 -- Beatlefan
The Sankei Sports Paper in Japan reports that Paul McCartney will be coming to Japan in February 2005. No further details have been announced, but the paper expects Macca to do a total of five "Dome" shows in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo.
June 24, 2004 -- Western Morning NewsIS SIR PAUL IN THE RACE FOR HISTORIC TOR?
A Beatle legend is rumored to be among those interested in buying ancient Sheepstor and its bleak Dartmoor surroundings, Aislinn Simpson reports.One hundred thousand pounds could seem a little excessive for the ownership of a large rock, reportedly occupied by piskies, and 125 acres of desolate Dartmoor landscape.
But according to estate agents Symonds and Sampson, who are handling the sale of Sheepstor, near Tavistock, there has been a considerable amount of interest in acquiring this piece of moorland, which also boasts a prehistoric stone circle and previous owners who were related to Sir Francis Drake.
There are even suggestions that Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney, who already owns land on Exmoor, is toying with the idea of buying Sheepstor when it is auctioned in Somerset on July 2.
John White-Hamilton, of Symonds and Sampson, said the ancient tor - hugely popular with walkers, sightseers and rock climbers - would appeal to prospective buyers precisely because of its unusual qualities, while representing a sound investment. He said: "We have already had a certain amount of interest - this is an ideal opportunity for those wanting to own a little bit of England.
"Currently it produces just over four per cent return but if used for shoots, it could return up to seven per cent, which is better than a bank, and Dartmoor is a much nicer place to visit your money."
He said the current owner, Captain Maxwell Hislop, a distant relative of the Bayly family, who have owned the land since 1839, had decided to sell in view of his advancing years.
He added that as well as 125 acres of freehold moor, the buyer would bag 350 acres of shooting rights.
But the suggested use of the moorland, which offers open access to the public and has grazing rights for local sheep farmers, for shooting has concerned local groups. The chairman of Burrator Parish Council, Keith Scrivener, said exercising such rights would sit uncomfortably with its recreational use as a National Park.
"I can't quite envisage how parties of tweed-coated gunmen in deerstalkers could wander amid ramblers, rock climbers, and picnickers firing off their shotguns in all directions at low-flying grouse," he said. "For safety reasons, any new owner would have to close off this part of the moor if a shoot was to be organized and I can't believe denying access would go down well with the thousands of people from Plymouth and district who enjoy regular visits."
John Bainbridge, chairman of Dartmoor Preservation Society agreed shooting on the site would be inappropriate. He said: "It has shooting rights like every other piece of land but in practice such a use is not feasible."
He added that the preservation society itself was keen to invest in the tor, but the price was too high. Bainbridge said, "If we had the money we would buy it but there is not enough time to raise it."
Local historian Paul Rendell said he hoped whatever the outcome, the tor and surrounding land would go to a good home. He said, "It would be nice to see it go to a charity or local people who will respect it, but we will have to wait and see."
June 23, 2004 -- Bangles News
THEY USED TO GET MAD AT THEIR SCHOOL, THE TEACHERS WHO TAUGHT THEM WEREN'T COOL
BUT THINGS ARE DEFINITELY GETTING BETTER AS THE BANGLES RECEIVE AN HONORARY DEGREE FROM SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY AND LIPA!Formerly the site of the Liverpool Institute (where the young Paul McCartney and George Harrison attended grammar school together), LIPA - The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts - was opened in 1996 by patron Sir Paul McCartney and cofounder Mark Featherstone-Witty. Inspired by New York's School of the Performing Arts, LIPA is dedicated to people who want to enter - and survive - the tough world of arts and entertainment, whether as performers or those who make performance possible.
In March 2003, the Bangles took time out from their European tour to conduct a master class at LIPA - reportedly the highest attended and most popular session the school has ever held.
Each year at graduation, LIPA inducts "Companions," people who have not only achieved greatness within the performing arts, but who have also passed advice and help to LIPA's students. Companionship is the equivalent of an honorary degree from LIPA, and the current list of eleven honorees includes artists such as Joan Armatrading, Stephen Bayley, Barbara Dickson, Benny Gallagher, and Andy McCluskey.
Now, for the first time since its inception, LIPA is offering a Companionship to an entire band ~ the Bangles.
Sir Paul McCartney will be on hand to personally induct the band into LIPA's ranks on Graduation day, Friday July, 30th.
The Bangles are honored and grateful to accept Companionship from this historic institution, and as long time Beatles fans, are absolutely delighted at involvement of Sir Paul, and to recieve their rock and roll "diplomas" from the great man himself.
June 22, 2004 -- Yahoo News
McCartney concert prompts outburst from Russian cultural guruOne of Russia's top cultural gurus, Hermitage Museum director Mikhail Piotrovski, blasted as "totally unacceptable" staging events like ex-Beatle Paul McCartney's rock concert in Saint Petersburg or any of the country's historic centers.
"The concert by Paul McCartney is an example of what must never happen in any case," said Piotrovski in an opinion column in the daily Izvestia.
McCartney's sell-out, open-air show late Sunday drew 60,000 enthusiastic fans to hear the rock legend perform in the city's central square outside the Winter Palace, part of the famed Hermitage, a former home of the Russian tsars that houses a priceless collection of art and antiquities.
"We prepared for this concert like we would for a flood, all the museum's departments were put on alert," the director said, contending that just the noise level alone was "damaging" for some of the famous paintings in the Hermitage collection.
When Hermitage pieces travel for shows elsewhere, "we do not ship any of our paintings by airplane" to avoid potentially damaging vibrations, and the sound generated by the McCartney concert was "incomparably more powerful that than of any airplane," Piotrovski said.
"Something had to be done so there are no more of these types of shows," he said.
June 21, 2004 -- BBC
Sir Paul McCartney ensured good weather for his 3,000th gig by spraying dry ice on the clouds above the venue to ensure it didn't rain.It was pouring down so the show's organizers sent up three planes with freezing agents that froze the clouds - within minutes it was bright sunshine and the band had to put on sunglasses. (NOTE: It did continue to rain on and off during the show - clearing up towards the end of the concert - see tour news)
Sir Paul's spokesman says he is going to try and get hold of the recipe and bring it to Glastonbury as showers are forecast for Thursday and Friday.
June 21, 2004
The Liverpool Oratorio will be released on DVD sometime this year with bonus footage.
June 21, 2004 -- UnconfirmedReports are that the 2005 tour will start in February with Japan, Australia and New Zealand to follow, South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile) the US, Canada and Mexico will be during the months of March, April and May.
June 21, 2004 -- Gateway to Russia
Putin congratulates McCartney on birthday
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Paul McCartney on his birthday in their telephone conversation. He also congratulated Sir Paul McCartney on the success of his concert in St Petersburg on June 20, Rossiya television reported. About 60,000 viewers attended the unique performance in the Winter Palace Square.
June 20, 2004 -- AP
McCartney Plays for 50,000 in Russia
Paul McCartney kicked off his concert Sunday before an estimated crowd of 50,000 in St. Petersburg's Palace Square, making only his second appearance in Russia where fans once had to listen to the outlawed Beatles in secret.The concert got off to a late start, delayed almost an hour-and-a-half as fans waited in long lines to pass through metal detectors and super tight security cordons.
But the mood was upbeat and Beatlemania was in full swing in the square outside the Hermitage Museum. Lucky ticketholders waved Beatle memorabilia and proudly wore their Beatles' T-shirts. Russia's train system added extra train service to take fans from Moscow to St. Petersburg for the show.
"I grew up with this music,'' said Igor Malsky, a journalist who said he has been a Beatles fan for four decades. "When I first heard their music, I knew right away it was mine.''
The event, reportedly McCartney's 3,000th gig but his first ever in St. Petersburg, came on the peak of the northern city's famous White Nights, when the sun barely dips beyond the horizon before starting its upward climb again. But Sunday's weather was rainy and clouds hid the sun.
Tickets reportedly cost from about $20 to $1,720 for special VIP-seating, where President Vladimir Putin was expected to catch at least some of the show, according to Russia's Izvestia newspaper.
The Beatles were officially banned by Soviet authorities, who declared their music a corrupting influence of the West. Malsky recalled a school friend being punished for listening to the Beatles.
Young people had to listen surreptitiously to "Let It Be,'' "Yesterday,'' and "Imagine.'' Yet Beatlemania in the Soviet Union was as strong if not stronger than anywhere else in the world - perhaps because it was forbidden fruit.
Last year, McCartney fulfilled what he said was his longtime wish and performed in Moscow's Red Square before about 20,000 fans, including Putin. He delighted the crowd with a rousing rendition of "Back in the U.S.S.R.''
June 19, 2004 -- Interfax
2,500 cops to provide security at McCartney's St. Pete concert
As many as 2,500 policemen will provide security during Paul McCartney's outdoor concert in St. Petersburg on June 20, the regional police told Interfax.Palace Square, in the heart of the city, will be the venue for the performance. The square will be closed from 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, and ticket-holders will be admitted starting from 4:00 p.m.
About 70,000 people are expected to attend the concert, will last from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
June 19, 2004 -- Pravda
Paul McCartney to sing on St. Petersburg's Palace Square
Organizers of Paul McCartney's concert on St. Petersburg's Palace Square on June 20 at 6pm Moscow time guaranteed fine weather during the show, Alfa-bank's press service said."If rain is forecasted for Saturday organizers will take technical measures to improve weather conditions and disperse the clouds if necessary," the press service reported.
Spectators will be able to watch the show on four huge screens installed on Palace Square.
Paul McCartney will give a sole concert in St. Petersburg during his "04 Summer Tour" of Europe. The program includes The Beatles and Wings hits.
In May 2003 Paul MacCartney gave his first concert in Russia. It took place on Red Square, Moscow, and lasted for three hours. The star sang 36 hits, among them famous Beatles songs. About 20,000 tickets were sold. Those who failed to buy tickets saw the concert on big screens. All in all, 130,000 gathered to listen to the legendary ex-Beatle, including, Russian President Vladimir Putin.
June 19, 2004 -- Pravda
Extra trains to carry McCartney's fans from Moscow to St. Petersburg
Extra trains will be running from Moscow to St. Petersburg on Saturday and Sunday, the Russian Railways press service reported."Thus, everyone will be able to visit the concert of legendary Paul McCartney on Palace Square and see white nights in St. Petersburg," the press service said.
The first extra train left Moscow this morning. It arrived at St. Petersburg's Moscow railway station at 5.00pm.
Three extra trains will run from Moscow to St. Petersburg tonight: train No. 110 (departure from the Leningrad station at 02.02, arrival at 11.36), train No. 54 (departure from the Leningrad station at 23.27, arrival at 8.30) and train No. 116 (departure from the Kursk station at 00.28, arrival at 10.13).
Moreover, 13 main trains will go from Moscow to St. Petersburg according to the schedule, the press service added.
June 19, 2004 -- PETA
Thanks to his daughter Emily's winning entry in PETA's second annual online "World's Kindest Dad" essay contest, Bobby Purdom will receive a pair of stylish vegan shoes from Moo Shoes, a tie and nonleather belt from Pangea, and an animal-friendly wallet from PETA. Emily's heartfelt essay was selected from among hundreds of entries and will be featured on PETA's Web site PETA.org.
The contest was inspired by the words of another kind dad, PETA supporter Sir Paul McCartney. In a magazine interview, McCartney, a vegetarian who raised all his children as vegetarians, talked about something that his daughter Stella--now a top fashion designer and outspoken animal defender--said as a child: "Once, Stella came home and said, 'They had a discussion in school today about factory farming. I really had a clear conscience!' Linda and I looked at each other and said, 'What a beautiful thing to give your kid-a clear conscience!'"
PETA hopes that the contest will inspire dads everywhere to be models of compassion to their children. Teaching children empathy for animals is an important part of combating school violence and molding kids into caring adults.
June 18, 2004 -- MACCA REPORT EXCLUSIVE!!!What the band bought Paul for a birthday present!
The owner of R & R Enterprises Autograph Auctions, got a telephone call from Rusty Anderson (in Finland) on June 15th. Rusty told him he was a member of Paul McCartney's band and that the band wanted to buy Paul a special birthday gift from the current R & R Online Autograph Auction that ends on June 23rd.
The item is Lot # 817, an unsigned 1954 year book (The Westerner) from Lubbock High School in Texas. Buddy Holly was a junior there that year and is pictured in the yearbook - it is unsigned.
Rusty was told that he would have to bid on it (opening bid of $400 - no bids yet) and wait until the 23rd when the auction ends. Rusty was adamant about buying it right away saying they must have it for Paul's birthday. The auction house agreed to withdraw the item from the auction for a price of $800 plus buyers premium - total of $1,006.00!!!
R & R Auctions rushed the book via Federal Express to the band at the Baltic Star Hotel in St. Petersburg, Russia.
June 18, 2004 -- 2005 Tour Rumors
Unconfirm reports from Japan say that Paul will tour there in February. March/April rumors are circulating in Australia and in the US, rumors place his tour around April/May.
June 18, 2004 -- AFP
McCartney arrives in Saint Petersburg for birthday, concertPaul McCartney arrived in Russia's second largest city of Saint Petersburg, on his 62nd birthday, where he is due to give a weekend concert as part of his summer tour, local administration officials said.
McCartney was expected to appear in an open-air show before a 60,000-strong audience on the city's central square before the opulent Winter Palace, with tickets costing up to 500 dollars.
The organizers declined to specify how the former Beatles member will spend his birthday, which falls on June 18. Paul joked in a TV interview about his how he will spend his birthday, "Drinking much vodka. Don't know, really. My wife has prepared me a surprise."
McCartney had already visited Saint Petersburg last year, before giving a concert in Moscow's Red Square where he was cheered by President Vladimir Putin (news - web sites) among an estimated 20,000 fans.
While in Saint Petersburg, the singer will lodge in an outbuilding of the presidential residence of the Konstantin Palace.
June 18, 2004 -- Moscow News
Paul McCartney Arrives in St. Petersburg
Sir Paul McCartney came to St. Petersburg on Friday. He will perform in the city on Sunday, June 20. McCartney's arrival coincided with his 62nd birthday.
Hundreds of fans and journalists waited for hours at the airport near St. Petersburg, Russia for Paul's arrival. McCartney accompanied by heavy security, gave the thumbs up to the fans and said, "Privet, rebiata!' (Hi, guys!) "I've returned to Russia!"His concert will take place on Dvortsovaya Square, in the center of the city. According to various sources, from 80,000 to 100,000 people will visit the show. This will be McCartney's 3,000th concert, the official website of the show, www.mccartney.ru reported.
The famous ex-Beatle comes to Russia for the second time. His first concert in the country took place in Moscow on May 24, 2003.
More than 6,000 officials of law enforcement agencies and guard enterprises will provide security during the show, the website reported. These security measures are higher than during St. Petersburg's 300th anniversary, in June 2003.
June 18, 2004 -- St. Petersburg Times
Ex-Beatle Still Needed When He's 62
About 50,000 people are expected to attend ex-Beatle Paul McCartney's concert at St. Petersburg's Palace Square on Sunday.
The concert was almost sold out on Thursday, the impressive stage was under construction, and tens of thousands of Beatles fans were getting ready to experience their idol playing live.
McCartney was to arrive with his wife, Heather, in St. Petersburg on Friday as a part of his tour through Europe, and after his concert in Helsinki. Sir Paul will celebrate his 62nd birthday on Friday in the city.
Organizers say McCartney initiated the idea of playing in St. Petersburg, which impressed him when he visited it last year. However, in 2003 his only Russian concert was in Moscow's Red Square.
McCartney's concert will start at 6 p.m. and last 2 1/2 hours. Concert-goers will be admitted to the square from 4 p.m. Dvortsovy Proyezd will close to traffic at noon.
Those, who have tickets to the area with seats will enter the square through the arch of the General Staff Building. Others will be entering it from the direction of Nevsky Prospekt, Admiralteisky Prospekt, Admiralteisky Garden, and Dvortsovy Bridge.
To allow the audience to get a good view and hear him well, Sir Paul has brought a special stage from Los Angeles that is 18 meters high and 68 meters long, making it 50 percent larger than the one on which he performed on in Red Square last year.
Security will be at the highest level. More than 2,000 police and private security officers will provide safety in the area.
McCartney is to stay in one of the luxurious cottages of Konstantine Palace complex, restored last year in the St. Petersburg suburb of Strelna, and where a Russia-EU summit was held. The two-story cottage is named after a Southern Russian city - Astrakhan.
According to organizers, McCartney's fans plan to set up a tent camp near the cottage to be near their idol. However, employees of the palace are sure that nobody can get into the palace grounds.
Meanwhile, organizers of the show warn that any private photo or video equipment is prohibited at the concert.
The organization of the concert will cost about $2.8 million. The general sponsor of the event are TNK-BP company, which also sponsored McCartney's concert in Moscow last year.
McCartney's program in St. Petersburg has not been announced. Some sources say he may visit the suburb of Peterhof, famed for its fountain complex, and the State Russian Museum.
However, St. Petersburg fans of McCartney, already invited him to celebrate his birthday on Friday with them at the Gulf of Finland.
Sergei Parnas, one of St. Petersburg's Beatles fans, said local fans have for decades been organizing birthday parties for McCartney at the village of Tarkhovka.
"This time we wanted to have Sir Paul join us there," he said, adding that they yet don't know if McCartney will join them.
Parnas said that usually Beatles fans equipped with guitars, posters and tapes of The Beatles, and food for the picnic, gather on June 18 at Finlandsky railway station at 9 a.m. to leave for Tarkhovka.
"There we sing The Beatles' and McCartney's songs, and toast his birthday," he said.
Parnas said the most devoted Beatles fans, led by St. Petersburg's best-known fan Kolya Vasin, celebrate the birthdays of the other Beatles as well.
June 18, 2004 -- St. Petersburg Times
The central event of the weekend is no doubt an open-air concert by Paul McCartney on Palace Square. However, the much anticipated and talked about gig brings some sadness, as it probably means saying farewell to an illusion that helped many to go through the communist era.That illusion was called The Beatles, whose songs seemed to speak about love, freedom and, dare we say it, a certain irreverence toward authority. It all changed during McCartney's visit to Russia last year, which saw the former Beatle gleefully chatting with President Vladimir Putin, a former KGB officer and one of the world's worst enemies of the press, according to the journalists' advocacy group Reporters Without Borders. He also serenaded Putin with "Let It Be" and took a tour of the Kremlin under the Russian president's personal guidance. The situation was partly saved by McCartney's wife, Heather Mills, an anti-landmine activist, who daringly touched on the subject in conversation with Putin.
In St. Petersburg, McCartney was seen exchanging compliments with Valentina Matviyenko, the then-Kremlin-backed candidate for the city governor but also a party official responsible for culture who was known as a suppressor of rock music in the Soviet era.
Seeing a person of such stature as McCartney flirting with people from the KGB and ex-Communist party hacks has had its effect on the moral state of Russia's rock performers, clearly demonstrated in at least one case so far. Boris Grebenshchikov, the founder of Russia's seminal rock band Akvarium and an ardent Beatles fan, would probably not have made a television appearance with Boris Gryzlov, the then interior minister and leader of the pro-President Putin party United Russia during last year's election campaign to the Duma, or accepted a state decoration from the hands of Matviyenko, if McCartney had not set an example.
McCartney will perform on Palace Square at 6 p.m. on Sunday, but the public will be let into the site starting from 4 p.m.
Other Beatle-related events this week include a concert by Tony Sheridan, the now Hamburg-based singer and guitarist who played his part in The Beatles' early career by asking Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Pete Best to be his backing band, The Beat Brothers, in 1960. The record that they recorded, "My Bonnie," caught the attention of Brian Epstein, then a record shop manager. The rest is history.
Sheridan, alongside three Russian Beatle tribute bands, will take part in the so-called First Russian Beatles Festival at PORT at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
The second night of the festival will start at 10 p.m. on Sunday and is intended to provide people with somewhere to drink after McCartney's concert, according to an insider.
June 17, 2004 -- Gateway2Russia
McCartney to notch 3,000th live show in Russia
Notching a key milestone in the long and winding road of his career, former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney is expected to play his 3,000th live show when he performs later this month back in the former USSR. The upcoming June 20 concert before some 100,000 fans in the Palace Square of St. Petersburg, McCartney's first ever in that city, comes in the midst of his summer tour through Europe, organizers said in a statement on Wednesday.The exact number of live shows McCartney played in the early years of the Beatles and their precursor band the Quarry Men, was not perfectly kept, but a new tally by his management indicates he is now in the vicinity of 3,000 performances. The Beatles gigs alone ranging from Shea Stadium and live radio and TV performances to the multiple sets the Fab Four played nightly in Hamburg, Germany, during the early 1960s numbers approximately 2,523, his management said.
With the addition of 140 live appearances with Wings, plus 325 other post-Beatles gigs as either a solo artist or at such events as Live Aid or the Super Bowl, his official count prior to the start of his "Live Experience" tour in Europe on May 25 stood at about 2,988. As closely as can be ascertained, his 3,000th show will fall on the night of his St. Petersburg performance.
"I never keep count on the statistics, so I was amazed when people told me I'll do my 3,000th gig on this tour," McCartney said in a statement. "That's an awful lot of late nights." The current European tour will also take McCartney, who has played in 25 countries around the world, to Lisbon for his first concert ever in Portugal, he said.
Another new venue for McCartney will be Britain's outdoor Glastonbury Festival, a three-day extravaganza that begins June 25 and is billed as one of the largest outdoor music festivals in the world.June 15, 2004 -- Aftenposten
Paul McCartney was open, friendly and relaxed during the exclusive interview with Aftenposten in Horsens, Denmark.We meet McCartney in Horsens in Denmark, just before he went on stage to do his second show in the small Danish town. We obtained an audience in an uttermost holy place--his private lounge backstage. The room is decorated with black cloth, here and there the walls are draped with colorful pieces of cloth and carpets. A couple of plants are also there.
"Almost like home?" we ask when McCartney enters the room.
"No," he says. "My home is not like this. Home is a place to retire, a place that makes you feel comfortable."
McCartney, who will be 62 next week, looks good and he is very easy to like, pleasant and cosy to be around. He keeps looking at his wristwatch, but seems calm and content. He has just returned from the soundcheck with the band on the big stage. "It went well," he says.
But why rehearse between two concerts on the same stage?
"We didn't have to. But we like it. And it makes sense as well. If something is wrong with a guitar for example, it's nice to have checked it out. We only did a short soundcheck today. We practiced a couple of songs a bit that we might play during this tour."
You seem very pleased when you play?
"We have a good time, yes. Why not? Some bands are dead serious. Not us. We have fun. My band members play very well. They take care of themselves. We make a good noise together. And then the other band members like to play these songs."
How will it be to do concert number 3,000?"I love it. It's almost beyond comprehension. But I'm not counting these numbers. These things are not that important to me. It just like anniversaries. 'Now you turn 62,' people tell me. That is OK. But alright, concert number 3,000 is fantastic! It'll be a fun evening. But I haven't planned on doing a million concerts though!"
What keeps you going?
"Passion. I really enjoy what I'm doing, it gives me great pleasure. I feel very lucky by being able to do it having gotten the musical talent as a gift and having been able to do it for so long, that I feel very comfortable doing it. And also to have good energy, committment and enthusiasm. I also still have this touch of wonder 'WOW, I am really very lucky!' I have never been tired by it all. I still have this childish joy thinking about going to Prague, St. Petersburg, Oslo. All these places. It's really quite exciting. People usually go to these places on vacation. I do it on my job. Most people would probably think it would be fun to do the same, I believe. Get to go to new places, get up on that big stage, have a catalog of good songs and feel good about what you're doing. Not be nervous, but feel that you're doing this thing really well. That is a great feeling.
The marriage with Heather Mills and the baby Beatrice Milly, has that influenced you in anyway as an artist?
"I think so. It has made me even more enthusiastic. I think Heather and the baby do me good. They give me energy. Not to speak of the fact that personal happiness is something great. That helps you in your job."
In the show there are 34 songs. Most of them are old, but judging from the audience response, it is clear that they still have great great significance and strength. Why?"I don't know actually. But it has something to do with The Beatles. The band was a phenomenon - it spread an enormous amount of pleasure around. It was a special period. A good period. A great time. I think we absorbed the feeling of how it was back then. And people have taken it in for the rest of life. It makes people happy."
The songs will live forever?
"When I was a young boy, it was standard songs with Sinatra and others that dominated the radio. I loved them. My older cousin said, 'These songs will live forever. Your's won't!' I guess he was wrong.
You pay tribute to both John and George in the concerts. do you miss them a lot?
"Yeah," says McCartney. After a small pause, he adds, "It's difficult to talk about. I look at a picture of The Beatles and each time I think, 'I'll never be together with them again.' If we don't meet in heaven, that is."
How does it feel to be a legend?
"It feels nice, because I look at myself as your everyday guy. But when you ask it that way, I know what you're thinking, 'He was in The Beatles.' But I don't think about that part very much."
Monday (June 14) he gives a concert in Oslo for the first time in 11 years. He is looking forward to it.
"Norwegian Wood, and all that, you know," he says with a smile.
But have you actually ever been to wood in Norway?
"No, but perhaps it's about time...."
June 15, 2004 -- Oslo News
Paul Gives Away a Lexus to "8th Millionth Fan" in Oslo, Norway
The 28-year-old district manager with the Mail Service in Oslo could hardly believe her own eyes when, together with her husband Geir, was stopped at the entrance to Valle Hovin yesterday evening (June 14) in Oslo, Norway at Paul McCartney's concert. Here she was told that she was the 8th millionth fan since Paul McCartney ended Wings in 1980.
"We were taken behind the stage and sat there waiting for quite a while. All the time I was thinking that I was going to meet Paul McCartney. And when he came he brought with him the keys to a car. It is completely unbelievable!" said Siri Sørflaten.
The meeting with Sir Paul was very warm. Apart from the keys to the Lexus, she was kissed and hugged by McCartney. She was also granted access to the VIP section where she got all the services and attentions she could hope for.
"I saw his concert from the USA on TV. That was the first time I ever watched a concert 'till it ended and the day after I bought the DVD. It was incredibly good. And what he 'served us' here tonight was just as good," said Sørflaten. She already has one costly car, a BMW X5. That one is going to be sold now that she has the car from Sir Paul.For almost 2-1/2 hours Paul McCartney was in excellent spirits, even though he arrived in Oslo later than planned.
"It feels great to know that I have been seen by 8 million people. That is why it is that more fun to be able to give away a car," he said.
For all the other people that night was just as memorable, even though they didn't win a car. Though the arena was only half full, those who had paid 550 kroners for a ticket, were in good "concertmood". One memorable hit followed the other like pearls on a string with great satisfaction among the audience. However, it didn't really hit the crowd until ,"Hey Jude" and "Yesterday" flowed from the loudspeakers.
"This was really fantastic. Just think about 'Yesterday'-- I have heard it since I was almost 10 years of age. And then I find myself standing here, with this man on the stage right in front of me and listening to one hit after another. This is BIG!" said an emotional Knut Anders Sørum, the representative from Norway in this year's European Song Contest. He came to the concert with another big McCartney fan - his dad.
June 15, 2004 -- St. Petersburg Times
Fan's Life Devoted to BeatlemaniaThe most precious thing that Russia's "No. 1 Beatle fan" Kolya Vasin has in his life is a record and an autograph he received from John Lennon in 1970.
"This is the first thing I want to have with me when I die," Vasin said, kissing the record. "The Beatles are my life."
These days Vasin is in especially high spirits, just like thousands of other Russian Beatles fans, who are anxiously awaiting former Beatle Paul McCartney's first concert in St. Petersburg on Sunday (June 20). Up to 50,000 people are expected to attend the concert in the city's central Palace Square in front of the State Hermitage Museum during St. Petersburg's famous White Nights. McCartney will celebrate his 62nd birthday in the city on Friday.
For Vasin, who has dedicated his life to the Beatles, it's a dream come true.
Vasin, 59, has been a fan of The Beatles ever since he first heard them in 1964. His friend secretly passed him a record and their freshness and freedom of their sound blew his mind.
"It's magical. It's like talking to a God," he said. "The words have something for everybody, but the music is even more important."
He found it hard to live in the regimented lifestyle of Soviet Russia and The Beatles let him escape its confines. His love of the Fab Four is so great that it has substituted for almost everything in his life, including family, work and even money.
"I have almost never had long-term jobs and I never married because all my time and soul were dedicated to The Beatles," Vasin said, sitting in his richly decorated office at 10 Pushkinskaya Ulitsa in the center of St. Petersburg. The office, which is also Vasin's apartment, is located in a decaying two-story old building. He calls it the office of John Lennon's Temple, which is what Vasin dreams of turning the building into one day.
The walls and ceilings of the tiny room are covered with posters and pictures of the four mop tops both in The Beatles era and afterward. The shelves sag under the numerous records, tapes, books, and there are full-size cardboard figures of the boys from Liverpool standing on the floor.
Several models of Lennon's temple-to-be, a Lennon T-shirt, handmade ceramic mugs with Beatle symbols, and self-made fan albums filled with newspaper clippings, pictures, comments and lyrics add to the decor.
"Lennon's fan album is the biggest. It weighs 13 kilograms," Vasin says proudly as the sound of The Beatles hit "All My Loving" fills the air.
Vasin says discovering The Beatles was "a revelation."
"I'm sure it was God who sent them to us. They brought His message to the world - the message of peace, love and freedom," he said. "That message was aimed to unite all people on this planet."
In early 1970s, when the Beatlemania was at its peak, Vasin was a legend in Leningrad, as St. Petersburg was then known, because he had every record the Beatles had made. In those days young people behind the Iron Curtain had to listen to The Beatles secretly.
"Let It Be," "Yesterday," and "Imagine" were branded the demoralizing music of the West, and people listened to them hiding in stranger's apartments and passing records to each other because they couldn't buy them anywhere.
However, in the U.S.S.R., Beatlemania was as strong as anywhere in the world, if not even stronger for being a forbidden fruit.
In 1966, Vasin was one of the first to open his informal The Beatles Club in a communal apartment where he lived with his parents. People came to see the club and him from throughout the Soviet Union.
"I was surprised and happy to have all that unexpected glory," he said.
Vasin said The Beatles changed his character.
"Like many of my compatriots, who lived in the oppressive Soviet atmosphere, I was kind of a scared person with many complexes," he said. "I never had friends. "The Beatles knocked all that out of me. Their music taught me to enjoy life. And they brought many friends into my life."
Vasin said the happiest moment of his life was when he met and hugged his idol Paul McCartney, when the star visited St. Petersburg briefly last year.
"I remember every moment and every word of that meeting, though I couldn't even see him well at that moment. I was so nervous. His hug was like the touch of a god." Vasin said every year he and his friends, who are also devoted Beatles fans, celebrate the birthdays of all four Beatles.
"Oct. 9, which is Lennon's birthday, is a holy day for me," he said.
Lennon is his favorite Beatle.
"He is the smartest. He is the most magical one."
And Vasin does not believe that Lennon was assassinated in 1980. "He lives in the north of Italy in a monastery," he says. Tears fill his eyes and he refuses to say more.
Vasin, who is a trained architect, said he has almost never worked at a steady job, but has had a series of casual jobs.
"My main occupation was collecting Beatles records and listening to their music."
When there was nothing to eat he went to the fields of state farms and harvested cabbages, or friends helped him out financially, he said.
He never gets tired of listening to The Beatles, and today his passion for them is as strong as it was 40 years ago. Vasin has about 800 songs recorded by The Beatles and the members of the group after it split up. He also has about 100 books on The Beatles.
Once he was about to bury his precious Lennon record in a forest for safekeeping. It was in Soviet times after the police arrested a friend in the band he played in for giving illegal concerts for money.
"I was afraid they'd get me, too, and wanted to hide the record that way. But then I worried it would get spoiled and hid it at a friend's apartment," he said.
In 1991 when hundreds lobbied for Leningrad's name to revert to St. Petersburg, Vasin put on his only suit and went to the city's toponymic commission and asked for a city street to be named after Lennon. But the authorities refused.
Nowadays Vasin's main purpose is to construct a temple named after Lennon and dedicated to all The Beatles. The temple, which is to honor The Beatles and serve as a stage for other concerts, is to hold up to 3,000 people. Vasin wants it will be made of stone and have two big balls on the roof, which say "Love" and "Peace".
Former St. Petersburg governor Vladimir Yakovlev gave permission for the construction of such a temple in Yuzhno-Primorsky Park, but Vasin does not have money for the construction.
Vasin said he is not the only big-time fan of The Beatles in the world.
"There are also people who write books about The Beatles all the time," he said.
On the eve McCartney's concert in St. Petersburg, Vasin is preparing to receive his idol as a guest, because according to his sources there is a good chance that Sir Paul will visit him.
"I already know what I will wear when he comes to visit me - it will be a T-shirt that says: 'Paul, Welcome Home!' And I already see the picture of how I will turn on a Beatles song and go to open the door of my temple to my dear guest," Vasin said with pride.
June 14, 2004 -- Contact Music
McCARTNEY ATTACKS FASHION FAILURE RUMORSCelebrated fashion designer Stella McCartney has slammed reports her business has lost more than $12.6 million (£7 million) in the past two years.
The daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney is furious that the media deliberately ignored her international sales figures and instead focused on her British trading in order to undermine her success.
Stella explains, "Our results were completely misinterpreted. The papers just focused on our UK figures before my London shop was even open, rather than the worldwide ones, which showed that we were doing really well.
"It's a much better story to say I'm a loser because my dad is Paul McCartney."
June 14, 2004 -- MSNBC
Paul McCartney is keeping the set of his concert meat-free.Paul McCartney is performing without Wings. Or thighs or drumsticks.
Crew members on the set of the singer's concert are up in arms because the staunch vegetarian has banned the eating of meat by anyone working on the tour.
"It's completely crazy," one worker in Oslo, Norway, where the former Beatle is performing tonight, told the paper Aftenposten, according to our translator. "We're supposed to work from eight till eight each day, and aren't served anything but salad and vegetarian food. I can't live without meat doing this kind of work, and will defy the ban and bring my own lunch packet with meat." According to another local report, the crew is also forbidden from wearing leather belts or shoes.
"We can't control what they do in their spare time," a spokesman for the concert organizers told Aftenposten. "But as long as they're inside the stadium area, it's correct that they are banned from eating meat."
June 12, 2004 -- Itar-Tass
McCartney to be given St Pete Conservatoire doctor mantle
Sir Paul McCartney will be awarded the mantle of the St. Petersburg Conservatoire's honorary doctor.
Conservatoire head Sergei Roldugin told Itar-Tass that the ceremony would not take place during his upcoming visit to the city in June but would be a separate event. "This event traditionally takes place at the Conservatoire on each anniversary of its foundation September 20. After preliminary negotiations, Sir Paul McCartney has received an invitation to this event," Roldugin told Itar-Tass on Saturday.
In May of last year, he awarded McCartney the title of honorary doctor. It was agreed then that the date of the ceremony would be determined separately. In accepting the title certificate, McCartney said it was a big honour for him to be a guest of the Conservatoire where Peter Tchaikovsky had studied. McCartney will arrive in St. Petersburg on June 18. He will sing in Palace Square on June 20.
June 12, 2004 -- Gothenburg News
Now Paul McCartney has landed.
The building of the stage is close to finished. Ullevi is almost ready. Meanwhile his closest assistants and bandmembers walk around. According to our sources, Paul McCartney doesn't arrive in Gothenburg until today. His band has already checked into Radission SAS hotel downtown. It is a secret where Paul McCartney himself is going to be staying. Many members of his staff have already been here for 2-3 days.
There are 160 persons on his tour staff that travel with him and works on every show. "It just like moving around a small town. Each and everyone has his job to do and know exactly what he has to do," says publicist Paul Freundlich.
Backstage they are busy to making his lounge (inner sanctum) look as close as possible to his home. "Very Casbah" according to Freundlich.For some odd reason many of the workers are named Paul. There are a few mixups and misunderstandings.
Most of the show is different from the last time he toured Europe. This time 75 percent of the material is Beatles songs.
Five to six cameras will be following McCartney around onstage. Three large ramps, with a total of 17 video screens, will show close-up collages of him on stage and old Beatles footage. At times, 8 different sources are shown at the same time.
The reason why the videoscreens are so large, is that Paul wants everyone, including those at the far back, to get the feeling of being close to the stage during the show.
During the tour, only vegetarian food is served to everyone on the staff. The animal activist McCartney, prohibits meat, fish and fat. Everyday they use 45 kilos of potatos, 180 kilos of mixed vegetables, large amounts of bottled water and 450 kilos of ice.But the staff is a bit frustrated and upset about the no meat policy. According to one staff member who want to remain anonymous, "The band and staff closest to McCartney went to one of the better meat restaurants in Gothenburg on Thursday evening and ordered plenty of steak. But it's kept a secret otherwise we'll be fired."
June 11, 2004 -- Ekstrabladet
Paul, Heather, Bea and her nanny stayed at the five star, Hotel Kongebrogården in Horsens, Denmark where Macca spent 275,000 kroners ($44,458) a night on hotel, food and drink for himself and the crew. His double suite, The Queen Suite, cost $2,000 a night, occupied the top floor, and interconnected to other suites with a view of the water. The room had been custom furnished for the McCartneys. Add to that free food and drink service for every one on the McCartney team. The free service also applied to his crew who stayed at Bygholm Hotel in Horsens.
One security guy said "McCartney is not a cheapskate. I have seen some of the bills from the rooms. They are rather heavy."
There were four Danish security guys who together with the four bodyguards he brought from England took care of his safety. They were friendly but determined and serious, giving the impression that they would do whatever it takes to protect their boss.
"McCartney sees these hours as private and if you disturb him, he would expect me to stop you," said security boss Mark Hamilton as McCartney was getting ready for a boat ride in the Lillebælt Sound. His voice was gentle and everything uttered with a smile but with his ranger looks and bodybuilder muscles, left no doubt that he was serious.
At the hotel, Paul signed a few autographs inside the hotel but didn't have time to sign for the group of waiting fans outside. Paul said on his way out for the soundcheck, "Sorry, I can't give everyone my autograph. There is not enough time for that."
June 11, 2004 -- St. Petersburg Times
TV to Film McCartneyThe management of former Beatle Paul McCartney have agreed to allow his concert on June 20 in Palace Square to be filmed for television, Interfax reported Wednesday.
"Discussions have taken place between the musician's agent Barry Marshall, who represented the organizers of Paul McCartney's concert in Russia and representatives of Channel One," an unnamed representative of the organizers was quoted as saying. "As a result, an agreement has been reached for the concert to be filmed."
June 11, 2004 -- NY Post
Stella sighting in New York
Stella McCartney was spotted with Liv Tyler at Da Silvano's restaurant in Greenwich Village, sitting near the table of Billy Joel and daughter Alexa Joel.
June 11, 2004 -- The Guardian UnlimitedI'm Still Standing
Prague's T-Mobile Park is a pretty grim place: a scrappy rectangle of land some 20 minutes' drive from the city centre, surrounded by the rusting remains of communist-era industry. Today, it is also spread with a layer of sticky mud, and rendered yet more unpleasant by the imminent prospect of rain.
Some people, however, have managed to erect their own small bit of sunshine. Pressed up against a security barrier is a fantastically excited middle-aged Russian man, dressed in the international uniform of those who have been hopelessly afflicted by rock music (black drainpipe jeans, Converse trainers, threadbare tour T-shirt), and accompanied by the obligatory embarrassed female partner. Watched anxiously by a gaggle of Czech security staff, he simply spends an hour shouting. "Paul! You are de best!" he yelps. "You still are de best! From Russia with love! You are de greatest!"
Up on the stage, Paul McCartney is leading his band through a soundcheck that takes in an apparently random array of music. To start with, he plays "Coming Up," a 1980 solo single released some six months before John Lennon's death, and rather grudgingly described by McCartney's one-time songwriting partner as "a good piece of work". He goes on to "Honey Don't" and "Matchbox," 1950s rockabilly covers perfected during the Beatles' brain-pounding trips to Hamburg, whose recorded versions were sung by Ringo Starr. And he ends with a song from "Abbey Road," the album knowingly created as the group's last word to their public.
Written as the Beatles' internal bond was ripped apart by the entry into their lives of the notoriously shady impresario Allen Klein, it still sounds wonderfully crestfallen. "You never give me your money," he sings. "You only give me your funny paper/ And in the middle of negotiations/ You break down." It's a compelling sound: proof that a great song is something you can momentarily live in, a place populated by all kinds of ghosts.
The show that follows five hours later only proves the point. When McCartney sings "She's a Woman" and "I Saw Her Standing There," the vast screens on either side of the stage are filled with the image of the moptop-era Beatles, sprinting from yet another fan ambush, or obediently mugging for the camera. A rendition of "Band on the Run" is accompanied by film of Wings, the post-Beatles enterprise that briefly gripped the 1970s mainstream just before the arrival of punk.
At the show's end, by contrast, McCartney stands at the lip of the stage alone. This is a relatively new thing for him: the Beatles took their famously low bows as an unbreakable quartet; with Wings and beyond, he was always accompanied by his first wife, Linda. It also represents a final reminder of the contrasting fates of McCartney and his two most celebrated colleagues - for while John Lennon and George Harrison have been divested of any imperfections and installed in that part of the hereafter reserved for musicians who somehow come close to being saints, Paul McCartney must still go about his labours in the Real World.
This, of course, brings forth all kinds of malign consequences. For every virtue posthumously attached to Lennon, McCartney's detractors can come up with a corresponding vice. John luxuriated in his genius; Paul is hideously unsure of himself. John sailed out to avant-garde extremes; Paul is a sugary balladeer. John was always dismissive of Beatles nostalgia; Paul clings to it like a security blanket.
Precious little of this stuff adds up, of course: listen to a Lennon song as saccharine as "Woman," or as paranoid as his anti-Paul tirade "How Do You Sleep?", and you soon understand that the Beatles' famous belief that they were somehow "four sides of the same person" meant that their abiding characteristics were shared rather than split. But in the UK, some of this stuff has colored the more negative perceptions of McCartney, as he well knows. Unlike Lennon's work, the sentiments of his songs have usually been founded in magnanimity and generosity of spirit, but it's perhaps telling that on four occasions during our interview, his descriptions of his place in the public mind include the word "bastard".
Interestingly, he traces much of this not to Lennon's death in 1980, but to December 1970 - when, desperate to extricate himself from the aforementioned Allen Klein, he took the last resort of legal action against John, George and Ringo. "The fact that I had to sue the Beatles was something that was very, very difficult, 'cos I could see what that would do in terms of perception of me," he says. "People could quite easily say, 'You know what? I'd never do that, no matter if it meant losing everything. He's a hard-hearted bastard. And a mean bastard. And a money-grabbing bastard.'
"And doing well didn't help. We'd tried to get Apple going, and in the short term, it had failed spectacularly. And I started doing my own business, and it started to do quite well. That's what happened, and it resulted in that split: 'John's really cool, and Paul isn't.'"
His recent cuttings files have, lest we forget, taken in two splurges of coverage that only heightened the sense of smouldering hostility. First came the upsurge of enmity that accompanied his marriage to Heather Mills, later manifested in gleeful dissections of both her alleged tendency to embroider her personal history, and rumored spats with McCartney's children. Meanwhile, 2002 saw a splurge of coverage around McCartney's crediting of 19 songs on a live album to "Paul McCartney and John Lennon", in brazen contravention of the supposedly unimpeachable Lennon-McCartney brand-name. The latter brought forth a threat of legal action from Yoko Ono, and criticism even from Ringo Starr, who curtly declared McCartney's actions to be "petty and silly."
"It snowballed," he admits. "People were phoning me up saying, 'You're doing yourself no favors with this, you know.' I was like, 'What are you talking about?' 'Well, you know, you want to knock John's name out. He's dead. It's terrible: you're walking on a dead man's grave.' I was like, 'Get the f*ck out of here.'"
McCartney is simultaneously keen to call time on the affair, and surprisingly willing to flesh out his feelings. He traces the controversy back to the publication of "The Beatles' Anthology" book in 2000, and Yoko Ono's refusal to allow "Yesterday" to be credited to anyone other than "John Lennon and Paul McCartney". Contrary to more outraged portrayals of his motivations, he is perfectly happy with the time-honored Lennon-McCartney credit; but when the two are named in full in the Ono-endorsed order, he still feels a familiar twinge of irritation.
To anyone who knows even the most basic facts about the pair's partnership (i.e. the one who sang lead vocals had always written most of the song and, if it dates from 1967 or later, all of it) this might seem to border on the neurotic; it perhaps amounts to proof that as the Beatles have always seemed to live the surreal life of giants, so their common-or-garden insecurities can easily seem unbelievably inflated.
"What happened recently," he continues, "was that my lyric to "Blackbird" was published in a poetry anthology as something written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. And John had nothing to do with that lyric. I think he would actually be my great supporter in this, but unfortunately he's not here to tell us. So it's become a public thing, and I look like this total bastard trying to screw John over. Which I'm not. But now [comically raising voice] I don't care! I don't want it! I wouldn't have it if you paid me!"
The animosity hurled towards his second wife, however, still rankles. There may, I suggest to him, be something about his place in the British cultural patchwork that means certain people simply don't like him getting married. As with his explanation of the Lennon-McCartney Cool Wars, he traces the explanation back to that difficult phase of his life between the late 1960s and early 70s.
"They didn't like me giving up Jane Asher," he says. "They didn't like that at all. It all started there. They would have quite liked that. They were set up for that. And then I married a New York divorcee with a child and, at the time, they didn't like that. This time around, I married a younger woman and they didn't like that. But again, it doesn't matter: what's important is that I thought it was a good idea, and I still do. But it reminds me of the stick Linda got. It's strangely similar. I have a nasty feeling that some of the people who do it were Paul fans, like some of the people I still get strange letters from.
"The British psyche can be very strange," he considers. "Some of the people who do it most ... well, I rang one or two of those journalists up, out of the blue. They'd just done sustained 'I hate Heather' stuff. It was a couple of lady columnists ... I'd rather not give them the fame. I just said, 'I've been trying to ignore this, and somebody just gave me a bunch of press cuttings, and I've just looked through them all, and you said that. Well, that's actually wrong.'
"It was just nonsense: stories that Heather and I went to bed early at Stella's wedding. Well, we couldn't possibly have done: we were sleeping above the karaoke. I just rang them up and said, 'We actually didn't. You ask anyone who was there.' And they said, 'Well, someone who was there said you went to bed early.' I said, 'Well, they must have been pissed or something - 'cos we were up till dawn, in the disco, and I was on the karaoke.
"And I went down the list. I took a little time. Another thing was Heather's too old to wear above-the-knee boots. I said, 'Do you actually know why that is? She's an amputee, love. That's why she wears those boots.'
"I think it's a phenomenon in the British press, particularly at the moment, which isn't very helpful for our national identity. It encourages people to go [in high-pitched scouse], 'Look at her! Look at him!' Our great organs do it, all the time: 'Ooh! Look at her! Look at him! Ooh - a footballer! Look at his hair!' It reminds me of these bloody people off the estate where I used to live - these dreadful gossips. It's puerile. It's the people you wished you'd left behind."
McCartney is in Prague as part of a 12-date European tour. As unbelievable as it sounds, this amounts to a extended warm-up for his Saturday night at this year's Glastonbury. Indie-rock bands might prepare themselves by playing Moles in Bath on the previous Tuesday; McCartney and his band have already played vast shows in Gijon, Lisbon, Madrid, Zurich and Leipzig, with Scandinavia, St Petersburg and Paris still to come.
"I was asked to do Glastonbury, and for years, I've been sort of half-toying with the idea 'cos it's the great festival; the ongoing Woodstock," he says. "But you can't go from the Mean Fiddler to a big outdoor thing. I had to get my voice up. I had to get up there - [sings] 'waaaargh!' There's muscles involved. I do know that it's helpful if I've been at it, maybe a week or so before. Then I can slide into it a bit more. So I said, 'Let's do a few shows.' And that turned into a European tour. It does sound a bit silly, or that I'm very respectful to Glastonbury. I suppose I am."
I share McCartney's company in his dressing room, a windowless box festooned with scarves and cushions, perfumed with the scent from an incense burner (but not any marijuana - he has, he confirms, given up). He is, naturally enough, a little shorter than you might imagine. His hair, the grey that took hold during the 1980s and 1990s long since dyed an autumnal brown, somehow looks both luxuriant and slightly fragile. And if his features have recently seemed to take on a new youthfulness, his is still a face etched with experience, slowly hardening into the same benignly owlish countenance you see in photographs of his long-departed father, Jim.
His next appointment is with a Czech linguist, employed to teach him 20 or so phrases, so that he can break with the usual arrogant rock practice of yelping "Hello Prague!" and assuming that most of the audience are conversant in English. He began these compacted tutorials on his last world tour; as the appreciative response from 100,000 Czechs proves, it invests his shows with an admirable kind of warmth.
"Most people really get ready before a show," he says. "But my last hour before a show's like an O-level exam. And it can be hard: Hungarian was very difficult. The translator kept saying - and I've forgotten the exact word, of course - 'Tishush'. And I was going, 'Tishush'. And she was going - 'No - Tishush .' I'd go 'Tish- ush ?' She said 'No - Tish -ush.' I thought I really had it; we took hours over this. It was a fuss over the tiniest little thing. But we saw her the next day after the concert and I said, 'How did it go down?' She said, 'My mother rang up. In her newspaper it said, 'He spoke Hungarian without a trace of an accent.'"
If McCartney is quite the European, this phase of his progress - which began with the release in November 2001 of the album Driving Rain - has also seen him reinstated at the heart of America's musical mainstream. He became all but ubiquitous in the wake of the September 11 attacks, appearing alongside the Who, Jon Bon Jovi, Elton John et al at the fund-raising Concert for New York, and authoring the event's musical finale: a march-time anthem entitled "Freedom." Back then, it sounded like a rather platitudinous example of the fact that McCartney has always been happy with his role as one of the western world's favored cheerleaders, perhaps lent an unwitting irony by the passage of President Bush's rights-curtailing Patriot Act. "This is my right, a right given by God," it went. "I will fight, for the right/To live in freedom."
"After 9/11," he says, "I felt there had to be some sort of response. Some people were just saying, 'No, no - peace at all costs. Nothing must happen.' And my argument was, 'But peace is not what we're talking about. Two very big buildings have been taken out, in a place that's never had that kind of an attack before, with an unseen enemy.' I felt for the Americans, 'cos I was there, living with them. It wasn't like I was living in Muswell Hill thinking, 'We shouldn't do anything.' Something had to be done."
You can hear that feeling - a kind of non-specific, righteous belligerence - in the song. In the context of the Iraq war, though, those kind of sentiments have taken on a new kind of ugliness.
"Exactly," he says. "It becomes a license to torture, and that's not what that song's about. It's really a We Shall Overcome thing. And at that time, playing it in America was helpful, healing, for some Americans. Now it's all got completely ugly - the whole Iraq thing, rushing in without the second resolution. It's all gone very wrong ... It is crazy that they haven't found any weapons. I think the whole world is just puzzled by that. So it's ugly. It's now Vietnam."
So Freedom is not being played on this tour? "No, it's not. It's more ambiguous now. It probably has become identified with the war effort. And I think that's a bad thing."
To finish, we talk about the songs that have made their way into his set-list, and their habit of sparking the odd Proustian rush. When he plays the age-old Beatles song "I'll Follow the Sun," he says, he finds himself back in his father's house in Liverpool, "looking out through the lace curtains". "She's a Woman," from 1964, takes him back to his salad days at Abbey Road, "smoking Peter Stuyvesant cigarettes, with a smart black jacket and a white shirt".
And then there is "Here Today," the song he wrote in the wake of John Lennon's death. "At least once a tour, that song just gets me," he says. "I'm singing it, and I think I'm OK, and I suddenly realize it's very emotional, and John was a great mate and a very important man in my life, and I miss him, you know? It happened at the first show, in Gijon: I was doing fine, and I found myself doing a thing I've done in soundcheck, just repeating one of the lines: 'I love you, I love you, I love you.' I did that and I thought, 'That's nice - that works.' And then I came to finish the song, to do the last verse, and it was, 'Oh sh*t - I've just totally lost it.'"
Two lines from the song have always intrigued me: "What about the night we cried/ Because there wasn't any reason left to keep it all inside."
"We were in Key West in 1964," he says. "We were due to fly into Jacksonville, in Florida, and do a concert there, but we'd been diverted because of a hurricane. We stayed there for a couple of days, not knowing what to do except, like, drink. I remember drinking way too much, and having one of those talking-to-the-toilet bowl evenings. It was during that night, when we'd all stayed up way too late, and we got so pissed that we ended up crying - about, you know, how wonderful we were, and how much we loved each other, even though we'd never said anything. It was a good one: you never say anything like that. Especially if you're a Northern Man."
Three hours later, McCartney and his band are joyously tumbling through "Got to Get You Into My Life," and "Live and Let Die," and "Penny Lane," and "Drive My Car." It's all triumphant stuff, but it's also suffused with a striking sense of McCartney as the put-upon underdog, sloughing off the more burdensome aspects of the Beatles' myth and just about achieving a momentary sense of closure. In that sense, the finale is perfect. It's "The End" from Abbey Road, the song that calls time on The Beatles' progress as follows: "And in the end/ The love you take/ Is equal to the love you make."
Trudging back through the mud, however, I keep thinking of another couplet from that record, played during that afternoon's soundcheck. On the album, bellowed by all four Beatles, it sounds defiant; backhandedly jubilant, even. In Prague, sung by McCartney in a bluesy half-whisper, it suddenly took on a new quality: sighing melancholy, perhaps arising from the human mind's endless talent for railing against the inevitable.
"Boy, you're gonna carry that weight," he sang. "Carry that weight a long time."
June 9, 2004 -- Glamour Magazine
Stella McCartney holds her "Fashion Designer Of The Year Award" during the first-ever Glamour Women Of The Year Awards in central London Tuesday June 8.
Beloved by the A-list, a must-see on the catwalk, and a fixture of the gossip columns, Stella McCartney was the clear winner in our "Fashion Designer of the Year" category. She dedicated her award to husband Alasdhair Willis.
June 9, 2004 -- Vogue.com
Stella McCartney really loved getting married. The British designer, who dedicated the Fashion Designer of the Year award that she won at the Glamour awards on Monday night to her husband Alisdhair Willis, was openly telling people how deliriously happy she was to become his wife.
"I loved getting married," she said. "All the clichés are true. It was the best day of my life." So much so, in fact, that she might even take another trip up the aisle. "I would do it again," she went on.
June 9, 2004 -- Yahoo News
Thief steals famed Tennessee eatery's historyWhen Princess Anne attended Nashville's annual Steeplechase event in 1998 she wanted to celebrate her horse's victory with some real Southern cooking.
She found the fried chicken, country ham, biscuits and red-eye gravy at the Loveless Cafe, and left behind an autographed picture to hang on the wall alongside signed photos of other celebrities who had dined at the little roadside restaurant since 1951.
Now that picture is gone, stolen along with those of more than 60 other celebrities and even the establishment's "Loveless Cafe" sign.
They disappeared during a remodeling, said owner Tom Morales who discovered the loss earlier this week.
"Someone broke into the locked boxes containing the photos. ... We were absolutely devastated. They are priceless," he said.
From music stars and sports figures to politicians, customers for decades have streamed into Loveless for down-home country fare served on red-checked tablecloths.
Paul McCartney, who dropped in for a meal with guitar great Chet Atkins, sang "Happy Birthday" to a thrilled 16-year-old girl celebrating with her friends.
Morales said he hoped to replace the photos of people still living but would rather have the originals back.
"We promise not to file charges," he said, "and there will be no questions asked. If they want to repent and come forward, maybe we can even offer them free biscuits for life."
June 9, 2004 -- CNN
Beatles for sale?Fab Four's representatives in talks with several Web music providers about selling songs online. Representatives of the Beatles are in discussions with various online music services about licensing their songs for distribution on the Internet, people familiar with the discussions said Tuesday.
The Beatles have been one of the biggest holdouts in releasing their catalog for sale online, and the lack of such mega-hits as "Let it Be" and "Yesterday" has been cited as a major weakness for fledgling, Web-based music stores.
Negotiators for the Beatles have talked with several companies, with a particular emphasis on Microsoft Corp.'s MSN, which is expected to open an Internet music store late this summer, people familiar with the talks told Reuters.
"MSN is working very closely with the music industry to build a top-quality music service for consumers, which includes providing a wide selection of music, but has nothing specific to announce at this time," said a Microsoft spokesman.
The discussions by the legendary group were first reported by CNET on Tuesday.
Sources familiar with the matter said the current round of talks is being steered by the Beatles' representatives rather than their record label, EMI Group Plc.
Representatives of the band's two surviving members, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, could not be immediately reached for comment.
EMI owns the Beatles' master recordings and would be involved in any final agreement, the sources said. The label has been trying to urge the Beatles for years to grant permission to distribute their songs online.
"We think it would be great if the Beatles decided to make their music available on legitimate music services," said EMI spokeswoman Jeanne Meyer.
One person familiar with the discussions said he was optimistic that some deal could be reached by September.
"This would be a big deal because they have been one of the preeminent major holdouts in terms of licensing their digital rights," said veteran entertainment lawyer Jay Cooper. "In the past year, various major artists are starting to put their toe in the water."
Various services from Rhapsody of RealNetworks to Apple Computer Inc.'s iTunes to Napster of Roxio Inc. would all jump at the chance to distribute the Beatles, who broke up more than 30 years ago, analysts said.
"We've always been confident that artists would see digital music as a must-have platform. We're at the infancy stage of what will certainly be a booming business," said Evan Harrison, vice president and general.
June 8, 2004 -- Contact Music
BEATLE AGAINST RUTLESRock legend Sir Paul McCartney will have to share the limelight at this month's Glastonbury Festival with a Beatles spoof band he hates.
The former Fab Four frontman has been booked to headline the seminal British music event and will take to the main stage at the Somerset site on June, 26. But McCartney has yet to discover The Rutles - the subject of a 1978 Beatles parody movie " All You Need Is Cash" - will perform on another stage at the same time.
McCartney's Beatles bandmates John Lennon and George Harrison were huge fans of the comedy act - who were created by Neil Innes and Monty Python star Eric Idle, who no longer performs with the group - but Sir Paul has never got the joke.
Beatles author Keith Badman says, "John loved The Rutles and George even made a cameo appearance in the film. George said that anyone who wanted to know what The Beatles story was about should watch The Rutles film. However it's known that Paul wasn't that impressed, so it's ironic that they'll be playing Glastonbury the same night."
June 7, 2004 -- BBC News
Sir Paul and Bowie for Mojo prize
Veteran music stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, David Bowie and Morrissey have been included in the shortlist for the inaugural Mojo magazine awards.The "Mojo Honors List" winners will be announced at the Banqueting House in Whitehall, London, on June 22.
The list was set up to honor elder artists often overlooked for awards.
"This is about music that's built to last and that has provided us with the soundtrack to our lives," said Mojo editor-in-chief Phil Alexander.
The shortlist for the Mojo icon award, voted for by the listeners of Mojo Radio, features David Bowie, Kate Bush, Marvin Gaye, Morrissey and Prince.
June 7, 2004 -- WebIndia123.comSir Paul McCartney loves to use public transport!
Legendary rock star Sir Paul McCartney frequently uses public transport for travelling because he refuses to be cut off from the rest of the world.The multi-millionaire former 'Beatle' does not rely on chauffeur-driven limousines, especially in London's busy streets and is happy to chat with other commuters while using public transport.
"If I get recognised, and I usually do, I just deal with it a quick handshake, an autograph, whatever. It's no big deal, just a small price to pay for the good things that come with fame," rate the music quoted Sir Paul as saying.
"Take it from me if you're well known like I am, you can always be assured that you'll get a decent poached egg in a posh restaurant," he added.
June 7, 2004 -- The Advertiser (Australia)
The Reluctant McCartney's life as a recluseJames McCartney generally finds it easy to pass through life unnoticed. He lives a slow-paced student existence in a small rented flat on the south coast and only a few trusted friends are aware that this unassuming young man is the only son of Sir Paul, the former Beatle with a $1.98 billion fortune.
Those who first enter James's social orbit are seldom trusted with his real surname such is the desire of the youngest child of Paul and Linda McCartney to lead an anonymous life.To an extent, he is able to blend in at college because he is a typical student. He sleeps late and likes to drink, favoring bourbon whisky. He makes ends meet with short-term, dead-end jobs, such as waiting on tables in local restaurants.
His hair is long and his clothes scruffy. Only his extreme vegan lifestyle (James touches no meat or animal products, abstaining from both milk and honey) marks him out as being a little different from the crowd. But photographed last month walking with his sister, Mary, there could be no doubt of his true identity.
His features closely echo his father's: that soft-cheeked moon face, the expressive doe-eyes and the small, downturned mouth are pure Paul. Only his strawberry blond hair, shared with sister Stella, is owed to his late mother, Linda.
James's heritage, though, might be described as both a curse and a blessing. He is a talented guitarist and more than passable songwriter talents which presumably have run in the family from father to son.
However, seven years after recording his first track at the family studio with his father, he is still shying away from openly pursuing a musical career paralysed, it seems, by the spectre of Paul's success. It also seems he wants no part of his father's fame or wealth, although these might be said to be his birthright, too.
While his fashion designer sister Stella moves happily in A-list circles and another sibling, Mary, a photographer, is self-confident enough to accept the patronage of high-powered friends, baby brother James prefers to fade into the background.
Although he is expected to inherit a great deal of money, for now James is happy to be almost broke.
For the McCartney heritage is responsible for some darker realities of James's life, too. The murder of John Lennon in 1980 when James was just three cast a long shadow over his childhood.
Born in September 1977 two months before his father's group Wings had their biggest hit, Mull Of Kintyre James missed out on the freewheeling upbringing of his sisters and much older step-sister Heather.
Mary and Stella (who are nine and six years older than him respectively) spent their early schooldays on the road, being privately tutored while touring the world with Paul, Linda and the band. But James's arrival came very much at the tail end of the childhood-on-the-road experiment.
It was Lennon's assassination, at the hands of deranged fan Mark Chapman, that changed everything.
In 1981, Paul and Linda retreated to the modest five-bedroom farmhouse they owned in Peasmarsh, near Rye. "We wanted to lie low more," said Linda later. "There were death threats, some nuts, but we had to take them seriously. We have so much more security around us now. Our lives have really changed."
They left behind the family home in St John's Wood, London, and began to try to shield the children from any kind of publicity. The 159 acres of land around the farm in Sussex formed a barrier between them and the outside world, and the couple set about trying to bring up their children as "normal" and "grounded" individuals.
All the children attended the Thomas Peacocke college in Rye. But while Stella and Mary were teased about their father, James had a far easier ride mostly because, by then, the novelty of having a famous name in the school had worn off.
One schoolmate described James as "quiet and easy-going" and said he was relatively popular unlike Stella, who managed to make a few enemies.
Instead, James formed friendships with local boys which endure to this day. His only brush with trouble came, when 16, he was swept out to sea while surfing with friends. A coast-guard was alerted and a helicopter called but 40 minutes later James emerged from the sea.
His teenage years were not entirely carefree, however. James was shattered at the age of 19 when his mother Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Two years of treatment followed, in which he became especially close to his father. He spent the first year of her treatment playing guitar with Paul on his solo album, Flaming Pie, which was released in 1997.
The following year, as Linda's health failed, James continued with his music and studied sculpture at college. He recorded a track with Linda, The Light Comes From Within, a month before her death in April that year. The whole family went to Arizona for Linda's peaceful last weeks and the children were with her when she died. In the coming year, James lived with and was there to support Paul during their grief.
The arrival of Heather Mills in late 1999, not much more than a year after his mother's death, was a shock to James.
In deference to James's feelings, Paul at first conducted the courtship in a cottage on the Clive-den estate. But it was impossible to keep it secret from his son. James was the only one still living at home and when Paul invited Heather over he would have to make himself scarce.
James, according to a source, has tried throughout to duck out of any family conflict, although at times he has not been able to hide his feelings.
Relations between him and Heather are not close. He has not turned up to either of the large birthday parties she has thrown for Paul, nor did he attend a lavish party which she hosted soon after the birth of her and Paul's baby, Beatrice, in October 2003.
He took the plunge last year and set himself up on the south coast, where he is understood to have enrolled in a music college.
So, James McCartney is living in a quiet residential street close to the seafront. One day, when he has finished his studies, he will have to emerge into the spotlight and be judged on the music he is making.
How fascinating it will be to hear the songs he sings.
June 6, 2004 -- News from GermanyPaul arrived in Leipzig, Germany on the day of his show (June 4) with Heather and the baby and stayed at the Fürstenhof Hotel. Bea could not sleep because of noise coming from bridge construction in front of the hotel. Paul asked the hotel manager Herr Müller, to give some beer to the working men. The noise stopped, Bea slept, and Paul went off to the soundcheck.
June 6, 2004 -- Cumberland News
SHAKESPEARE GETS THE MCCARTNEY TREATMENTYoungsters will be singing Paul McCartney tunes in an unusual adaptation of a Shakespeare play next month.
Final-year pupils at Brampton Junior School are rehearsing tunes by the former Beatles singer for their production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
The unusual move has been taken by the production team for their annual musical version of a Shakespearean drama. Deputy headteacher Geof Walker said, "We do two cover songs every year to add to the comedy value. This year pupils will perform "That Day is Done" and "Warm and Beautiful."
Walker said, "The character Bottom sings one of the songs when he is trying to tell the 'mechanics' he is not afraid. Puck sings the other when he's about to fly around the world to find the flower that enchants Titania."
In the past the school has used 1950s tunes and Brian Ferry numbers in their productions.
Walker said, "The Paul McCartney songs just lent themselves nicely to our purpose. Pupils are making their costumes and scenery and have been working on the project since January. We have four plays: "The Tempest," "Twelfth Night," "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and the "Taming of the Shrew" which we do on rotation each year. Shakespeare is the best playwright in the world and I believe our children gain a lot from his work. Often when they go on to secondary school they find themselves studying a play they already know."
The musical is on July 7, 8 and 9 and will be performed at Brampton's secondary school, The William Howard School. For more information visit the school's website at www.brampjun.org.uk
June 3, 2004
A note on Paul McCartney's disappointing Lisbon "Rock in Rio" radio broadcast that people expected to hear live on RFM Radio-on the net (RFM by the way never said they would broadcast Paul's concert).
The station was not allowed to broadcast Paul's concert even though they could broadcast other performers at the "Rock in Rio Festival" as the 'official radio station.' Paul's concert fell into a 'special' category and though part of the "Rock in Rio Festival" it was a separate concert held on an 'extra' day with no other bands performing besides Paul, thus the festival broadcasting conditions for radio and TV did not apply.
June 2, 2004 -- Daily RecordMY FAB FORTY
Four decades after The Beatles took America by storm, Paul McCartney is back on the road and as enthusiastic as ever. To celebrate, he has given his most revealing interview to date.At the height of Beatlemania, the Fab Four played to an astonishing 500,000 people during a 1964 whirlwind tour of the US.
Today, 40 years on, Paul McCartney will be seen by more than 700,000 fans in a 13-date European tour - not bad for a man who turns 62 this month.
Now, in his most revealing interview ever, McCartney talks candidly about John Lennon, the nervous breakdown he suffered after The Beatles split and why he should never have released some of his solo albums.
Although it's well known that he dabbled with drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, for the first time he admits to once taking heroin.
He said, "It didn't do anything for me, which was lucky because I wouldn't have fancied heading down that road."
McCartney, who is due to headline the Glastonbury festival on June 26, says, "What's amazed me about the big tours I've done in the last few years is that the thrill is as great as ever."I think I should be fed up with it all by now - after all, I've done a fair bit of it - but I go to places such as Mexico City and get an audience that's louder than any I've ever heard, including those at Beatles gigs. I'm singing Hello Goodbye and the way they react is so completely overwhelming that I can barely get the words out."
Yet while McCartney has become a bigger draw than The Beatles, he is only too aware that the songs he and John Lennon wrote together will get the biggest cheers of all.
He admitted, "There are days when I wake up and have to remind myself that I wrote songs with John.
'It's fantastic that he was a part of my life in that way. Imagine the luxury of being stuck on a song and being able to hand it over to John Lennon to finish off. Do I miss that? Of course I do. Hugely. In all the years I wrote with John, I can't remember a single occasion when we didn't come up with a song. At worst, we'd write at least once every day. It all happened at an amazing pace. We'd sag off school and write songs at my house. We'd start at two in the afternoon and had to be finished by five so we could clean up and clear out before my dad got home. We wrote loads of stuff. We'd put some Twinings Tea in a pipe, smoke that and write songs. It wasn't all good but we always came up with something. We had a common vision, at least in the early days.
"The thing about me and John is that we were different but we weren't that different. Linda put her finger on it when she said John and I were like mirror images of each other. Even down to how we started writing together, facing each other, eyeball to eyeball, exactly like looking in the mirror. On the surface, I was very easy-going, always accommodating but, at certain times, I would be the hard man of the duo. John would allow me to take that role because it enabled him to drop his guard and be vulnerable. On the surface, he was this hard, witty guy, always on hand with cutting wit. He appeared caustic, even cruel at times, but really he was very soft. John was very insecure. He carried a lot of that from his upbringing, what with his father leaving when he was five. Then, of course, we'd both lost our mothers so we had that in common. Ultimately, we were equals."
After releasing their debut album in 1963, The Beatles - Lennon, McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr - went on to become the biggest pop group of all time.
Before splitting in 1970, they had released some of the most innovative, ground-breaking albums ever, including "Rubber Soul," "Revolver" and "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
In the early days, one of their biggest influences was Elvis Presley although as the King's career faltered in the Sixties, drugs became another inspiration. Paul said, "The army had kind of ruined Elvis. He'd been this ultimate rebel figure who we'd all worshipped. Then they made him cut his hair and he had to call everyone 'sir', and he was never really the same again.
"Just about everyone was doing drugs in one form or another and we were no different, but the writing was too important for us to mess it up by getting off our heads all the time. It was just easier to write when our heads were straight. It was only on 'Pepper' that we started to use stuff in the studio. On the earlier albums, we'd have been using those drugs socially so, in that sense, the drugs formed what we did.
"A song like 'Got To Get You Into My Life,' that's directly about pot, although everyone missed it at the time.
"'Day Tripper,' that's one about acid. 'Lucy In The Sky,' that's pretty obvious.
"There's others that make subtle hints about drugs but, you know, it's easy to overestimate the influence of drugs on The Beatles' music.
"I tried heroin just once. Even then, I didn't realize I had taken it. I was just handed something, smoked it, then found out what it was later.
"I did cocaine for about a year around the time of 'Sergeant Pepper,' coke and maybe some grass to balance it out. I was never completely crazy with cocaine. I'd been introduced to it and, at first, it seemed OK, like anything that's new and stimulating.
"When you start working your way through it, you begin thinking, 'Mmm, this is not so cool an idea,' especially when you start getting those terrible comedowns."
Perhaps the biggest comedown of all was when the group imploded at the end of the Sixties as McCartney sued the other Beatles to dissolve the group.
Paul said, "It was 10 years of hell. What followed was that everyone was split into camps. There were three of them and one of me. John, George and Ringo had been my best mates, now they were my enemies. That was really, really hard to take.
"In The Beatles, we'd always had this running joke, 'What are we going to do when the bubble bursts?'
"Then it did burst and I went up to my farm in Scotland, wondering what the hell I was going to do next. I seriously thought about giving up music. It was a bloody hard time. It was difficult to get up in the morning. I was drinking quite a lot, probably having a bit of a nervous breakdown.
"Looking back, I was in a state of grief. I realize that now. It was grief for the end of The Beatles."
It was only through music that he was able to rouse himself from his torpor and in 1971 he founded Wings with wife Linda, Denny Laine and Denny Seiwell.
Although the band sold millions of records, they never received anything like the critical acclaim lavished upon The Beatles.
Paul admitted, "Early Wings were pretty rough, not terribly good. There was a time when The Beatles weren't very good but we were able to be not very good in private. Wings had to do it in public and we were always the shadow of The Beatles, which obviously didn't help.
"One thing you have to say is that I've put out an awful lot of records. Some of them I shouldn't have put out, sure. I would gladly accept that. There are many different reasons for putting a record out. Sometimes I might just put one out because I'm bored and have got nothing better to do. In 1977, I fancied doing a Scottish bagpipe song, so I wrote 'Mull Of Kintyre.' The people who hated it were p***** off with me.
"Of course, it didn't help that it came out at the height of punk rock. But what should I have done at that time? Stuck a safety pin through my nose and done some bonkers punk song? My attitude is really, 'Sod you. You think'Mull Of Kintyre' is c**p - you try writing something like that.' I do get annoyed at having to justify myself.
"Since school, I've never liked having to do that. I never liked anyone telling me what to do. I never liked that bullying tendency. I have a 'f*** you' feeling about all of that."
It was in 1980 that Wings split - the same year McCartney was arrested at Toyko International Airport after marijuana was found in his luggage.
"I was out in New York and I had all this really good grass. Excellent stuff," Paul said. "We were about to fly to Japan and I knew I wouldn't be able to get anything to smoke over there. This stuff was too good to flush down the toilet so I thought I'd take it with me. Looking back, it's not too wonderful being banged up in a Japanese jail. When I first arrived I was thinking, 'This is a storm in a teacup, I'll be out in no time.'
"Then the British Vice-Consul told me I could get seven years of hard labor. That's when it got extremely worrying.
"It was five days before Linda was allowed to visit me and we'd never spent a night apart since we'd married. It was pretty rough. Just a thin mattress on the floor.
"I had to wash myself using water from the toilet cistern and had to share a bath with a bloke who was in for murder. I was afraid to take my suit off in case I got raped.
"Just the other day, I went for a walk on my own in the Hollywood Hills. This bunch of teenagers passed by me and one of them turned and said, 'Hey, Macca, you're the man! Fancy joining us for a smoke?'
"To me, it's a huge compliment that a bunch of kids think I might be up to smoke a bit of dope with them.
"I'd be mad not to feel blessed, wouldn't I? I've been a lucky bugger and so many things that happened to me were pure chance.
"I'm lucky, very f****** lucky, just to still be vibing and loving life and holding on to my enthusiasm for things."
For the full interview check out this month's Uncut - the music and movies magazine. It's on sale from tomorrow.
June 2, 2004 -- The Guardian
Down on the farmThe full Glastonbury line-up has scarcely been announced, and already the sound of dissenting voices can be heard. There are complaints that Friday-night headliners Oasis are apparently not going to perform any new material, despite a two-year gap since the release of their last album, Heathen Chemistry. There are derisive sniffs that 2004's biggest act, Paul McCartney, no longer constitutes the musical cutting edge to which Glastonbury should aspire.
It is hard not to think of this sort of thing as quibbling for the sake of it. For years at Glastonbury, it has been traditional for festivalgoers to excitedly spread a rumor that Paul McCartney is going to play an unannounced set on Sunday afternoon. This year, McCartney is definitely coming, brandishing a Beatles-heavy set list for which the term "crowd-pleasing" was virtually invented, and immediately people start carrying on as if Michael Eavis has booked Gerry and the Pacemakers to headline Saturday night.
Given the grumbling, it will be intriguing to see how McCartney's set-closing performance of "Hey Jude" is greeted by the Glastonbury audience. As a euphoric mass singalong? As one of those legendary "Glastonbury moments" when worries about the outside world and the state of the festival toilets briefly evaporate, to be replaced by an fleeting few seconds of transcendent happiness? Or with disappointed yells of "No! This no longer constitutes the musical cutting edge! We demand to hear avant-garde, techno, grime and free jazz!"? Time will tell. As for Oasis, going by the standard of their last three albums, the paucity of new material in their set counts as a small mercy. In fact, if Eavis could inveigle Noel Gallagher into signing a document agreeing that Oasis play no material whatsoever dating from after 1995, then Friday night would look even more promising.
In fact, complaining about Glastonbury's headline acts seems to be missing the point entirely. A quick run through the rest of the bill proves that more than any other festival, Glastonbury presents the audience with the current music scene in microcosm.
It manages to encompass everything, from the parent-friendly jazz-influenced easy listening of Jamie Cullum and Amy Winehouse, to virtually every hotly-tipped alt-rock band in Britain - the Ordinary Boys, the Zutons, Franz Ferdinand among them - and a group of guitar-toting Saharan tribesmen called Tinariwen. The current wave of 80s nostalgia is represented by Morrissey's high billing.
Despite the claims of irrelevance, even the appearance of Paul McCartney tells you something about music in 2004. Currently, there's a vast disparity between the biggest live draws in the world and the artists who sell the most records: no one really cares about McCartney's latest solo album, or the Rolling Stones' new single, but hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are willing to pay to see them live.
And anyone who doubts that Glastonbury is the world's most eclectic and thrilling festival should direct their attentions to the listings for the Other Stage on Sunday. This is an event that somehow finds room for winsome indie strummers Belle & Sebastian, techno duo Orbital, a choir, and Dennis Locorriere (the bearded lothario who, as the erstwhile frontman of Dr. Hook, alerted the world to the multifarious dangers encountered when you're in love with a beautiful woman) not just on the same day, but on the same stage . If you can't find anything you like at Glastonbury, you clearly hate every aspect of popular music in 2004. You may perhaps be better off staying at home.
June 1, 2004 -- Times OnlineGlastonbury line-up announced
The line-up for this year's Glastonbury Festival will include the icons of three generations of popular music. Paul McCartney, Oasis and Morrissey will perform at the event later this month.It is the first Glastonbury performance for Sir Paul McCartney, whose headline appearance will mark the end of his summer tour. His show will be on the Pyramid stage on the Saturday night (June 26).
Last year festival organizers had to turn down the former Beatle's offer to appear at the event as Radiohead had already been given the top spot.
Emily Eavis, co-organizer and daughter of festival founder Michael Eavis, said, "We have three generations of northern artists with Paul McCartney, Morrissey and Oasis and I think this is going to be one of our great, great years.
Glastonbury, at Worthy Farm in Somerset, is from June 25 to 27. Tickets for the festival, which cost £112 ($200), have sold out.
June 1, 2004
From Brian Ray:We have just done our first three shows on our new European tour! What a great rush, to hear those big voices in Spain singing out every lyric of each of Paul's songs. The spirit there could light a city... so much power!
It seems that after the events there in recent months, the public was just looking for a great big release. Paul's songs did the trick! I even saw a familiar face or two in Gijon! [there are photos of you!]
Now it's on to Zurich, Prague [!] and Scandinavia.
I look forward to seeing some of you on tour, and hearing from others. Hope you are well... stick together, ok?Take care,
Brian
June 1, 2004According to an interview Paul did with "I Gorgor Magazine" (Lisbon) there will be a DVD for the "04 Summer Tour."
July 2004
July 31, 2004 -- Contact Music
McCartney to tour again in 2005?Pop legend Sir Paul McCartney is already planning to hit the road again next year just a month after wrapping his last tour.
The former Beatle bowed out of his European tour with a spectacular performance at Britain's Glastonbury Festival in June but the 62-year-old rocker is already itching to return to the stage.
He hints, "People always ask if it's going to be my last tour, but I love performing. I've already had offers from America for next year, which could lead to a world tour and of course you have to bring it home."
July 30, 2004 -- Yahoo News
Sir Paul honors The Bangles
Sir Paul McCartney has awarded eighties girl band The Bangles an honorary companionship to his fame school.
The former Beatle honored the group with their "rock and roll" diplomas at a ceremony at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts.
Sir Paul opened the institute, which was inspired by New York's School of Performing Arts, in 1996, in the grounds of his old school.
Each year at graduation LIPA inducts celebrity 'companions', the equivalent of an honorary degree.
The current list of companions includes Joan Armatrading, Malcolm McLaren, Barbara Dickson, and Andy McCluskey.
A statement by The Bangles said, "We are honored and grateful to accept Companionship from this historic institution, and as long-time Beatles fans, are absolutely delighted at the involvement of Sir Paul, and to receive our rock and roll 'diplomas' from the great man himself."
Mark Featherstone-Witty, LIPA's Founding Principal and Chief Executive, said, "If you cannot learn from the past, you are condemned to repeat it. We want to provide the best teaching and learning for people who want to pursue and maintain a lasting career in the popular performing arts economy, whether as performers or those who make performance possible.
"So it's natural and essential for us to encourage people who have maintained a lasting career to share the journey they have taken and the lessons they've learnt the hard way."
The Bangles were formed in the early 1980s in Los Angeles and are made up of Susanna Hoffs, sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson and Michael Steele. They were the most successful all female band in chart history when they split up in 1989.
They reformed in 2000 and their latest album 'Doll Revolution' was released in 2003. Their hit single "Eternal Flame" remained in the charts for 18-weeks and was recently covered by Liverpool-based girl band Atomic Kitten. Other hits include "Manic Monday," "Walk Like An Egyptian" and "Going Down to Liverpool."
July 29, 2004 -- Stuff Entertainment NZ
McCartney rumored, Black Eyed Peas confirmed for WellingtonFormer Beatle Sir Paul McCartney is rumored to be taking the long and winding road to play Wellington next year.
Several fan websites devoted to The Beatles and Sir Paul, one of the world's richest entertainers, have reported in recent days that he is expected to tour New Zealand and Australia next year.
Neither McCartney nor his representatives have announced tour plans. However Auckland-based promoter Manolo Echave who is bringing Black Eyed Peas to Wellington said though he was not involved in any tour by McCartney, he had heard that a New Zealand and Australia tour next year was possible.
Westpac Stadium, which had David Bowie in February, hopes to have big name overseas acts play in November and next March.
Stadium chief executive David Gray is in Australia until next Monday. A stadium spokeswoman said it was the first that they had heard about McCartney heading this way. "It would be great if he was coming down under."
McCartney had planned to play Melbourne in 2002, but pulled out, citing the Bali bombings. Melbourne-based promoter Paul Dainty organized the concert and was instrumental in Bowie playing Westpac Stadium. Dainty could not be reached for comment.
July 29, 2004 -- Contact MusicPaul McCartney pens memiors of recent tour
Sir Paul McCartney is set to explode myths and right wrongs in his forthcoming memoirs, which will hit bookshelves in time for Christmas.
The British rock legend plans to reveal all about his experiences on his recent tours in new tome "Each One Believing: On Stage, Off Stage and Backstage."
The 208-page book will feature never-before-seen photographs and McCartney's personal reflections on being on the road.
The book will chronicle the Beatles star's journey from New York at the height of the 9/11 tragedy, across North America, Europe and Japan, to his historic show in Moscow, Russia's Red Square
July 29, 2004 -- Wimbledon Post
Standing tall for charitySchoolchildren met a youngster who lost a limb during the war in Iraq, accompanied by campaigner Heather Mills McCartney. Sir Paul McCartney's wife visited Holy Trinity CofE Primary School with Zeynab Hamid Taresh, 11, to talk about her charity Adopt-a-Minefield.
The school, in Effra Road, Wimbledon, raised £3,010 ($5,508) for its charity of the year. This was the highest amount of any school in the country.
Mills McCartney said, "I was so touched by the children's efforts because all the money will go to help clear minefields in Vietnam, where people are still being killed and maimed almost 30 years after the end of the Vietnam war."
The former model, who herself lost part of her left leg in a road accident, joined pupils in a skipping marathon and braved an assault course before taking questions at a special assembly. She then joined in singing the Beatles song "With A Little Help From My Friends," written by her husband.
Headteacher Julia Reece said, "Heather was very, very good with the children. She explained about her prosthetic limb and introduced Zeynab. The children were saddened by her story but not shocked or frightened."
Zeynab was living in southern Iraq last year when she lost her leg to a cluster bomb dropped by Allied forces.
For more information about the charity visit http://www.landmines.org.uk
July 28, 2004
Paul McCartney's oratorio chorale piece "Ecce Cor Meum" (Behold My Heart) which was performed November 10, 2001 at Magdalen College in Oxford, England is to be recorded this year and released March 1, 2005 on Angel Records.
July 27, 2004 -- Fashion Wire Daily
Seuss to Quit Stella McCartney, Plans Return to US
Paris The latest executive to seek a life outside the Gucci Group is James Seuss, who is quitting his position as CEO of Stella McCartney.The designer and the Gucci Group luxury conglomerate jointly own the London-based fashion house of McCartney.
Seuss joined McCartney in May 2001 becoming its first president after the house had linked up with Gucci. According to a Gucci statement, Seuss plans to take up a position in the luxury goods industry in the US, "in order to be closer to his home." The exact job remained unclear, however industry observers believe that it is a position in the jewelry business.
Prior to joining the McCartney company, the popular and gentlemanly Seuss had risen to managing director of Tiffany in the U.K. for four years, culminating a total of 12 years with the jewelry company.
Gucci stressed that it was in "advanced negotiations" with a possible replacement for Seuss, and hoped to make an announcement in the next few weeks. Seuss, who plans to leave next month, will stay on as a McCartney board member.
The house of McCartney is part of the Gucci Group "emerging brands" division, which also includes Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga. A slew of Gucci executives left that company this spring at the time of the departure of creative director Tom Ford and CEO Domenico de Sole, however the coming resignation of Seuss is the first by a senior manager from emerging brands.
"This has been an incredible experience for me building this business with Stella and the Gucci Group from the beginning. I am delighted to have been asked to remain on the board of directors of a company that has such tremendous potential," Seuss said in the Gucci Group statement.
In the same release Stella McCartney, who brought Seuss into the group, commented, "I cannot thank James enough for all that he has done for me, and for the business since the very first days when we started with Gucci Group."
According to the statement, the McCartney business should post sales of 30 million Euros this year.
"We are fully behind Stella and her team," said Robert Polet, the recently appointed CEO of Gucci Group. He termed the McCartney business one of the "great success stories" of the group.
July 26, 2004
McCartney and Mills Stay in EnglandModel-turned-activist Heather Mills has dismissed reports that she and husband Sir Paul McCartney are to leave Britain so she can pursue her TV presenting career in Hollywood.
The mother of nine-month-old baby Beatrice has admitted she has been offered a number of jobs, but at present she is quite content to mull over her options.
Mills says, "It's not true that we're leaving Britain. A number of people have offered me my own show and I could film it from anywhere in the world. I'm thinking about it, but I want to make sure the format is right.
"At the moment I'm enjoying just being a mum and doing my charity work. We're all here to make a difference in this world and when you get older it's nice to look back and think you were able to do some good."
July 26, 2004Heather Mills McCartney Honors School
Human rights activist Heather Mills visited a London school earlier this month after 210 pupils raised a total of $5,418 for her favorite charity Adopt-A-Minefield.
The former model and wife of Beatles star Sir Paul McCartney was invited to Holy Trinity Primary School in south London after the establishment managed to raise the largest single amount for the charity than any other school in the country.
Mills, who lost her lower left leg in 1993 after being hit by a police motorcycle, says, "I get a real buzz from meeting children and if I were at home all day, all week, my brain would die. I want to be with my family, but I like to work, too.
"Having said that, I've cut down quite a bit and sometimes Paul makes me switch off my phone. He's better at that than I am. He never had a mobile phone until he met me."
July 26. 2004 -- This is Money
Paul McCartney sues EMISir Paul McCartney is suing the Beatles' recording label, EMI, for allegedly stealing his music.
A writ filed in a New York court claims that EMI and record company Universal illegally allowed the hit tune "Tomorrow" from the musical Annie - to which McCartney owns the rights - to be sampled on the rap song "What Da Hook Gon Be" by Murphy Lee. The lawsuit was lodged by McCartney's company MPL Communications and Charles Strouse, composer of Annie.
Lee's record sold 500,000 copies in America alone. It won an international following and was made into a popular video played on MTV.
July 25, 2004 -- Ireland Online
Mills to release health book
Paul McCartney's wife Heather Mills is to share her wisdom on health and lifestyle techniques by writing a self-help book.
The former model is convinced she possesses the right experience to teach women how to diet and keep in shape via nutrition and exercise like yoga.
Heather is also expected to include details of her life with the Beatles legend in the upcoming tome. A pal says, "People are interested to know about her life married to a billionaire former Beatle."
July 23, 2004
Check out a pair of Paul McCartney shoes that recently sold for £70 ($128) on ebay. The seller claimed that the shoes were worn by Paul backstage at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England during the 2003 "Back in the World" tour. Click here
July 19, 2004 -- Sunday Telegraph
Leaving home? No way, says Sir Paul
To the delight of his countless British devotees, Sir Paul McCartney has abandoned plans to move to America with his second wife, Heather Mills, after pleas from his three children by his late wife, Linda.
"For both Sir Paul and Lady Mills-McCartney, family is the most important thing, and living close to their loved ones is a huge priority," the couple's spokesman, Anya Noakes, tells Mandrake.
Sir Paul, 62, had intended to move to Hollywood, where Heather, a divorced 36-year-old former "glamour model," is attempting to launch herself as a television chat show host.
The ex-Beatle, who wed Heather in 2002, four years after New York-born Linda died of breast cancer, is understood to have changed his mind following discussions with his daughters, the fashion designer Stella and the photographer Mary, and his son James. "They made clear that they wanted him around," says a friend of one of his daughters.
Heather is expected to be offered a lucrative contract to host her own program on CNN after impressing television executives in America with her four appearances as a guest host of the popular show Larry King Live. She had originally come to their attention two years ago, when she stunned viewers of the program by recounting how she had lost a leg in a road accident and then proceeding to unscrew her prosthetic limb.
Pete Nash, the chairman of the British Beatles' Fan Club, tells me that his members will be "delighted." He says, "Paul is a family-oriented guy. He remains close to all his aunts and uncles in Liverpool as well as his children. We fans would feel betrayed and shocked if he moved to America. He was married to an American for 30 years but never moved there. I think that says a lot about his loyalty to this country."
July 18, 2004 -- Harp Column CommunityBeatles Sighting
Listen closely to Paul McCartney's next album for the unmistakable sound of a harp.
Harpist Stephanie Bennett recently recorded the song "Vanity Fair" with the former Beatle that can be heard on his upcoming album of new songs.
"It was a huge thrill working with Sir Paul. I'm a Beatles fan from way back-who isn't? He's such an amazing musician and songwriter and such a wonderful person, too. I would have been honored just to be in the back of an orchestra that was backing him up; actually to interact, converse, and musically collaborate one-on-one with him like that was absolutely a dream come true. I'm still pinching myself."
During the three-hour recording session at Record One in Sherman Oaks, California, Bennett said she had to call many of her musical skills into play-sight-reading, playing by ear, taking dictation, improvising-as McCartney and his arranger and producer changed and added to her part on fly.
"They'd just dictate new parts to me, either by saying 'a low F on the downbeat of measure 26,' or 'let's see how that section sounds an octave lower,' or by singing a phrase to me, which I'd then play," she said. "For the end of the song, they asked me to improvise a conversation with the guitar parts which had already been recorded."
Though Bennett is a veteran in the pop music industry, when she finished recording, McCartney thanked me and kissed me on both cheeks. "I was severely tempted never to wash my face again," she said.
Bennett, who played her Venus Paragon for the recording session, said a release date for the album has not yet been set
July 17, 2004 -- Hollywood News
When Sir Elton John me Sir Paul McCartneySir Elton John remembers his meeting with Sir Paul McCartney as heavenly. According to ratethemusic.com, Elton met Paul at the Abbey road studios in London while recording with the comedy group, The Barron Knights.
"In walked Paul McCartney when 'Hey Jude' was number one and Bernie and I were standing there like, 'Oh my God, it's Paul McCartney," Elton recalls. "They asked him to play it and he reluctantly sat down and played 'Hey Jude' and Bernie and I were standing in the corner going, 'Oh my God, I think we've just died and gone to heaven,'" he added.
July 16, 2004 -- Billboard
The historic 1985 Live Aid concert will finally be released on DVD in the fall.
Earlier this year, the Band Aid Trust agreed to auction the global rights for the concerts for the first time, after pirated copies were found for sale on the Internet.
Warner Vision International won the bidding and has set a Nov. 10 release date for a four-disc DVD package. The iconic Live Aid, held at London's Wembley and Philadelphia's JFK Stadium, raised more than $70 million for famine relief in Africa.
Among the acts that performed were U2, Bob Dylan with Keith Richards and Ron Wood, David Bowie, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Queen, and the three surviving members of Led Zeppelin. The DVDs will feature a documentary, "Food, Trucks & Rock'n'Roll," plus performances from related Live Aid events around the world.
"Twenty years ago they not only played 'real good for free,' they took an issue that was nowhere on the agenda of the political world and placed it at the very top," said concert organizer Bob Geldof. "By buying the Live Aid DVD, that day continues far off into some distant but hopefully better future for all those people in whose name those great artists played."
July 15, 2004 -- Billboard
"A&E In Concert: Paul McCartney In Red Square" pulled in five nominations for the 56th annual Primetime Emmy Awards Thursday, including one for outstanding variety, music or comedy special.
(1) Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Miniseries (2) Movie or a Special, Lighting Direction (Electronic, Multi-Camera) for a VMC Programming (3) Variety, Music or Comedy Special (4) Sound Mixing for a Variety or Music Series or Special (5)Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special
Filmed in May 2003, the two-hour McCartney special captured the artist's first visit to Russia. In addition to his performance in Moscow's Red Square in front of nearly 100,000 fans, the program featured footage of his three-day tour of the country. The special also earned nominations for sound mixing, editing, lighting direction and technical direction, camerawork/video.
Presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the 56th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be handed out September 19 at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium, and will be broadcast live by ABC.
July 15, 2004
"A Hard Day's Night" makes its world high-definition premiere coinciding with the film's 40th anniversary and will mark RAVE HD's first movie event on VOOM. The celebrated mockumentary, chronicling the adventures of the Fab Four during the height of Beatlemania, has now been preserved in its most pristine format with this latest digital restoration and transfer to high-definition.
Debuting August 7th at 9:00pm, the High Defintion version of "A Hard Day's Night" will bring John, Paul, George and Ringo to life like never before and introduce a new generation of fans to the magic of The Beatles.
VOOM, is the first comprehensive high-definition satellite television service. Customers can purchase the service by calling 1-800-GET-VOOM or by visiting www.voom.com.
July 14, 2004 -- The Scotsman
I'll get by with a little help from my friendThey came from vastly different worlds but stood together like old friends: the wife of one of the worlds most famous musicians and the little girl from the slums of Iraq. As they embraced each other, the lifestyle, culture and language differences were forgotten, the only thing that mattered was that they were both victims of tragedies - though in vastly different circumstances - that had robbed them of a leg and that both were determined to help others facing similar problems.
Touched by the plight of Zeynab Hamid Taresh, an 11-year-old girl from the southern Iraq city of Basra, Heather Mills McCartney, the wife of former Beatle Paul McCartney, cut short a holiday in France to meet her in London last week, and to introduce her to Robert Marston, the orthopaedic surgeon who helped to rebuild Mills McCartneys own life after she lost a leg following a road accident in 1993.
"I fell in love with her the moment I met her," Mills McCartney says. "It broke my heart when I saw her hobbling about on those crutches." She has promised to put her weight behind a campaign fronted by the little girl to help other amputee children in southern Iraq. "I decided there and then to help her, and when she told me about the other children in her city, who have almost nothing, I decided I would do my very best to help them too."
Zeynabs story is a remarkable one. She miraculously survived a coalition bombing raid on a village near Basra during the first week of the Iraq war in March last year. The bomb killed 17 members of her family, and Zeynab woke up in a Basra hospital as doctors prepared to amputate her badly damaged right leg. Fearing gangrene, young doctors pressed into service as field surgeons operated under torchlight in filthy conditions, leaving Zeynab with only a few inches of stump, the end of which is still sharp.
She is cared for by the only surviving members of her immediate family, her father, uncle and grandmother, but conditions in their single-storey home are basic. Power and clean water supplies are irregular and, although occasionally attending school, the little girl had almost given up on her dream of becoming an actress.
I had just finished an assignment for a newspaper in Basra - I had been in Iraq since the outbreak of war - when I met Zeynab playing in the street among open sewers. Despite the awful conditions, she just smiled and smiled. I had been asked by a contact to write a story about her plight but instead, found myself becoming attached to the indomitable little girl on a pair of crude, wooden crutches. I made the snap decision to take her to Baghdad for treatment.
Her family, who had been visited by other journalists and aid organizations promising help that never materialized, were understandably sceptical. En route to Baghdad the next day, I was hit by a brainstorm. Instead of taking her to Baghdad, I decided to fly with her to London, where she would have the very best treatment, and appeal to the British public to help the other amputees - her "friends", as she calls them.
After a gruelling seven-hour drive to Baghdad, a stopover and a 12-hour ride to the Jordanian capital of Amman, where we were to catch a flight to London, the plan stalled. Zeynab, myself, and Ahrar Zalzali, a female Iraqi journalist who accompanied us to care for the girl, spent eight days in the embassy waiting room before we could secure a visa and fly to London - something only made possible by the intervention of the Labour peer Baroness Helena Kennedy.
When Zeynab stepped off the plane at Heathrow, she was overcome. The first stage of her ordeal had come to an end and, as she marvelled at her new world, her eyes filled with tears. The little group then came to stay with me at my home in Tottenham while we pondered what to do next. I decided to write to Mills McCartney, hoping she might help in some way. Two days later, I got a call from her, and a meeting took place that would change Zeynabs life forever.
"Is she a princess?" Zeynab asked me, after watching in amazement as Mills McCartney unscrewed her prosthetic leg. Unfazed when I explained she was not, but clearly impressed, Zeynab asked: "Will I be as beautiful as her?"
When Mills McCartney learned how doctors in Iraq had been forced to operate with rusty surgical equipment, without anaesthetic or even soap, she suggested starting a mobile clinic in the area.
Iraqi doctors estimate there are at least 600 amputees, many of them children who were playing outside as the bombs fell. Most are suffering from the effects of hastily carried out amputations and, under Iraqs creaking health system, very little aftercare.
If Zeynab is to fully recover, the road will be long and difficult. Yesterday, Mills McCartney planned to accompany her on the first of up to half a dozen consultations with prosthetists at the Dorset Orthopaedic Company hospital to fit a new leg. This was the hospital where Mills McCartney was treated and, after being contacted by their most famous former patient, they had agreed to waive the cost.
Tomorrow, Mills McCartney will take Zeynab to meet Robert Marston at St. John and St Elizabeth Hospital in St Johns Wood. There, Zeynab will be prepared for surgery to rebuild damaged tissue on her left leg, also injured in the blast, and will be examined for any residual shrapnel. A socket fitting is due on 19 July, and the final fitting on 26 July. She will then need up to two months of rehabilitation to learn how to walk again.
Zeynab will be going back to Basra to be with her father, but life there will be fraught with difficulty. It remains unclear whether she will get the follow-up treatment - and new, bigger legs - necessary for a young girl with another seven years of growth ahead of her. Even with all the help she is receiving here, she may still end up a forgotten, crippled victim of the war.
For the moment, she can't wait to have a lifelike prosthetic leg, just like the one worn by the woman she idolizes. "It will take her a while to learn how to walk, though," says Mills McCartney. "I remember how difficult it was for me. When I first had my leg fitted the socket was really awkward and I used to crawl to the toilet if I woke up in the night because it took me so long to get the leg on. But, after a while, it becomes second nature."
July 14, 2004 -- Ireland-Online
Martin Ignorant of Beatles' Drug HabitsThe Beatles' producer and friend Sir George Martin has only recently discovered the band's later albums were influenced by drugs.
Rock veteran Sir Paul McCartney has confessed the group hid their drug habits from Martin and waited years before finally telling him albums like "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," were stimulated by illegal substances like cocaine and marijuana.
McCartney says, "I did coke for about a year around that time. Coke and maybe some grass to balance it out. When you start working your way through it, you start thinking, 'Mmm, this is not so cool an idea.'
"But around the time of Pepper, we were all into one thing or another. We would sneak stuff into the studio and we had to hide it from George Martin. George, bless him, was such a gentleman, so we'd never do anything like that in front of him.
"It was only later that we told him that some of the later albums had been drug-influenced. He had no idea."
July 14, 2004 -- Ireland-Online
McCartney: John's Christ comment was misunderstoodRocker Sir Paul McCartney has defended John Lennon's controversial statement that The Beatles were "bigger" than Jesus Christ, insisting his words were misinterpreted.
Lennon, who was assassinated in New York in December 1980, unleashed his infamous comments during an interview with newspaper The London Evening Standard in 1966, sparking outrage among religious groups.
But McCartney claims his bandmate's now legendary words were not an example of his arrogance, instead they reflected his concern for the decreasing number of church-goers in Britain.
He says, "Of course, John never meant to say that The Beatles were literally bigger than Christ. He was only referring to the lack of attendance in the church. He was actually taking a sympathetic point of view."
July 13, 2004 -- Mirror
PAUL'S VEGGIE NIGHTMacca's eco-friendly tour demands
He's one of the oldest rockers on the block and Paul McCartney's picked up some eccentric behaviour during his 47-year career.
On his recent European tour, the veteran crooner "freaked out" when a vase of lilies was left in his Madrid hotel room. He thought they were using up too much oxygen, we're told.
And that wasn't the only incident that took his entourage by surprise on the sell-out 14-date Live Experience extravaganza.
"Everybody knows that Paul banned all meat and meat by-products on the entire tour," says our mole. "But what isn't known is just how particular he is about other things, too. He's a huge fan of flowers but they have to be certain varieties from reputable florists. Plants have to be as full at the bottom as they are at the top and he doesn't like tree trunks so indoor trees are forbidden."
And furniture has to come up to the former Beatle's exacting standards, too. "Paul likes to entertain and requests two banqueting tables in every place he stops," our source goes on.
"But they have to be made from sustainable wood. Glass and lacquer are forbidden as the methods used to produce them can be harmful to the environment."
Paul whose wife Heather gave birth to the couple's first child, Beatrice, last October even insists his crew abide by his beliefs.
"Paul is very keen on recycling and made sure everyone on the tour made full use of the facilities he arranged. The rubbish bins had to be policed at regular intervals throughout the day. If Paul found out that recyclable materials were being thrown out with the ordinary trash, there'd have been hell to pay."
Paul's veggie-friendly requirements also gave tour staff a headache.
"Paul insists that no leather or animal skins are used anywhere near him," explains our insider. "He goes mad if he's even near fake animal prints. He likes to travel in a limousine but leather seats tend to come as standard in limos. Venue staff had to ensure that seats were re-covered in time for his arrival and then changed back. You don't say no to the likes of Sir Paul."
Meanwhile, a hotel insider leapt to the superstar's defence.
"Paul is very specific about what he wants. He's done 3,000 live dates in his career and having spent so long away from home it's obviously very important that he feels comfortable on every stage of the tour."
July 12, 2004Ex-Beatles drummer Pete Best, hinted in a recent interview that he might be working with Paul McCartney in the future. Unconfirmed reports are that Paul contacted Best through a 'third party' for a planned concert at the end of this year.
July 11, 2004In the latest Paris Match magazine, Paul talks about watching European soccer games backstage on his big screen TV, before the concerts. He mentions taking the Eurostar train from England to Paris on many occasions and sightseeing at the Louvre and Saint Sulpice church. In the interview, Macca attributes his vegetarian diet to keeping him fit physically and mentally. With the article are four pages of Bill Bernstein photos from the tour.
July 11, 2004 -- IrelandOnline
Hollywood golden couple Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's house-hunting in England is hotting up - they've fallen for a tiny seaside town.The pair, who wed in July 2000, have made no secret of their desire to start a family now Aniston's ten-year run on FRIENDS has ended and would like to bring up their children in Europe.
Aniston and Pitt have been reportedly looking at properties in the ancient town of Rye in East Sussex, south England, where fellow American star Johnny Depp was checking out homes earlier this year.
A local real estate agent boasts: "It's a beautiful place and perfect for a couple looking to relax and get away from it all."
Paul McCartney is only a stone throw's away in nearby Peasmarsh, and owns several properties in Rye.
July 8, 2004
Paul and Heather turned out for a MAG (Mines Advisory Group) meeting about landmines in Iraq held at Soho House in London, July 6.
July 8, 2004 -- ITV
Heather helps Iraqi amputee
A little girl who lost a leg in the Iraq War has come to Britain to meet anti-landmines campaigner Heather Mills McCartney. She is in Britain to ask the Government for more medical help for children like her.Zeynab met Paul McCartney's wife, a campaigner for over 11 years to raise funds and awareness to rid the world of landmines, to boost awareness of their plight.
Mills McCartney said it is a disgrace that there are so many children like Zeynab that are not receiving the proper medical attention they require.
"I am very surprised that the English and American governments made so many promises to help people in Iraq and there are nearly 600 amputees going around. Zeynab is a very brave, incredible girl to have come over here."
The former model, who is a patron of Adopt-A-Minefield has made a career out of counseling people from around the globe who have lost limbs in accidents, through illness or through terrorist atrocities.
In August 1993, she herself was involved in a road accident with a police motorcycle which resulted in the loss of her left leg below the knee.
July 8, 2004Paul phoned Ringo Starr yesterday and sang "When I'm 64" for his 64th birthday!
July 8, 2004Paul made a surprise visit to his fame school, LIPA in Liverpool yesterday. He had a question and answer session with students where he talked about song writing and his experience at Glastonbury. He mentioned his desire to tour America and the UK but didn't reveal any specifics. On the way out Paul stopped the car to sign a few autographs for waiting fans.
Paul will be back at LIPA on July 30th for the graduation and to give out an honorary degree to the Bangles. (more info)
July 6, 2004 -- IrelandOnlineMcCARTNEY: I ALWAYS FORGET MY LYRICS ONSTAGE
Sir Paul McCartney needs an auto cue (teleprompter) when he performs live, because he can never remember the words to even his biggest hits.
The former Beatle confesses he never listens to his own music and frequently forgets song lyrics on stage.
Sir Paul, who recently ended his European tour with a smash hit gig at Britain's Glastonbury Festival, recalls, "During one concert in Europe (St. Petersburg), I was playing the Beatles song 'For No One' and reading off the auto cue, when suddenly the sun shot straight in my eyes."
Speaking at today's London launch of a new DVD version of the first Beatles movie, "A Hard Day's Night," McCartney adds, "I always forget the lyrics. I've written far too many songs to keep them all in my head."
July 6, 2004 -- The GuardianSales of "1" album boosted by Glastonbury appearance
Sales of the Beatles' album of hits have reportedly doubled after Sir Paul McCartney's Glastonbury set.
July 6, 2004 -- MACCA REPORT EXCLUSIVE!!!
Hey Jorie and friends,Yes, I'm back and finally coming up for air over here.
The tour was a blazing throbbing success and we have multiplied his audience by doing the Glasto festival. That was a bold move!! There we were in front of what, 80,000 peeps, many of whom would not think to buy tickets to go see a Macca show. I was a bit nervous when the Black Eyed Peas were kicking so much ass onstage, and we were next on... and Paul had not yet arrived!
Well, we came out, and PM had each one of those muddy fans right in the palm of his hands, and proceeded to take them apart, and put them back together again, sending them back to their tents singing "Hey Jude" for 20 minutes after we had left the stage. I have yet to see a lot of the British press, but the NME report was GLOWING, A paper who at times seems to favor new young artists.. they had to give it up for Paul.
So, yes it went well!
Other highlights? Oslo, seeing Prague, cloud "seeding" in St. Pete's. All the fans in each rainy city who braved the rain just to hang with us!
And Paris... ahhhh, Paris
Lots of cool memories. The band is closer now than ever and we look forward to many surprises in the not so distant...
Now it's time to enjoy some time off, get away for a bit and bask in the afterglow and in the sun... So, get out there, turn off your computers for the week and enjoy yourselves!
Wait...
Where's my room service?Love to you all,
Brian Rayps.. Thank you all for the posts on PM's site and all the support out there on the road. I saw your signs!!!
Muaaaaaaah !!
July 6, 2004 -- Ireland Online
McCartney takes trip down memory lanePaul McCartney took a trip down memory lane today to mark the 40th anniversary of the Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night."
The star was reunited with cast and crew from the movie at a special screening in London at the Sony Theatre in Golden Square.
And he was visibly moved to see himself and his former band mates on the big screen again the first time he had watched the film from beginning to end since its world premiere in 1964.
"It's lovely to see you all here again," he told the audience. "The film looks so great and as if it was just yesterday but it wasn't."
McCartney, 62, watched the black and white film with wife, Heather. It was released before the 36-year-old former model was born and she had never seen it before.
"Heather has never seen it full-length, we have just seen bits and pieces," Sir Paul explained. He added, "Yes, it takes me back, it's great seeing it again. It's very sad that George and John aren't around to see it."
"A Hard Day's Night" followed a day in the life of the group at the height of Beatlemania.
They had a series of adventures as they prepared for a TV appearance, all the while trying to keep Paul's mischief-making grandfather (Wilfrid Brambell) out of trouble.
Cast members attending today's exclusive screening in central London included Victor Spinetti, who played the neurotic TV director; John Junkin, who played junior road manager Shake; and David Janson, who played the young boy who befriends Ringo.
The film was an instant hit on its release and propelled the Liverpool group to even greater fame. It features 12 Beatles hits, including the No. 1s - "Can't Buy Me Love," "She Loves You" and "A Hard Day's Night."
To mark the 40th anniversary, the film is to be released on DVD with rare and new footage.
July 5, 2004 -- "Q" Magazine (UK)Saturday hero Paul McCartney on ley lines, Charles Manson and all things "Glastonberic."
Q: Sir Paul- what kept you?
PAUL: I know that there have been rumors about me playing Glastonbury for years, but I'm pretty sure this is the first time I'd actually been asked. I really wanted to do it, because it's a legend and I've never been there before, not even to watch. In fact, I'd sort of missed out on festivals all my life--The Beatles never played one and it never happened with Wings or solo either. So it was high time.|
When it was confirmed, I started reading all the books about the place, the ley lines. They're groovy but unpredictable! I love all that. And it was a good moment for me to do it, too, because I've got this band and we make a good noise. We like playing with each other -- as the actress etc. But I couldn't have gone into a gig like this cold, so I organized a month's tour in Europe to get the set right.
Q: Did it work?
PAUL: We certainly worked on some special stuff. One of the joys of playing live now is discovering how many songs I've never played in concert. There's a few we found which I think are particularly Glastonberic like doing "Helter Skelter" live for the first time ever. It's not really that I've steered clear of it because of the Manson thing, although it's obviously not the greatest association. What the heck, he got it wrong. It's just a song about a fairground ride, you know!
Q: The song still seems a touch incongruous for Glastonbury.
PAUL: Well, I seem to keep it fresh and avoid writer's block by working in different ways. One interesting change came out of my publishing "Blackbird Singing," my book of lyrics and poetry. I got asked to do some readings at literary festivals, places like the Hay festival, and that led me on to writing the words first, then putting them to music. My songwriting had never worked like that before.
Q: What's next?
PAUL: In March and April I started work on a new album with David Kahne, who produced "Driving Rain," and then I was out in Los Angeles with Nigel Godrich. I'm going to make a great album. That's what I'm saying. Not "I hope to", but "I will." That's how you have to approach it.
Apart from that I'm adapting my chorale "Ecce Cor Meum," which has already been performed at Magdalen College, Oxford. I'm hoping we'll record it later this year. The title means "Behold My Heart" and it is a personal statement, although, to me, the music means more than the words. Still, there's this illusion that I'm always working because of all these projects I've done in recent years. It's not like that. Now I'm going to take July and August off. Not many people can do that, can they? I'm a lucky man.
July 4, 2004 -- Sky NewsMACCA MAY BE OFF TO US
Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney has reportedly agreed to move to Hollywood for the sake of his wife's career. Heather Mills-McCartney is keen to launch herself as a chat show host in America.
Thumbs-aloft Scouser Sir Paul, 62, is apparently not keen to leave Britain. But he has agreed after Heather apparently impressed TV bosses by interviewing Hollywood legend Paul Newman and a £1million ($1.8 million) contract with CNN may be on the cards.
The 36-year-old is also thought to be unhappy living in England, saying she feels "vilified" by negative publicity. A friend of the couple told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "Paul loves Heather and would follow her anywhere. He's agreed to move to the US as she focuses on her career."
July 4, 2004
MACCA SNUBS LENNON CREDITSir Paul McCartney has dropped John Lennon's name from a 1965 Beatles track, the first time he's ditched his old songwriting partner's moniker from a Fab Four song.
On his music publishing website, www.mplcommunications.com, McCartney lists "I've Just Seen A Face" from The Beatles' "Help!" album as 'Music by Paul McCartney, lyrics by Paul McCartney.'
By the late Sixties, they wrote less together but agreed to stick to their early agreement to credit all songs as Lennon and McCartney.
Lennon admitted after the group split that he had nothing to do with Yesterday, which was written completely by McCartney.
His widow Yoko Ono is said to be furious with McCartney's appeal to have her husband's name removed from the credits for the ever-popular song.
July 2, 2004 -- Le Monde
French newspaper Le Monde interviewed with Paul when he was in Paris (June 24). In the article Paul mentions a new song he wrote the day of the interview called, "That Seems To Make No Sense."
News continues with August 2004 on the Macca Report ARCHIVE 9
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