December 31, 2004 -- Macca Report Exclusive
Paul and Heather held a huge party for all their Liverpool relatives at their Wirral home on Merseyside tonight.
December 31, 2004 -- The Bulletin
Although he only graduated from high school five years ago, then spent two years studying at Paul McCartney's Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts, rising Texas singer/songscribe Django Walker has already penned a number one tune on the Texas Music Charts, Pat Green and Cory Morrow's duet "Texas On My Mind."
December 31, 2004 -- Female First UK
Sir Paul McCartney can't use cash machines!
Sir Paul McCartney has confessed he doesn't use cash machines because he doesn't know how to. The legendary ex-Beatle admits he never uses the dispensers like ordinary people because he is such a technophobe.Instead, he relies on the staff at his offices to get him any cash he needs while he is out and about.
He said, "I don't use the machines. I'm terrible. I'm so low-tech, it's horrible. I've got an office and I ring them up and say, 'Give me some money.'"
The rocker, who is married to Heather Mills, admits he sometimes even has to borrow money from his personal assistant because he can't use the machines.
December 30, 2004
Macca Report Exclusive!!!
Paul and Heather are said to be organizing a large scale rock concert to raise money for the Tsunami/earthquake victims in southern Asia.
The live concert with multiple acts, will take place early next year and will most likely be shown first on Pay Per View.
December 30, 2004 -- CNN
The oddest items offered on ebay according to a USA Today report
Despite the frenzy it caused over the holidays, the No. 1 search item on eBay in 2004 wasn't "iPod." In fact it was "RV," short for recreational vehicle, a published report said Thursday. For the second year in a row, USA Today asked the online auction behemoth to slice and dice its database of transactions to draw out trends that could help define 2004.
The most disconcerting conclusion drawn from eBay's statistics, the report said, was that people appear to be getting weirder.For example, in 2003, the oddest item sold on eBay was a tissue used by Paul McCartney. In 2004, there was a plethora of strange and often bizarre items on both the seller and the buyer side.
Among them, a 10-year-old grilled cheese sandwich marked by scorches that seem to look like the Virgin Mary, or someone who listed her father's cane along with her father's ghost, the paper said.
Other listings included a piece of gum chewed by Britney Spears that fetched more than $500, the report said.
December 29, 2004Update on the Abbey Road Wall from Richard Porter
Letter from the Westminster Council
Wall of Abbey Road Studios
Thank you for your recent e-mail concerning Abbey Road.
The Council has received numerous complaints from local residents, as it affects the amenity of the area. It is a very large wall and it does become an eyesore.
It has now had a special coating placed on it which was paid for in total by EMI studios, and so the only activity that takes place is the weekly washing down of the wall.
This cleansing project was scheduled for 3 months, and so it will be reviewed at the end of January 2005 at which time we will take note of representations from all parties, including your petition.
Yours Sincerely,
Councilor Alan Bradley
Save a Beatles fan tradition!
There is still time to sign the petition and save the Abbey Road wall and have your voices as Beatles fans heard!
You can sign the petition at:
http://www.petitiononline.com/abbeyrd/petition.html
December 29, 2004 -- AP
The book of superlatives, Guinness World Records, is itself a superlative.According to Guinness, its annual compendium of the shortest and tallest, biggest and smallest, fastest and slowest, and highest and lowest is the bestselling copyrighted book in publishing history. Between the glittering gold-foil covers of the latest large-format version, "Guinness World Records 2005: Special 50th Anniversary Edition," information-seekers and curious browsers will find thousands of records, including hundreds of new ones, in categories that range from politics to pop music, birds to buildings, toys to tennis, and reptiles to religion.
Sir Paul McCartney has the record number of Guinness World Records, at 22 - 16 as a Beatle.
December 28, 2004 -- Daily MailYoko's feud with Paul looks as though it's here to stay.
More than four years after their public row over the song "Yesterday," Sir Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono are still squabbling.
John Lennon's widow has banned Sir Paul from including his best-known ballad on a solo album of love songs because she insists it is by the Beatles.
And he is so unhappy about Yoko's decision that he is considering abandoning the entire project. "He can't believe she is being so petty," said a source close to Sir Paul.
Yoko, 71, has always been accused of breaking up the Beatles by distancing Lennon from his bandmates McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. But the ill-feeling between her and Sir Paul did not break into the open until 2000, ten years after Lennon's murder, when Yoko and the three surviving group members put together the "Beatles 1" album and the "Anthology" DVD and book.
Although "Yesterday" is credited to Lennon/McCartney, it was entirely the work of Sir Paul and he asked for his name to be put first this time.
"I felt that after 30 years this would be a nice gesture and something that might be easy for Yoko to agree with," 62-year-old Sir Paul said at the time. "At first she said yes then she rang back a couple of hours later and reversed her decision."
Two years later, Sir Paul hit back. On his album "Back In The U.S. Live 2002," the credits for all the Beatles songs read "composed by Paul McCartney and John Lennon."
Yoko responded by removing McCartney's credit from "Give Peace A Chance" on the "Lennon Legend" DVD. Even though the song was written by Lennon it had always had McCartney's name on it because it was written when they were still in The Beatles.
The latest installment of the feud involves an album called "Paul McCartney Love Songs," due out early in the New Year.
Although it features mainly music from his post-Beatles days including, "My Love," "Silly Love Songs," "Girlfriend," and "Pipes of Peace," he had hoped to include "Yesterday" because it was a solo effort.
The source close to Sir Paul said last night that the album had been due to come out around Valentine's Day.
"The Apple group - which is now essentially Paul, Ringo, Yoko and George's widow Olivia - has a final decision about what happens with all Beatles music. All of the others were happy to let Paul put 'Yesterday' on the new album but Yoko refused.
"Even though she knows John did not have a hand in writing 'Yesterday' she insisted that as a Beatles song it should not be on a Paul McCartney solo album.
"This situation is becoming more and more petty. And what infuriates Paul the most is that he knows if John were still around there would not be a problem."
A spokesman for Yoko said, "This is a Beatles decision - you to speak to Apple."
A spokesman for Apple was unavailable for comment.
December 28, 2004 -- Contact MusicMcCARTNEY ANGRY WITH ONO'S BEATLES SONG BAN
Sir Paul McCartney is fuming over Yoko Ono's refusal to allow him to include his ballad "Yesterday" on a new solo album.
Ono, the widow of late Beatle John Lennon, insists the classic 60s song was a collaborative effort and has denied McCartney access to the track for upcoming disc "Paul McCartney Love Songs," even though he wrote it.
In order for any Beatles song to be released all four principals in the APPLE group - McCartney, Ono, Ringo Starr and George Harrison's widow Olivia must agree on every detail.
But Ono's decision has reportedly infuriated McCartney, reigniting a similar feud over the song from four years ago.
A source says, "He can't believe she is being so petty. Even though she knows John did not have a hand in writing Yesterday she insisted that as a Beatles song it should not be included on a Paul McCartney solo album.
"The situation is becoming more and more petty. And what infuriates Paul the most is that he knows if John were still around there would not even be a problem."
December 27, 2004 -- Macca Report Exclusive"Love Songs" on hold because of Yoko?
A new gliche may keep the "Paul McCartney Love Songs" album indefinitely on the back burner.
According to a source, Yoko Ono is not giving her permission to use the "Lennon/McCartney" compositions that include "Yesterday," "Here There and Everywhere" and "For No One," because the songs are "Beatles Love Songs" not "Paul McCartney Love Songs."
The album had a tenative release date of February 8, 2005 from Capitol.
December 27, 2004 -- Yahoo UK News
Richard and Judy top of the couples
TV hosts Richard and Judy defeated Paul and Heather McCartney in the celebrity special of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire "- winning £64,000 ($123,289) for charity.Paul and Heather Mills McCartney won £32,000 ($61,645) for Adopt-a-Minefield after sitting on the hotseat.
After appearing on the Christmas Eve show, the former Beatle and his wife reappeared on the Christmas Day program to face the £32,000 question with no lifelines remaining.They failed on the £64,000 question: "B is the symbol for which element?" With a choice of Barium, Bromine, Boron and Bismuth, the couple gambled on Barium, but the correct answer was Boron.
December 26, 2004 -- American PhotoCelebrity photographer Kevin Mazur recalls the first time he met Paul and Linda McCartney in the January/February 2005 issue of American Photo. One of his first professional assignments was to cover a luncheon for Paul and Linda.
"It was a real learning experience. Paul and Linda were the nicest people I'd ever met. I think it was partly because Linda herself was a photographer, and took an active interest in what was going on with the camera. So I walked out of there expecting every celebrity to be as nice as they were..."
December 24, 2004 -- Press Release
Meet the Beatle
Ameriquest Mortgage sponsor of the NFL Super Bowl will be offering a sweepstakes starting on December 27 to win tickets to the Super Bowl and meet Paul McCartney!
One Super Bowl fan will have an opportunity to meet Paul McCartney and attend the game in Jacksonville.McCartney will headline the halftime show. The lucky fan will be escorted by Paula Abdul to a private halftime show rehearsal at which the winner will meet the former Beatle. The fan also will talk football with Detroit Lions coach Steve Mariucci, sit at the game with Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and also join Marcus Allen, another Hall of Famer, in the broadcast booth.
Fans can enter the "Ameriquest Live Like A Legend" contest at www.ameriquest.com before Jan. 18.
December 24, 2004 -- BBC Radio 2Steve Wright of BBC Radio 2 interviewed Ringo Starr on his show Monday, December 20. When asked if he still had a fantastic relationship with Paul, Ringo said, "I still have A relationship with Paul. We don't hang out anymore. He has a new life now and I'm doing my thing..."
December 24, 2004 -- Star Tribune
Inspiring women will talk in seriesFrom rags to riches to royalty, the 2005 Star Tribune Women's Lecture Series has it all.
Now in its ninth year, the lecture series brings to the Twin Cities inspiring women who have made a difference through activism, philosophy and philanthropy.
If ever a youngster seemed destined to fail, it would have been Heather Mills McCartney. Living under a bridge in London after her mother threw her out, she was saved by having the kind of face a camera loves. She was beginning to make a name for herself as a model when she was hit by a police motorcycle and lost her left leg below the knee.
But as McCartney says, "I definitely lost my leg for a reason." As she adjusted to life with a prosthesis, McCartney learned that as people outgrow or get more high-tech artificial limbs, the old ones are thrown away. In October 1994, she delivered prostheses to the former Yugoslavia, and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998 for her work in war-ravaged areas.
Married to former Beatle Paul McCartney, she will speak April 21 on "A Single Step."
Speakers for the 9th annual Star Tribune Women's Lecture Series are:
Feb. 14 - Queen Noor of Jordan
March 9 - Patti LaBelle
April 21- Heather Mills McCartney (7:30 pm)
May 11- Brooke Ellison
May 24 - Jane Seymour
Lectures will be at 7:30 p.m. at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. Tickets will be sold for the entire series only. Prices range from $149 to $269. Tickets may be purchased at the Minnestota Orchestra box office at 11th St. and Marquette Ave. or by calling 612-371-5642 or 1-800-292-4141, ext. 642.
December 23, 2004 -- Contact MusicMcCARTNEY THANKS STAFF WITH A WHITE CHRISTMAS
Festive Sir Paul McCartney has thanked his road crew by throwing a Christmas party for them - and covering the ground with snow.
The former Beatle and his wife Heather Mills held the seasonal bash in a school playground near their home in East Sussex, England.
McCartney arranged for snow machines to provide a white Christmas for all his employees who worked on his '04 Summer Tour.
A source says, "Everyone had a great, great time. The ground was a couple of inches thick with snow."
December 20, 2005 -- The Mail On Sunday
Macca's Bea line for Ireland
Sir Paul McCartney and his wife Heather Mills McCartney have returned to Castle Leslie, where they married two-and-a-half years ago, to have their baby daughter Beatrice blessed in time for her first birthday.
The former Beatle and his 36-year-old spouse booked into the 21,000-acre stately pile in County Monaghan after returning from the States, where the 62-year-old musician has been finishing a new album. They stayed in the Red Room, where they spent their wedding night, and Beatrice Milly, who turned one in October, was blessed in the fairytale church in the castle's grounds.
"Paul and Heather booked in under pseudonyms and seemed very at home," a member of staff said. "Paul was even allowed to wear trainers in the dining room, which is against house rules. He and Heather are clearly very much in love. They only really left their quarters to go to the ceremony."
Perhaps the patter of more tiny feet is not far off?
December 20, 2004 -- Cincinnati Arts Association
Heather Mills McCartney will be a guest lecturer on April 19, 2005 for the Smart Talk Women's Lecture Series
Heather Mills McCartney: A Single Step
Tuesday, April 19, 2005 7:30PMShe didn't seem to have a chance in life. Neglectful parents, a life on the streets, a devastating accident in which she lost part of her leg, a promising modeling career suddenly ended. Despite the odds, Heather Mills McCartney has achieved unparalleled success, becoming a Nobel Prize nominee, a patron of Adopt-A-Minefield and a United Nations Association Goodwill Ambassador. Heather Mills McCartney's amazing story of triumph over adversity will surprise, uplift and reward.
Aronoff Center For The Arts
650 Walnut St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Tickets: $150-$300 for new subscribers, $119-$279 for renewals.
call (513) 621-2787; www.cincinnatiarts.org; or Aronoff Center for the ArtsTicket Office, 650 Walnut St.Ticket Office
Phone: (513) 621-2787
ticketing@cincinnatiarts.org
December 19, 2004 -- UK News
Sir Paul McCartney treated diners at a top London restaurant to an impromptu gig this week. He broke into song at Zillis in Soho and belted out Christmas songs.
Owner Aldo Zilli said, "He just walked in, had a glass with us and started singing - everyone joined in."
December 19, 2004 -- News of the WorldSir Paul bows to missus
Sir Paul McCartney and his wife Heather had a festive ding-dong during their charity stint on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" And it was all over the birthplace of civil rights leader Martin Luther King.
Macca was convinced the American was born in Charleston -- his missus was certain it was Atlanta.
But after a heated debate in front of a giggling Chris Tarrant, Heather got her way and won.
A show insider said: "The £16,000 ($30,880) question about Martin Luther King started a jokey row and Chris just sat back laughing as they argued over who was right.
"They were both certain they knew best, but in the end Paul gave in. When she won, Heather started celebrating. I bet she still is."
The "Millionaire" special airs Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and also stars Sir Alex Ferguson and showbiz couple Richard and Judy.
The Maccas managed to raise £32,000 ($61,760) for the Adopt-A-Minefield charity.
December 19, 2004
Update On "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire"
Paul and Heather won £32,000 ($61,760) on the UK version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" for their Adopt-A-Minefield charity. Paul and Heather came on at the second part of the first show and continued on the second show.
Paul lost two lifelines (50/50 and phone a friend) on the £16,000 ($30,880) question: "Where was civil rights leader Martin Luther King born?" He did answer the question correctly at the last second. (answer : Atlanta, Georgia)
The quiz show airs in the UK on ITV1, Christmas Eve at 9 pm GMT with the second show airing on Christmas Day at 5:40 pm GMT and a repeat at 12:25 am December 26.
December 19, 2004 -- Holiday Message from Brian RayHello my dears,
I would like to send each of you big Holiday Hello!
I wish you all the best now and in this New Year.Much love happiness and harmony for you all.
take care,
p.s.
I have expanded my CD to be a full length record...
It'll be ready in February...xoxo,
Brian
December 19, 2004 -- Press Release
Win a signed Paul McCartney Lithograph for £20 ($38)!!!
Canvas UK Ltd. raffles limited edition signed Sir Paul McCartney lithograph print for Adopt-A-Minefield!Canvas is delighted to be hosting a very special new year raffle to win a limited edition signed lithograph print by Sir Paul McCartney along with his and her jewellery by kindly donated by renowned Brighton jeweller Katie Weiner. The lithograph, one of only 100, is of Sir Paul's 'Amnesty' painting others have been sold for up to £2,000. Katie Weiner's collections, which range from delicate rings to striking headpieces, have a custom base throughout the UK as well as New York and Tokyo.
Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills who have a home in Brighton are patrons of Adopt-A-Minefield, Canvas's nominated charity, and have kindly donated the piece.
It costs just £20 to have your name put in the hat! The draw will be held at the end of January.
Just go to www.canvasuk.org
December 17, 2004 -- Yahoo NewsOno! she's at it again
Paul McCartney is reportedly furious that Yoko Ono has removed his name from the credit of the song "Give Peace A Chance" on the DVD, Lennon Legend.
The song - released in 1969 by the Plastic Ono Band - was written by Lennon. But, as he was still in the Beatles at the time, it has always carried the Lennon-McCartney credit.
A year ago McCartney enraged Yoko by changing the familiar Beatles credit Lennon & McCartney to McCartney/Lennon but said he only did it on the songs he wrote alone.
In June, Sir Paul said he would not swop any more credits. And the feud appeared to be over when he, Yoko, Ringo Starr and George Harrison's widow Olivia agreed on a new version of the "Let It Be" album.
Thisislondon.co.uk reports a source close to Sir Paul saying, "He thought they had sorted everything out. He's really angry that she has chosen to do something this petty."
December 17, 2004 -- Adopt-A-Minefield
Who wants to be a Millionaire Christmas Special - Paul & Heather play to win funds to clear landminesChristmas Eve and Christmas Day will see Paul and Heather McCartney pitting their wits against Chris Tarrant's Who Wants to be a Millionaire questions to win funds to clear landmines and help landmine survivors.
Watch it live - or check back on our home page for news about how they get on - http://www.landmines.org.uk
Best wishes,
The Adopt-A-Minefield (UK) team
December 15, 2004
Paul and Heather tape "Millionaire"
Paul and Heather taped "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" today in London. Heather chatted with host Chris Tarrant who asked Paul if ever got a word in edgewise and made a joke of it.
Heather told stories and said that Paul had written a so many songs that he couldn't remember the words to all of them! Paul mentioned that he will be finishing his studio album next year and plans to tour the US later in the year.
The quiz show airs in the UK on ITV1, Christmas Day.
December 15, 2004 -- Tour RumorThe Boston Herald newspaper reported that the Boston Fleet Center was booked for a McCartney 2005 summer show.
December 15, 2004 -- Guitar World Acoustic
Paul is on the cover of the Dec/January '05 Guitar World's "Acoustic Guitar" magazine with a lengthy interview. Here are some excerpts.
Q: Has wearing an acrylic nail made you feel like less of a man?
Paul: I still feel like a man - a full grown man!I use a flatpick on more chordal stuff - it's my own goofball version of fingerpicking. The main drawback to my approach is that because of the way I flick the chords and notes with my finger, it wears my nail down. A couple of years ago, my wife Heather suggested that I put an acrylic nail on. I said 'No, I can't do that!' But I did do it on the last tour and it works like a dream!
Next month I'm going to be in L.A. to do some recording. I'm doing an album that's being produced by Nigel Godrich (Radiohead). But we're not looking to release anything until this time next year.
December 13, 2004 -- Reno Gazette Journal
McCartney vocalizes about Heather, Wings and moreDid you miss out on Paul McCartney's latest concert tour? There's a second chance to take it all in without leaving home. Just in time for the holiday shopping season, McCartney is unveiling an autobiography chronicling his world tour that featured 91 concerts, 36 songs and crowds totaling 2 million.
"Each One Believing: Paul McCartney On Stage, Off Stage and Backstage" (Chronicle Books, $35) provides a revealing look at the 62-year-old music legend. It's full of inside information on McCartney, who touches on everything a music fan could want and more.
Want to know what McCartney eats? What about reuniting Wings, his relationship with his wife Heather, his routine, love of America, relentless work ethic and upbeat attitude?
It's all there, along with the messages/motivation behind his music and a "Tourasaurus" (musical glossary) explaining key terms. Supplemented with hundreds of exclusive photos, "Each One Believing" provides "a record of a very special tour."
"After a tough few years, I feel like I'm back in the land of the living," McCartney writes. "I've had my low points, but now I've got this great band, Heather, and my familyWell, that's the magic of life."
Anyone who's been to a McCartney concert knows he doesn't skimp. Most fans want to hear Beatles songs. But then there's the Wings contingent and fans of his solo career. He tries not to disappoint anyone, noting that he's "lucky to have a lot of songs to choose from."
"I wanted to give the audience what I thought they'd like, because I like that when I go to a show," McCartney writes.
His tour was historic, with stops that included The Colosseum in Rome, where he performed an acoustic-type show so the walls wouldn't crumble, and Red Square in Moscow. Guests there included Russian President Vladimir Putin (who made a surprise visit with a half-dozen KGB agents) and former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev.
Promoters expected a crowd of 35,000 but 95,000 showed up.
One Russian newspaper declared, "McCartney storms the Kremlin. He is the victor."
Expect to hear a lot about McCartney in the coming weeks. He's set to highlight one of the biggest stages of all: the 2005 Super Bowl halftime show Feb. 6 in Jacksonville, Fla.
After the dustup over Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" at the 2004 Super Bowl, organizers are counting on McCartney for the nation's highest-rated television event.
"Say what you will about Paul McCartney, but the former Beatle is unlikely to tear his shirt off at public singing engagements," Zap2it.com recently declared. "Perhaps the minimal threat of nipple exposure is a major reason why McCartney has been given the coveted, but recently stained, Super Bowl halftime slot."
In 2002, McCartney performed at Super Bowl XXXVI, the first Super Bowl after 9/11. Echoing a theme of his concert tour account, McCartney told Reuters the 2005 Super Bowl show will have wide audience appeal and bridge several generations of fans. "There's nothing bigger than being asked to perform at the Super Bowl," McCartney said in a statement. "We're looking forward to rocking the millions at home and in the stadium."
December 12, 2004 -- Western Mail
A most curious Christmas DayChristmas 2004 will mark the 90th anniversary of one of the most remarkable truces in modern warfare, when soldiers in the world's bloodiest conflict decided to take a day off from killing in honour of the season.
History and legend both tell us that on Christmas Day 1914, men from German and British trenches joined in spontaneous bouts of carol singing, drinking, and even an impromptu game of football.
And Welsh soldiers played a large part in the celebrations, according to surviving accounts of the day. The truce was in part organised by an officer in the Royal Welch Fusiliers, who enjoyed a gift of German beer in exchange for plum pudding, during the unique and brief lull in a four-year war.
One of the best accounts of a momentous day of peace and goodwill was in fact provided by Captain Clifton Inglis Stockwell of the Royal Welch Fusiliers.
He eventually survived the war and died in December 1953, almost 40 years after the truce he helped make famous.
But on Christmas Eve 1914, he was part of a British Army manning a stretch of the line running south from the infamous Ypres salient for 27 miles to the La Bassee Canal.
Only months beforehand, millions of servicemen, reservists and volunteers from all over the continent had rushed enthusiastically to the banners of war. They were promised that they would be home by Christmas, and some accounts suggest the atmosphere at the start of the war was one of holiday rather than the bloody conflict it became. That changed when armies equipped with repeating rifles, machine guns and a vast array of artillery tore chunks out of each other, and thousands of men perished.
But the incessant shooting and shelling that characterised the Western Front was stopped in some places on December 25 as men ventured freely into No Man's Land.
Capt Stockwell, 35 years old at the time, helped record the astonishing event for posterity when he wrote a passage beginning, "I and my Company have just spent one of the most curious Christmas Days we are ever likely to see.
"The Saxons [Germans] were shouting, 'Don't shoot. We don't want to fight today. We will send you some beer'."
Capt Stockwell then arranged for a one-day ceasefire along his stretch of the front, resulting in a silent night the North Wales regiment would remember throughout the war.
Peter Crocker, curator at the Royal Welch Fusiliers museum at Caernarfon Castle, said the brief peace was indeed remarkable.
"It reflects the fact that generally speaking, soldiers bear little animosity towards the enemy," said Mr Crocker.
"They were in their position because of the failure of politicians.
"I am sure this had happened at other times in other wars but never before had it been so spontaneous, which made it unique."
The camaraderie of Christmas Day 1914 was made possible by the fact that in the trenches, the enemy was sometimes no more than 50 or even 30 yards away.
As Christmas approached the festive mood and the desire for a lull in the fighting increased as parcels packed with goodies from home started to arrive.
And despite orders otherwise, many of the men fraternised with the enemy when Christmas Day arrived.
On January 1, 1915, the London Times reported that the British played a game against the Germans opposite and were beaten 3-2. But the truce could not last, as Capt Stockwell himself realised when he made arrangements with his German equivalent to recommence shooting the following morning.
Award-winning 1980s comedy Blackadder shrewdly commented that both sides advanced more in one Christmas knees-up than during the next two-and-a-half years of war.
But the events of the day have been held up as an ideal of seasonal goodwill ever since, and Paul McCartney's 1982 Christmas number one Pipes of Peace is based on the story.
December 9, 2004 -- New StatesmanDiary - By Heather Mills McCartney
"A dog is for life," the advert proclaims, "not just for Christmas." How about a dog's fur - or even a cat's? Because that is exactly what thousands of Brits will be buying their loved ones this Christmas, and almost none of them will realise. . .
Because of a customs classification loophole, thousands of mislabelled furs are making their way into the UK from China. There our furry friends are kept in refrigerators to thicken their fur, before being pierced with a metal rod and hung up by the neck as the blood drips from their agonised bodies; all this to ensure their pelt is in pristine condition to be worn by some insecure fashion diva who's so unhappy in her own skin that she has to wear a dog's (even though she thinks it's mink, sable, fox or rabbit).
Our western psyche prides itself on its deeply ingrained love of animals. Elvis Presley's song to his old dog Shep continues to reduce people to tears; and generations of children have asked: "How much is that doggy in the window, the one with the waggly tail?" We love tales of the loyal friend saving a drowning child or an injured man, or soothing a heartbroken wife.
Promoting the wearing of fur is just as sick as buying it. Women's magazines editors are all telling us that fur is back in fashion - so they can be held personally responsible for the slaughter of thousands of animals, alongside the hypocritical supermodels Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell, who all promoted the Peta "I'd rather go naked than wear fur" campaign in the early 1990s, only to join the long list of turncoats.
Much of December has sadly been spent discussing with lawyers whether I should sue the Sunday Times Magazine, after it published an extraordinary article libelling me and my charity work. I heard it had called upon the usual suspects as "proof"; but the subsequent fantastic support from friends and colleagues from all stages of my life, who, unprompted, have offered to tell the real story, has been truly overwhelming.
And this month I've discovered a new hobby - my bruised and aching body bears testament to my working hard all week with my wing chun kick-boxing teacher. No, I haven't gone insane. It struck me - after a girlfriend was recently held at knifepoint while her valuables were violently stripped from her body - that a metal leg might well come in handy at full force in the gonads of some unsuspecting, knife-wielding coward. Unfortunately, in practice, I misjudged and decked my instructor!
This month, the Nairobi landmine summit was held, which made us all euphoric. The 23 non-signatory countries, including China, Russia and the US, all attended. That shows huge promise for the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which has gathered 144 state party signatories in just seven years, a huge achievement that few believed possible. It shows what can be done when a group of like-minded people get together and focus on the issue of clearing the world of landmines.
Which leads me back to the waggly tail . . . the one I saw on a loving German shepherd being pulled out of a sack, before he stiffened and cowered, his tail between his legs. I will never forget the horror on his face as he was tied up and skinned alive in front of other terrified dogs whimpering in the corner. These animals are abused purely for our consumption here in the west; only the poorest of the poor eat dog and cat now in China. The US has banned their import, as have some EU countries, so sales have shifted to the UK to make up for lost revenue.
Asian merchants told Humane Society undercover investigators that they would give up the business immediately if there was a ban, rather than risk high-end exports being banned as a punishment. So get your act together, European Commission; while you are dilly-dallying around, your dog or cat may be next in line. Dogs and cats have no voice. We do. They have no choice. We do. Choose not to wear fur and you will contribute towards diminishing the market for which two million innocent dogs and cats are slaughtered every year.
December 7, 2004
Paul McCartney is nominated for a Grammy along with Eric Clapton for "Something" (Concert For George) in the category of "Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals."
The 47th Grammy Awards will be aired live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, February 13 at 8pm - 11:30pm ET on CBS.
December 7, 2004 -- Contact Music
McCARTNEY BOOK HIGH ON "SEX AND SURPRISES"Sir Paul McCartney's former aide is vowing to include explosive sex stories and shocking revelations in his forthcoming biography on the ex-Beatle.
Geoff Baker quit as the "Hey Jude" legend's publicity guru in September, amid reports he'd fallen out with McCartney and his wife Heather Mills.
And now Baker - who was one of McCartney's main confidantes for almost 20 years - is working on a tell-all book, which he hopes will surprise his legions of fans.
He says, "The book is coming along well and there's going to be a few surprises in it for some people. There's a lot of sex involved and a few buried secrets will be unearthed.
"It centers around the world of celebrity and what they get up to in private."
December 6, 2004 -- Daily Record
McCARTNEY "SEX" BOOKPaul McCartney's former publicity guru has promised "lots of sex and surprises" in an explosive new book.
Geoff Baker and the ex-Beatle parted in September after 20 years, after claims that Macca's wife Heather had gone off him.
Now Baker has revealed he's writing a warts-and-all book that will lift the lid on some closely guarded secrets.
At his home in Wiltshire, Baker said, "There are bound to be a few raised eyebrows."
December 5, 2004Watch short home movie clip of Paul and Jane Asher in India from 1968. Click here.
December 4, 2004 -- Music Tap
Capitol puts the delayed "Love Songs" title from Paul McCartney back onto the schedules for February 8, 2005.
December 4, 2004 -- Message from Brian Ray
Hello friends, near and far....I'm basking in the afterglow of an amazing day in the studio. Yesterday, at Eldorado studios in Burbank, I recorded 2 new tracks for my new CD.
With Abe Laboriel and Scott Shriner, from Weezer, we cut a new one which I wrote with Abe on Monday called "Night is Callin'" and a ballad I wrote about a week ago called "Now I Know". The day was fun and fast and we laughed our asses off all day.
"Night" is a fairly ferocious rocker, with Abe exorcising some demons on his vintage Ludwig/Leedy drumkit, and Scott punishing his 1960 Fender bass through an old '70s Ampeg SVT [details for those who care!]. I played my old '57 Goldtop LP through a '59 Fender Bassman and '58 Gibson GA40 amps..It sounded a bit angry[!]... On the ballad I used a 1955 LP Junior which I bought [with Abe] in Lyon, France, in 1998.. The sound engineer, Joe Zook, is so talented, his sounds are... amazing.
Man.. these are the days!
Watch this space, ok?
Take care,
Brian
December 3, 2004 -- Contact Music
McCARTNEY SPREADS THE LOVE TO FANSRock legend Sir Paul McCartney has credited his passionate, loyal fans with firing his enthusiasm for touring.
The former Beatle has been performing for over 40 years and admits he would have given up years ago, if it were not for his fans.
McCartney enthuses, "I love what I do. I love playing music and the intense feedback you get from the audience. Touring is all about the excitement of contact with people.
"If you're lucky, you get some really great moments when you're soaring, singing good and playing good. I've got a clear recollection from the 1989 tour of a tall guy and his daughter in the crowd. He had his arm around her, and the pair of them were crying during 'Let It Be.' You see people moved by what you're doing. And that is thrilling."
December 2, 2004 -- Scotsman.com
Tributes as city A-list bodyguard dies in sleepA Former bodyguard to A-list celebrities including Sir Paul McCartney and Donald Sutherland has died aged 50.
William Finlayson, known as "Big Billy" to his friends, died of a heart attack in his sleep at a friend's Stockbridge home.
The 6 foot 6inch "gentle giant" regularly toured with bands such as Simple Minds and Genesis.
City-born Finlayson made such an impression on Sir Paul that he gave him special responsibility to look after his children when they were young.
He became so close to the family that Sir Paul's wife Linda, a photographer of the stars during the 1960s, even shot pictures of Finlayson. He was invited to Linda's funeral after her death in 1998.
Bruce Findlay, who managed Simple Minds for 12 years said, "It's true, Billy was a gentle giant - because he was so formidable physically, people didn't mess with him. He was invariably pleasant, good to have around."
Finlayson started work as a bouncer in the Capital's clubs, before teaming up with Mark Hamilton, the founder of entertainment security firm Rock Steady.
Hamilton said, "His death has been a real knock to us all. He's one of those guys who has always been around. He was just 50, it doesn't seem that old.
December 2, 2004 -- WENN.com
Paul McCartney Plans 64th Celebration
Rock legend Paul McCartney is considering re-recording Beatles hit "When I'm 64," when he reaches the landmark in 2006. McCartney's only surviving Beatle band mate Ringo Starr resisted the temptation to mark the occasion when he turned 64 in July, but the rocker admits he'd consider "doing something" to celebrate the song he wrote for his father as a teenager and released in 1967 to coincide with his dad Jim's 64th birthday.
He says, "As the date looms ever nearer, I'm not making any particular plans. However, I've got a feeling that I won't be able to get away with it without doing something."
December 1, 2004 -- The Independent
Sir Paul McCartney: You Ask The QuestionsSir Paul McCartney, 62, was born in Allerton, Liverpool. In 1960, he formed The Beatles with John Lennon and George Harrison. They were later joined by Ringo Starr. In 1962, they signed a recording contract and their third single, "From Me to You", went to Number One in April 1963. In 1964, Beatlemania hit the US and the band proceeded to exceed all previous figures for concert attendances and record sales. In 1970, the band split and McCartney went on to form Wings with his wife, Linda, with whom he had three children, the photographer Mary, the designer Stella and the musician James. He lives with his second wife, Heather Mills McCartney, and their daughter, Beatrice.
Q: Will you be re-releasing "When I'm 64" on the occasion of your 64th birthday in June 2006?
Mark Orzechowski, SomersetPaul: As the date looms ever nearer, I'm not making any particular plans. However, I've got a feeling that I won't be able to get away with it without doing something.
Q: When you sing live, do particular songs bring back memories? What song do you find the hardest to sing?
Oliver Simon, Great YarmouthPaul: Yes, there is an element of nostalgia, particularly when I sing the early Beatles stuff, but probably the hardest to sing now is a song I wrote for John called "Here Today", which takes the form of an imaginary conversation with him. Sometimes, on stage, when I'm singing the song, I just find myself not being able to handle it. If I'm doing a lot of emotional songs, I think: "What if I blub? What if I start to lose it?" But these days I'm less embarrassed of showing emotions than I was when I was 18.
Q: Of all the other songwriters you've collaborated with since the break-up of the Beatles, which partnership did you think worked best?
Gareth JonesPaul: Elvis Costello. He and I sat down with two acoustic guitars and threw ideas at each other. When we were happy enough with the result we made a quick demo to capture the feel. It was also a great privilege to work with Stevie Wonder.
Q: In how many languages can you say, "Hello, I'm Paul McCartney"?
Yvonne Eliot, CarlislePaul: With a little coaching, all of them. I like languages. In school I learnt Latin, Spanish and German. On tour I have good translators that I work with. They translate what I want to say to the audience, I write it down and learn it.
In 2003, Putin invited me and Heather to the Kremlin. I was telling him how I like to speak to the crowd, and I said I was going to say "privyet Maskvichi..." He said "Don't say that, say "priv-ee-et ribiata". It means "Hi guys". He said it's much cooler. Talk about how things have changed. For years the Kremlin wouldn't let you sing in Russia, and now they're coming to your gig and they're giving you language lessons on the side. I love it.
Q: After your recent gig in St Petersburg, the director of The Hermitage accused you of damaging the former home of the Tsars. What's the weirdest complaint you've received after a gig?
Susie Pelling, PortsmouthPaul: At a concert in 1977 to save Venice from flooding, one of our trucks was accused of breaking an ancient paving stone in St Mark's Square!
Q: Do you cook? What is your specialty?
Jessie EconomakisPaul: Yeah, I can turn my hand to a bit of cooking and my speciality is probably a fine mashed potato. Tofu is another favourite and quite easy. You just cut it into cubes, stick it in some olive oil in the frying pan with a bit of flavouring... and this is the Paul McCartney cookery show.
Q: Next to the Beatles, of course, who are the greatest rock'n'roll band?
Paul LohsePaul: That's a difficult question. There are a lot of great rock'n'roll bands, among them The Stones, The Who and a thousand others.
Q: What do you do in the last five minutes before you go on stage?
Bill Parkinson, LeedsPaul: While it should be something deep and meaningful, it tends to be goofing around with the band.
Q: When someone asks you "Where is home?" where is the first place that comes into your head?
Stuart Gray, BournemouthPaul: England.
Q: You've played 3,000 gigs. How many do you remember? And what is the best audience you've ever played to?
Olivia Brown, ChichesterPaul: I remember many of the gigs - some bad, some good, some dreadful, some delicious. It's therefore almost impossible to choose a favourite audience, but this year's Glastonbury has to be a strong contender.
Q: What motivates you to go out on the road again?
Christian TaylorPaul: I love what I do. I love playing music and the intense feedback you get from the audience. Touring is all about the excitement of contact with people. If you're lucky you get some really great moments when you're soaring, singing good and playing good. I've got a clear recollection from the 1989 tour of a tall guy and his daughter in the crowd. He had his arm around her, and the pair of them were crying during "Let It Be". You see people moved by what you're doing. And that is thrilling.
Q: The Beatles first toured America in the aftermath of Kennedy's assassination. Three years ago, you toured America after September 11. Were there parallels between the tours? What sense did you get of the mood of America on both occasions?
Naomi Ellen, LondonPaul: Strangely enough, even though we had obviously not planned it that way, there were echoes of the post-Kennedy years when I toured after September 11. In the Sixties, the American audiences seemed to need something to smile about, to reaffirm their belief in the joys of life and this time around it was strangely similar. I was at JFK airport when the September 11 attacks happened. Immediately afterwards, Heather and I felt a deep empathy for the American people and this developed into a concert for New York, which in turn led to my tour of the US. We had a feeling that the audiences needed the healing power of music. I think that's what made the tour so special.
Q: I run a small-scale variety night in Winchester and we're looking for acts. Would you be interested in playing a couple of songs? We can't afford to pay, but we could cover expenses.
Richard Ryan, WinchesterPaul: You wouldn't be the same guy that asked us to play for all the Coca-Cola we could drink, would you?
Q: Was there ever a time when you wanted to give it all up for the quiet life?
Belinda Baxter, PeterboroughPaul: There was a time when I realised that if we didn't stop, we were only going to get more famous, but I also realised that I loved music too much to give it up.
Q: Though you're unlikely to remember, I met you once, when you were on a train to the West Country during the storms in 1987. You and Linda couldn't have been more courteous, patient and kind towards me. You've met so many fans, how are you able to sustain your interest in all of them?
Tim CostonPaul: Nice question, but the truth is that there are a lot of pleasant people out there who it's good to meet, particularly on a train or boat or plane. I've always found that by chatting you nearly always find out something you didn't know.
Q: Do you still believe that there will be an answer?
Sam Bristow, LondonPaul: In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
December 1, 2004 -- Telegraph
Cast your vote for Paul McCartney!!!
Your view: Who is the greatest Briton of 2004?Great Britons 2004 is a series of awards to be presented to the people who have done most to personify British success in the past year.
Who do you think should win and why?
Vote now and tell us in around 50 words how your nominee meets the criteria of British success. A selection of your comments will be published throughout the competition. Click here to vote.
December 1, 2004 -- Yahoo NewsNewsreader won role over McCartney
Sir Paul McCartney was eclipsed in his school play by newsreader Peter Sissons, according to his school records which have been unveiled.The former Beatle took a minor role in a performance of George Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan at his old school - the Liverpool Institute.
But his schoolfriend Peter Sissons claimed one of the main roles, starring as Richard de Beauchamp, the Earl of Warwick.
The information is contained in a series of public documents which are going on display at Liverpool's Central Library as part of Family History Day.
Further documents reveal McCartney won a special prize for Art at a speech day at the school in 1959 and opted out of religious instruction in May 1956.
Records from Dovedale Primary School show John Lennon was a pupil in 1948 after moving from Mosspits Lane Primary School. His address is listed as 251 Menlove Avenue - now a National Trust tourist attraction.
The exhibition includes baptism records for George Harrison who is listed as 'Georgius Harrison'. He was baptised at Our Lady of Good Help Church in Liverpool in 1943.
Ringo Starr was baptised at St Silas Church in Toxteth in July 1940 under his real name Richard Starkey with his father's profession recorded as a confectioner.
Liverpool City Councillor Warren Bradley, spokesman for leisure and culture, said: "The Beatles documents are just one part of the treasure trove at Liverpool Record Office."
The documents will be on display on Saturday December 4 from 10am-4pm.
December 1, 2004 -- The Independent
In the week the Band Aid single was released, Bill Wyman, who wasn't invited to contribute to the project, is recording a tribute of his own.On Thursday, the former Rolling Stone will be filmed at the Abbey Road Studios, alongside Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney, with whom Wyman is not thought to have collaborated in the past.
In two days, they aim to compile - from scratch - a musical tribute to Scotty Moore, who was Elvis Presley's guitarist.
"There's going to be me, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and a load of other guitarists all jamming together," explains Wyman. "It's being filmed for television, and also a DVD, the works.
"I'm basically looking forward to sitting down to play with the other guys, and seeing what we come up with. Scotty himself is flying over to take part too."
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