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July 2005
July 31, 2005
-- Mojo Magazine
Paul "not
trying to be someone else" on new album
Paul: I'd like to do something
a bit different. I'd like to do something good. Strong. I'm going
on tour - I don't want to be hiding the new album. I want to
people be interested in it.
He (Nigel Godrich, producer) said, "OK, I agree with that.
I wanna make an album THAT'S YOU. That's all. No frills. No gimmicks.
Not you trying to be someone else."
It was incisive. It's what I would have said to Elvis. I remember
having a conversation with one of Elvis's old producers, who'd
done work on his early sessions, when Elvis was now in Vegas
with a 36-piece orchestra. And the guy said, "I just wanna
get him back in the studio with a bit of slap echo, man. Couple
of guys."
July
31, 2005 -- London News Quest
Beatle buzz for brothers
at Live 8
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts
Club Band came to life for two brothers when they joined Sir Paul McCartney on stage at Live 8.
Professional musicians Adam,
32, and Joe Walters, 28, were two of the four horn players dressed
in the famous Beatles Sgt Pepper costumes and performed with
Sir Paul and U2 during the opening and last set of Live 8.
The brothers, who were brought
up in Avon Road, Walthamstow, played in front of an estimated
audience of two billion people, 200,000 of whom were in Hyde
Park and the rest watching the show on televisions across the
world on July 2.
Adam said: "It was an
amazing experience and a great honor to play with Sir Paul McCartney.
"It was incredible. We
are both big Beatles fans. Sir Paul was such a nice guy and when
we came off the stage at the end of the concert he gave us a
hug and told us we had all just made history.
"He even talked to us
about performing with the Beatles at the old Granada in Hoe Street,
which is now the EMD Cinema."
The brothers, who started
learning their instruments through the council-run Waltham Forest
Music Service, were asked to take part in the concert by a friend
of Adam's.
He is a fixer for Sir Paul,
which means he books musicians for concerts and album recordings.
Adam and Joe cleared their
diaries and made sure they were free for the concert.
Joe, who is also in bands
called Stereolab and The Local Show, said: "We had three
rehearsals of the song before the big event. My mouth was pretty
dry before we went on and when we were on stage all we could
see was a sea of people.
"We had access-all-areas
passes for backstage and saw so many celebrities including Robbie
Williams and U2. It was a great atmosphere and strange to see
everyone mixing. We saw Sir Bob Geldof talking to Kofi Annan,
Seretary General of the United Nations.
"There was even an impromptu
sing-a-long with Sir Paul and his band behind the scenes. When
you think back to what we were a part of, it is almost like a
dream."
July 30, 2005 -- Liverpool Echo (CLICK FOR FAN STORY)
Sir Paul so proud of LIPA - Dream came true he tells graduates
Sir Paul McCartney spoke in Liverpool yesterday of his
pride in the college he helped create a decade ago.
Standing in the Philharmonic
Hall, where half a century ago his parents attended his school
speech day, the former Beatle, 63, said he was amazed at the
past 10 years.
More than 250 students from
17 countries graduated from the Liverpool Institute of Performing
Arts (LIPA) yesterday and, speaking to students and parents,
Sir Paul said: "I am very proud of what we managed to do
here.
"The original Liverpool
Institute was going to be pulled down. It was in danger of collapse
and I think the scallies had had the lead off the roof.
"I can"t believe
it. The dream we had to save this old building and turn it into
something really worth while has happened. I find it very moving."
Bee Gee Robin Gibb also gave
the students some heart-felt advice.
The singer who has sold 64
million records worldwide, said: "Stay true to your art
and focused and, above all, try to be original."
Liverpool-born songwriter
Guy Chambers, who has had a hand in 60million record sales, 37million
of them with Robbie Williams, also urged students to bring more
love to the world in their music.
"I'm extremely privileged,
music is the purest form of art."
Former Quarrybank comprehensive
pupil Chambers, Tim Wheeler, frontman of band Ash, and classical
actor Alec McCowen also received honors from Sir Paul McCartney
at the Mount Street college.
Acting student John Shortell,
24, said it was wonderful to have his degree presented by the
former Beatle. John, from Huyton, said: "My dad"s so
excited. I think he"s more excited about seeing Paul McCartney
than watching me graduate!"
John, the first from his family
to go to university, said he has already had an audition for
the BBC drama Battle Of The Somme. Among students graduating
was Nicola Heldt, 21, from Huyton, who had master classes with
McCartney as part of her course about the music industry.
Nicola said: "He listened
to our demos and told us what he thought of them. His connection
with the school gives us something to aspire to."
Becky Grove, 22, from Surrey, who has loved her time at LIPA,
said: "I have gained so much practical experience and I"m
going to stay in Liverpool for a while. I love it - it's my home
now."
July 30, 2005 -- The Sun
Paul McCartney gave
me a preview of his new album "Chaos And Creation In The
Back Yard" yesterday and it's brilliant. It's simple but
confessional, and packed with classic songs.
My favorite track is "Anyway," a piano based ballad
with a touch of Norah Jones, while the excellent "Jenny
Wren" echoes his Beatles hit "Blackbird" - all
acoustic guitar and whistfullness.
First single "Fine Line" should be a hit - Radio 2
and Virgin Radio will both play it today. While "Promise
To You Girl" has big Beatles style harmonies for the chorus.
I feared i'd have to praise his album, out on September 12th,
whatever I thought - Macca's almost a saint after his Live 8
acts. But it really is superb. It's similar to his 1970 album
McCartney and he again plays most of his instruments. He also
teams up with Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich.
July 30, 2005 -- The Mirror
ABBEY DAYS FOR MACCA
The Beatles put it on the map and Sir Paul McCartney was back there Thursday making sure Abbey Road
studios lived up to its reputation.
Macca treated a handful of
lucky fans to a one-and-a-half hour set including eight songs
from his new album, "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard."
The session will eventually go out on Radio 2.
Guests at the top-secret gig,
including Travis frontman Fran Healey, had to hand in their mobile
phones amid tight security while Macca and Heather
arrived flanked by four heavies.
One ecstatic fan told us:
"I thought it would be about 300 or 400 people, but there
were only 50 people in there sitting on sofas.
"I couldn't believe it,
I was so close to him. At one stage he handed out maracas and
tambourines and invited the audience to join in."
July 29, 2005 -- The Mirror
MY MUSIC IS BAD..
AND I DYE MY HAIR SIR PAUL COMES CLEAN..
Sir Paul McCartney has admitted
that many of his songs are "rubbish".
The former Beatle said: "Some
of my albums ... I can't believe what I was on."
Referring to his 1986 collection
"Press To Play," he confessed: "I read the tracklist
and I think, 'Wonder how that goes?'"
The 63-year-old singer and
composer, who is married to second wife Heather Mills, also said he was aware of his advancing years.
"Seeing my image looking
older hits me," he said. "I just have to come to terms
with it."
But he has at last admitted
that he keeps looking youthful by using hair dye - although not
on the orders of his missus. Sir Paul said: "Ten years before
I met her I was thinking about dyeing my hair.
"I tried it in Australia
... looked cool until I went on stage. Then this blue liquid
poured down my forehead. Highly embarrassing."
He also hit out at critics
who attacked him for wanting to alter the order of the writing
credit on a new version of "Yesterday" to put his name
before John
Lennon's.
The request was rebuffed.
But Macca insisted: "It was a misconception that I was trying
to walk on a dead man's grave ... now I couldn't care less where
my effing name is."
He also denied his new album
"Chaos and Creation In The Back Yard," due out in September,
is about first wife Linda's
death.
In his Q magazine interview,
he said: "It wasn't in my mind. After Linda died, a lot
of people related everything I said to that. But most of my songs
are not specific."
Asked what drives him now,
Macca replied: "The son of a friend was asked how he felt
on his birthday and he said, 'Like I'm walking along the same
street but in new shoes'. That's how I feel about it all. I hope
to continue walking in new shoes."
July 29, 2005 -- UK News
Model determination
Heather Mills
McCartney is telling us about
waking up to the smell of a tramp urinating a few feet from her
head and about the time she found a friend at the fairground
where she once worked, "lying there with a needle in his
arm, just dead from a heroin overdose".
At this harrowing juncture
in her address to the London Business Forum, just behind Oxford
Street, we are still some way from her 15th birthday, her experience
as a young adult in the early stages of Yugoslavia's civil war
and the modelling career that ended when she was 25, after her
left leg was scythed off in an accident with a police motorcyclist
on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Not surprisingly, the audience
is still as she speaks; her measured voice delivering a dramatic
life story with self-deprecating humour, never mentioning, for
example, being nominated for the Nobel peace prize for her anti-landmine
work in 1996.
The wife of Sir Paul McCartney has lived with extremes - from begging to billionaires
- and experiences that resemble cliffhanger episodes in daytime
soap operas. At one point, she says, as if to herself: "It's
just, like, amazing to think how my life has changed so much."
Like all opera, this one also
has improbable coincidences. For instance: "My mother lost
her leg [in a car accident] at the same age as me and in the
same place," though it was reattached.
And there was the dinner party
eight years after Mills McCartney lost her leg, where a man began
staring at her across the table. "'We've met before,' he
said. 'Have we?' 'Yes, I've seen you naked.' I'm thinking, 'How
can he say that in front of his wife? I don't remember this one.'
And he said, 'I was the doctor on call and was asked to get the
death certificate because they thought you weren't going to live.'"
There are plenty of mordantly
comic interludes, notably when the artificial leg fails to behave,
falling off in expensive restaurants, on a ski lift and while
she is rollerblading around Hyde Park.
Mills McCartney was a doughty
campaigner for refugees in Slovenia long before she met her famous
future husband. Nowadays, she is patron of Adopt-A-Minefield,
which campaigns for a worldwide ban on the use of landmines and
gives prosthetic limbs to victims.
She gets to the subject of
her leg almost immediately, drawing attention to what lies beneath
an elegant, fitted lime-green dress. "It looks good doesn't
it?" Later she says that if cancer swooped down, "I'd
cope." And you believe her. "Injustice, unfairness,
that's what affects me the most, and will probably be what kills
me in the end - the way that people treat each other in this
world."
Her tone shows she's not too
keen on the way "the press" treat people, either. Journalists
were circling the hospital when she came out of intensive care
after her crash in August 1993. She asked for money, drawing
on her experience of running a modelling agency. "They didn't
know that side of me, they just knew dumb-blonde-model-in-hospital-loses-leg."
The result was £180,000 and the start of an affectionless
respect, the sort that professional poker players have for each
other. "I built up a great relationship with these editors
for quite a number of years, until I met my husband. But Mother
Teresa couldn't have had a good relationship with them if she'd
married my husband."
This is her only hint of a
soured relationship with the press and one of only two references
to her husband.
Mills McCartney, now 37, is
the daughter of a theatre impresario, from whom she is estranged.
He is the same age as Sir Paul, and there are no tender words
for him. Born in Tyne and Wear, she seems to have had a short-lived
childhood and learned an early self-reliance. Her mother had
a bad relationship with her father. "It was all horrific,"
she says. Her mother eventually ran away with an actor, and Heather,
her younger brother and her sister were left with their father,
but not for long. He was jailed for fraud and the children headed
for London, where their mother was embroiled in another damaging
relationship, "the next best rung up the ladder, which was
just a mentally abusive man". Heather left and found work
among the dispossessed in a travelling fairground - on Clapham
Common.
The next few years of her
life involved moments of happiness punctured by indignity and
misery, notably grinding poverty and the loss of her close friend
at the fair to heroin. Eventually, she discovered modelling,
which she quickly excelled at and which introduced her to accomplished
men, including a ski instructor, with whom she lived in Slovenia,
and a "snooty" Italian who tried, unsuccessfully, to
teach her not to say "cheers" when raising a drink.
The word "survival"
crops up several times during the hour, providing a steady backbeat
to the score, although less often than "boobs" (her
own three times).
When she leaves the room,
you notice instantly that she walks without a limp. She seems
balanced, in control and steely, the artificial limb and its
owner utterly indistinguishable.July 29, 2005
Fan Report From LIPA Graduation
Paul arrived at the Philharmonic
Hall at 1:40 pm and was inside for approximately two and a half
hours. Robin Gibb (Bee Gees) left and signed about 8-10 autographs
and posed for photographs.
Paul signed about 40 autographs before leaving for LIPA.
Outside LIPA Paul stopped his car and signed about 10 autographs
before driving into the LIPA parking lot.
While Paul signed autographs, he said "hello baby"
to 3-year-old Eleanor Williams who was with her mom and dad,
Donna and Gary. Donna told Eleanor to touch Paul's hand.... as
she tried to do so he took her hand and said "Hello Eleanor".
Paul signed a drumhead which had previously been signed by Ringo
in USA.
Paul was in good spirits, looked well and is growing his hair
again!
July
29, 2005 -- BBC News
Sir Paul
hands out Bee Gee degree
Bee Gee Robin Gibb has been given a "rock and roll"
diploma by Sir
Paul McCartney at the former
Beatle's fame school in Liverpool.
Gibb received an honorary
companionship - the equivalent of an honorary degree - from the
Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) on Friday.
Sir Paul opened LIPA in the
grounds of his old school in 1996.
Manchester-raised Gibb formed
the band with his brothers and has sold 64 million albums to
date.
Songwriter Guy Chambers, Ash
frontman Tim Wheeler and actor Alec McCowen also received companionships.
Mark Featherstone-Witty, LIPA's
founding principal and chief executive, said: "Around 30
successful showbusiness people have shared their lives and skills
with students this year from Dawn French to Richard Wilson.
"We would want to honor them all, but the degree ceremony
can really only cope with four."
July
29, 2005
Camera crews have been videotaping around London and Liverpool
for a rumored film to be shown before Paul McCartney's US concerts.
July 29, 2005 -- Beatlefan
MACCA LIVE
AT ABBEY ROAD
Paul McCartney gave a two-hour
concert at Abbey Road's famed Studio 2 Thursday (July 28) night
before an intimate invited crowd of 68 people, including EMI
and MPL staff, the two winners of the Radio 2 fan contest (who
were forced to sign an agreement precluding them from reporting
what was performed), producer Nigel Godrich and Heather.
Playing guitar and piano, McCartney performed songs from his
upcoming "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard" album
and hits from his past, including material he's never performed
live before and reworkings of some old fan favorites.
He told lots of stories about his days at Abbey Road and even
did some tracks along with an original four-track Studer machine
from the studio to show how the numbers were recorded. He also
had an original Beatles mellotron for a famous Beatle track.
And he showed how the Radio 2 wine-glasses jingle version of
"Band on the Run" was recorded live.
The concert is due to air Sept. 17 on BBC Radio 2's "Sold
on Song," and was videotaped for possible TV broadcast and
release as a DVD.
The evening included a listening of the new album, which our
source reports sounds very organic and much like the "McCartney"
album. The production and arrangements are very good, the source
said, and even "Follow Me" sounds better than it did
live at Glastonbury.
The two tracks that stood out were "Jenny Wren" and
"English Tea," described as very funny, almost sounding
like the Rutles.
The source confirmed that the album cover does feature the Mike McCartney photo of young Macca in his Forthlin
Road back yard in Liverpool. (scroll news below for cover)
July
29, 2005 -- Details of Paul's Abbey Road Concert (various sources)
Paul wore blue jeans, a white patterned shirt and a black
vest (waist coat). Macca used a music stand to read lyrics, played
drums and recorded tape loops for "Fine Line" which
sounded much improved in the live version.
Setlist
- "Friends To Go"
- "In Spite of All the Danger"
- "20 Flight Rock"
- "Things We Said Today"
- "Too Much Rain"
- "How Kind of You"
- "Band On the Run" Paul shows how the wine-glass jingle
version of "Band on the Run" was recorded.
- "Fine Line" During the song Paul handed out percussion
instruments to the audience and encouraged them to join in.
- "Lady Madonna" (new Swing/Jazz version)
- "English Tea" (Rutle-like tongue-and-cheek humor
- performed in the style of Noel Coward)
- "Heartbreak Hotel" Paul used the original stand up
bass played by Bill Black on the Elvis recording
- "Jenny Wren" (played in the style of "Blackbird")
- "I' ve Got A Feeling" (Paul solo on acoustic guitar)
- "Follow Me" (improved version from Glastonbury)
- "Blackbird"
- "Strawberry Fields" Paul played the original Beatles
Mellotron demonstrating different sounds and then played the
intro to the song.
He played improvised 'sleazy' Las Vegas style music like he did
in "The World Tonight" recounting many of the same
stories about Abbey Road and recording with the Beatles.
- "Anyway"
- "Jamming Track Finale" McCartney was joined by Nigel
Godrich, and together they wrote and recorded a new song based
on "Blue Suede Shoes."
After the concert Paul left through Studio 1 to change his clothes.
He joined Heather and Nigel Godrich in the bar (cafeteria) and
talked with guests. Also present was Fran Healey of Travis and
Ray Morrissey. In the bar were big screens showing Studio 2.
Special thanks
to http://www.raysgigs.com/
July 28,
2005 -- NME
MACCA TEAMS UP WITH RADIOHEAD MAN
Paul McCartney found working with Radiohead producer
Nigel Godrich reminded him of his glory years in The Beatles.
Godrich, who, as well as working
on the classic 'OK Computer', is famous for producing the likes
of Beck and Travis, has produced McCartney's first studio album
in four years, 'Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard', due out
on September 12.
McCartney told NME.COM how
during the album sessions that followed last year's triumphant
Glastonbury headline slot, Godrich forced him to work harder
and challenged him in a way similar to when he was working with
his old bandmates John
Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
He said: "It was more
like working with a band than a producer. It's pretty hard to
live up to John and George. Working in a band like The Beatles
we had four votes, so if Ringo didn't like something John and
I brought in he got to vote it out. Which I suppose is very democratic.
And in the same way Nigel had that same vote."
He continued: "I've produced
a lot of records, been on a lot of Beatles records, Wings records,
on my own, I've had a lot of hits. He said 'I just want to make
a great album, and for the album to be you', Once we got in the
studio, and we're playing head to head on a couple of songs that
I thought as good and he didn't, I thought of immediately firing
him. I just thought, 'I don't have to take this'. But the point
is, 'This is why you're working with him'."
As the relationship developed,
McCartney started to take Godrich's advice on board. He continued:
"He'd be like 'Look, I've got to tell you that I don't like
this', and I said 'What don't you like about it?'. He'd say 'You've
done better than that'. In the end I started to value that more,
it's what I need. We kept the standard up that way, but we had
our moments."
For the full interview with
Macca, check this week's NME, out now.
July 27, 2005 -- Tonight
Paul tells how his big night went wrong
Sir Paul McCartney has revealed how a romantic attempt
to surprise his wife Heather
Mills went horribly wrong.
The Beatles legend wanted
to wow the stunning model by taking her to dinner in a chauffeur-driven
Rolls Royce.
But the plan backfired when
the driver couldn't get the flash car to start as they left the
restaurant - leaving the couple at the mercy of the paparazzi.
Sir Paul revealed: "We
went out for a posh dinner and to surprise Heather I hired a
chauffeur and a Rolls Royce. We came out and there were paparazzi
everywhere and the chauffeur was in a panic because for some
reason he couldn't get it started."
Sir Paul also confessed he
is besotted with his baby daughter.
He admitted in an interview
with Britain's Radio 2: "The truth is we don't really talk
much about our daughter because we like to protect her privacy,
but she is absolutely edible and I love her."
July 27, 2005 -- Paul
McCartney.com
'FINE LINE' RELEASED ON AUGUST 29TH / CHAOS AND CREATION PINBOARD
'Fine Line' is the first single
to be released from Paul
McCartney's forthcoming brand
new studio album 'Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard'.
'Fine Line' will be released on the 29th of August.
You can listen to the whole
track in full right now at www.paulmccartney.com/chaoscreation/
. The track is part of a special section that has been created
to hold all the information and content that you could possibly
need on Paul's forthcoming album. The 'Chaos and Creation Pinboard'
will include album clips, promo video clips, photos and artwork,
interview clips, video footage, exclusive competitions and many
more interactive tools.
To gain access to the Pinboard
section you need to be signed up to the www.paulmccartney.com mailing list
so tell your friends or fellow Paul McCartney fans to sign up
and get ready for all this fantastic forthcoming album content!
To listen to 'Fine Line' in
full go to www.paulmccartney.com/chaoscreation/
'Chaos And Creation In The
Back Yard' is released on September 12th (September 13th in US)
July 27, 2005 -- Paul
McCartney.com
Music Clearing Minefields
"I have always believed
that music makes the world a better place; but not until recently
did I fully understand the scope of this statement. 'Music Clearing
Minefields' demonstrates the way music can make the world a safer
place."
Paul McCartney
You can support the 'Music
Clearing Minefields' campaign by buying VIP tickets for the upcoming
Paul McCartney concerts in North America. Log on to www.charityfolks.com to bid on concert
tickets and other exciting packages.
July 27, 2005 -- Contact
Music
McCARTNEY'S TEXT ADDICTION
Music legend Sir Paul McCartney is addicted to text messaging, but refuses
to use sms abbreviations.
The former Beatle prefers
to write 'How are you?' instead of 'How r u?' when he is writing
to pals on his mobile phone, but admits he sometimes resorts
to using his handset's predictive text function.
He says, "I like to spell
everything properly when I text, but I do like predictive text.
"It is the surrealist
in me that likes it because I was sending someone a message saying,
'Thank you from Paul and Heather' and
it came out 'Paul and heavier'. As she was eight months pregnant
at the time, it came out rather accurately."
July 27, 2005
There will
be a 7" vinyl single of "Fine Line" (UK release)
in this configuration with a bonus track!
1. Fine Line
2. Growing Up Falling Down
The CD single will have:
1. Fine Line
2. Comfort In Love
Hear ''Fine
Line,'' on AOL Music First Listen
Marking the end of a nearly
four-year hiatus since his last studio recording, Paul McCartney is preparing for the September 13 release
of "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard" - and only
AOL Music has the first single, "Fine Line."
The song will debut as part of AOL Music's First Listen program
on Tuesday, July 26. Fans can listen to "Fine Line"
on the Web at www.aolmusic.com beginning Tuesday at 12:01 AM EST.
It will be available exclusively at AOL Music for 24 hours before anywhere else.
July 25, 2005
-- Exclusive!
LIVE 8 DVD TO BE RELEASED BY EMI WORLDWIDE
The International Version will include 4 DVDS:
The first 3 DVD's will have the Philadelphia and London performances..
The fourth DVD will include performances from the rest of the
concerts, plus rehearsals, documentarys, etc.
EMI Europe will release the German, Italian and France shows.
EMI CANADA will release the Canadian concert.
The date of release will be announced soon.
BOX SET release for the International version: similar to the
original LIVE AID box, with a 24-page booklet.
New NOKIA cell phones available in November will have ONE hour
of Live 8.
July 22, 2005 -- AOL
Paul McCartney Debuts New Single, ''Fine Line,'' as AOL Music
First Listen
Marking the end of a nearly
four-year hiatus since his last studio recording, Paul McCartney is preparing for the September 13 release
of "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard" - and only
AOL Music has the first single, "Fine Line."
The song will debut as part of AOL Music's First Listen program
on Tuesday, July 26. Fans can listen to "Fine Line"
on the Web at www.aolmusic.com beginning Tuesday at 12:01 AM EST. It will be available
exclusively at AOL Music for 24 hours
before anywhere else.
July
22, 2005
Paul McCartney
is expected
to attend the graduation at his fame school LIPA in Liverpool
Friday, July
29th.
July 22, 2005 -- Contact Music
SGT PEPPER'S AT LIVE 8 IS FASTEST SELLING DOWNLOAD
Sir Paul McCartney and U2's
version of the classic Beatles track Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts
Club Band is officially the fastest selling download ever.
The 1967 song was re-released
by ex-Beatle McCartney and U2 after their performance of it at
the London Live 8 gig proved a huge success.
And the new Sgt Pepper's Lonely
Hearts Club Band is so popular it topped Apple's iTunes chart
within hours of its release on the same day as the historic concert
on 2 July (05).
Spokesman Ben Drury says,
"It came out on a Saturday, so actually entered the chart
at number six with just a few hours' sales.
"I received the audio
from a runner. This guy literally ran from the gig to St James's
square with a CD.
"We uploaded it and programmers
did their magic."
Profits from the hit will
be donated to Live 8, which aimed to raise poverty awareness
in the developing world.
July 21, 2005 -- BBC 6 Music News
Macca multi-tasks
The former
Beatle goes it alone on new record.
Paul McCartney's been telling 6 Music about his new solo
album - the first since "Driving Rain" in 2001.
"Chaos And Creation In
The Back Yard" finds him teaming up with producer Nigel
Godrich, best known for his work with Radiohead.
He's also ditched his touring
band to play virtually all the instruments on the record himself,
as Sir Paul explained: "He (Godrich) said 'I want to take
you out of your safety zone here.
"I want to try and do
something different but I said, I've already told the guys in
the band they're on board and he said, well, you're going to
have to blame me or something. So I talked to the guys and they
said, it's okay, whatever it takes to make a record."
The album comes out on September
13.
July
20, 2005 -- Macca Report Exclusive!!!
Roy Kerr (alias Freelance Hellraiser ) tells Macca Reporter,
Chris Brewer what it was like working with Paul McCartney and
making Twin Freaks.
Chris: You're the envy of
fans like myself because you were able to listen and play around
with the multitrack tapes. After Paul/MPL contacted you to do
the remixing, were you sent the multitrack tapes of various songs
or did you go into Paul's studio, Hogg Hill/The Mill and have
free reign over everything?
Roy: I started the project from home and
had access to the masters for the time I was working on the project.
We did go into Paul's studio to do the final mix for the project
and while there I re-worked a couple of the tracks and came up
with some new ones.
Chris: If you were able to pillage the entire
McCartney catalog for sounds, that must've taken some time. What
was the process for creating the mixes for Twin Freaks?
Roy: It was a very long process ! I basically
spent a few weeks going through every track of every master and
taking loops that interested me. In some cases (such as Really
Love You) I took a whole live drum take from What's That You're
Doing so as to give the track as live a sound as possible. Loop
after loop can sound pretty monotonous after a while. I would
catalogue the loops by song key and tempo and build up a 'palette'
of sounds.
Chris: I've noticed some unreleased song samples
turned up on the album. Mainly a song called "Blue Sway"
from the '79 McCartney II sessions. McII must've been a goldmine
for you with all the CS-80 sounds. Did you have access to many
unreleased songs or to his Rude studio recordings? If so, do
you recall any being totally off the wall in style that only
Macca can do?
Roy: The Blue Sway inclusion was Paul's idea
and I was very honoured to work on some unreleased material.
The fascinating thing for me was hearing the outtakes and banter
between the musicians at the very start and very end of some
of the multi-tracks. It felt like being in the room with them
and I did take some of their chatter and loose jams and used
them in the tracks. Perhaps my favourite was Maybe I'm Amazed
because Paul was doing all this crazy freestyle drumming noises
using his voice - basically Beatboxing years before it had been
invented ! There's some of this in the Maybe remix on Twin Freaks
and scattered throughout some of the other tracks.
Chris: I wanted to ask you about Lalula. Why
is this the only song with a new title and who named it?
Roy: I came up with the title because that
song had no predominant master track. Every single element is
from a different song - about 10 in total.
Chris: Was Paul involved with the project at
all? Did he sit in on the mixing and suggest which sounds might
be good or did he just approve the finished result?
Roy: When we rehearsed for the '04 Summer
tour he was involved in some of the music - this is where the
Twin Freaks tunes originated. Fortunately he trusted me a lot
and after that let me get on with it pretty much solo. I can
safely say that having remixed many so-called big acts in the
past, Paul was by far the easiest and most pleasant to work with.
Chris: Any chance of more remixes to be released
soon? I see the Blue Room had some alternate mixes for a day
but I missed them so further releases of this nature are greatly
encouraged ;)
Roy: I did play some mixes in my radio/live
sets that incorporate some of the Twin Freaks instrumentals and
acapellas that probably won't get released. There might be some
new developments towards the end of this year but I can't really
say what - mainly because I don't know !
Chris: Let me finish by saying it's been a
pleasure to be able to ask you these questions. I know these
mixes will open up a whole new audience for Paul's music and
hat's off to you for them being so superb! The Ram remixes and
McII stuff are fantastic. I'd crawl through broken glass to be
able to listen to the multitrack tapes from those two albums.
Roy: Thanks very much. As I said, I feel
like a very lucky person indeed to have been asked to do this
by Paul. I'm glad his fans have taken to the project so well
because I was worried that after living with these great songs
for so many years, any alterations would be viewed as blasphemy.
They are there to compliment the originals and hopefully to open
up his incredible back-catalogue to people that might have thought
his career ended in 1970 !
"I forgot to mention just for the record that I added absolutely
no new instrumentation or beats or vocals to any of these tracks.
Every last sound is from Paul and his various band members/collaborators.
Thought I should clear that up. With regards putting up a list,
I guest I'll have to ask the guv'nor first."
NOTE from
Chris: That last bit he's
talking about was a request on my part to compile a list on his
website
of all the songs he made loops from and which remix features
them.
July 20, 2005
The Japanese pressing of
"Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard" features 2 exclusive
bonus tracks TBA & a DVD (NTSC/Region 2).
July 20, 2005 -- Daily
Post
Today actor Pete Postlethwaite
OBE, Mike
McCartney, photographer and
brother of Paul, and fundraiser Michelle Lewis MBE will
become Honorary Fellows of Liverpool John Moores University.
Cultural ambassador for Wirral
Mike McCartney, has had a major cultural influence on Merseyside
since the 1960s when he and his fellow humorists formed the band
The Scaffold, whose hits included "Lily the Pink".
July 19, 2005 -- Macca
Report Exclusive
Heard at Macca's Live 8 rehearsals
Macca rehearsed on July 1st late in the afternoon and played:
-Honey Hush
-Coming Up
-Get Back
-Drive My Car
-Drive My Car (with George Michael)
-Follow Me
-Calico Skies
-The Long And Winding Road
Morning July 2nd rehearsals:
Macca and U2:
- Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (2 or 3 times)
July 19, 2005 -- Billboard
Former Ednaswap guitarist
Rusty Anderson, who has been a member of Paul McCartney's band for the past few years, is readying
his debut solo album, "Undressing Underwater." The
set will be released Sept. 13 via Surfdog Records, the same day
as McCartney's new Capitol album, "Chaos and the Creation
in the Back Yard."
McCartney and the rest of
his band appear on "Hurt Myself," the opening track
of "Undressing," which Anderson co-produced with Parthenon
Huxley and Mudruck (Godsmack). Among other guests on the set
is former Police drummer Stewart Copeland, with whom Anderson
played in the group Animal Logic. He appears on the instrumental
track "Catbox Beach."
"Some people seem to
think it's good marketing sense to have one monochromatic sound,
one statement, one logo, whatever. But I don't feel that way,"
Anderson says, summing up his eclectic debut. "It's not
about being a rebel for the sake of rebelling; I'd rather let
music come together organically. 'Underwater Undressing' really
says, 'You know what? This is my music. If it's too diverse,
screw it. This is me.'"
July 16, 2005 -- WMGK
Macca's "Chaos"
Spoiler
by Andre Gardner
1 - "Fine Line" (3:02) - The first single. Great uptempo
piano-based track. Lyrics include "C'mon brother... all
is forgiven..."
2 -"How Kind Of You"?
(4:46) - Slow, dreamy track with pretty chords and instrumental
passes. Ending is a bit Radiohead-like.
3 - "Jenny Wren"
(3:46) - Classic Macca acoustic guitar and vocal track. Interesting
sound in solo - perhaps a japanese-style guitar.
4 - "At The Mercy"
(2:37) - Nice track with strings and some very nice diminished
chords. Almost a 10cc-ish chord progression in spots. Some lyrics
include "at the mercy of a busy day, we can think of nothing
more to say."
5 - "Friends To Go"
(2:43) - Song starts off sparse and builds throughout. Great
Macca piano work. Lyrics include "ll be waiting on the other
side for your friends to go."
6 - "English Tea"
(2:11) - Awesome track that would not sound out of place on "Revolver."
A string quartet starts the song off. Lyrics include "miles
and miles of english garden... lines of hollyhocks and roses"
and, "every Sunday morning."
7 - "Too Much Rain"
(3:24) - Another standout track. Lots of acoustic guitar and
piano. Nice accent on the title phrase, and nice 7th chords on
title.
8 - "A Certain Sadness"
(2:45) - Interesting song, sort of a musical departure for Paul.
Almost latin/cha-cha in beat. Pretty piano and guitar licks.
9 - "Riding to Vanity
Fair" (5:06) - This is a song directly and angrily pointed
at Heather, written after her not so Paul-friendly interview
in VANITY FAIR. Direct and to the point. Lyrics like "you
put me down" and "now that you don't need my help,
I'll take the time to think about myself."
10- "Follow Me"
(2:31) - Great track that was premiered at the Glastonbury Festival
in 2004. Solo version is arranged much like live band version,
maybe a wee bit slower.
11-"Promise To You Girl"
(3:09) - Brilliant track, very much in the "Flaming Pie"
vein, right down to the piano. Again, some 10cc-sounding harmonies.
12- "This Never Happened
Before" (3:24) - Textbook McCartney ballad, with a soft
drum machine backing and gorgeous melody. This may appear in
a movie in the not too distant future. Some lyrics include"I'm
very sure this never happened before."
13- "Anyway" (3:49)
- Beautiful melody with sweeping harmonies. After the track ends,
there is about :30 silence, then...the hidden track appears...
BONUS TRACK - "I've Only
Got Two Hands" (3:00) - A fascinating instrumental that
really highlights Paul's fine piano work. The song completely
changes tempo and melody about 1:00 in, then changes again towards
the end to some backwards "Strawberry Fields" - like
sounds. July
15, 2005 -- Daily Star
The Ghost Who Walks - featuring
members of Paul
McCartney's touring band
and Culture Club - recorded "People I Don't Know Are Trying
To Kill Me."
July 15, 2005
-- The Evening Chronicle (Newcastle)
Heather Mills
McCartney is to contest a
legal claim by a childhood neighbour who says the former model
invented a story they were held hostage by their paedophile swimming
coach.
Margaret Ambler is suing for
£50,000 ($88,000), claiming breach of privacy after Sir Paul McCartney's wife wrote about the incident in her
2003 autobiography, A Single Step.
She was a classmate of Heather
at Usworth Grange Primary School, Washington, and lived in the
same block of flats in the 70s when the incident is alleged to
have happened.
In May solicitors acting for
Ms Ambler, 39, filed a writ in the High Court seeking damages
for misuse of private information and invasion of privacy.
Today Heather"s London-based
solicitor, Stephen Taylor, said: "It is an extraordinary
claim. The writ was served without warning in May and this followed
two years" correspondence between the parties. The claim
will be vigorously defended and the defence will be filed within
the next couple of days."
Ms Ambler"s solicitor,
Graham Atkins, said: "We are waiting for Heather Mills McCartney"s
legal representatives to file a defence. They have said they
will defend the action." July 15, 2005 -- Business Week
THE REAL REASON TO BUY A LEXUS
Lexus buyers have come to expect such amenities as heated seats
and navigation systems. Now add to the list: premium parking
spaces. For the past year the car company has provided exclusive
parking lots for Lexus owners at the Atlanta Braves' Turner Field
and the Office Depot Center in Sunrise, Fla.
At the Office Depot Center,
home to the NHL's Florida Panthers, the first 200 Lexus drivers
attending any concert or NHL game park for free in a centrally
located Lexus Lot, courtesy of five southern Florida car dealers
that each pay about $10,000 a year. At Turner Field, Lexus owners
pay $10, the standard stadium rate, but it's for one of the 200
to 300 spots in the lot closest to the front gate. They also
enjoy free barbecue and other giveaways. For the Lexus dealers,
there are obvious marketing benefits. Mike Brumm, Lexus' southern
area merchandising manager, estimates that as many as 35,000
fans walk past the lot during a sold-out game.
The lots are routinely filled
to capacity, which has Lexus thinking of expanding the concept.
It is working out details to provide Lexus-only parking at the
U.S. Open tennis tournament, which the company is sponsoring
in New York in early September, and the U.S. leg of Paul McCartney's fall concert tour. Lexus also plans
to repeat the deals it struck last holiday season for free valet
parking at upscale malls in Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta. For
the well-heeled driver, a prime parking spot is money in the
bank.
July
14, 2005
"Fine Line," the first CD single from "Chaos and Creation
in the Back Yard" will be released on August 29th (EMI import
for US-Click to order )
July 14, 2005 -- VG (Norway)
Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard - A Review
"Fine Line"
Classic Macca from the get-go. Piano-driven shuffle (or skiffle,
as called in Liverpool in the 50's), with an unexpected choir
ending.
"How Kind Of You"
A salute to possibly Heather Mills. Opening with drawbar organ,
and frequent use of open major chords.
"Jenny Wren"
The "Blackbird" of the album. Surprisingly a simple
acoustic melody which is on it's way to a classic.
"At The Mercy"
Reminiscent of "Driving Rain" with a darker side. This
models "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" thematically, with
a touch of George and early Wings in the musical construction.
"Friends To Go"
Merle Haggard meets Travis. A funny country tune which leaves
no harmonic cliché unused.
"English Tea"
A charming children's rhyme which could have been on the "White
Album." It will bring a smile to your face.
"Too Much Rain"
The lyrics talk about receiving what life has to offer, and how
one must learn to cope with it. It has a "Calico Skies"
feel to it.
"A Certain Softness"
This is the album's ballad.
"Riding To Vanity Fair"
Heavy harmonies, dark orchestration with a peculiar glockenspiel
at the beginning. Producer Nigel Goodrich's flair influenced
by Radiohead sessions.
"Follow Me"
Performed publicly at Gastonbury. Almost too recognizable and
predictable in the chord scheme .
"Promise To You Girl"
Beatles-references in the lyrics. The piano drive is has a "Lady
Madonna" feel while the break is like "We Can Work
It Out."
"This Never Happened
Before"
The album's "Silly Love Song" with verses like "Now
I see... This is the way it's supposed to be... I met you and
now I see...This is the way it should be..."
"Anyway"
A grand piano intro ala "The Long and Winding Road"
leading into a Sgt. Pepper-like finale with a climatic sound
generated by a multitude of instruments.
"I've Only Got Two Hands" (bonus track) instrumental
July
13, 2005 -- The Sun Online
Sir Paul's Beatles wish
Sir Paul McCartney has revealed that if John Lennon
and George
Harrison were still alive,
the Beatles might have got back together to play Live 8.
Macca said that despite the
arguments that led them to break up in 1970, the Fab Four could
well have followed in Pink Floyd's footsteps by reforming for
the cause of tackling global poverty.
Sadly John was shot dead in
1980 and George passed away in 2001, after a long battle with
cancer.
But Paul insists that their
political motivations meant, had they been alive, they would
have wanted to perform at Live 8.
He told Word magazine, "There
was talking of it (reforming), yeah, from time to time (in the
1970s).
"But again it's the same
thing - why? We said: 'We've come full circle. We have a body
of work that stands on its own. Why spoil it?'
"It was just talk. It
never got that serious.
"But the interesting
thing is that, had it have been now, it might have happened,
but unfortunately there's only two of us left.
"You can't imagine John
or George, with their view of charity and politics, saying: 'This
Live 8 isn't a good idea.'
"That's the strongest
reason for that sort of thing."
July 13, 2005 -- Herald Sun
Baby, you can't
start my car!
When Sir Paul McCartney took his wife Heather out
to dinner, he did so in the style befitting Britain's richest
pop star.
They arrived at a posh central London restaurant in Sir Paul's
new $600,000 chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Phantom. Unfortunately,
the couple's departure was a little less impressive. The car
failed to start and they had to make their way home by taxi.
"It was hilarious,"
said a witness. "They sat there in all their finest in the
back of a Rolls that was spluttering and coughing like an old
banger."
Sir Paul's chauffeur wasn't
able to share in the joke as the former Beatle made his feelings
clear.
"He was getting really
hot under the collar," said another witness.
A Rolls-Royce spokesman defended
the star's car. "There are no mechanical faults with the
Rolls-Royce Phantom . . . in any case the car is still under
warranty," he said.
July 13, 2005 -- The Sun (UK)
Beatles breakup
film due on DVD
Could the end of the long,
long winding road to the release on DVD of the Beatles' 1970
breakup flick, Let It Be, actually be in sight?
According to Beatles Anthology
director Bob Smeaton, the Let It Be DVD, punched up with "remarkable
bonus material," will be released in September. Smeaton told a Denver, Colo., radio station that
the DVD release had been delayed due to the sheer volume of film
stock shot, and colour restoration issues.
Although Smeaton did not identify
any of the extra material, Beatles fans are clamoring for a 5.1
surround sound mix, and the inclusion of what's known as the
complete rooftop gig. That's the Jan. 30, 1969, 35-minute show
played by the Fab Four on the roof of their London headquarters,
but which was only partially shown in the film.
Good quality audio-only bootlegs
of the complete show are in circulation, but film of the mini
concert has remained secure in Apple Corps vaults.
The original 80-minute Let
It Be film, unavailable on home video for over 20 years, is expected
on DVD to be fleshed out with original Nagra audio recordings
that went missing from Apple in the early '70s, but which were
recovered in a police raid on bootleggers in the Netherlands
in January 2003.
The recovered tapes would
allow some film footage that was without original sound to be
used for the DVD, including many Beatles takes of old time rock
'n' roll and jam sessions.
Also on the reissue front,
George Harrison's
1971 Concert For Bangladesh
on both remastered CD and DVD will be released Oct. 25.
Early reports say that the
reissued Concert For Bangladesh, perhaps the first all-star rock
benefit of its time, will also contain extra material, including
a song by Bob Dylan left off the original three-album deluxe
box set.
Details are sketchy, but some
Internet Beatles news sites suggest that the reissued Bangladesh
could contain unissued material from both the matinee and evening
performances of the show, held at Madison Square Garden, Aug.
1, 1971, and featuring the likes of Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and
Leon Russell.
Reportedly, Harrison had been
searching unsuccessfully for the master tapes of the concert
just prior to his death, but they were eventually located, and the reissue may contain
a heretofore unissued Dylan song from the concert.
Finally, Sir Paul McCartney will be touring this fall behind a new
release, his first since 2001. Chaos And Creation In The Back
Yard, said to be "a return to basics" for McCartney,
will debut
Sept. 13.
July 12, 2005 -- Beatlefan
Ringo not mad at Paul
In response to U.K. media
stories on the Internet about Ringo Starr declaring
he'd never play with Paul
McCartney again and complaining
that Macca did not ask him to perform with him at Live 8, Beatlefan
asked Ringo's spokeswoman, Elizabeth Freund, whether these stories
were accurate and reflected Ringo's thinking.
Here are some excerpts from her response (to be published in
full in Beatlefan):
"First and foremost he
is NOT fuming and had no rancor in any of his comments, only
his trademark wit. He said emphatically that he and Macca would
not play together, the same way he used to be emphatic about
he and Paul and George
not playing together . .
. They may occupy shared stage but will never 'play together'
in the formal way in which these questions were meant. . . .
I think it is needless to say he and Paul are close the way all
the Beatles were. Any rancor or resentments that
the media make up is just that -- made up."
As for Live 8: "He (Ringo)
was always supposed to be in the U.S. doing promo during the
Live 8 shows. . . When he is asked about Live 8 he says simply
he was not asked to do it and then goes to applaud Bob Geldof
and the wonderful thing he has done with this show and cause."
July 12, 2005
-- The Chicago Sun-Times
Rick Springfield says Paul McCartney is his idol
Q: Who's
your musical idol?
Rick Springfield: Paul
McCartney,
because of the songwriting. My parents raised me on Rogers and
Hammerstein and that whole era of great songwriters, so to me,
songwriters rule. The Beatles were the first group to really
prove that you can be a musician and singer and still write the
music. I met him and Linda, and I remember she asked
me if was a vegetarian, and of course I lied and said something
stupid like, "I eat fish all the time."
July 12, 2005 -- BBC News
Honorary CBE for composer Davis
Composer Carl Davis, famed
for his film and TV scores, has been appointed an honorary CBE
by the Queen.
New York-born Davis, 68, wrote
the music for programmes including The World At War, The Naked
Civil Servant and Pride and Prejudice.
He also composed the score
for The French Lieutenant's Woman and has worked with the Royal
Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
In 1991, Davis worked with
Sir Paul
McCartney on his Liverpool
Oratorio.
It was the former Beatle's
first full-length piece of classical music, created to honour
his home city.
Davis has also created 13
ballet scores, including A Picture of Dorian Gray, A Simple Man,
A Christmas Carol and Alice in Wonderland.
While he remains a US citizen,
he lives in London with his wife, actress Jean Boht. He was given
a special lifetime achievement award by Bafta in 2003.
July
12, 2005 -- The Sun (UK)
Paul: Shove, shove me do
Stunned Sir
Paul McCartney looked like
he'd have to give his new Rolls-Royce a shove, after his driver
couldn't start it.
The ex-Beatle, 63, and wife
Heather, 37, were stranded outside a London
diner, but hailed a cab.
July 12, 2005
Bob Geldof brought to tears by Paul at Live 8
Sir Bob Geldof was brought
to tears after watching Sir Paul McCartney
and Bono's opening duet at last Saturday's Live 8 concert in
London. The Live Aid co-organizer was overwhelmed by the opening
rendition of The Beatles' classic "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely
Hearts Club Band," because it signaled the importance of
the one-off event in aid to end poverty in Africa.
Geldof says, "When Bono
and Paul McCartney sang, all that promise of rock and roll was
made concrete on this stage at that moment. Everyone was in tears
- not believing they were here. It's the biggest cultural event
ever. The President of the United States has been watching all
day, the government ministers are here. This won't happen again.
It's bigger than the Olympics."
July 12, 2005
-- Yahoo News
McCartney spreads his Wings
Here, there and everywhere is a pretty good description of Paul McCartney's schedule over the past
months.
At 63, the
former Beatle seems to be only gaining momentum in 2005 after
pulling off a notable pair of live performances and with a children's
book, a new album and a fall tour in the works.
In February,
McCartney provided family-friendly halftime entertainment at
Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Florida, in sharp contrast
to Janet Jackson's nipple-baring performance of the previous
year.
However, McCartney's
ability to stay fully-clothed while onstage proved to be too
sanitary for some Super Bowl fans, two of whom lodged complaints
with the FCC that the 12-minute performance was "boring."
The British
knight also managed to keep his shirt on during his performances
at the London Live 8 concert on July 2, where he teamed with
U2 to open the concert with "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts
Club Band."
At the night's
end, Macca returned to the Live 8 stage for a show-closing set,
performing classics such as "Get Back," "Helter
Skelter," "The Long and Winding Road," as well
as an all-star grand finale of "Hey Jude."
This time
around, the only individual displeased with McCartney's performance
was former bandmate Ringo
Starr, who
was reportedly irritated that McCartney didn't ask him to take
part in the Live 8 festivities. "I was never asked to do
it, he didn't ask me," Starr told Website contactmusic.com.
"It's too late now--it's disappointing. But I would have
only done it if I'd been able to wear my Sgt. Pepper suit."
Uh oh--a decades-old costume? Smacks of a potential wardrobe
malfunction to us--maybe Sir Paul made the right decision.
McCartney
and Starr last performed together at a tribute concert for bandmate
George Harrison in London in 2002. Though
McCartney focused on classics during his Live 8 performance,
the singer is preparing for the release of his first studio album
in four years. "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard,"
due in stores Sept. 13, marks McCartney's 20th studio effort
since his days as a Beatle.
"I did
not want to rush this album," McCartney said in a statement.
"I think it was worth the wait though. The music became
more interesting over time and I'm really proud of what we did."
Three days
after the album's release, McCartney will set off on his 37-city
US tour, which was his fastest selling tour to date and marks
his first Stateside appearances in three and a half years.
Somehow, McCartney's
also managing to make time for his latest project: kiddie lit.
The onetime
Wings rocker has signed with Penguin Young Readers Group to pen
a children's book titled "High in the Clouds: An Urban Furry
Tale," which is due out in October.
Looks like
a whole new generation will be embarking on a magical mystery
tour.
July 12, 2005 -- Billboard
Paul McCartney returns
to the one-man-band approach that marked his 1970 self-titled
solo debut on "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard,"
his 20th solo album since the dissolution of the Beatles. Due
Sept. 13 via Capitol, the 13-track set was co-produced by McCartney
with Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, Beck) and is the artist's first
new studio album since 2001's "Driving Rain."
"I did not want to rush this album," says McCartney,
who played everything from guitar, bass and drums to flugelhorn
and harmonium on the project. "I think it was worth the
wait though. The music became more interesting over time and
I'm really proud of what we did."
The album runs the gamut from piano-led tracks like "Promise
To You Girl" and "Fine Line," to a self-described
"daughter of (the Beatles) "Blackbird" dubbed
"Jenny Wren" to the contemplative "Riding to Vanity
Fair" and "At the Mercy."
"Chaos and Creation" will be supported with a previously
announced fall North American tour, which begins Sept. 16 in
Miami.
McCartney reveals new album details
"I did
not want to rush this album," he says, adding that pressure
from touring and record label commitments tried on more than
one occasion to upset the apple cart. "I think it was worth
the wait though. The music became more interesting over time
and I'm really proud of what we did."
The 13-track set is timed to coincide with McCartney's huge 37-city
"US" Tour, his fastest selling concert tour ever, which
opens on September 16. One of the many highlights is a track
entitled, 'Jenny Wren,' described by the star as "daughter
of Blackbird," as well as 'Follow Me,' which McCartney debuted
at The Glastonbury Festival, while on his '04 Summer European
Tour.
"We really made a lot of it up as we went along," added
McCartney. "I'd try something and if it didn't work I'd
try something else until it did. It was like making a go-cart
in the backyard."
"When Paul and I got together we had a common goal,"
said Godrich. "We wanted to make a great album that was
true to Paul. I think that's exactly what we did."
The tracklisting is as follows:
Fine Line, How Kind Of You, Jenny Wren, At The Mercy, Friends
To Go, English Tea, Too Much Rain, A Certain Softness, Riding
To Vanity Fair, Follow Me, Promise To You Girl, This Never Happened
Before, Anyway
July 11, 2005 -- Billboard
Bee Gees Plotting
Tribute CD, Concert, Musical
In the wake of the sudden death of the Bee Gees' Maurice Gibb
in 2003, his brothers Robin and Barry decided to cease performing
under the group's name. But Robin has taken it upon himself to
turn grief into rejoicing with an extensive plan to keep Maurice's
memory and the Bee Gees' music alive.
The artist's co-manager John
Campbell tells Billboard a slate of Bee Gees events will begin
rolling out next year. In the works are a Maurice Gibb tribute
album, a free summer concert in Central Park, a prime-time special,
a Broadway musical, a film and a book.
The tribute album, which is
being produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, is especially
close to Robin's heart. "We've asked artists of every generation
to express our songs in their own way," Gibb says. So far,
Paul McCartney, Wyclef Jean, Jagged Edge, Rascal Flatts,
Snoop Dogg and, as previously reported, Sheryl Crow are working
on tracks. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the album
will go to charity.
Gibb and his team are in negotiations
to find a label to release the tribute album next year, with
EMI and Universal Music Group currently in the running.
July 11, 2005 -- Gigwise.com
Jacko Earns Fortune From Live 8
Troubled superstar Michael Jackson looks set to earn a fortune
from Macca's
performance at the recent
Live 8 African debt awareness gig.
The singer who is definitely not a peado (it's official) owns
the back catalog to loads of Beatles songs, so will rake it in
from the Fab Fours rocketing sales following Paul McCartney and U2's performance of "Sgt Pepper's Lonely
Heart Club Band" and "Hey Jude" which was performed
at the close of the concert by a whole host of celebrities.
Other stars involved in the mammoth world wide gig have pledged
to donate the proceeds from increased sales of their music to
poverty relief projects while Jacko has stayed silent on the
issue.
With spiraling debts and court bills to pay Jackson may well
need the money himself though Sir Paul has asked Universal for
the profits from his share of the royalties to be donated.
July 10, 2005 -- BBC
RADIO 2
Paul McCartney Competition
Win a chance to see Paul McCartney give a very special performance for
Sold on Song.
PAUL McCARTNEY LIVE
BBC Radio 2 is giving you an opportunity to see an exclusive
Sold on Song performance by Paul McCartney in a famous London
venue later this month. In a unique performance, Paul McCartney
will be performing and re-working songs from throughout his career,
including songs from his forthcoming studio album.
To be in with a chance of
winning just answer the following question correctly:
What was the name of Paul
McCartney's only number 1 solo UK single?
Click here to for entry form
The competition
closes at midnight on 15th July 2005.
Only one competition entry per person will be accepted. Winners
will be notified by Tuesday 19th July. Winners will be chosen
at random from all correct entries received. Winners must make
their own way to and from the venue.
July 10, 2005 -- Paul
McCartney.com
PAUL McCARTNEY SET TO RELEASE FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM IN FOUR
YEARS
"CHAOS
AND CREATION IN THE BACK YARD" IN RECORD STORES SEPTEMBER
12th (Sept. 13th US)
"Chaos And Creation In
The Back Yard," Paul McCartney's 20th studio recording since
The Beatles, marks an end to a nearly four-year hiatus since
his last studio recording, 2001's platinum certified "Driving
Rain." The new 13-track album is co-produced by Nigel Godrich
(Radiohead, Travis and Beck) and McCartney, and was recorded
in London and Los Angeles over the course of the past two years.
Its release coincides with the September 16th launch of McCartney's
all new 37-city "US" Tour, his fastest selling concert
tour ever.
"Chaos And Creation In
The Back Yard" is a return to the basics for McCartney.
The album successfully fuses his undeniable song writing talents
with his unparalleled musicianship. In fact, McCartney is credited
with playing the majority of the instruments on the album, which
is somewhat reminiscent of "McCartney" (1970) when
he was credited with playing all of the instruments. They include
the drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, as well as many of the less
traditional instruments such as block flute, harmonium and flugelhorn.
"Chaos And Creation In
The Back Yard" is a mix of up-tempo piano driven McCartney
instant classics such as 'Fine Line' and 'Promise To You Girl'
and more introspective darker tracks such as 'At The Mercy,'
'Too Much Rain' and 'Riding To Vanity Fair.' One of the many
highlights is a track entitled, 'Jenny Wren,' which Paul describes
as "daughter of Blackbird," as well as 'Follow Me,'
which McCartney debuted at The Glastonbury Festival, while on
his '04 Summer European Tour.
But "Chaos And Creation
In The Back Yard" would not have been either if not for
the suggestion of now legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin.
Familiar with Nigel's credentials and with his published desire
to work with an established artist, Paul made the call that finally
put the two together in the studio. The collaboration seemed
an unlikely one and thus the rumors began. What type of album
was McCartney making?
"I did not want to rush
this album," said McCartney, who despite repeated inquiries,
touring commitments and pressure from his record label, managed
to maintain his focus. "I think it was worth the wait though.
The music became more interesting over time and I'm really proud
of what we did."
The results are evident throughout.
The songs are sonically robust, the instrumentation and orchestration
first rate and the chemistry between Paul and Nigel apparent.
The album has an organic feel reminiscent of Paul's first solo
release, "McCartney," (1970) and some of The Beatles
later recordings.
"We really made a lot
of it up as we went along," added McCartney. "I'd try
something and if it didn't work I'd try something else until
it did. It was like making a go-cart in the backyard."
"When Paul and I got
together we had a common goal," said Godrich. "We wanted
to make a great album that was true to Paul. I think that's exactly
what we did."
Full Tracklisting
- "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard"
Fine Line 3:05
How Kind Of You 4:47
Jenny Wren 3:47
At The Mercy 2:38
Friends To Go 2:43
English Tea 2:12
Too Much Rain 3:24
A Certain Softness 2:42
Riding To Vanity Fair 5:07
Follow Me 2:31
Promise To You Girl 3:10
This Never Happened Before 3:26
Anyway 3:50
I've Only Got Two Hands 3:00 (bonus track)
Total Running Time: 49:54
July 10, 2005
In an interview with Music
Week (UK) Brian Wilson said that Paul McCartney doesn't want to work with him on his new album.
"That's on the shelf," said Wilson.
July 10, 2005 -- Paul
McCartney.com
PAUL FEATURED ON RAY CHARLES TRIBUTE ALBUM
Paul McCartney has contributed
to a new Ray Charles tribute album that hits the shops this week
(UK).
Released through EMI
"Inspired By Genius - The Music of Ray Charles" includes
a McCartney live take on
"Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying."
The full tracklisting is as
follows:
1. Mess Around - The Animals
2. Sticks And Stones - Manfred Mann
3. Hallelujah I Love Her So - Eddie Cochran
4. What'd I Say - Jerry Lee Lewis
5. Leave My Woman Alone - Freddie King
6. I Believe To My Soul - Love Sculpture
7. I'm Movin' On - George Thorogood
8. This Little Boy Of Mine - Jackie de Shannon
9. Don't
Let The Sun Catch You Crying (live) - Paul McCartney
10. Georgia On My Mind - The Band
11. I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town - Ruth Brown and
Bonnie
Raitt
12. Unchain My Heart - Joe Cocker
13. Baby, It's Cold Outside - Dianne Reeves and Lou Rawls
14. I Can't Stop Loving You - Nancy Wilson
15. The Right Time - The Animals
16. You Don't know Me - Chuck Brown and Eva Cassidy
17. - Mary Ann - Steve Miller
18. In The Heat Of The Night - Jools Holland
19. I've Got News For You - Terry Reid
20. I'll Drown In My Own Tears - The Spencer Davis Group
21. I've Got A Woman - Jimmy McGriff
July 10, 2005 -- Contact
Music
MADONNA AND McCARTNEY DUET?
Madonna discussed collaborating with rock legend Sir Paul McCartney backstage at the Live 8 concert in London
on Saturday July 2.
The pair were among the star-studded
line-up at the charity extravaganza in the capital's Hyde Park.
And, according to the New
York Daily News, Madonna took the opportunity to approach McCartney
for a guest spot on her upcoming disc.
A source tells the newspaper,
"She was spending quality time backstage with Paul McCartney,
and they had a 15-minute chat about her new CD and him possibly
doing something with her for the record."
July 10,
2005 -- The Sun
More Live 8 stars pledged
to give away the cash they have made from CD sales as a result
of the gig.
Pink Floyd's David Gilmour
has already said that his band will not profit from their appearance
at Hyde Park.
The Who's Roger Daltrey and
Sir Paul
McCartney also said all profits
will go to charity.
Every Live 8 performer has
seen their album sales soar since Saturday's historic concert.
Daltrey, 61, said last night: "The Who have always supported
musical charity causes. This is evidenced by the many charity
shows we have done over 40 years. I'm sure we will do the same
in this case."
Sales of Pink Floyd's Best Of album have rocketed by 1,343 per
cent since Saturday.
July 6, 2005 -- Contact Music
McCARTNEY CHALLENGED BY NEW ALBUM'S PRODUCER
Sir Paul McCartney battled
with maverick producer Nigel Godrich over his new solo album,
because the former Radiohead mogul refused to refrain from criticising
him.
McCartney appeared at the
London Live 8 gig on Saturday July 2, fresh from the studio where
he and Godrich have been working on "CHAOS AND CREATION
IN THE BACKYARD "- the former Beatle's first studio release
in four years.
Godrich was recommended by
former Beatles producer Sir George Martin and the singer has
found his no-nonsense attitude refreshing.
The pop legend says, "People
get a little sycophantic around me, but Nigel was the opposite.
"He'd dismiss my rough
demos out of hand if he didn't like them. He was quite cheeky.
He took me out of my comfort zone and really tested me. There
were awkward moments but we never came to blows."
July 6, 2005
-- Message from Brian Ray
Hello One and All,
I want to update all of you
who are interested in my upcoming CD, "Mondo Magneto."
It is in the process of being manufactured as we 'speak' in Santa
Monica, California.
After giving it a lot of thought
I have decided to release my new record on November 1st,
holding it back so that I can make Paul's upcoming tour and his
new CD my top priority. As you may know, he will be releasing
his new CD around the tour. He deserves 150%of my attention and
that's what I will be giving. I know how patient you've been
and I hope you will understand. Your support means a lot to me
and It means a lot to me to be there for him.
So, in appreciation of you
all...
I will offer
the first 50 CD's signed
on my site 2 weeks before the release date for you, the true
fans!
Thanks!
Yours,
Brian Ray
PS.. My new Q&A has just
been posted on my website! Thanks to all who sent in questions.
http://www.brian-ray.com/html/qa.html
July 6, 2005
-- AP
Music acts
donate tickets to U.N. auction
Paul McCartney, Celine Dion,
Maroon 5 and other music acts have donated concert tickets and
special experiences in an online auction for Music Clearing Minefields,
an initiative of the United Nations Association's Adopt-A-Minefield Campaign.
"Heather
and I have worked hard to raise funds and awareness for Adopt-A-Minefield,"
McCartney said in a statement Tuesday. "We hope that through
Music Clearing Minefields, others will become as impassioned
about this cause as we are."
McCartney has donated VIP
tickets to his sold-out fall tour to the online auction, which
was set to go live Wednesday on the Charity Folks Web site. Coldplay, Meat Loaf,
Avril Lavigne, Elvis Costello, Brian Wilson, Jack Johnson, B.B.
King and others also have donated concert tickets and "meet-and-greets."
Last year, Adopt-A-Minefield
auctioned off items such as tickets to the Kingdom of Heaven
film premiere, passes to a Valentino fashion show in Paris and
drum skins signed by Aerosmith and Ringo Starr. Adopt-A-Minefield
encourages individuals, community groups and businesses to resolve
the global land mine crisis.
"I have always believed
that music makes the world a better place, but not until recently
did I fully understand the scope of this statement," McCartney
said. "Music Clearing Minefields demonstrates the way music
can make the world a safer place."
July 6, 2005
-- Fox News
Beatles Classics, Sung by McCartney, Finally Hit Apple's iTunes
Apple Computer's iTunes has
scored a couple of big points in its long-running war with the
Beatles.
Thanks to Paul McCartney's participation in the London Live 8 concert on
Saturday, Apple's iTunes Music Store finally has two Beatles
songs performed by its co-composer available for downloading
- "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "The
Long and Winding Road."
Prior to this, only Beatles
songs sung by Ringo Starr, such as "Yellow Submarine"
and "With a Little Help From My Friends" from his recent
All-Starr Band records, had made it onto iTunes.
No original recordings by
the Beatles, or classic solo tracks by McCartney, John Lennon,
George Harrison or even Starr himself, are on iTunes, or available
for downloading.
(The one exception is a recent
"lost" McCartney tune called "Whole Life,"
which was part of a Nelson Mandela tribute album. It's listed
on iTunes as being performed by the Eurythmics' Dave Stewart.)
This is a big score for Apple,
but not one that it's particularly trumpeted.
That's because there is no
love lost between Apple Computer and Apple Records, the music
label owned by the Beatles. The two companies are locked in a
multi-million dollar legal struggle in the British courts over
use of the Apple name and logo - which the Beatles have owned
since 1968.
Several years ago, Apple's
Steve Jobs paid a hefty settlement to the Beatles and agreed
never to use the Apple name for any kind of music business.
The Beatles now argue that
he's in blatant violation of that agreement, thanks to the iPod
and iTunes. When Apple first started advertising both of those
items, it referred to them in posters and advertising as "AppleMusic."
Consequently, the Beatles
- who do not license any of their original recordings for online
use or downloading - refuse to let iTunes have their songs.
But lo and behold, starting
Sunday, Universal Music Group - which licensed the Live 8 recordings
for release - put the Saturday performances of "Sgt. Pepper's
Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "The Long and Winding
Road" - on iTunes.
The former song is performed
by McCartney and U2. The latter is McCartney alone.
That's a first, and surely
not something Apple Records chief Neil Aspinall can be too happy
about as his case against Apple Computer winds its way through
the courts.
July 5, 2005 -- AP
London Live 8's 'Hey Jude' Finale Offered
London Live 8's "Hey
Jude" finale led by Paul McCartney
was offered as a download Monday, while the concert's opening
number was topping the online charts in several countries, the
distributor said.
The McCartney/U2 concert opener,
"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," was No. 1
on the iTunes charts in Britain, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands,
Germany, Italy and Belgium, said Adam White of Universal Music
International.
The track was also No. 2 in
Spain and No. 3 in France.
Universal said it logged the
first "Pepper" sale just 45 minutes after the performance.
McCartney's performance of
"The Long and Winding Road," also from the end of the
concert, was made available for downloading on Sunday, White
said.
Universal is donating its
share of the sales to Live 8, White said.
July 5, 2005 -- Female
First
Sir Paul McCartney
spent a day busking in London in disguise
The Beatles legend, who opened
Live 8 with U2, donned a fake beard and dark glasses and took
his guitar to central London and, amazingly, his true identity
was never discovered.
He revealed: "It was
for a film thing ("Give My Regards To Broad Street"
- 1984) and it was something I'd always wanted to do So I scruffed
myself up a bit, put on a false beard and shades, and went down
to Leicester Square tube station It was really cool.
"A couple of people came up and said, 'Is it you?' but I
just said, 'Oh, no'.
"But I got a few shillings
and I thought, 'This doesn't feel right,' so I gave it to charity"
July 4, 2005
-- Grapevine
George Michael
and Paul
McCartney will
be heading to the recording studio this week to duet on a new
recording of Michael's "Heal The Pain."
July 4, 2005 -- Evening
Mail
Why Heather missed Live 8
Kind-hearted Heather Mills kept a promise to bereaved Birmingham
families - even though it meant missing her husband Paul McCartney kick off the momentous Live 8 gig.
Heather revealed how the ex-Beatle
was upset to learn she wouldn't be by his side at Hyde Park because
she had a commitment in the city.
Heather met courageous members
of the Donor Family Network at the Tally Ho centre, in Pershore
Road, on Saturday afternoon to praise them for allowing dead
relatives' organs to be used to save other lives.
It was at the same time that
the world watched her husband launch Live 8 in London with a
rendition of "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club". The
former model, who is patron of the Donor Family Network, said,
"I had already promised to come to Birmingham when the date
was set for Live8.
"When I told Paul I would
be here, he said 'but that's when I will be performing for Live8.'
"I said 'well, I promised to be there and I am not going
to let them down'.
"But I told Paul I would
be back in London by the end to see him perform."
The 37-year-old, who lost
a leg when she was hit by a police motorbike 13 years ago, added,
"Organ donation is important to me, if not I wouldn't be
here.
"My mother died suddenly
when I was 21 and the family had to decide about allowing her
organs to be used for transplants, and we said yes.
"I think it is very important
for more people to say yes and think how many lives can be saved."
Grieving parents Teresa and
Tony Masefield, from Witton, who allowed their son Steven's liver
and kidneys to help others, said they were honoured that Heather
had kept her promise.
"She could easily have
pulled out of this event and made excuses but I think it is admirable
that she came here to thank us for what we have done," said
Mrs Macefield.
"We are proud of what
we did but a little touch like this by Heather means such a lot
to us."
Heather won her race against
time to hot foot it back to Hyde Park after the event to see
Sir Paul perform the big finale to Live 8.
July 4, 2005 -- This
Is London
While they preached charity
and love on stage at Live 8, the celebrity backstage area was
all about warring egos.
Major-league musicians were
crammed, along with a host of celebrities major and minor, into
an area of only 150 square feet leading to the inevitable trodden-on
toes and bruised feelings.
Sir Paul McCartney, who both opened and closed Live 8,
made sure every one knew exactly whose show it really was by
continually strolling up and down the backstage area with his
entourage of six in tow.
Wife Heather
was filming the whole thing, and boasted that she was planning
to hawk her fly-on-the-wall program to networks around the world
in six months.
"I will get it syndicated
worldwide," she said. "I have contacts with all the
networks." Her plans were dealt a blow, however, two hours
before the show ended when she was told that she had to stop
filming as it was against the Live 8 rules for anyone to video
any part of the event.
Like a royal visitor, Sir
Paul went to see all the stars in their dressing rooms. But the
uneasiness between his designer daughter Stella
and his wife was obvious to all, particularly when Stella walked
off the side of the stage during the performance by her best
pal Madonna after Heather and Sir Paul came to stand next to
her.
And when the McCartneys came
face to face with the Beckhams it was always going to be interesting
to see the result.
After praising Sir Paul on
his opening number (which she was not actually there for), Victoria
managed to infuriate the former Beatle by running off to hug
an old friend. There were uncomfortable smiles all round because
David did not know how to explain his wife's disappearing act
to Sir Paul. When Victoria finally returned, Sir Paul told her
through gritted teeth, "Oh, well, if she's more important
than me ..."
After a few brief words the
power couples parted and Sir Paul was overheard telling a lackey,
"That was nice and natural."
Sir Paul threw an unofficial aftershow party in the marquee adjoining
his dressing room, where guests included George Michael, Bob
Geldof and Travis.
July
3, 2003
LIVE 8 DVDs, set for release
DVDs of LIVE
8 (for each of 10 concerts) is tenatively scheduled for release
in November.
July 3, 2003 -- Contact Music
MACCA MAKES FINAL BOW
Paul McCartney closed the London leg of the day's momentous
LIVE8 concerts with a storming set of Beatles hits.
And the legend was joined
onstage during a show closing "Hey Jude" by many of
those who had performed during the day including The Who,
The Killers, Pink Floyd, Snow Patrol, Mariah Carey and Annie
Lennox. Event organisers Bob Geldof and Midge Ure took to the
stage too.
"You had a great day,
I had a great day," said McCartney after "Get Back."
"We hope the heads of G8 are listening hard, they can't
avoid this," he added. Following "Drive My Car"
he said, "Let's rock and stroll all the way to Edinburgh."
He was joined on the track by George Michael.
McCartney also played an incredible
version of "Helter Skelter" and "The Long And
Winding Road." The London show over-ran by two hours.
July 3, 2003
-- Contact Music
BONO PROUD TO PERFORM SGT PEPPER ALONGSIDE McCARTNEY
Bono was delighted U2 were
asked to perform the opening song of the London leg of Live 8
alongside Sir
Paul McCartney, because it
marked the first time the former Beatle has ever played "Sgt.
Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (???) live.
U2 and McCartney hit the stage
in the British capital's Hyde Park together and delivered a sterling
version of the classic 1967 track.
And for Bono, "Sgt Pepper's
Lonely Hearts Club Band" was the perfect choice of song
to open the poverty awareness-raising event.
Bono says, "It's the
first time he's performed it.
"It's very special because
that album represented not just the best of The Beatles, but
the best of the 1960s. It was a very optimistic time."
July
3, 2005
LIVE 8 is
being shown on demand
at http://www.aolmusic.com
July
2, 2005 -- Contact Music
McCARTNEY: 'THE BEATLES WERE MOUTHPIECE FOR FANS'
Sir Paul McCartney has defended
The Beatles outspoken political views during their heyday - insisting
the band were only reflecting public opinion.
The pop legends adopted a
liberal and anti-war standpoint during the 1960s - but McCartney
claims they were only providing a voice for their fans.
He says, "In The Beatles,
we would speak out because that was our nature. We were thinking
people, we had opinions, and we started to realise we weren't
the only people who held these opinions.
"We always used to say,
'These are not our ideas, these are our generation's ideas.'
We had the platform. We could give voice to them. And that is
a very interesting phenomenon.
July 1, 2005
Paul McCartney talked to
Colin and Edith on BBC Radio 1, Friday and said that his new
album will not be a double album though he has enough tracks
to make it a double album. He says he will "shelve"
one and work on that one later and put out the other one which
is complete and produced by Nigel Godrich.
There are 13 tracks and Paul said the album is called "Chaos
and Creation in the Backyard."
Paul said he wasn't sure that he and Bono will wear Sgt. Pepper
costumes at LIVE 8. He said he was asked to do "The Long
and Winding Road" and will do that and other 'surprises.'
He sang an impromptu "Lady Madonna" on the studio's
piano.
The radio show is archived on the BBC Radio 1's Web site. (LISTEN AGAIN
click on "FRIDAY")
July 1, 2005
SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY ON LIVE 8
I will be opening Live 8 in Hyde Park with a little Irish band
you may have heard of called U2, singing 'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely
Hearts Club Band', a song made famous by another little band
I used to play with. It was suggested to me by Bob and Bono,
the mad Irish boys (God bless 'em) that it would be a good kick
off for the whole occasion. "It was twenty years ago today
" And it will be twenty years, almost to the day, that we
all gathered together for Live Aid, and closed the show with
Wembley Stadium singing another Beatles' song, 'Let It Be'. It
was a day that had huge impact, a landmark in our history, and
I was very proud to be involved.
I seem to recall that at Live
Aid I was being referred to as an "elder statesman",
so what does that make me now? An even older elder statesman.
And there's nothing wrong with that. I feel like an ex-president
of rock'n'roll. I will be playing a set with my band and closing
the show. Of course, I'm honoured that they would want my songs
for such a noble cause but that is the power of The Beatles.
Every day I get people of all ages, from all walks of life, coming
up to say "Thank you for the music, it's made a difference
in my life." What we did in The Beatles really overtook
us and our intentions. When it is remembered and loved that way,
you can only appreciate that something mighty has happened, way
beyond anything we set out to do. I think the same thing is happening
with Live 8 now. The idea is overtaking us.
In some ways Live 8 is carrying
on the idealism that became part of music in the Sixties. When
we started, we all thought that we were just doing it to earn
a bob and pull the birds and it turned out to be much more than
that. Music and politics began to fuse because, on an idealistic
level, we are talking about the same things, peace, love and
fairness, extremely good values. In The Beatles, we would speak
out because that was our nature. We were thinking people, we
had opinions, and we started to realise we weren't the only people
who held these opinions. We always used to say "these are
not our ideas, these are our generation's ideas." We had
the platform. We could give voice to them. And that is a very
interesting phenomenon. I look at G8 and I see world leaders
but I can also look at the bill of Live 8 and see world leaders,
in a completely different sense. Political leaders talk about
"hearts and minds" but that is also what music deals
with. 'We Shall Overcome' during the civil rights struggle. 'Give
Peace A Chance' during the Vietnam war. These anthems become
very important. Music can carry simple, powerful ideas but it
also allows emotion into the idea. And it helps sometimes to
get a bit emotional about things. Politicians may try to remain
detached and objective, perhaps they have to be, but the rest
of us can look at this and say "imagine a kid being born
today into debt that it cannot get out of." Imagine that.
Now what are we going to do about it?
I called Bob a few weeks ago
because I heard he wanted to speak to me, and I had an idea what
it might be about. And I talked to him, as I had the first time,
about my worries. In 1985, my big worry had been corruption,
aid arriving on the dock side and immediately being trundled
off into government Land Rovers and never seen again. But Bob
addressed those concerns, he said "We're going down there
and we are going to give it out." And he did his utmost
to make sure it got there, which was a great thing. So this time
I said, "What's the story, Bob? Your own words were 'Charity
fatigue'". And he explained it very articulately, very forcefully,
as he does anyway, even if he's just asking you out to dinner.
He's that kind of guy. I said to him, "Bob, you're mad.
But if anyone can pull it off, you can." That's the way
I feel. I mean mad in a great way, a fine and fabulous madness.
This is not a fund raiser.
It is not about the money. It's a consciousness raiser. It's
about speaking out on behalf of African people being born this
very moment into eternal debt. There is no way they can get out
of it on their own. All we are trying to do is get that debt
excused. It's a little amount to us but everything to them. So
the musicians are just being spokespeople once again. This is
something people have been lobbying for for a long time and we
want governments to get behind the idea, moved hopefully by the
will of the people. And it does seem to be catching fire.
I am really excited to be
doing Live 8. It's a moment that could change the world and here
we are, taking a breath, before it happens. This is a great point
to be at, just about
to walk through the door. This could be the greatest gig of all
our lives.
Sir Paul McCartney
July 1, 2005
-- BBC News
Live 8: Hyde Park running order
The centrepiece of Live 8 day is the star-studded concert to
be held in London's Hyde Park. The official running order has
not been revealed, but an unofficial order and set list has been
printed in a number of UK media.
The BBC News website has compared
the lists and the below is a fair indication of what to expect
from 1400 BST (9am ET) onwards.
# Sir Paul
McCartney and U2: Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
# U2: One
# Coldplay: In My Place, Fix
You
# Coldplay and Richard Ashcroft:
Bitter Sweet Symphony
# Sir Elton John (introduced
by Little Britain's Matt Lucas and David Walliams): Saturday
Night's Alright for Fighting, The Bitch is Back
# Sir Elton John and Pete
Doherty: Children of the Revolution
# Dido: Life for Rent, White
Flag, Thank You
# Stereophonics: Songs to
be confirmed
# REM: The One I Love, Losing
My Religion, Imitation of Life, Everybody Hurts
# Ms Dynamite: Dy-na-mi-tee,
Judgement Day, Redemption Song
# Keane: Everybody's Changing,
Somewhere Only We Know
# Travis: Sing, Turn, Why
Does It Always Rain On Me?
# Annie Lennox: Walking on
Broken Glass, Sisters are Doin' It for Themselves, Sweet Dreams
# UB40: Food for Thought,
Red Red Wine
# Snoop Dogg: Songs to be
confirmed
# Razorlight: Somewhere Else,
Golden Touch, Vice
# Madonna: Like a Prayer,
Music, Ray of Light
# Snow Patrol: Chocolate,
Run
# Joss Stone: I Had a Dream,
Super Duper Love
# Scissor Sisters: Laura,
Take Your Mama
# Velvet Revolver: Songs to
be confirmed
# The Killers: Songs to be
confirmed
# Sting: Every Breath You
Take, Message in a Bottle, Desert Rose
# Mariah Carey: Make It Happen,
Vision of Love
# Robbie Williams: Let Me
Entertain You, Rock DJ, Feel, We Will Rock You
# The Who: Won't Get Fooled
Again, Baba O'Riley
# Pink Floyd: Money, Comfortably
Numb, Wish You Were Here
# Sir Paul
McCartney: The Long and Winding Road
# Finale:
Sir Paul McCartney joined on stage by George Michael and Sir
Mick Jagger
July 1, 2005
-- RADIO TIMES EXCLUSIVE
Paul McCartney will be appearing on the cover of next
week's Radio Times in an exclusive souvenir edition. And not
only will Paul McCartney have his own cover - the TV magazine
is producing an incredible eight covers in total to mark the
occasion of the biggest gig in 20 years - Live8. Paul also gives
a short exclusive interview on page 10.
LIVE 8 Schedule for the
UK
LIVE 8 ON
THE BBC: TV, radio and online coverage
You'll be able to see and
hear Live 8 across the BBC.
What's on: BBC TV
2 July: Live
8 Live
BBC TWO, 1.00-4.00pm
BBC ONE, 4.00-9.30pm (approx)
For those not lucky enough
to win tickets to Live 8, the disappointment should be short
lived as Jonathan Ross kick starts the BBC's coverage of the
world's biggest rock concert in London's Hyde Park.
As the action unfolds live
on the stage, Jonathan will take viewers to the very heart of
the event, reporting from a specially built, all seeing pod set
just above the live acts.
Jo Whiley and Fearne Cotton
will be catching the bands as they come on and off stage and
keeping viewers up to date with all of the backstage action.
Bob Geldof, Bono, Paul McCartney,
Madonna, Robbie Williams, Elton John, Sting and Chris Martin
are just some of the big names that will be interviewed by the
BBC team of presenters.
Special guests include Michael
Buerk, Jools Holland, George Alagiah, Sanjeev Baskhar and Meera
Syal.
Not only will we be bringing
all of the London Concert live, but also the best of the music
from Paris, Berlin and Rome.
2 July: Live
8 Crosses the Atlantic
BBC ONE, 10.00pm (approx) to 3.00am (approx)
As America gears up to go
live Jonathan Ross will take a look back at the excitement of
the day, reflecting on the event with organiser Bob Geldof.
Then crossing over live to
the States, Graham Norton will be on hand to bring viewers back
home the excitement of the amazing line up from Philadelphia.
Will Smith will host the concert
which includes 50 Cent, Bon Jovi, Kaiser Chiefs, Maroon 5, P
Diddy and Stevie Wonder.
Graham will be reporting backstage,
interviewing all the stars and bringing the UK viewers all the
gossip and news as it happens.
2 July: Live
8 Reloaded
BBC THREE, 7.00pm-5.00am
The whole Live 8 experience
from Europe and America from start to finish for those who missed
it earlier in the day.
3 July: Live
8 USA
BBC THREE, 7.00pm-4.00am
The whole of the Live 8 Philadelphia
show as seen last night in America, hosted by Will Smith and
featuring a galaxy of American superstars.
Macca
Report News continues with
June 2005
Macca
Report
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