We were given the rare opportunity to sit via Zoom with Paul McCartney. What an enchanting delight. Although it was a few minutes, we were able to get more information than the obvious Beatles questions. We were able to find out more on cultural impact, touring and advice for young musicians.
Sir Paul, it’s a tremendous honor to sit down with you today. Thank you for joining us.
Paul McCartney: It’s my pleasure, happy to be here!
Let’s start from the beginning. Was there a moment in the early days of The Beatles that you knew you were onto something big?
Oh, I think the moment we first heard the crowd at The Cavern Club really get behind our music, I felt something special was happening. It wasn’t just about the music; it was the energy, the connection—it was electric.
Your partnership with John Lennon produced some of the most beloved songs in music history. What was the key to this prolific collaboration?
John and I had this sort of competitive friendship that really drove our creativity. We pushed each other to write better songs. If he wrote ‘Strawberry Fields,’ I’d come up with ‘Penny Lane.’ It was a fantastic synergy, really.
After The Beatles, you formed Wings and continued to have great success. Was there a different satisfaction in that for you?
Definitely. With Wings, it was about proving to myself and to the world that I could enjoy music success outside of The Beatles. It was more personal, and yes, deeply satisfying.
How has your approach to making music evolved over the years?
I’ve become more experimental over time. I like trying new things, different instruments, different styles of music. It keeps things exciting. Right now, I’m working on a project that blends classical music with rock. It’s challenging but very rewarding.
Over the decades, you’ve seen and shaped the evolution of songwriting. From the analog days of the 60s to today’s digital age, how do you think the process of making music has changed, and what has remained constant for you as a songwriter?
The whole landscape of making music has transformed dramatically. When we started out, everything was analog and you really had to nail your performance in the studio—no Pro Tools to patch things up! Now, technology allows musicians to experiment more freely and push boundaries in ways we could only dream of. It’s fantastic to see how creativity is enhanced with these tools.
But some things never change, at least for me. The essence of songwriting—the need for a good melody and meaningful lyrics—that remains the same. No matter how much technology evolves, the heart of music is about connecting with others. My approach to crafting a song still starts with an emotion or a story I want to share. It’s about striking that chord with someone else, making them feel something. That’s what music’s all about, isn’t it?
With such a monumental legacy, what do you hope people will remember about your music in 100 years?
I hope they remember the joy it brought. Music, for me, is about bringing happiness and comfort. If my songs can continue to do that, then I’ve done my job well.
Are you someone who’s bad at being bored?
I like doing stuff, I must say. I like the idea of, ‘Ooh, I can do that.’ But it’s funny, I was in Japan and I got ill, and they said you’re going to have to rest up for six weeks, and all my mates said, “You’re never going to be able to stand that,” but in actual fact I loved it. I think I read every book, every script, watched every bit of telly I’d missed – I surprised myself that I actually enjoyed it.
Throughout your career, you’ve witnessed numerous social and cultural shifts. How do you think music influences these changes, and in turn, how have these shifts influenced your music?
Music has a powerful role in society—it can reflect changes, influence moods, and even alter perceptions. During the 60s, for instance, music became a voice for the voiceless, a form of protest against social injustices and a way for people to come together. Songs like ‘Let it Be’ or ‘Hey Jude’ were about comfort, hope, and unity. I always tried to write music that speaks to the heart, that can uplift or provide solace
As for how social shifts have influenced my music, I’d say they’ve made me more aware of the world around me. Seeing different movements evolve, from civil rights to environmentalism, has inspired me to use my platform for good, to contribute positively. It’s a feedback loop, really. The world influences the music, and the music influences the world. That’s the beautiful cycle of artistic expression.
Your ‘Got Back Tour 2024’ has been met with incredible excitement from fans around the world. Can you share what inspired this tour and what you hope your audiences take away from these performances?
Well, the idea for the ‘Got Back Tour’ really came from wanting to reconnect with the fans after such a challenging time globally. We’ve all been through so much, haven’t we? This tour is about bringing people together, sharing music that spans generations, and creating moments of joy.
I hope the audiences come away with a sense of renewal and upliftment. Music has this wonderful ability to heal and bring joy, and that’s what I want everyone to experience at these shows. It’s a celebration of life, love, and resilience—three things we’ve all needed a reminder of lately. So, it’s all about having a good time and making memories that will last a lifetime.
And finally, what advice would you give to the young artists of today?
Keep true to yourself. Don’t get too caught up in what’s trendy. Trends fade, but real art stays forever. Be honest in your music—it’s the best way to connect with others.
Sir Paul, it’s been an absolute pleasure. We’re eagerly looking forward to your next project.
Thank you, it was great talking with you. Keep listening and take care!
McCartney also wants to go back on the road, a life that he finds invigorating. “I’ve been doing this for a long time,” he said. “So, another me takes over: Professional Performing Paul—the triple ‘P’!” If the question is “Why do you keep at it?,” the answer is plain: “I plan to continue living. That’s the central idea.“
Additional tour dates have been announced for South America and you may find more information here.
