The former Beatle’s new studio album will be released later this month
Sir Paul McCartney(Image: 2022 Getty Images)
Sir Paul McCartney shared rare insights into his professional and personal life as he spoke to Richard Osman and Marina Hyde for an edition of The Rest Is Entertainment podcast. He opened up about his emotions and what it feels like to be a musical legend that is known worldwide.
The 83-year-old sat down with the hosts at the iconic Abbey Road studios ahead of the much-anticipated release of The Boys of Dungeon Lane on May 29. The upcoming album offers a significant nod to his upbringing in Liverpool as it is named after the road in Speke where Sir Paul used to spend time.
When the former Beatle was asked about his celebrity status, he told the hosts: “You know what? I think my shield against that is to try not to think about it too much. Because I often think – wait a minute, I’m looking for just one little success.
“Great. But then I’ve got a few. I got that song, and that song. If I really sat and thought about it – my head would explode. So I try to dampen it down and just think yeah, that was okay. That was a good one.”
Sir Paul McCartney(Image: 2022 Getty Images)
Sir Paul has mastered being able to separate himself from the artist, as he shared: “And I don’t really feel like him [Paul McCartney]. He’s the famous one. I’m the guy who just has to go up and have breakfast.”
The musician has fond memories of his time with the most successful band of all time, He reminisced on writing songs “directly for fans” and explained how it helped the Fab Four evolve.
He said: “So I kind of do know who those guys were [Beatles]. They were kids from Liverpool writing to the fans, first phase – then maturing a little and getting a bit more artistic. I think I do remember who I was.”
Sir Paul thanked his family for keeping him grounded through the years. He said: “I was very lucky that I came from a very loving family of very smart working-class people. And I always say to people: don’t underestimate the working class.
“I know there’s this idea of, ‘oh, the plumber – what does he know?’ But from my family I know that, for instance, my cousin Bert compiled crosswords for the Guardian and for the Times. To do that, you have to be a pretty smart guy. And he was just one of us. So we had that kind of depth going on.”
It has been an exciting couple of weeks for fans of The Beatles as Sir Paul and Sir Ringo Starr revealed they have collaborated on a landmark new single called “Home To Us.” This track is serving as the second single from Sir Paul’s upcoming album.
The Beatles pose for a portrait in circa 1965(Image: Michael Ochs Archives)
The surviving Beatles members are continuing to explore memories of local landmarks such as Speke and Forthlin Road in their new work.
The song is described as a retrospective tribute to their early years growing up in Liverpool. It focuses on the important themes of their humble beginnings and their journey to changing the world.
The single marks the first time the two legendary musicians have ever performed a duet together. Initially, Sir Paul wrote the song specifically for Ringo, but they ultimately decided to share the main vocal duties.