As Paul McCartney continues his UK tour, the Beatles legend has shared in the past how he got the one ‘luxury’ item in his life while writing the band’s hits
Sir Paul McCartney, the legendary musician and former Beatle, has revealed the one “luxury” he wanted while writing hits with John Lennon.
In an old BBC interview, conducted just three years after Lennon’s death, McCartney shared his thoughts on his music and what motivated him to write so many iconic songs during his time with The Beatles.
The 82-year-old, who is currently touring the UK and is set to play two shows in London (December 18 and December 19), spoke candidly with Sue Lawley about his drive to succeed. He also shared what drove him to write more, and how he and Lennon would joke of writing for the sake of “whatever.”
McCartney admitted that the prospect of earning money and being successful was a significant incentive, recalling how he and Lennon used to joke about writing hits to buy the things they wanted, such as a swimming pool.
He said: “I could’ve just dried up because there’s no incentive, because that was the early incentive if you’re honest about it. For most people it is just to be successful, to earn money. We used to talk about writing a swimming pool. It was one of those between John and I. You know, you need a pool here. We’d better go and write it, ching ching ching, and we’d try and write hits for the things we needed or whatever.”
Paul McCartney, the legendary Beatles bassist, has revealed that despite his wealth, he’s not one for extravagant spending. In a light-hearted chat with Sue Lawley, McCartney admitted that he hadn’t splurged on “chunky jewellery” or other luxuries his fortune could afford.
However, when asked if he owned a swimming pool, McCartney confessed: “I have actually, Sue. Yes, I succumbed to the temptation, but I’ve got kids now, see. So that’s different. I never did get one until I got children.”
He further explained how he tries to shield his children from his wealth. Fans were charmed by McCartney’s candid responses, with one commenting: “He’s so iron clad with his emotions but sometime every now and then he’ll just drop the most gut punching response of all time.”
Another fan added: “We’re lucky he got to be old.” A third pointed out that McCartney’s current tour is a testament to his love for music, noting: “‘If I didn’t get paid, I think I’d still do it’ – definitely true. Clearly doesn’t need the money but is still touring in his 80s.”
McCartney, who is set to play London’s 02 Arena tonight and tomorrow (December 19), played two dates over the weekend in Manchester. His setlist included Christmas favourite Wonderful Christmastime as well as a spread of The Beatles and Wings tracks. Also included was The Beatles’ “final song,” Now and Then, which has been nominated for a Grammy Award.
