In May 1980, towards the end of my "journalist" days, I got an invite to the EMI press reception for Paul McCartney's solo album, "McCartney II", at Abbey Road studios. I was one of about 80 scribes from all parts of the globe and the set up was very efficient...a dozen or so oblong tables, each with 8 chairs and the plan was that Paul would move from table to table, spending exactly 20 minutes at each. I managed to get one of the end chairs, so that I would be facing the star when he sat down...yes, I was that pushy!
When our turn came, I opened the session with what I hoped was some humorous banter, thus getting Paul's attention for when the real questions started. It seems to have worked. (Hey, all's fair in love, war and journalism!). He must have found the whole experience pretty onerous, but needs must etc. He was a rock star and had an album to promote! So he was good-humoured and casual, giving the impression that he was actually enjoying the occasion. Afterwards, I asked him (tongue in cheek) whether he thought he'd still be playing when he reached 64. His answer was... "Like the football player said, when asked that question: 'I'll play till me legs give out'!" A nice 'note' to end on.
N.B. There was quite a lot of background noise from the other tables, but you can still hear Paul's voice with a fair degree of clarity. Listening with headphones might help, if you have them.
So, take a listen...but please don't judge too harshly! I was just 'doing my job' as best I could, bearing in mind that my journalistic experience at that time was minimal.
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