Macca & Ozzy duet at the Brits

OZZY OSBOURNE is to fulfil a lifelong dream at the Brit Awards — by performing with his hero SIR PAUL McCARTNEY.

Brits bosses are thrashing out the final details for The Prince Of Darkness to join Macca for an explosive finale.

Aptly for Ozzy, after his well documented booze and drugs battles, they will perform Paul’s classic Bond theme Live And Let Die. And if it does come off it will all be down to Ozzy’s wife SHARON.

The X Factor judge has used her influence — and the couple’s gig as awards hosts — to set up the once in a lifetime opportunity for her hubby.

She said: “They go together really well. It will be amazing.”

Sir Paul will also be presented with an Outstanding Contribution To Music gong at the bash, being held at London’s Earls Court on February 20.

A show source reckons the performance will go down as one the most memorable in its history.

He told me: “Sharon is a very determined woman and wants it to be the best Brits ever. She’s been in touch with lots of the legendary music business names she knows personally.

“It was her idea for a duet between Ozzy and Sir Paul. If it happens, it will be unmissable.”

The Brits is renowned for its duets. The most memorable in recent times came in 2003 when JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE sang with KYLIE, grabbing the pint-sized Aussie’s rear during the performance.

But king of the duets is JAMIROQUAI star JAY KAY. In 1997 he teamed up with soul legend DIANA ROSS to perform her hit Upside Down. And in 2005 he did DONNA SUMMER’s Bad Girls with ANASTACIA.



It's FREE and... I have been refused credit I am applying for a mortgage I want to improve my credit rating I have just moved house I want to check it's up to date I want to check my credit score I have not seen it before I'm concerned about identity fraud




Ozzy is a self-confessed mop-top fan and has long been a champion of Paul’s. He has said: “McCartney’s a genius. THE BEATLES were the greatest band ever.

“The only problem I have with him is even God has a p***ed off day.

“No one can be that happy all the time. Even Mr Happy gets a sore ass sometimes.”

Ozzy voted Paul’s latest album Memory Almost Full as his favourite of 2007 in a web survey.

And he’s even admitted having rather sinister fantasies about the Scouser. He said: “I used to dream, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if Paul McCartney married my sister?’. My bedroom wall was covered in pictures of him.”

If Sharon gets her way, there will be plenty more photos for Ozzy to hang up.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MACCASPAN!!!

Enjoy your holiday's, don't drink and drive. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Paul McCartney's Plea To Save The Planet

Paul McCartney has followed in the footsteps of his estranged wife Heather Mills by urging the world to go vegetarian. The Beatles legend has launched a campaign to eradicate meat-eaters through British newspaper the Sunday Times.

McCartney cited a United Nations report which claimed the biggest things any individual can do for the plant is to become a vegetarian. He says, "What's compelling is this report should now encourage everyone to do their bit."

Last month, Mills urged U.K residents to drink rat's milk after claiming 80 per cent of global warming comes from livestock.

Paul McCartney's Beatles secret

Stella McCartney didn't know her father was a Beatle when she was a child.

Sir Paul McCartney - who raised his children, Mary, 38, Stella, 36, and James, 30, and stepdaughter Heather, 44, with late wife Linda on a remote Scottish farm - has revealed he never told his kids he was a world famous musician.

He said: "There was this one moment where they were riding their little ponies in Scotland, and Stella said to me 'Dad, you're Paul McCartney, aren't you?' and I said, 'Yes darling, but I'm daddy really.' "

The 65-year-old musician also revealed all his children - including four-year-old Beatrice from his failed marriage to Heather Mills - performed a version of The Beatles classic 'When I'm 64' when he reached the landmark age last year.

He said: "I planned to try and ignore turning 64, but on the morning of my birthday my kids did a version for me. I even had the baby doing it! It was great."

McCARTNEY STUNNED BY DAUGHTER'S BEATLES RECOGNITION

SIR PAUL McCARTNEY was stunned when his daughter BEATRICE recognised him from his BEATLES days.
The 65-year-old admits he was shocked when the four-year-old - his child with estranged wife Heather Mills - spotted him in a photo of the band.
He says, "It's kind of spooky. She sees old pictures of me, lets say in the Beatles, and she'll say, 'That's Daddy when he was different.' "I love that. It's a great way of looking at it. And I suppose it's how I feel." McCartney and Mills are currently embroiled in a bitter divorce battle.

Paul McCartney’s US tour in jeopardy thanks to Heather Mills

Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney has revealed that his forthcoming tour could be disrupted by his divorce with estranged wife Heather Mills, because the bitter legal battle is “dictating” his life.

Paul, 65, who’s currently promoting his new album Memory Almost Full, his first album with new record label Starbucks, said he wants to play the US, but added: “I don’t want to talk about my divorce, though it has a bearing on that.”

Paul, currently embroiled in a bitter legal battle with Heather Mills, said his music helps helps him forget his woes.

He told the Chicago Tribune newspaper: “I just try to keep my head down and get on with my music.

“That’s the great thing, the great healer. I’m trying to make an antidote.”

Macca: Oil you need is love

SPELLBOUND Sir Paul McCartney has become obsessed with an oil painting . . . called The Guitar Player.


The former Beatle makes regular trips to an art gallery to view the work by Dutch Master Jan Vermeer, staring at it for up to 40 minutes at a time.


Mega-rich Macca, 65, has even enquired about buying the centuries-old painting, which depicts a teenage girl posing with a guitar.

But its owner English Heritage told him it will never be sold for any price. Art expert Bart Cornelis said last night it could be worth more than £50MILLION.


Pals say Macca uses the gallery at Kenwood House in Hampstead, North London, as a haven during his bitter divorce battle with estranged wife Heather.


He has viewed The Guitar Player at least ten times recently. And one attendant said Paul — famed for playing his distinctive Hoffner bass left-handed — “seemed hypnotised” by it.

McCartney records album with son

Paul McCartney is hoping to launch his son James' music career - by helping him record a debut album.

The 30-year-old drummer and guitarist - who is the former Beatles star's son with first wife Linda - has already appeared on two of his solo albums, but is keen to launch his own LP.

McCartney, 65, says: "I'm actually doing some recording with my son. We're just looking at the idea of him making an album. He's doing it all. He's writing it all, laying it all. It's sensational. But there's
nothing set yet. We don't know if it'll work.

"The plan is for me to just do some recording with him, and it's really exciting. I'm really loving it."
Their studio efforts are expected to be released next year.

Paul McCartney pleased with 'Years' DVD

LONDON, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- British pop icon Sir Paul McCartney was pleasantly surprised by the vast amount of material available for his new DVD, "The McCartney Years."

The three-disc set features videos from throughout his solo career along with live footage and a newly recorded commentary track by McCartney. The former Beatle says he was "dreading" the project initially but is thrilled with the results.

"I thought, 'Oh, no, God -- there's not enough good stuff yet,' " McCartney explains. "But looking at it, I think some of the stuff I was a bit scared of I didn't need to be scared off. Especially as it's all been re-polished and buffed up, it looks at its shiny best and sounds good, they seem to stand up quite well.

"Once you see it all en mass, it's particularly warming."

PAUL MCCARTNEY AMAZES FANS AT ELECTRIC PROMS

Paul McCartney played an immense 90 minute set of classics at London's Roundhouse last night (October 25).

Addressing the crowd, and unveiling a eight-piece string orchestra, he announced: "Welcome to the Roundhouse. It's been a little while since I was here. We're gonna have a good night."

Playing the second night of the BBC Electric Proms week, the Beatles legend bantered throughout the night with the 3,000 capacity crowd - which included his daughters Stella and Mary, as well as members of the Kaiser Chiefs and The Office writer Stephen Merchant.

Backed by the orchestra, McCartney kicked off the night with the psychedelic hit 'Magical Mystery Tour'. The night's mammoth set saw McCartney play a mixture of Beatles classics, his solo hits and even Wings' 'Band On The Run'.

McCartney also covered the epic James Bond theme 'Live And Let Die' - which came with accompanying fireworks from both sides of the stage.

One of the most emotional moments at the intimate gig came when McCartney dedicated 'I'll Follow The Sun' to former bandmate John Lennon, explaining: "this is the conversation I never had."

He ended the show with a rocking version of 'Get Back'.

The show at the Roundhouse is only McCartney's second in the UK since headlining Glastonbury festival in 2004. He played a secret gig, also in Camden, just prior to his latest album 'Memory Almost Full's release in June. To read a review of that show, click here.

McCartney's full set list was:

'Magical Mystery Tour'
'Flaming Pie'
'Got To Get You Into My Life'
'Dance Tonight'
'Only Mama Knows'
'C'Moon'
'The Long And Winding Road'
'I'll Follow The Sun'
'That Was Me'
'Here Today'
'Blackbird'
'Calico Skies'
'Eleanor Rigby'
'Band On The Run'
'Back In The USSR'
'House Of Wax'
'I Got A Feeling'
'Live And Let Die'
'Hey Jude'
'Let It Be'
'Lady Madonna'
'I Saw Her Standing There'
'Get Back'

McCartney and Mills set for court battle

Paul McCartney and his estranged wife Heather Mills will take their acrimonious divorce battle to open court next February, a court source said on Friday, after attempts to reach a private settlement failed.

The source said a five-day hearing had been scheduled with a fall-back date later in 2008 if the February hearing failed to produce an agreement.

British media have speculated that McCartney could have to part with between 20 and 70 million pounds of his 825 million pound fortune in a final settlement, including a one-off lump sum plus annual payments.

The Evening Standard newspaper reported on Friday that the stumbling block during Thursday's lengthy meeting had been Mills' refusal to accept a gagging order as part of the deal.

Her spokesman declined to comment, and no one was immediately available to comment from the McCartney camp.

The settlement could set a new record for a contested divorce award in British courts. In August last year, insurance magnate John Charman was ordered to pay out 48 million pounds to his wife after they divorced in 2003 after 27 years of marriage.

McCartney, 65, married Mills in 2002. They have a daughter, Beatrice, who turns four later this month.

The split has been played out in the full glare of the tabloid media.

Mills works for several charities, including those involved in banning landmines and preventing cruelty to animals.

Ever Present Past is on the way.

Ever Present Past, the second single from Paul's current album 'Memory Almost Full' is now set to be released on Monday 22nd October. More details soon.You can see a clip from the video shoot of EPP on www.meyesight.com.

Paul on Fats Domino Album

Next Monday sees the release of 'GOIN’ HOME: A Tribute to Fats Domino' through EMI. Paul features on the double CD with a version of I Want To Walk You Home.Monies raised from the sales of Goin’ Home will also go toward the rebuilding of Fats Domino’s home and to create a community centre in the Crescent City’s still ravaged Lower 9th Ward. Proceeds of Goin’ Home will fund additional community related programs.For more information go to www.tipitinasfoundation.org

Macca signs guitar for charity

He's played a fair few guitars in his time - but a hand-painted, 10-foot Gibson Les Paul was special even by Sir Paul McCartney's standards.



The former Beatle paid a personal visit to the Gibson Guitartown London exhibition to sign the replica instrument.



The free-standing guitar, named And The Crowd Goes Wild, was hand-painted by visual artist Rosie Brooks.



The guitar, and 59 others, will be auctioned off in London later this year to raise money for the three charities.



Sir Paul said: "I just fancied playing with a big guitar! I think this one will hopefully catch the imagination of the public and whoever is going to buy it at the auction and raise money for The Prince's Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust and Nordoff Robbins - which are all great charities."



Artist Rosie added: "It's complete honour. It's brilliant. I was really touched when I found out he had chosen my design."



All the guitars in the exhibition have been signed by famous names, including Noel Gallagher, Robert Plant, Paul Weller, Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart, Keane, Stereophonics, James Blunt, Razorlight, KT Tunstall, Magic Numbers, Kasabian, The Kooks and Dirty Pretty Things to name a few.

Chris Knight, The National Post
Published: Thursday, September 13, 2007

Every filmmaker worries about pleasing the critics. The two most worrisome and influential for Julie Taymor and her Beatles musical Across the Universe weren't Ebert & Roeper, however, but Sir Paul and Ringo.

"I was sitting right next to Paul McCartney," says Taymor, remembering an early screening, "and so scared and nervous, and he really liked the movie and under his breath he started even singing one of the songs. I could feel him moving to All My Loving."

Ringo Starr took in the film in Los Angeles at a screening attended by Evan Rachel Wood and Jim Sturgess, who play the lead characters of Lucy and Jude in the film. "We spent the whole time watching him watching the film," says Sturgess, "and we're like, 'Yes! He's tapping his foot!' "


Sturgess, a 26-year-old from London, got to meet Starr after the screening and says: "The biggest compliment of all was he didn't realize that I wasn't from Liverpool. If Ringo Starr bought it, that was good enough for me."

Across the Universe had a gala screening at the Toronto International Film Festival Monday and opens in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver tomorrow, with wider release to follow. The movie uses Beatles songs to tell of a group of young people in the '60s: Jude, who travels from Liverpool to America to find his father; Lucy, with whom he falls in love; and Max (Joe Anderson), Lucy's carefree brother, who gets drafted and sent to Vietnam.

Minor characters such as Prudence, Sadie and JoJo allow for more lyrics and songs to be used; in all, 33 of the group's numbers saturate the picture, and the two-hour-and-13-minute movie has only about a half hour of actual dialogue.

Taymor won two Tonys -- direction and costume design -- for her Broadway adaption of Disney's The Lion King. Both those talents are on display in Across the Universe. "You'd be walking around one day and suddenly you'd see this giant puppet being built in the next studio," Sturgess recalls.

For Taymor, part of the appeal of Across the Universe was its epic nature. "You have a love story but you also have a story of ambition," she says. "You can't just do the hippies and the psychedelics without doing the race riots and the darkness."

The original idea from screenwriters Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais was to use 15 songs, but the concept kept growing. "The story was created by listening to 200 songs and choosing songs that could lend themselves to this basic story," says Taymor, "and then the story was created around the songs. It was a round robin that way, one thing inspiring another."

In addition to his powerful singing voice in Across the Universe, Sturgess stars in the upcoming films The Other Boleyn Girl with Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman and Eric Bana; and 21 with Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey and Laurence Fishburne. He also has a role in Crossing Over, starring Harrison Ford, Ashley Judd and Sean Penn.

"I had a great time because I had the privilege of discovering him," says Taymor proudly.

The film held open casting sessions in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Blackpool and America, but when she saw Sturgess, "I knew right away. There was no doubt. He had the edge. He had the voice. There's no disconnect between his speaking voice and when he starts to sing, he's a consummate musician."

She says Sturgess got an early taste of fame at a taping of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which has yet to be broadcast. "It was like being at an early Beatles concert," she says. "The swooning ladies!"

God Only Knows, Why McCartney Cries

Sir Paul McCartney breaks down in tears every time he hears the Beach Boys' song "God Only Knows".

The 65-year-old Beatles legend has confessed he can't control his emotions whenever he hears the Brian Wilson penned track.

Speaking on a special Radio 1 show to mark the British station's 40th anniversary, Paul said, "'God Only Knows' is one of the few songs that reduces me to tears every time I hear it. It's really just a love song, but it's brilliantly done. It shows the genius of Brian.

"I've actually performed it with him and I'm afraid to say that during the sound check I broke down. It was just too much to stand there singing this song that does my head in, and to stand there singing it with Brian."

During the hour-long show, Paul played a selection of his all-time favourite songs, including The Guillemots' "Little Bear", Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" and Beatles classic "Hey Jude".

As part of the fortnight-long birthday celebrations, Blondie singer Debbie Harry, Oasis star Noel Gallagher and Gwen Stefani will be taking to the airwaves to host their own hour-long 'Legends' shows.

Offical Help on DVD details

Official Details: Help! on DVD



Apple Corps Ltd have announced the eagerly anticipated DVD release of The Beatles' second feature film 'Help!' on October 30th (October 29th ROW) which will be marketed and distributed by EMI Music.
The DVD will be a 2-disc set. Disc 1 will feature the original film digitally restored with a newly created 5.1 soundtrack, while Disc 2 contains an hour of extra features, including:



The Beatles in Help! - 30 minute documentary about the making of the film with Richard Lester, the cast and crew. Includes exclusive behind the scenes footage of The Beatles on set.
A Missing Scene - Featuring Wendy Richard
The Restoration of Help! - An in depth look at the restoration process.
Memories of Help! - The cast and crew reminisce
Theatrical Trailers - 2 US trailers and 1 Spanish trailer.
1965 US Radio Spots - Hidden in disc menus.



There will be 2 editions of the DVD - a standard digipack and a deluxe boxed set that will contain a reproduction of Richard Lester's original annotated script, 8 lobby cards and a poster, plus a 60-page book with rarely seen photographs and production notes from the movie. Both the deluxe book and the standard booklet feature an introduction by Richard Lester and an appreciation by Martin Scorsese.

'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' - PRESS RELEASE

'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' - PRESS RELEASE - 24.08.2007

NEW McCARTNEY DVD SET FOR RELEASE - THE McCARTNEY YEARS

FEATURES EXCLUSIVE COMMENTARY, BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGE, OVER 40 MUSIC VIDEOS AND TWO HOURS OF HISTORIC LIVE PERFORMANCES
‘THE MCCARTNEY YEARS’ IS SET FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 12th 2007

On November 12th 2007, THE McCARTNEY YEARS, will hit the stores. This first time ever DVD includes the definitive visual collection of Paul McCartneys amazing career featuring solo music videos, career-spanning live performances, personal commentary by Paul McCartney and exclusive footage that tracks his incredible musical journey as never before.

Spanning four decades THE McCARTNEY YEARS is a three volume DVD collection, featuring some of the worlds best-loved music that has become the soundtrack to all our lives.

VOLUME ONE and VOLUME TWO contain the definitive collection of McCartney music videos. Starting in the 1970s with Paul McCartney's first solo single Maybe I'm Amazed, the DVD includes the Wings promo video for Band On The Run as well as hits from the 1980s such as Say Say Say, and the 1990s with Biker Like An Icon. It finishes with 2005s Fine Line. The films can be viewed either in chronological order or as play-lists that have been personally arranged by Paul featuring his exclusive voiceover commentaries.

VOLUME THREE includes live performances taken from three classic McCartney live shows; ROCKSHOW filmed on Wings 1976 World Tour, new edits of Pauls seminal UNPLUGGED in 1991 and Pauls now legendary headlining performance at 2004s GLASTONBURY Festival.

THE McCARTNEY YEARS is also packed with bonus features and extra never before seen footage and performances, including Let It Be from LIVE AID, archive interviews with Melvyn Bragg and Michael Parkinson, alternative versions of music videos and the full-length 2005 documentary Creating Chaos at Abbey Road. Paul has recorded exclusive commentary and personal introductions for each promo video and each live concert.

This collection has been meticulously restored and all films polished, re-graded and given a new lease of life in Widescreen format with re-mastered stereo audio and for the first time the original recordings re-mixed into 5.1 surround sound. THE McCARTNEY YEARS includes over 40 promo videos and over two hours of live performances.

Paul on Radio 1 and ICA LIVE EP

Paul on Radio 1

Paul will be presenting his own show on Radio 1 on Monday 17th September at 9pm. It's the first in a series of 'Radio 1 Legends' shows that Radio 1 are running to celebrate their 40th year. Paul will play tracks from some of his current favourite artists, his favourite all time tracks and songs by the artists and bands that inspired him.

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ICA LIVE EP Today sees the iTunes Exclusive release of Paul McCartney 'Live At The ICA Festival!

The 6 track live EP includes four new tracks taken from Paul's current album Memory Almost full, plus two classic McCartney cuts in 'Coming Up' and 'Jet'. The tracks were recorded at Paul's July 5th show iTunes Festival in London.

˜Live At The ICA Festival"
1. Coming Up
2. Only Mama Knows
3. That Was Me
4. Jet
5. Nod Your Head
6. House of Wax

Now available through itunes.

PAUL TO PLAY AT THE ELECTRIC PROMS

PAUL TO PLAY AT THE ELECTRIC PROMS - 07.09.2007

Paul announced this morning that he is confirmed to play at this year's Electric Proms. Paul will be playing at Camden's world famous Roundhouse on 25th October.

Festival Director Lorna Clarke added, "It's a real coup to have a true legend and one one of the world's most creative artists performing for us at the festival. We are delighted that he has embraced the spirit of what the Electric Proms are all about - creating new moments in music - I can't wait to hear what he has come up with."

Tickets will be on sale from September 12th.

For further ticket info please visit:
bbc.co.uk/electricproms
BBC Electric Proms info hotline: 08703 333432

Nod Your Head for Free

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney is offering a free song and video through iTunes for one week only.
The song, Nod Your Head, is taken from McCartney's recently-released Memory Almost Full album. The artist has also released the promotional video for the track.

Apple has released selected tracks recorded during McCartney's performance at the iTunes Festival, too. Tracks include: Coming Up, Only Mama Knows, That Was Me, Jet, Nod Your Head, and House of Wax.
In a second slice of Beatles-related news, Apple has also confirmed last week's report with the addition of a wide swathe of music and video from Ringo Starr - the first time music from the artist has been made available on a global basis.
EMI has introduced a new collection, Photograph: The Very Best of Ringo Starr and also added four back catalogue albums to those available through iTunes, including Sentimental Journey, Beacoups of Blues, Ringo and Goodnight Vienna.
Earlier this month, music from another former Beatle, John Lennon, was made available through iTunes.
Sixteen of Lennon's solo works from EMI Music were made available for the first time on iTunes, including the Lennon Legend and Acoustic collections and the albums: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, Sometime In New York City, Walls and Bridges, Milk and Honey and the collections, Anthology and Working Class Hero.
“John would have loved the fact that his music will now be available in a format suited to a new generation of listeners,” said Yoko Ono at the time.
Paul McCartney's decision to offer free music through iTunes has been matched recently by another major league artist, Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen is currently offering his Radio Nowhere track for free through various global outlets.
The availability of music from all former Beatles bar George Harrison is likely to inflame speculation that The Beatles back catalogue will eventually be made available online.
For the present, all eyes will be looking to Apple's special event on 5 September for further clues on this.

As Macca sails a boat named Linda, Heather takes to pool

For Sir Paul McCartney it was a blissful reminder of the good old days - just him and Linda sailing on a lake.

Linda being the name of his dinghy, after his beloved first wife who died in 1998.
The 65-year-old former Beatle cycled to the lake from his holiday home in the Hamptons, the fashionable U.S. East Coast enclave where affluent New Yorkers spend their summer.
He and his soon-to-be-ex-wife Heather met up there last week when she handed over their three-year-old daughter Beatrice, whose time is divided between her parents.
Heather grew to love the Hamptons while spending time there with McCartney, and is renting a house a few miles from his. She was seen in a local bar playing pool with a "hunky male" and enjoying the company late into the evening.
Sir Paul's divorce from Heather is expected to cost him £70million. And if he needs any advice about breaking up, who better to provide it than his old friend Christie Brinkley, the 53-year-old former model who has been married four times?
He was introduced to Miss Brinkley some years ago by her second husband, Billy Joel, who wrote his hit song Uptown Girl about her.

And they met again the other night at a concert in a Hamptons club by James Taylor.
Members of the crowd said Miss Brinkley, in a widebrimmed floppy hat, danced close to Sir Paul as the band played How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You.
During the song - which has the lyrics "I needed the shelter of someone's arms" - Christie sidled up to Sir Paul, and whispered in his ear, having to take the hat off to get in closer to him, then leant her head on his shoulder.
They had spent much of the earlier evening laughing and joking together.
And at the end of the gig, before the couple left separately, McCartney was described as "beaming" and "really buoyed up" as he did a little dance on his own in front of daughter Stella and her husband Alasdhair Willis.
Miss Brinkley recently split from her fourth husband, architect Peter Cook, after he confessed to an affair.

Macca wants London Eye

Sir Paul McCartney is hoping to rename the London Eye in his honour to promote a new DVD, it has been claimed.The Beatles legend releases "The McCartney Years" later this year, and wants to use one of the UK's most famous landmarks to support the media campaign.The plan may also include a one-off concert on the iconic wheel structure, which could be decked out in the artwork for the video compilation, according to a 'source'."The whole idea came together after a series of meetings in Macca HQ. The artwork for the DVD cover is a stylised close-up of Sir Paul's eye - and that got the team thinking."It occurred to them that the other most famous eye in the world was, of course, the London Eye and they immediately tried to work together", the 'source' explained."It's ambitious but his people are determined to make it happen and Sir Paul may even perform a one-off show in one of the pods to make it even more special."Macca loves London and to be the face and name of the Eye - albeit just for a short time - would be a massive honour that he would cherish", he concluded."The McCartney Years" is scheduled for release in November. There are currently no details of the tracklisting.

McCartney Still Inspires

By Melinda Newman - ReZoom's Music Columnist

Here’s what I believe about music. I believe music can save your soul. At those times when absolutely nothing else can reach you, music can. When it feels like all hope is lost, a note, a voice, a melody can bring you back to safety. Brian Wilson called “Smile,” his legendary unfinished album (until 2004, at least) “a teenage symphony to God.” I believe the reverse: that through artists like Wilson and Springsteen and, of course, some of the world’s greatest classical composers, God is writing symphonies to us as a way to comfort us, soothe us and make his presence known. Everything I believe about music I felt on June 27 when Paul McCartney played at Amoeba Records in Hollywood. Incredibly, it was his first time ever playing at a record store.After the announcement of the surprise free show 48 hours in advance, folks began camping out in front of Amoeba for the 400 or so wristbands that would allow entry. Online reports claimed that at times 3,000 people were in line. The crowd was made up of ages from three to 70. A number of dads brought their little sons in what will surely be a bonding moment, even if the tots don't actually remember the concert.Among the 350 or so VIPs, who were lined up between the record store's CD bins like cattle in a chute, were Ringo Starr (who, sadly, did not join McCartney on stage), Olivia Harrison (George Harrison’s widow), the Eagles’ Joe Walsh, Alanis Morissette, Cybil Shepherd, former Disney head honcho Michael Eisner, Twiggy, Woody Harrelson and producer Rick Rubin. A little after 8 p.m., the star of the show appeared on stage and launched into the peppy “Drive My Car.” McCartney was effortlessly engaging and charming throughout the 75-minute performance whether rocking out with his touring band or playing “Blackbird” solo. There was a tacit, unspoken agreement between McCartney and the audience: He was going to play songs from his new CD, “Memory Almost Full.” All of these were well received -- the woman beside me sang along to every tune -- but he was also going to play what he knew we were all there to hear, the classic Beatles songs that make up the soundtrack to our lives. Given the hyper-ecstasy displayed by the crowd at this opportunity to see their musical hero in such an intimate setting, it pushes credulity to say McCartney was enjoying the evening as much as the audience, but he clearly was. Unlike so many acts who are mere shells of their former selves and who perform their hits by rote, McCartney delivered 40-year-old songs with the gusto of someone performing them for the 10th time instead of the 1,000th and managed never to seem like an oldies act. He innately seems to understand what these songs mean to people and has enough respect for his audience to not toss off a tune that may, in all likelihood, be someone’s favorite of all time.“Hey Jude,” written for Julian Lennon, is one of those songs for me. As first recorded for the 1968 album of the same name, it is a masterpiece. But it is as the world’s most famous sing-along that it has earned its place as something much more: an expression of our collective consciousness coming together through its hypnotically repeating “na-na-na” ending. It is as uplifting as any hymn. Speaking of hymns, McCartney also performed “Let It Be,” as a beautiful benediction for the evening. McCartney turned 65 in June, but he remains eternally youthful in a boundlessly energetic way that can only be brought about by following one’s passion. None of his new songs, as good as they may be, will ever have the iconic appeal of his Beatles classics, but that’s OK. No one, not even McCartney, should be forced to compete with that past.

Ecce Cor Meum DVD Release!

ECCE COR MEUM DVD RELEASE!

PM.com is delighted to confirm that the 'Ecce Cor Meum' DVD is to be released through EMI Classics on 22nd October 2007! Details are to be confirmed very shortly, but the DVD is set include last year's complete Ecce performance from the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Click here for the Ecce Cor Meum promo video.

McCartney 'will pay £70 million to silence Heather'

McCartney 'will pay £70 million to silence Heather'
by RICHARD SIMPSON



It is believed Heather Mills will receive almost £70 million in her divorce deal with Sir Paul McCartney
Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills are understood to have thrashed out a divorce deal in which she will receive almost £70 million.

Miss Mills, who split from the former Beatle in May last year after four years of marriage, is believed to be in line for a lump sum of £15 million.

If the deal goes through she will get another £3.5million every year until their daughter Beatrice, who will be four in October, reaches her 18th birthday.

The divorce settlement - which would be the largest in British legal history - will include a clause ensuring that neither party ever speaks publicly about what led to the breakdown of their marriage, the Daily Mail has learned.

Commentators believe that the plan to stagger the bulk of the payment reflects Sir Paul's concern that Miss Mills, who has courted the media as a reality TV star in the U.S. since the split, should maintain a dignified silence.

In divorce papers leaked last October, Miss Mills accused Sir Paul of assaulting her at least four times, once slashing her arm with a broken wine glass.

She also said he was drunk regularly and smoked cannabis during their marriage and that he prevented her from breastfeeding Beatrice.

Miss Mills will not, it is understood, get any property in the agreement. She already has a seaside home in Hove, East Sussex, and recently bought a £400,000 house in Slovenia as well as a large property in the Home Counties. She will not, as has been suggested, get Sir Paul's £10 million London home in St John's Wood, which he has had since the 1970s.

Sir Paul, 65, will also pay for all of Beatrice's living expenses including her schooling, travel, nannies and security. He and Miss Mills will continue to share joint access to their daughter.

In recent months there has been frenzied to-ing and fro-ing between lawyers for both sides.

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Miss Mills, 39, is understood to have been pushing for a larger interim payment equivalent to £15 million after tax. The annual payment has also wavered in that time between £3.75 million and £3.5 million.

The agreement is being seen as a happy outcome, financially at least, for both parties. Sir Paul is paying a smaller lump sum than Miss Mills feels she deserves. But she will still end up with a very large total for someone whose marriage broke up after only four years.

By staggering the amount over the next 15 years - by which time Sir Paul will be 80 - he will get his wish that Miss Mills should not speak about the marriage publicly.

Sir Paul, who has never spoken about the break-up, is understood to feel that for Beatrice's sake as much as anything, intimate details of their family life should not be for public consumption.



Sir Paul: Said to be worth £825 million
Spokesmen for Sir Paul and Miss Mills said last night that they would not comment on the progress of the divorce. But sources on both sides have confirmed to the Mail that the financial details of the settlement have been agreed.

The legal process before the divorce is fully finalised may, however, stretch out until next year.

In recent months there has been a thawing of relations between the pair who immediately after the split went through a long period of communicating only through lawyers. They now speak regularly, and if one recent report is to believed, even plan a family holiday.

Lawyers are, however, still on standby in case the agreement between Sir Paul and the unpredictable and passionate Miss Mills disintegrates at the 11th hour. To that end the case remains listed for a five-day hearing next February, before Mr Justice Bennett, a family High Court judge.

One source close to Miss Mills said last night: "We're extremely close to a resolution. The figures have been agreed."

Speaking about the reasons why negotiations have been so drawn out, the source said: "Heather wants her story told - she sees herself as the victim. She wants to have what she calls 'a voice'.

"She feels she should have that platform to turn around media perceptions about her. McCartney's lawyers are saying she can't talk about the marriage at all - a total blackout.

"But Heather's argument is that that's a very grey area. If she wants to update her biography, for example, she says she can't just pretend the marriage never happened.

"But she will not be able to hint at any foul play that may or not have taken place, or anything like drug taking or drinking or how either of them have, and do, interact with Beatrice. It's a very complex agreement.

"Heather is very aware that five years down the road, she'll just be a Beatle's ex-wife. To capitalise on the split, she would need to bring out a book now. She wants to have this voice. But she wants to get as much money as she can get too."

The source added: "It's true to say Paul and Heather are getting on better now than ever since the split, but she's a hard woman and is still angry about the way she feels she and Beatrice were left vulnerable after the split."

In recent months there has been much speculation as to the nature of the deal, with estimates varying wildly.

Some reports suggested the rather unlikely situation in which Miss Mills would get nothing - since Sir Paul apparently increased his wealth by very little during their marriage. Other reports claimed she would receive £200million of his reported £825 million fortune.

At £70 million, the settlement would still overshadow the £48 million insurance broker John Charman, 53, was ordered to give his former wife Beverley in May in Britain's biggest contested divorce settlement.

Paul Mccartney Hailed For Boycotting Animal-testing Charities

Sir Paul McCartney has been praised by animal rights group Peta after announcing plans to boycott cancer charities who test on animals.

The multi-millionaire former Beatle has supported cancer charities since his first wife Linda died of the disease in 1998.

But on Monday (16Jul07) he revealed plans to refuse funding to organisations that practice vivisection, after discovering a number of charities close to his heart advocate the practice.

The vegan rocker said, "When Linda died I said I would support cancer charities. Animal rights groups wrote to me pointing out that many were heavily into vivisection - and it's true. A doctor we knew out in America just admitted it as a matter of fact, innocently, like 'Well, sure we do.' "What he doesn't realise is that he won't get a donation out of me for that very fact. There are better alternatives but you're not allowed to challenge the status quo."

His decision has been applauded by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Alistair Currie - Senior Research and Campaigns Co-ordinator - says, "Animal testing charities don't just miss out on big money; they miss out on medical progress. Animals are not furry little humans and their bodies cannot reliably predict results for human conditions. While we know a great deal about cancer in mice, we don't know anywhere near enough about cancer in humans.

Thankfully, there are plenty of charities that go for the triple win: they don't cause animal suffering; they do support modern non-animal research that increases the chance of finding cures for humans; and they get the money of smart, compassionate donors."

Paul McCartney plays 'party' show in London
Beatles legend also pays tribute to former crew member

Paul McCartney continued the iTunes Festival season tonight (July 5) with a hit laden set made up of Beatles and Wings classics.

The legendary singer performed a moving show before a small crowd of 300 people at the ICA in London.

Bounding onstage, the former Beatle was greeted with massive cheers when he shouted: "Good evening. Alright?" before launching into 1980 hit 'Coming Up'.

Like his recent shows, McCartney, who was dressed casually in a white and black sweater, ran through five tracks off his latest solo album 'Memory Almost Full' before treating the crowd to the likes of Beatles classics 'Hey Jude' and 'Get Back' along with Wings hit 'Jet'.

McCartney was on jovial form throughout the gig, engaging in plenty of banter with the crowd as he constantly referred to the show as a "party".

Leading into The Beatles track 'Blackbird' he joked: "It is like a party you can get a conversation going. I watched that film 'Munich' by Steven Spielberg last night. It was pretty good."

As previously reported on NME.COM, the singer became emotional during his recent LA show at Amoeba Records when a member of the audience shed tears during the song 'Here Today' which McCartney penned as a tribute to John Lennon in 1982.

Referring to the performance, he told the crowd tonight: "We just did a gig in a record shop in LA and I was singing that song and I was just about holding it together emotionally and then I saw this woman weeping and I just lost it man."

As ever the highlight of the gig, was The Beatles classic 'Hey Jude' which sparked a mass sing-a-long amongst the arm waving audience.

Conducting the song's catchy refrain McCartney invited both the "boys" and "girls" in the crowd to sing along before he shouted: "Now everyone all together."

Rounding off the show, the former Beatle dedicated 'Let It Be' to a long term monitor engineer who recently died before adding: "This next song I want to dedicate to a crew member John Roden, who just passed away last week. This is for you Johnny."

He wrapped up the gig with 'Lady Madonna' and 'I Saw Her Standing There'.

Paul McCartney played:

'Coming Up'
'Drive My Car'
'Only Mama Knows'
'Dance Tonight'
'C Moon'
'The Long And Winding Road'
'I'll Follow The Sun'
'Midnight Special'
'Calico Skies'
'That Was Me'
'Blackbird'
'Here Today'
'Back In The USSR'
'Nod Your Head'
'Jet'
'House Of Wax'
'I've Got A Feeling'
'Matchbox'
'Let Me Roll It'
'Get Back'
'Baby Face'
'Hey Jude'
'Let It Be'
'Lady Madonna'
'I Saw Her Standing There'

The festival now continues with the likes of Kasabian and Editors and The Coral among those playing intimate shows across July. See NME.COM for full live reports.

The bands' sets are being recorded and will be released as a live album via iTunes in the future. For more information go to iTunesfestival.com.

Paul McCartney rocks Hollywood record store

By Dean Goodman

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Paul McCartney's informal world tour of small venues brought him to Hollywood on Wednesday when he played a free concert at a record store for an audience that included fellow Beatle Ringo Starr.

"No shoplifting please," McCartney jokingly told the 900-strong crowd, who had come from as far afield as Canada, Japan and Australia for the historic 85-minute event.

Any illegal activity would have been difficult. Fans were herded into rows behind the display racks, hemmed in by yellow tape as fire marshals and security guards patrolled the aisles making sure no one left their designated areas. Visibility for those at the back and sides was severely limited.

Hundreds of fans started lining up at Amoeba Records on Monday when the concert was announced. The lucky ones were given blue wristbands on a first-come, first-served basis.

Earlier this month, McCartney played clubs in London and New York, all part of an unorthodox promotional blitz for his well-received new album, "Memory Almost Full."

The set list was largely the same each time, heavy on late-era Beatle tunes such as "Get Back," "Hey Jude," "The Long and Winding Road" and "I've Got A Feeling."

He dropped in a few cuts from his new album, including the single "Dance Tonight" and the nostalgic "That Was Me."

Wearing a red sweater that he later took off to reveal a white "Von Dutch"-branded t-shirt, McCartney was in a playful mood, at one time asking the audience to repeat various silly sounds, and then to nod their heads in unison.

He got serious once when he played "Here Today," his 1982 tribute to fallen Beatle John Lennon.
Others at the venue included Olivia Harrison, the widow of George Harrison, English rocker Jeff Lynne, and actress Jennifer Love Hewitt.

PM to play itunes Fest

SIR PAUL McCARTNEY PLAYS LIVE AT THE ICA AS PART OF iTUNES FESTIVAL: LONDON, 5 July 2007The ICA is delighted to announce that Sir Paul McCartney is to make a very special guest appearance at the first ever iTunes Festival: London held at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA).
He will perform exclusively on 5 July and joins over 60 of the world's leading acts playing at the historically prestigious 350 capacity venue every night in July. ***PM.COM HAS 50 PAIRS OF TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY to fans for this very special show. CLICK HERE to enter our draw!***ICA Artistic Director, Ekow Eshun comments: "This is more than a music festival, this is a unique series of performances from some of Britain's most exciting and talented musicians that's set to make July at the ICA hotter than ever. The sheer pace and standard of the line-up is exhilarating.
We have an amazing history of musical firsts and landmark gigs at the ICA so to present this roster of more than 60 acts over 31 nights in our 60th anniversary year seems absolutely fitting. It's also a chance for us to say thank you to our members - and welcome new ones - as a set number of free tickets will be reserved exclusively for them each evening.
Being able to announce this very special guest, Sir Paul ensures that this month stakes a unique place in musical history."---Kasabian will close the Festival with a headline slot on July 31.
Other new acts added to the already spectacular line-up include The Go! Team and Aqualung.More than 60 acts will play at the ICA throughout July. Pop sensation Mika will open the festival on July 1 paving the way for other scorching acts including Mutya, Amy Winehouse and Wir Sind Helden.
Other headline acts are: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club; Editors; Travis; Groove Armada; Ash; Imogen Heap; Athlete; The Rakes; Stereophonics; The Coral and many many more. Crowded House will also be playing one of their first London gigs after more than a decade apart.
The latest programme can be viewed NOW at: www.ica.org.uk/itunesEntry is free of charge for festival competition-winners-only via select media partners and the official iTunes Festival website http://www.itunesfestival.comTickets can also be won via a lottery open to ICA Members only.
Closing date Mon 25 June, 2007ICA Membership is quick and easy to join and costs £35 Contact:ICA Box Office020 7930 3647 http://www.ica.org.uk/membershipTickets are not guaranteed for every lottery entrant but everyone entering will automatically receive a voucher for five free songs from iTunesAll performances will be recorded for sale exclusively on the iTunes store - www.itunes.com/uk

Ever Present Past VIDEO (Version 2)

Someone gave me the idea that Paul MAY have seen this video. Also as part of the reviews, ppl didn't like that I had pictures of Heather in it. So out of respect for Paul and Heather and anyone else, this is a NEW version with a couple added parts replacing the others. Enjoy. www.maccaspan.com

'Beatles' Reunite On Larry King Live

For the first time since the 'Beatles' split Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon, and Olivia Harrison will be interviewed together on Larry King Live next Tuesday.

Cirque du Soleil founder and CEO Guy Laliberte, whose Love show at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas is celebrating its one-year anniversary, will also join them on the sets. Laliberte show is known for featuring digitally remixed recordings of the Beatles' music.


Since the interview will bring McCartney and Ono together, television columnists believe that it will be a must-watch telecast.

"McCartney and Ono together? That's a must-see, isn't it?" Contactmusic quoted Orlando Sentinel TV columnist Hal Boedeker as commenting about the interview.

Paul McCartney Writes Song For Heather Mills

Paul McCartney has revealed that one of the song’s on his latest album, ‘Memory Almost Full,’ is about his estranged wife Heather Mills.

The former Beatle has confessed that, ‘See Your Sunshine,’ was written when the couple were experiencing happier times.

"That is pretty much an out-and-out love song for Heather. A lot of the album was done before, during and after our separation. I didn't go back and take out any songs to do with her.”

He added: "That one was written during a good time with Heather. I’m not a great grudge-holder. It's just unfortunate it didn't work out,” reports dotmusic.

McCartney’s solo album became the most successful of his career when it was released earlier this month in the US and worldwide via Starbucks’, Hear Music record label.

As we reported yesterday, McCartney is already planning to release a follow-up album on the Coffee chain's new label.

McCartney Eyes Second Deal With Starbucks

SIR PAUL McCARTNEY is reportedly planning to sign a second record deal with coffee chain Starbucks, because he is thrilled with the sales of his latest album Memory Almost Full. McCartney caused controversy among his liberal fans when he signed a one-album deal with Starbucks' Hear Music label after 43 years with music giant EMI. Music industry insiders claim McCartney refused to sign more than a one-album deal with Hear Music because he was concerned the venture might not work, but after the disc went to number three in the U.S. album charts earlier this month (Jun07), the former Beatle is delighted.

An insider tells British newspaper Daily Express, "Paul always had the business brain in The Beatles. Now that the new album is selling well, Paul has finally been convinced to sign a long-term deal with Starbucks and is expected to put pen to papers in the coming weeks. This means Starbucks will be responsible for Paul's albums for many years to come."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL MCCARTNEY!!!

iTunes ad featuring ex-Beatle gets US TV play, but online version oddly absent

by Jonny Evans


Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney stars in the latest iTunes ad to appear on US network television.

'Macca' appears in the ad to sing Dance Tonight, the title track from his latest album. Memory Almost Full.

The advertisement features pastel backgrounds with a non-silhouetted McCartney singing and dancing along a traditional English street.

Apple posted the ad briefly online, though the ad itself is no longer functional as of this morning.

Visitors to the webpage will see the song and artist named, but appear unable to access the video.

The move to feature the Sir Paul in an iTunes ad is bound to set tongues wagging in hope of an imminent online debut for Beatles catalogue music.

Olivia Harrison, the widow of the late George Harrison, recently warned Beatles fans that the online release of Beatles catalogue may not now take place until next year.

McCartney's iTunes link is an odd one. The singer recently slated the rise of the MP3 player. Speaking to Contact Music, he berated such devices for cutting listeners off from nature.

"The thing is, you get sealed off from the world, and that's fine when you're making a record. But, when you're actually just walking around, you're gonna miss birdsong, and that's so special," he said.

Paul McCartney's 'Memory Almost Full' Debuts at No 3 on Billboard Top 200

SOURCE: LOS ANGELES, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Starbucks Entertainment)

Widely hailed by critics as one of the best albums in Paul McCartney's solo career, 'Memory Almost Full' sold 160, 541 copies across all retail outlets in the U.S. in its debut week, landing the record at No 3 on Billboard Top 200 chart. The inaugural release from Hear Music brought McCartney his highest chart debut in ten years as a solo artist (1997's 'Flaming Pie' debuted at No 2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart). This week's sales saw a significant increase over McCartney's 2005 release, 'Chaos and Creation in the Backyard,' which peaked at No 6 on the Billboard chart with first week sales totaling more than 90,000 copies. In addition, 'Memory Almost Full' is the first McCartney album to be made available digitally, selling 15,598 digital albums in its first week.
'We are delighted ¡Memory Almost Full' is receiving such a warm and enthusiastic reception from fans,' said Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment who also oversees Hear Music. 'The success of Paul's new album illustrates our unique ability to connect artists with audiences across a broad retail spectrum.'
The renowned musician is experiencing a career renaissance with 'Memory Almost Full' earning critical praise and strong support from radio with the first U.S. single, 'Ever Present Past.' The single continues to gain momentum across multiple radio formats including the No 1 new and active single at AC, No 3 at Classic Rock, and No 10 on the AAA Tracks Chart. The video single, 'Dance Tonight' has been added in medium rotation at VH1 and part two of McCartney's exclusive interview with ABC's Good Morning America airs Thursday, June 14.
On June 5, Starbucks launched the album by hosting a Global Listening Event in which more than 10,000 locations in 29 countries played the record all day long. The unprecedented event introduced an estimated six million customers to the new album and resulted in Starbucks most successful single day of album sales of any title in the Company's history. More than 23,000 copies of 'Memory Almost Full' were sold at Starbucks on the album's first day of release.
On June 18, Hear Music will release a one-a-kind video tribute filmed at the Global Listening Event in honor of McCartney's 65th Birthday and distributed via a host of viral video portals.
The video features well-wishes from celebrities, music lovers and McCartney fans from London, New York, Berlin, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Miami.
'Memory Almost Full,' reunites McCartney with longtime producer and friend David Kahne and provides a very personal retrospective drawing upon childhood memories from Liverpool, summers long gone, and the times spent writing music with John Lennon.

Paul McCartney Says Oasis Has No Chance In Achieving Beatles Fame

SOURCE: Jordan Casey - AHN News Writer

Los Angeles, CA (BANG) - Sir Paul McCartney laughed off Oasis' claims they would be "bigger than The Beatles". The Fab Four legend pities musicians who try to compete with The Beatles' success.

Paul told Newsweek magazine: "When they started out, Oasis boasted that they were going to be bigger than The Beatles. And I felt sorry for them. It's a prediction that just doesn't come true. It's a fatal prediction. I sort of sit back and go, 'Good luck, son.'"

The 64-year-old recently released "Memory Almost Full," his first album with Starbucks' Hear Music label.

The Beatles, who also comprised John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, became one of the most famous bands of all time after shooting to fame in the '60s.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America, the group, who hail from Liverpool, are the biggest selling musical act ever in the U.S. Oasis brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher constantly name The Beatles as one of their big musical influences.

Noel said: "If you're not in it to be bigger than The Beatles, it's just a hobby."

Maccaspan Presents Memory Almost Full

A twenty six minute promo video made up of videos and photos from the first announcement of Memory Almost Full to now. Maccaspan toolbar users will have FIRST ACCESS to this video today! Keep checking that bar!

Wristbands Available for Secret Lodon Show TODAY!

Wristbands for Paul show tonight are now available!To celebrate the release of his new album 'Memory Almost Full', Paul McCartney is playing a secret show on Thursday night (June 7th) at the Electric Ballroom in Camden, London.A limited number of free wristbands will be available from 12.30pm on the show day (TODAY!) at the venue box office on a first come, first served basis.

Source: memoryalmostfull.com

Star Bucks for Starbucks

"Hello, Amazon customers, Paul McCartney here," begins the legendary rock singer.
He then starts strumming a mandolin and singing the first few bars of his next single. The video clip feels awkward at first. Is that a hotel room? Did he botch a chord? When did Sir Paul start channeling Christopher Walken? Is the ex-Beatle really here, promoting his new record on Amazon.com with a personalized pitch?
It then feels all too real by the time he advises viewers to "click the button. Buy the record. Buy. Buy millions of them."

Memory Almost Full hit by Sales Snag

Hundreds of copies Sir Paul McCartney's latest album will not be eligible for the UK charts, the BBC has learned.
The music legend has just released his 21st solo album, Memory Almost Full, on a label run by coffee chain Starbucks.

But Starbucks' 533 UK stores are not registered with the Official Chart Company - which means CDs bought there will not count towards the top 40.

The company said it had no immediate plans to contribute sales data to the chart compilers.

Memory Almost Full is still likely to make the Top 40 this weekend, however, as it is also being sold through traditional high-street retailers and download services like iTunes.


It is currently number seven in Amazon's top-sellers list - but it is being outsold by The Beatles' Sergeant Pepper album.

STARBUCKS VIDEO TRIBUTE

Starbucks Video Tribute to Paul McCartneyIn addition to the Global Listening Event taking place at more than 10,000 Starbucks locations around the world, Starbucks invites McCartney fans to make music history by participating in a unique video tribute honoring McCartney's 65th birthday.On June 5, film crews will disperse to 11 key Starbucks locations in cities around the globe, including London, New York, Berlin, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Miami.

Fans can deliver a birthday message directly to McCartney at a designated store location in these markets. These messages may be included in the video tribute which will premiere on June 18, Paul McCartney's birthday, via a host of online outlets.

Participants in the video are encouraged to bring memorabilia, make homemade signs, and dance along to the sounds of "Memory Almost Full" as it plays overhead.

Video Crews will be on hand to film at the following Starbucks locations:

AtlantaStarbucks 7th & Peachtree867 Peachtree StreetAtlanta, GATuesday, June 5, 20073:00 PM - 5:00 PM

BerlinStarbucks Coffee House Hackesche Hoefe Rosenthalerstrasse 40-4110178 BerlinNoon - 2:00 PM

Hong KongStarbucks CoffeeShop No 1082 on Level 1 of The IFC Mall8 Finance Street, Central, Hong KongNoon - 2:00 PM

LondonStarbucks Coffee 425 Oxford StreetLondonNoon - 2:00 PM

Los AngelesStarbucks Ventura & Alcott13535 Ventura BlvdSherman Oaks, CATuesday, June 5, 2007Noon - 2:00 PM

MiamiStarbucks Hear Music™ Coffeehouse605 Lincoln RoadMiami Beach, FLTuesday, June 5, 200711:00 AM - 1:00 PM

New York (two locations)Starbucks 67th & Columbus156 - 158 Columbus AvenueNew York, NYNoon - 2:00 PM

Starbucks Long Beach 101 West Park AveLong Beach, NYTuesday, June 5, 2007Noon - 2:00 PM

PhiladelphiaStarbucks 16th & Arch 1600 Arch StreetPhiladelphia, PATuesday, June 5, 200711:00 AM - 1:00 PM

SeattleStarbucks Hear Music™ CoffeehouseBellevue Square545 Bellevue WayBellevue, WATuesday, June 5, 20075:00 PM - 7:00 PM

TokyoStarbucks Tokyo Midtown Plaza 1F 9-7-3 Akasaka Minato-ku Noon - 2:00 PM

Recording Guidelines:The following applies to any individual or group wishing to record a birthday greeting to Sir Paul McCartney ("Birthday Greeting")

By coming to the Starbucks location, you agree to be videotaped and recorded for possible broadcast and distribution in any medium throughout the world and in perpetuity and you release Starbucks, its affiliates, licensees, subsidiaries and agents from any liability, remuneration or other compensation with regard to the Birthday Greeting.If you wish to record a Birthday Greeting, you must appear at the specific Starbucks locations during the designated time and sign a release form provided by Starbucks. Do not sign the release form if you are unable to read and fully understand the contents of the release. If you are under the age of 18, then your parent or guardian must sign the release form on your behalf. Starbucks does not make any guarantee or representation that any recording of you or by you will be in the final edit of the Birthday Video. Starbucks shall have sole discretion as to the content and exploitation of Birthday Video. All recording and filming shall be deemed a work-for-hire and is the sole and exclusive property of Starbucks throughout the universe and perpetuity.

No birthday greeting may contain (1) music; (2) the copyrighted or proprietary materials of any other party; (3) any offensive or derogatory language.Starbucks may alter, edit, modify and exploit the Birthday Greeting in any manner.

Global Listening Event

On June 5, Starbucks will make history by hosting an unprecedented Global Listening Event to celebrate the release of Paul McCartney’s Memory Almost Full, the first album ever released by Hear Music. More than 10,000 Starbucks stores in 29 countries and territories worldwide will participate in the event by playing the album in stores, all day, across all time zones. Beginning with New Zealand’s 47 stores, the Global Listening Event will roll-out in every Company-operated Starbucks in the world allowing an estimated six million people to discover the new album in a single day.

Be sure to go into your Starbucks location that day and celebrate the release of this amazing album.

On that same day, 20 stores will be hosting in-store radio promotions that will include Limited Edition Starbucks Card giveaways and album giveaways. If you live in one of the following areas, be sure to stop in during the time specified.

Atlanta
7th & Peachtree
867 Peachtree Street,
Atlanta, GA 30308
3pm – 5pm

Atlanta
Web Gin House
1245 Scenic Highway,
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
3pm – 5pm

Boston
Newton Train Station
70 Union Street,
Newton, MA 02159
3pm – 5pm

Chicago
Piper’s Alley
210 W North Ave,
Chicago, IL 60610
6pm – 8pm

Dallas
Spring Creek & 75
1121 E. Spring Creek Pwkwy #100
Plano, TX 75074
7am – 9am

Denver
Wadsworth and Bowles
8246-C West Bowles Ave
Littleton, CO
5pm – 7pm

Detroit
12/Mound
29215 Mound Rd.
Warren, MI 48092
TBD

Houston
Buffalo Speedway and West Park
5115 Buffalo Speedway, Ste 100
Houston, Texas 77005
Noon – 2pm

Las Vegas
Durango and Charleston
950 S. Durango Drive
Las Vegas, NV
11am – 1pm

Los Angeles
Ventura & Allott
13535 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Noon – 2pm

Los Angeles
Huntington Beach – Main Street
221 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Noon – 2pm

Los Angeles
Katella & Main
1627 W. Katella Avenue
Orange, CA 92867
4pm – 6 pm

Miami
Hear Music Coffeehouse
601 Lincoln Rd.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
11am – 1pm

New York
Long Beach
101 West Park Ave.
Long Beach, NY 11561
Noon – 2pm

New York
Chappaqua
2 South Greeley Avenue,
Chappaqua, NY 10514
11am – 1pm

Philadelphia
16th & Arch
1600 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
11am – 1pm

Phoenix
Greenfield & Inverness
Mesa, Arizona
6am – 9am

Portland
Pioneer Courthouse Square
720 SW Roadway
Portland, OR 97205
Noon – 2pm

Sacramento
9th and I
980 9th Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814
3:30pm – 5:30pm

San Diego
Carlsbad Company Stores
5620 Paseo Del Norte, suite 124
Carlsbad, CA 92008
4:00 PM

San Francisco
Third & Market store
Third and Market
7 Third Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
11am – 1pm

Seattle
Hear Music Coffeehouse
545 Bellevue Way
Bellevue, WA 98004
5pm – 7pm

Tampa
Howard and Moody
711 South Howard St.
Tampa, FL 33606
10am – Noon

Washington D.C.
Pike 7
8381-8383 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22182
7am – 9am

The Big Issue / NME

As part of the UK promo of Memory Almost Full you can find Paul on the front cover of The Big Issue this week and he is also featured in NME tomorrow (Wednesday 30th May).

30-Min TV Special in Honor of Release of Memory Almost Full

Multichannel Retailer HSN Teams With Hear Music to Create 30-Minute Television Special in Honor of New Paul McCartney Release of Memory Almost Full
Limited Edition DVD/CD Set Available For Pre-Order During Special Paul McCartney Listening Party May 30 Leading Up to June 5 Official Release
By PR Newswire
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Multichannel retailing powerhouse HSN today announced that it is teaming with Hear Music to produce a Paul McCartney Listening Party television special to celebrate the upcoming release of Paul McCartney's latest album, Memory Almost Full. Scheduled to air May 30 at 8 p.m. and May 31 at 1:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the special 30-minute program will feature cuts from the new CD, lively discussions with McCartney fans and video segments from Paul McCartney as he shares the inspiration behind his latest work.

The first new studio album from McCartney in nearly two years, Memory Almost Full is also the inaugural CD release from Hear Music, the record label formed between Starbucks Entertainment and Concord Music Group. Memory Almost Full will be available for order during the listening party on HSN and HSN.com as part of a limited edition DVD/CD set ($24,98) that includes three bonus tracks, behind-the-scenes footage of McCartney in the recording studio and a special audio commentary.

For more information about the Paul McCartney Listening Party on HSN, or to purchase the Paul McCartney Memory Almost Full Limited Edition DVD/CD set, log on to http://www.hsn.com as of May 30.

McCartney paternity claim dismissed

German prosecutors said Friday they dropped an investigation into a woman's claim that ex-Beatle Paul McCartney is her father.
Berlin's state prosecutor's office ended Bettina Huebers' latest attempt to prove McCartney was her father, after determining the statute of limitations on her claim expired, E! News reported.

Huebers has claimed for years that she was the result of an affair McCartney allegedly had with her mother in Hamburg, Germany, from 1959 to 1962. Her first paternity suit, filed in the 1980s, was dismissed after the singer submitted to a blood test that came back negative.

In her recent suit, Huebers accused McCartney of fraud, alleging he sent a double to the blood test to ensure the results would be negative. As proof, she claimed the signature on the documents was signed by a right-handed person, while McCartney is left-handed.

"An examination of the complaint filed and an evaluation of the civil action to determine paternity in 1984 found any criminal act alleged by the woman filing the complaint -- even if it happened -- has passed the statute of limitations," prosecutor's office spokesman Michael Grunwald said in a statement.

New "Dance Tonight" Video

The official video for Paul McCartney's UK single 'Dance Tonight', taken from the album 'Memory Almost Full'.

McCartney won't mark 'Sgt. Pepper' anniversary

Paul McCartney has reportedly decided not to mark the fortieth anniversary of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band with any particular significance.A source close to the singer believes the former Beatle is just too busy to contemplate an event to celebrate the occasion, which sees what is arguably the Beatles' most famous record ever hit a landmark date. Most of his McCarteny's time in the foreseeable future will be taken up promoting his new album Memory Almost Full.A host of bands, including Oasis and the Kaiser Chiefs, have entered the studio recently to record their own versions of songs from the album."While it would have been nice to see Paul and Ringo Starr do something to mark the occasion this time around, Sir Paul is simply going to be too busy promoting his new album to make a big deal out of it,” the source told the Daily Express. "While he is obviously extremely proud of Sgt Pepper's, it's more rewarding for him to be concentrating on making sure his new album's a commercial success."

Starbucks to heavily promote new Paul McCartney album

Global coffee conglomerate Starbucks is organising a special global listening event on June 5 for Sir Paul McCartney's new album Memory Almost Full. More than 10,000 locations in 29 countries around the world will play the album in full throughout the day.
Starbucks has estimated that globally, more than six million people will hear at least part of the album on that day.
Memory Almost Full will also be positioned prominently in its stores at the point of sale and other areas.
A limited edition Paul McCartney Starbucks card will also be offered. The first time Starbucks has done anything like this was for the late Ray Cahrles album Genius Loves Company.
The album will also be supported with in-store signage and satellite radio play via Starbucks' XM channel and a special dedicated McCartney channel. Special tie-ins with in-store Wi-Fi partner T-Mobile will also be held.
Memory Almost Full will also be available for digital download via online retailers, with Starbucks planning to provide prime positioning to the album via its area in Apple's iTunes store.
Elsewhere, the album will be marketed by hand-picked teams within Universal Music Group International companies.

Ecce Cor Meum wins Album of the Year

EMI Classics artists enjoyed a highly successful evening at the Classical Brit Awards on Thursday 3rd May at the Royal Albert Hall winning a whole host of prestigious awards.The Winners:NS&I Album of the Year was awarded to Sir Paul McCartney for his powerful work for orchestra and voices, Ecce Cor Meum.Classical Recording of the Year award went to Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra for their spellbinding account of Holst's The Planets.Instrumentalist of the Year was awarded for the second year running to Leif Ove Andsnes for his album Horizons.Soundtrack of the Year was awarded to composer George Fenton for BBC TV's Planet EarthDr Vernon Handley CBE was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement award.The audience was also treated to live performances by the stunning soprano Natasha Marsh, tenor Alfie Boe and cellist Natalie Clein who performed a movement from the Elgar Cello Concerto conducted by Lifetime Achievement winner Vernon Handley. Myleene Klass, the newest addition to the EMI Classics roster joined Natasha, Alfie and Natalie at the star-studded event, showing her support to new label-mates.Many congratulations to all of our artists - performers nominations and winners - for a wonderful evening!The Classical Brit Awards 2007 will be televised on ITV1 at 11pm, Sunday 13th May and also 20th May on ITV3. Don't miss it!

McCartney's music goes mobile in Japan

Japan is set to be the first territory in which Paul McCartney`s music will be available via mobile phone, says Universal Music Japan.
UMJ will release a master ringtone version of the single "Dance Tonight" on May 10. All the other tracks from McCartney`s new album, 'Memory Almost Full,' will be released as master ringtones and mobile-based full-song downloads (including "Dance Tonight") on June 6, the same day as the physical CD`s release.
The album will be available as PC-based digital downloads on June 4.
'Memory Almost Full' is the first album to be released by the former Beatle under his recently-signed deal with the Hear Music label set up by Starbucks Entertainment and the Concord Music Group. Universal Music Group International has a distribution deal with Hear Music.

Memory Almost Full Title

Paul mentions during a streaming audio interview on http://www.bbc.co.uk

that the title for his 21st album came from a message he got on his cell phone telling him he needed to delete some stuff off the phone, because, "MEMORY ALMOST FULL"

The mp3 can be heard by downloading this link: http://www.yourfilelink.com/get.php?fid=328217

A special thanks to Evie for posting the link on the Maccaspan forum!

Paul McCartney's new album in deluxe edition

The deluxe limited edition of Paul McCartney's upcoming album, Memory Almost Full, will feature three bonus tracks. The expanded version of the album is available for presale through amazon.com. According to unofficial reports posted on the McCartney fan website maccareport.com, the three tracks are called "Why So Blue," "222," and "In Private." The album will also be released without the bonus tracks, at both Starbucks chains and other regular outlets, and will be McCartney's first album to be released digitally.McCartney band member Brian Ray told maccareport.com that during the early part of the album's sessions, McCartney and the group recorded at London's legendary Abbey Road studio where the Beatles recorded the majority of their work together, with the "Fabs'" longtime engineer Geoff Emerick. Ray, who began working with McCartney in 2002, recalled McCartney taking him aside during the sessions and telling him, "Brian, I want you to play bass on the tracking sessions but I'm sorry to say, I will probably end up overdubbing my own bass on the songs... I feel bad, because you play great!'" Ray went on to tell him, "Paul, if I went out to buy the new Paul McCartney CD and someone else was playing bass, I'd be angry! I completely understand."A homemade videoclip to the song "Mr. Bellamy" from the new album can be accessed through McCartney's website myeyesight.com. Memory Almost Full will be released on June 5th.

Paul McCartney Gives Starbucks a Hit

By Roger Friedman
Paul McCartney. You know, he's 64 years old. On June 1, he celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Beatles' landmark album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
Four days later he will release his newest album "Memory Almost Full." This is a landmark of sorts, too. It's his first album release on Starbucks' Hear Music label. McCartney, the most successful pop performer/singer/writer in history, has left the mainstream music business.
The good news is that "Memory Almost Full" is excellent, just as good as his Grammy-nominated "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard."
But McCartney, sources say, felt that Capitol Records did nothing to promote "Chaos" despite its four nominations. The album, like most of Capitol's releases, went nowhere. So the pop star is gone, and his departure is a blow to a record company on the ropes.McCartney took his entire back catalogue with him when he left, too. This includes all his solo albums, and Wings releases, everything from McCartney to "Ram" to "Band on the Run" and "Chaos."
It's not like CDs still really sell or that many people are busy looking for "Red Rose Speedway" or "Flowers in the Dirt," but still: McCartney as a solo artist is one of the great success stories in the now nearly dead music business.
Whether taking "Memory Almost Full" to Starbucks is a smart move remains to be seen. The coffee chain has had a lot of hits with other company's releases, but also some duds. Can you say Antigone Rising?
And, of course, Starbucks also sells CDs at high prices. I have personally resisted James Morrison's album while waiting for cappuccino because it's $14.99. I could download it for $5 less.
On the other hand, outside of Amazon.com, Starbucks is one of the few places people my age will buy a CD at all. The remaining "record" stores are multitask disasters with thunderous hip-hop music making the visit very unpleasant.
Like most everything else in the music business, the era of contemplative record hunting through bins is over.
Even so, buying "Memory Almost Over" in Starbucks should prove to be a rewarding experience. McCartney is true to form on this CD, offering lush ballads and jangling rockers with as much gusto and unembarrassed gushing as ever. From the opening track, a mandolin-powered ebullient "Dance Tonight," to the closing power surge of "Nod Your Head," he's still got it.
Of course, nowadays, you listen to a Paul McCartney record more closely than ever for the lyrics. Is "Dance Tonight" some kind of comment on his gold-digging ex-wife's stint on "Dancing with the Stars"? Is the beautifully wistful "You Tell Me" sung to his late, beloved wife, Linda? What about "Ever Present Past" and "Vintage Clothes"? Aren't they nostalgic reminisces of that first, now much-missed marriage? It would seem so.
My favorite track, "That Was Me," a rockabilly shuffle, is disarmingly reflective for McCartney. For years, until his excellent "Flaming Pie" album, he eschewed real emotion for a veneer of flashed peace signs.
"That Was Me," as it is, inaugurates a five-song medley that finishes off "Memory." "Feet in the Clouds," "House of Wax" and "The End of the End" comprise the bulk of the medley. Some of the publicity compares this to the suite on "Abbey Road." Not really.
The medley really reminded me of a similar one on "Red Rose Speedway" and on some of the other solo albums. Paul McCartney loves a medley, you know. He loves stringing together short bits with different melodies.
Luckily, he's good at it. His medleys usually contain at least one gem. Back on "Red Rose," it was "Hands of Love." On this album, it's "Feet in the Clouds," a tour de force where McCartney — who has absolutely improved 100 percent as a lyricist — insists he has his "head on the ground" in a Beatle-esque counterpoint that even John Lennon would admire.
What will happen when "Memory" joins the ventis and the grandes and the chocolate-covered graham crackers on the Starbucks shelves?
Already, McCartney says he has made a video for "Dance Tonight" with director Michel Gondry. Natalie Portman is featured in it. But neither MTV nor VH1 plays many videos, and none by rock stars who will turn 65 three weeks after his album is released.
But no one writes or sings like Paul McCartney. After a roller coaster career of tremendous highs and curious lows, he has acquitted himself brilliantly on "Memory Almost Full."

Beatles To Release New Single?

The surviving members of THE BEATLES are to release a new single compiled from archive recordings.The track, called Now And Then, is based on a John Lennon recording given to McCartney by the late musician's widow Yoko Ono. Archive tracks from George Harrison will also be woven into the new song, along with vocals from Sir Paul McCartney and drumming from Ringo Starr, reports British newspaper the Sunday Express.ELO musician Jeff Lynne, who produced the track's original sessions, says, "The song had a chorus but is almost totally lacking in verses. We did the backing track, a rough go that we really didn't finish."It was sort of a bluesy sort of ballad, I suppose, in A minor. It was a very sweet song; I liked it a lot, and I wish we could have finished it."