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.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
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.
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.
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.
Monday, August 13, 2007
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.
Friday, July 27, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
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.
I'm worth it, says ex-wife after sealing record £48m divorce deal
Spielberg and Diamond top Forbes' costliest divorces list
Abramovich 'gives ex-wife £1bn and four homes in world's costliest divorce'
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.
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.
I'm worth it, says ex-wife after sealing record £48m divorce deal
Spielberg and Diamond top Forbes' costliest divorces list
Abramovich 'gives ex-wife £1bn and four homes in world's costliest divorce'
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."
Sunday, July 08, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, June 29, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
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
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
Sunday, June 24, 2007
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
Saturday, June 23, 2007
'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.
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.
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."
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."
Monday, June 18, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, June 15, 2007
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.
'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."
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."
Friday, June 08, 2007
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!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
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
Source: memoryalmostfull.com
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