UPDATE: Fashion designer Stella McCartney has opened up about her father, Paul McCartney, and his infamous 1980 marijuana bust in Japan, revealing shocking details that highlight the chaotic life of the former Beatle. In the newly released oral history, “Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run,” McCartney recalls a suitcase filled with nearly half a pound of marijuana, stating, “Even a nine-year-old could have hidden skunk weed better than my parents.”
The book, which is available now from Liveright, paints a vivid picture of Paul’s tumultuous years following the Beatles breakup. Stella reminisces about witnessing the moment a guard discovered the drugs, emphasizing the reckless abandon her parents exhibited during that period. “They were like, ‘It was too good to leave behind,’” she recalls.
Paul’s arrest marked the beginning of an unplanned tour for his band Wings, which saw him spending nine days in a Tokyo prison. “It was the maddest thing in my life,” he writes, detailing the harsh conditions of his confinement. He faced the terrifying prospect of spending up to seven years in prison before being released thanks to the intervention of Linda’s brother, lawyer John Eastman.
Amidst the chaos of his personal life, Paul struggled to find his identity beyond the Beatles. The book reveals that he was often under the influence, famously missing a meeting with reggae legend Bob Marley due to his state. This tumultuous period included impromptu concerts at colleges, where fans were often left wanting more. “We wanted to give them longer shows, but we repeated things,” Paul admits.
The memoir offers a glimpse into the challenges Wings faced, including a disastrous attempt to perform at Leeds after being denied due to contract demands. Paul recalls, “Sod it! We carried on to York,” illustrating the rough-around-the-edges approach they took to their nascent touring life.
In a particularly humorous anecdote, Paul recounts a night at a “third-rate hotel” in Hull, where he was requested to clean up after his dog, Lucky. The contrast between his former Beatle status and the realities of touring with Wings could not be starker.
As McCartney navigated his post-Beatles career, he also faced harsh criticism. His first album with Linda, titled “RAM,” received scathing reviews. Critics labeled it “tedious” and “the nadir in the decomposition of sixties rock.” Despite this, McCartney remained undeterred, claiming, “I’ve learned not to care what they say.”
In a revealing moment of revenge, he and Linda once sent a package containing their daughter Stella’s turd to a journalist who had written a negative review of a Wings show. “Stella was a baby at the time,” drummer Denny Seiwell recalls, highlighting the lengths to which the McCartneys would go to defend their legacy.
As the book unfolds, it provides a profound look at Paul’s relationships with his former bandmates, including the emotional toll of suing the Beatles to dissolve their partnership. “Could I really sue The Beatles? These were my childhood friends,” he reflects.
The memoir also touches on the poignant reconciliation with John Lennon, who presented Paul with a bootleg record of the Beatles’ Decca audition. “It was one of those moments where you remember why you were such great friends in the first place,” Paul recalls, underscoring the enduring bond they shared despite past conflicts.
This new release not only offers a candid look at Paul McCartney’s life but also sheds light on the personal struggles and triumphs of a music legend trying to forge his own path. As fans eagerly digest these revelations, the impact of Paul’s actions—both on and off the stage—resonates deeply, reminding us of the complexities of fame and family.
Stay tuned for more insights as the story continues to unfold, providing an intimate glimpse into the life of one of music’s most iconic figures.
