Interview for Life Magazine

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In September 1966, a rumor began circulating that Paul McCartney had died. A similar story resurfaced in January 1967, when Paul’s car — driven by someone else — was involved in an accident. However, the “Paul is dead” conspiracy theory gained widespread attention and reached international headlines in October 1969, shortly after the release of the “Abbey Road” album.

At the time, Paul, Linda, and their two daughters were staying at their farm near Campbeltown, Scotland. As the rumours intensified, reporters began descending on the property in search of comment. Under mounting pressure, Paul agreed to grant a series of interviews — including with the BBC and Sunday People (on October 24), and Life magazine (on November 2) — in an effort to publicly debunk the claims.

Life magazine’s London correspondent Dorothy Bacon, joined with photographer Terrence Spencer, travelled to Scotland and trespassed on Paul’s farm, hoping to be granted a photo or a brief interview. Reportedly angered by the intrusion, Paul threw a bucket of water at the photographer. However, he later calmed down and consented to an interview and photo session.

Life Magazine published its article on November 7, detailing the various “clues” found on The Beatles album cover photos, and featuring a short interview with Paul.

Notably, Paul also stated, “The Beatles thing is over.” Although John Lennon had informed the other Beatles of his decision to leave the band on September 16, 1969, the group had agreed to keep the decision private for the time being. Paul’s comment, however, went largely unnoticed at the time — an early, overlooked hint of the band’s impending breakup.

The Beatle thing is over. It has been exploded, partly by what we have done, and partly by other people. We are individuals, all different. John married Yoko, I married Linda. We didn’t marry the same girl.

Paul McCartney

Parking our hired car on the small road we started walking. We trekked over the hills, through bogs and waded across fast-flowing streams, arriving at the lonely farmhouse as unshaven Paul walked out of the front door carrying a slop pail. He took a startled look in our direction and the angel face distorted in creases of rage as he slung abuse at us. I had preset my camera and, when he turned to re-enter the house, I took a quick shot, knowing it would be my last. He heard the click, turned, and threw the slop pail at me. I took another shot of it in mid-air or rather tried to, since at the moment he charged me with flailing fists, and I was hit for the first time in twenty years of covering trouble around the world — by a Beatle!

Terrence Spencer – From “Living Dangerously” by Terrence and Lesley Spencer

LIFE London Correspondent Dorothy Bacon wadded through a bog in Scotland to reach Paul McCartney’s secluded farm and get this comment from him:

Paul McCartney: It is all bloody stupid. I picked up that OPD badge in Canada [the badge Paul wears on his Sgt. Pepper suit]. It was a police badge. Perhaps it means Ontario Police Department or something. I was wearing a black flower because they ran out of red ones. It is John, not me, dressed in black on the cover and inside of Magical Mystery Tour. On Abbey Road we were wearing our ordinary clothes. I was walking barefoot because it was a hot day. The Volkswagen just happened to be parked there.

Perhaps the rumor started because I haven’t been much in the press lately. I have done enough press for a lifetime, and I don’t have anything to say these days. I am happy to be with my family and I will work when I work. I was switched on for ten years and I never switched off. Now I am switching off whenever I can. I would rather be a little less famous these days.

I would rather do what I began by doing, which is making music. We make good music and we want to go on making good music. But the Beatle thing is over. It has been exploded, partly by what we have done, and partly by other people. We are individuals, all different. John married Yoko, I married Linda. We didn’t marry the same girl. The people who are making up these rumors should look to themselves a little more. There is not enough time in life. They should worry about themselves instead of worrying whether I am dead or not.

What I have to say is all in the music. If I want to say anything I write a song. Can you spread it around that I am just an ordinary person and want to live in peace? We have to go now. We have two children at home.

Going further

• https://www.tumbex.com/oobujoobu.tumblr/post/35338781353/paul-is-still-with-us-the-case-of-the-missing