Interview for BBC Radio 4

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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, Sunday People, and Life magazine — in an effort to publicly debunk the claims.

On October 24, 1969, Paul McCartney was interviewed by BBC journalist Chris Drake. Paul said that the speculation was understandable, given that he normally did “an interview a week” to ensure he remained in the news. According to author John Winn, Paul had conceded to the interview “in hopes that people hearing his voice would see the light”, but the ploy failed.

The interview was broadcast in parts. On October 26, the first part was broadcast on BBC Radio 4’s “The World This Weekend“. On October 27, the second part was broadcast on BBC Radio 4’s “The World At One“, and the third part on BBC Radio 2’s “Late Night Extra“. It was also broadcast on WMCA in the US.

If the conclusion you reach is that I’m dead, then you’re wrong, because I’m alive and living in Scotland.

Paul McCartney, to journalist Chris Drake

I always used to do, sort of, an interview a week almost, for a newspaper, or for something, just to keep my name in the headlines, because, I don’t know, you just go through a phase of wanting to be up there in the limelight. But I’m going through a phase now where I don’t wanna be in the limelight.

Paul McCartney – Quoted in From “The McCartney Legacy: Volume 1: 1969 – 73” by Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair, 2022

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