2020 was marked by a global health crisis due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This crisis put a halt to the daily routine of billions of people throughout the world, forcing people to stay confined at home and all gatherings to be cancelled, including concerts.
The initial schedule for Paul McCartney this year was to headline the 50th edition of the Glastonbury Festival and to continue his Freshen Up tour with a new European leg. Everything had to be cancelled. To compensate, Paul joined a couple of live-streamed events, like One World: Together At Home or ‘Round Midnight Preserves… but more importantly, he worked in his Hog Hill Mill studio to create what would become “McCartney III“, released in December 2020.
2020 marked the 50th anniversary of the latest Beatles album, “Let It Be“, and his first solo album, “McCartney“. It was also Ringo Starr’s 80th anniversary and would have been John Lennon’s 80th anniversary as well.
The re-release of “Let It Be” got pushed back to 2021, “McCartney” was reissued on vinyl. Ringo had a virtual birthday party, with a contribution from Paul. And to mark John’s anniversary, Paul was interviewed by Sean Lennon to remember the good old days.
Also, the 1997 album, “Flaming Pie” got re-released as part of the Archive Collection.
(photo by Mary McCartney, from GQ Magazine)
By Ringo Starr • Single
By Various Artists • Official album
Apr 18, 2020 • United Kingdom • Rye • Hog Hill Studio
Jun 20, 2020 •
Oct 04, 2020 • United Kingdom • Radio show
Dec 15, 2020 • United Kingdom • London • Radio show
Dec 17, 2020 • United Kingdom • Rye • Hog Hill Studio • TV show
April - June 2020 ? • Songs recorded during this session appear on McCartney III
Officially appears on McCartney III
Unreleased song
Officially appears on McCartney III
Unreleased song