Paul McCartney Interview, printed in his first solo album (1970 April 17)

This printed interview appeared as a press release in advance promotional copies of Paul's first solo album entitled "McCartney." It was from here that story of the Beatles' breakup first began to spread. The album was first released in the UK on April 17th, 1970.



Q: "Why did you decide to make a solo album?"

Paul: "Because I got a Studer four-track recording machine at home, practiced on it, liked the results, and decided to make an album."

Q: "Were you influenced by John's adventures with the Plastic Ono Band?"

Paul: "Sort of, but not really."

Q: "Are all songs by Paul McCartney alone?"

Paul: "Yes, sir."

Q: "Will they be so credited?"

Paul: "It's a bit daft for them to be Lennon/McCartney-credited, so 'McCartney' it is."

Q: "Did you enjoy working as a solo artist?"

Paul: "Very much, as I only had me to ask for a decision, and I generally agreed with myself! Remember, Linda's on it too, so it's really a double act."

Q: "What is Linda's contribution?"

Paul: "Strictly speaking, she harmonizes, but of course it's more than that, because she's a shoulder to lean on, a second opinion, and a photographer of renown. More than all this, she believes in me constantly."

Q: "Where was the album recorded?"

Paul: "At home, at EMI, and at Morgan Studios."

Q: "What is your home equipment - in some detail?"

Paul: "Studer four-track machine. I only had, however, one mike, and I worked without VU meters or a mixer, which meant that everything had to be listened to first for distortion, etc, then recorded. So the answer - Studer, one mike, and nerve."

Q: "Why did you choose to work in the studios you chose?"

Paul: "They were available. EMI is technically very good and Morgan is cozy."

Q: "The album was not known about until it was nearly completed. Was this deliberate?"

Paul: "Yes, because normally an album is old before it even comes out. Witness 'Let It Be.'"

Q: "Why?"

Paul: "I've always wanted to buy a Beatles album like people do and be as surprised as they must be. So this was the next best thing. Linda and I are the only two who will be sick of it by the release date. But we love it really."

Q: "Are you able to describe the texture or feel of the album?"

Paul: "Home, family, love."

Q: "How long did it take to complete?"

Paul: "From just before Christmas, until now. 'The Lovely Linda' was the first thing I recorded at home and was originally to test the equipment. That was around Christmas."

Q: "Assuming all the songs are new to the public, how new are they to you?"

Paul: "One was from 1959 - 'Hot As Sun.' Two are from India - 'Junk' and 'Teddy Boy.' and the rest are pretty recent. 'Valentine Day,' 'Momma Miss America' and 'Oo You' were ad-libbed on the spot."

Q: "Which instruments have you played on the record?"

Paul: "Bass, drums, acoustic guitar, lead guitar, piano, organ, mellotron, toy xylophone, bow and arrow."

Q: "Why did you play all the instruments yourself?"

Paul: "I think I'm pretty good."

Q: "Will Linda be heard on all future records?"

Paul: "Could be. We love singing together and have plenty of opportunity for practice."

Q: "Will Paul and Linda become a John and Yoko?"

Paul: "No, they will become a Paul and Linda."

Q: "What has recording alone taught you?"

Paul: "That to make your own decisions about what you do is easy, and playing with yourself is very difficult but satisfying."

Q: "Is it true that neither Allen Klein nor ABKCO have been nor will be in any way involved with the production, manufacturing, or promotion of this new album?"

Paul: "Not if I can help it."

Q: "Did you miss the other Beatles and George Martin? Was there a moment when you thought, 'I wish Ringo were here for this break?'"

Paul: "No!"

Q: "Assuming this is a very big hit album, will you do another?"

Paul: "Even if it isn't, I will continue to do what I want, when I want."

Q: "Are you planning a new album or single with the Beatles?"

Paul: "No."

Q: "Is this album a rest away from the Beatles or the start of a solo career?"

Paul: "Time will tell. Being a solo means it's 'the start of a solo career...' and not being done with the Beatles means it's just a rest. So it's both really."

Q: "Is your break with the Beatles temporary or permanent, due to personal differences or musical ones?"

Paul: "Personal differences, business differences, musical differences, but most of all because I have a better time with my family. Temporary or permanent? I don't really know."

Q: "Do you foresee a time when Lennon/McCartney becomes an active songwriting partnership again?"

Paul: "No."

Q: "What do you feel about John's peace efforts? The Plastic Ono Band? Giving back his MBE? Yoko's influence?"

Paul: "I love John and respect what he does, but it doesn't really give me any pleasure."

Q: "Were any of the songs on the album originally written with the Beatles in mind?"

Paul: "The older ones were. 'Junk' was intended for 'Abbey Road,' but something happened. 'Teddy Boy' was for 'Let It Be,' but something happened again."

Q: "Were you pleased with 'Abbey Road'? Was it musically restricting?"

Paul: "It was a good album... number one for a long time."

Q: "What is your relationship with Klein?"

Paul: "It isn't. I am not in contact with him, and he does not represent me any way."

Q: "What is your relationship with Apple?"

Paul: "It is the office of a company which I partly own with the other three Beatles. I don't go there because I don't like offices or business, especially when I am on holiday."

Q: "Have you any plans to set up an independent production company?"

Paul: "Yes, McCartney Productions."

Q: "What are your plans now? A holiday? A musical? A movie? Retirement?"

Paul: "My only plan is to grow up!"