'70 Break-up Interview

Paul's infamous self interview from the press copies of the McCartney album that effectively announced the break up of the band. 


Here is the 'interview' in full. 


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 (playing all instruments) - liked the results, and decided to make it into an album."


Q: "Were you influenced by John's adventures with the Plastic Ono Band, and Ringo's solo LP?"


PAUL: "Sort of, but not really."


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


PAUL: "Yes sir."


Q: "Will they be so credited: McCartney?"


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?"


PAUL: "Very much. I only had me to ask for a decision, and I agreed with me. 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 (no. 2 studio) and at Morgan Studios (WILLESDEN!)"


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


PAUL: "Studer four-track machine. I only had, however, one mike, and as Mr. Pender, Mr. Sweatenham and others only managed to take 6 months or so (slight delay) 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 'Get Back.'"


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. We love it really."


Q: "Are you able to describe the texture or the feel of the album in a few words?"


PAUL: "Home, family, love."


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


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


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


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 album?"


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


Q: "Have you played all these instruments on earlier recordings?"


PAUL: "Yes, drums being the one that I normally wouldn't do."


Q: "Why did you do 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 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: "Who has done the artwork?"


PAUL: "Linda has taken all the photos, and she and I designed the package."


Q: "Is it true that neither Allen Klein nor ABKCO have been nor will be in any way involved with the production, manufacturing, distribution 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 to."


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 album 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."


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 effort? The Plastic Ono Band? Giving back the MBE? Yoko's influence? Yoko?"


PAUL: "I love John, and respect what he does - 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 'Get Back,' but something happened."


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 in ANY way."


Q: "What is your relationship with Apple?"


PAUL: "It is the office of a company which I part 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: "McCartney Productions."


Q: "What sort of music has influenced you on this album?"


PAUL: "Light and loose."


Q: "Are you writing more prolifically now? Or less so?"


PAUL: "About the same. I have a queue waiting to be recorded."


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


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

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