Discover Paul McCartney’s Cringe-Worthy Early Beatles Blunder!
Paul McCartney, one of the legendary members of The Beatles, is known for his incredible songwriting and vocal prowess. However, what many may not know is that McCartney also played guitar solos on some of The Beatles’ most iconic tracks, including “Drive My Car,” “Back in the U.S.S.R.,” “Helter Skelter” and “Taxman.” Despite his guitar skills being an integral part of the band’s sound, McCartney was not always confident in his abilities, especially during their early performances.
In a recent episode of the Paul McCartney: A Life in Lyrics podcast, McCartney opened up about a particular gig where he had to play lead guitar for the first time and froze up completely. “John [Lennon] was rhythm, and I had a solo and I totally froze. [I] could not move my fingers… My lead guitar playing career melted at that moment and I said, ‘Well, I’m not doing this again. I’m not cut out for this. I’m no good,'” McCartney recalled.
Ironically, McCartney had initially impressed Lennon with his guitar skills, which led to him being invited to join the band. In fact, McCartney even taught Lennon how to tune his instrument. “Mind you, when I first met John, he didn’t play guitar,” McCartney shared. “I had to show him guitar chords because he’d been taught by his mum [Julia], and she only knew banjo chords.”
Despite his hesitations early on, McCartney now has a deep connection with his guitars, going as far as talking to them and worrying that they might miss him when he’s away. However, his relationship with the piano is quite different. “When you sit down with your guitar to write a song, you’re telling it your secrets – which then become a song for the world… The guitar is your confidante. You cradle it. When you go up to a piano, though, it’s almost as if you’re pushing the piano away. They’re different actions completely,” McCartney explained.
Throughout his illustrious career, McCartney has faced various challenges common to musicians, such as band members leaving, songs becoming one-hit wonders, and musical styles going out of fashion. This has led to many artists, including McCartney, developing a dislike for their own records over time.
McCartney’s journey with The Beatles and his personal relationship with his instruments provide a unique insight into the creative process and the challenges musicians face along the way. As fans continue to celebrate his legacy, it’s clear that McCartney’s influence extends far beyond his exceptional vocal talent, showcasing his versatility as a musician and songwriter.