







window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-5', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 5', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-10', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 10', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-15', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 15', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-20', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 20', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-25', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 25', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-30', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 30', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-35', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 35', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-40', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 40', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-45', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 45', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-50', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 50', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-55', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 55', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-60', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 60', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-65', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 65', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-70', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 70', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-75', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 75', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-80', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 80', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-85', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 85', target_type: 'mix' });





window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-87', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 87', target_type: 'mix' });









































































































































Photo: Keystone / ONLINE_YES Image 1 of / 88 Caption Close Image 2 of 88 1961? Very early performance photo, back in the Stu Sutcliffe days. 1961? Very early performance photo, back in the Stu Sutcliffe days. Photo: Michael Ochs Archives Image 3 of 88 The handwritten letter by Paul McCartney, dated 12 August 1960, inviting an unknown drummer to audition for The Beatles, was discovered folded-up inside a book, by an anonymous collector at a car boot sale in Bootle, Liverpool, England. It shows he was a professional even then. less The handwritten letter by Paul McCartney, dated 12 August 1960, inviting an unknown drummer to audition for The Beatles, was discovered folded-up inside a book, by an anonymous collector at a car boot sale in ... more Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth / Associated Press Image 4 of 88 1964 -- arriving, probably in New York City. 1964 -- arriving, probably in New York City. Photo: APPLE CORPS LTD. / ABC Image 5 of 88 Image 6 of 88 1964 -- or maybe earlier. The Beatles celebrating an early milestone. 1964 -- or maybe earlier. The Beatles celebrating an early milestone. Photo: DEZO HOFFMAN / ABC Image 7 of 88 The Beatles arriving somewhere, probably in 1964. The Beatles arriving somewhere, probably in 1964. Photo: Associated Press Image 8 of 88 1964: Goofy publicity picture of the kind popular 50 years ago. 1964: Goofy publicity picture of the kind popular 50 years ago. Photo: Associated Press Image 9 of 88 1964: The Beatles in their early days of stardom. 1964: The Beatles in their early days of stardom. Photo: DEZO HOFFMAN / ABC Image 10 of 88 Image 11 of 88 The Beatles arriving in NY on February 6, 1964. The Beatles arriving in NY on February 6, 1964. Photo: AP Image 12 of 88 With Big Ed on February 9, 1964. With Big Ed on February 9, 1964. Image 13 of 88 The Beatles in 1965. The Beatles in 1965. Photo: ROBERT FREEMAN / ABC Image 14 of 88 1965: During the "The Night Before" scene in "Help." 1965: During the "The Night Before" scene in "Help." Photo: PA / Associated Press Image 15 of 88 Image 16 of 88 The Beatles on October 16, 1965. The Beatles on October 16, 1965. Photo: PA / Associated Press Image 17 of 88 1965 -- McCartney in 1965, at around the time of "Yesterday." 1965 -- McCartney in 1965, at around the time of "Yesterday." Image 18 of 88 The Beatles arrive in San Francisco on August 29, 1966 for their concert at Candlestick Park. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison are shown walking down the stairs from an airplane. The Beatles arrive in San Francisco on August 29, 1966 for their concert at Candlestick Park. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison are shown walking down the stairs from an airplane. Photo: Bob Campbell / SFC Image 19 of 88 Asian tour, June 1966 Asian tour, June 1966 Image 20 of 88 Image 21 of 88 McCartney with John Lennon, 1966 McCartney with John Lennon, 1966 Image 22 of 88 The Beatles in 1967. The Beatles in 1967. Photo: APPLE CORPS LTD. / ABC Image 23 of 88 1967 -- The Beatles with the Maharishi. 1967 -- The Beatles with the Maharishi. Photo: Associated Press Image 24 of 88 June 25, 1967, the day before Francoise Dorleac died. June 25, 1967, the day before Francoise Dorleac died. Photo: PA / Associated Press Image 25 of 88 Image 26 of 88 With the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi after he gave a lecture on transcendental meditation at the Hilton hotel, London, 25th August 1967. With the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi after he gave a lecture on transcendental meditation at the Hilton hotel, London, 25th August 1967. Photo: C. Maher / ONLINE_YES Image 27 of 88 1967 -- showing off their new album. 1967 -- showing off their new album. Photo: APPLE CORPS LTD. / ABC Image 28 of 88 1968: Ever get the feeling you're no longer fitting in with the old gang? 1968: Ever get the feeling you're no longer fitting in with the old gang? Photo: APPLE CORPS LTD. / ABC Image 29 of 88 18th July 1968: At the premiere of the new Beatles film 'Yellow Submarine' at the London Pavilion. John and Paul hold apples, the symbol of their newly formed company, Apple Corps. 18th July 1968: At the premiere of the new Beatles film 'Yellow Submarine' at the London Pavilion. John and Paul hold apples, the symbol of their newly formed company, Apple Corps. Photo: Michael Webb / ONLINE_YES Image 30 of 88 Image 31 of 88 19th February 1968: On their way to see the Maharishi. McCartney with his girlfriend, Jane Asher, a year before he married Linda Eastman. 19th February 1968: On their way to see the Maharishi. McCartney with his girlfriend, Jane Asher, a year before he married Linda Eastman. Photo: Jim Gray / ONLINE_YES Image 32 of 88 1968 -- probably recording The White Album. 1968 -- probably recording The White Album. Image 33 of 88 Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr. Photo taken April 1969. Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr. Photo taken April 1969. Photo: Apple Corps Ltd. / ABC Image 34 of 88 March of 1969. March of 1969. Photo: Associated Press Image 35 of 88 Image 36 of 88 Paul and Linda during the troubled LET IT BE sessions. Or it's President and Mrs. Garfield. One or the other. Paul and Linda during the troubled LET IT BE sessions. Or it's President and Mrs. Garfield. One or the other. Photo: CORBIS/BETTMANN Image 37 of 88 1969: Another wedding picture from March of 1969. Looks brutal. 1969: Another wedding picture from March of 1969. Looks brutal. Photo: CORBIS/BETTMANN Image 38 of 88 Newlyweds Paul McCartney, 26, and the American photographer formerly Linda Eastman, centre, are mobbed by a crowd of screaming fans as they are escorted by police, as the couple leave the Marylebone Town Hall Registry Office in London, after their wedding, on March 12, 1969. (AP Photo, file) less Newlyweds Paul McCartney, 26, and the American photographer formerly Linda Eastman, centre, are mobbed by a crowd of screaming fans as they are escorted by police, as the couple leave the Marylebone Town Hall ... more Photo: Associated Press Image 39 of 88 The cover of MCCARTNEY, his first album from 1970, not a particular good album, but it has one masterpiece on it -- "Maybe I'm Amazed." The cover of MCCARTNEY, his first album from 1970, not a particular good album, but it has one masterpiece on it -- "Maybe I'm Amazed." Image 40 of 88 Image 41 of 88 Paul McCartney in the 1970s. Paul McCartney in the 1970s. Photo: ARCHIVE PHOTOS Image 42 of 88 Paul McCartney, singer-songwriter with Wings and former Beatle, in concert. During his Wings heyday in the mid 1970s. Paul McCartney, singer-songwriter with Wings and former Beatle, in concert. During his Wings heyday in the mid 1970s. Photo: Getty Images Image 43 of 88 1971: Paul McCartney, singer, songwriter and bass player for the recently disbanded Beatles, with his wife Linda (1941 - 1998) and their two children, Mary (L) and Heather (Rt) at Gatwick Airport on May 12, 1971 in London, England. less 1971: Paul McCartney, singer, songwriter and bass player for the recently disbanded Beatles, with his wife Linda (1941 - 1998) and their two children, Mary (L) and Heather (Rt) at Gatwick Airport on May 12, ... more Photo: Central Press / Getty Images Image 44 of 88 April, 1974 -- McCartney at the height of his solo success. April, 1974 -- McCartney at the height of his solo success. Photo: Associated Press Image 45 of 88 Image 46 of 88 Ben Fong-Torres (left) and Paul McCartney in 1976. Ben knows how to take a picture with a celebrity: Never look into the lens. If you do, you look too happy to be there. Ben Fong-Torres (left) and Paul McCartney in 1976. Ben knows how to take a picture with a celebrity: Never look into the lens. If you do, you look too happy to be there. Photo: Courtesy Ben Fong-Torres Image 47 of 88 1976 -- during the Wings Over America tour. 1976 -- during the Wings Over America tour. Image 48 of 88 1979: Wings in 1979, around the time McCartney became the best selling recording artist in history. 1979: Wings in 1979, around the time McCartney became the best selling recording artist in history. Image 49 of 88 1980. The year of "Comin' Up" and the year John Lennon was killed. 1980. The year of "Comin' Up" and the year John Lennon was killed. Image 50 of 88 Image 51 of 88 1981: Having fun at Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach's wedding. 1981: Having fun at Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach's wedding. Image 52 of 88 McCartney and associates in 1983. McCartney and associates in 1983. Image 53 of 88 1985: Being Paul McCartney means EVERYBODY laughs at your jokes, even David Bowie. Here he's at Live-Aid. 1985: Being Paul McCartney means EVERYBODY laughs at your jokes, even David Bowie. Here he's at Live-Aid. Image 54 of 88 Paul and Les Paul in 1988. Paul and Les Paul in 1988. Image 55 of 88 Image 56 of 88 1993: Paul and Linda in February of 1993. 1993: Paul and Linda in February of 1993. Photo: PAUL HURSCHMANN / Associated Press Image 57 of 88 1994: Publicity picture for the Beatles anthology. Look how the other former Beatles are phoning it in, but McCartney is always closing. 1994: Publicity picture for the Beatles anthology. Look how the other former Beatles are phoning it in, but McCartney is always closing. Photo: HO / REUTERS Image 58 of 88 Former Beatle Paul McCartney (center) holds up the hands of the late John Lennon's son Sean Lennon (left) and his wife Yoko Ono (right) after John Lennon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 19 January 1994. less Former Beatle Paul McCartney (center) holds up the hands of the late John Lennon's son Sean Lennon (left) and his wife Yoko Ono (right) after John Lennon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 19 ... more Photo: MARIA R. BASTONE/AFP/Getty Image / AFP/Getty Images Image 59 of 88 1994: Sean Lennon and Yoko Ono with Paul McCartney at the induction of John Lennon into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 1994: Sean Lennon and Yoko Ono with Paul McCartney at the induction of John Lennon into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Image 60 of 88 Image 61 of 88 1994: Paul in a TV commercial. 1994: Paul in a TV commercial. Photo: HO / REUTER Image 62 of 88 1997: Paul and Linda McCartney at their daughter, Stella McCartney's first fashion show. Linda McCartney died the next year. 1997: Paul and Linda McCartney at their daughter, Stella McCartney's first fashion show. Linda McCartney died the next year. Photo: JEAN-CHRISTOPHE KAHN / REUTERS Image 63 of 88 September 10, 1999: McCartney with Madonna at the MTV awards, coming back a year after his first wife's death. September 10, 1999: McCartney with Madonna at the MTV awards, coming back a year after his first wife's death. Photo: JEFF CHRISTENSEN Image 64 of 88 Paul McCartney in 2000. Paul McCartney in 2000. Photo: ADAM BUTLER / Associated Press Image 65 of 88 Image 66 of 88 McCartney reacting to the death of George Harrison in 2001. Having blown it in 1980, when Lennon died -- he purposely didn't show his emotions, but ended up seeming callous -- he made sure to say the right things this time. less McCartney reacting to the death of George Harrison in 2001. Having blown it in 1980, when Lennon died -- he purposely didn't show his emotions, but ended up seeming callous -- he made sure to say the right ... more Photo: TIM OCKENDEN / Associated Press Image 67 of 88 Paul McCartney in THE LOVE WE MAKE, October, 2001. Paul McCartney in THE LOVE WE MAKE, October, 2001. Photo: Courtesy of SHOWTIME Image 68 of 88 Paul McCartney in THE LOVE WE MAKE, riding in New York City in 2001. Paul McCartney in THE LOVE WE MAKE, riding in New York City in 2001. Photo: Courtesy of SHOWTIME Image 69 of 88 2002: In the You're Never Too Old to Do Something Really Stupid Department -- McCartney announces his engagement to Heather Mills. 2002: In the You're Never Too Old to Do Something Really Stupid Department -- McCartney announces his engagement to Heather Mills. Photo: PAUL MCERLANE / REUTERS Image 70 of 88 Image 71 of 88 2002: McCartney at the Super Bowl. 2002: McCartney at the Super Bowl. Photo: DAVID J. PHILLIP / AP Image 72 of 88 2002: McCartney and Heather Mills at their wedding. 2002: McCartney and Heather Mills at their wedding. Photo: BILL BERNSTEIN / AP Image 73 of 88 2004: Paul McCartney and a bag lady -- excuse me, no, it's Neil Young -- at the annual Bridge Concert at Shoreline Amphitheater. 2004: Paul McCartney and a bag lady -- excuse me, no, it's Neil Young -- at the annual Bridge Concert at Shoreline Amphitheater. Photo: Kim Komenich / SFC Image 74 of 88 Paul McCartney in concert at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. 11/7/05 Paul McCartney in concert at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. 11/7/05 Photo: John Storey / SFC Image 75 of 88 Image 76 of 88 2007: McCartney runs into Gwyneth in London. And she's his type, too. 2007: McCartney runs into Gwyneth in London. And she's his type, too. Image 77 of 88 PM in 2008. PM in 2008. Image 78 of 88 2008: Being Paul McCartney means they'll give you an award for anything, as long as you promise to show up. Here he gets an honorary doctorate from Yale. 2008: Being Paul McCartney means they'll give you an award for anything, as long as you promise to show up. Here he gets an honorary doctorate from Yale. Image 79 of 88 In 2010, getting the Gershwin Prize from a guy almost as famous as he is. In 2010, getting the Gershwin Prize from a guy almost as famous as he is. Image 80 of 88 Image 81 of 88 Former Beatle Paul McCartney and American heiress Nancy Shevell exit Marylebone Town Hall in central London following their wedding Sunday Oct 9 2011. Shevell, 51, is McCartney's third wife. They were engaged earlier this year. less Former Beatle Paul McCartney and American heiress Nancy Shevell exit Marylebone Town Hall in central London following their wedding Sunday Oct 9 2011. Shevell, 51, is McCartney's third wife. They were ... more Photo: Jim Ross / Associated Press Image 82 of 88 Paul McCartney, right, and his fiance Nancy Shevell pose for photographers outside their home in north London, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011. The day before their wedding. Paul McCartney, right, and his fiance Nancy Shevell pose for photographers outside their home in north London, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011. The day before their wedding. Photo: John Stillwell / Associated Press Image 83 of 88 2011: Barbara Walters throws rose petals as former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and his wife American heiress Nancy Shevell leave Marylebone Registry Office, following their wedding in central London , Sunday Oct. 9, 2011. Shevell, 51, is McCartney's third wife.The couple met in the Hamptons in Long Island, New York, shortly after the singer's divorce from Heather Mills in 2008 and they were engaged earlier this year. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) less 2011: Barbara Walters throws rose petals as former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and his wife American heiress Nancy Shevell leave Marylebone Registry Office, following their wedding in central London , Sunday ... more Photo: Lefteris Pitarakis / Associated Press Image 84 of 88 Paul McCartney is honored with a star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame on February 9, 2012 in Hollywood, California. On the 48th anniversary of the Beatles first performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Paul McCartney is honored with a star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame on February 9, 2012 in Hollywood, California. On the 48th anniversary of the Beatles first performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Photo: Getty Images Image 85 of 88 Image 86 of 88 2012: Just this February -- Sir Paul and Lady Gaga. 2012: Just this February -- Sir Paul and Lady Gaga. Image 87 of 88 Sir Paul McCartney performs at the Queen's Jubilee Concert in front of Buckingham Palace, London, Monday, June 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan) Sir Paul McCartney performs at the Queen's Jubilee Concert in front of Buckingham Palace, London, Monday, June 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan) Photo: Joel Ryan / Associated Press Image 88 of 88 Happy 70th Paul McCartney 1 / 88 Back to Gallery

This is how it is with Paul McCartney and me. Never met the guy. Never saw him in concert. (I almost went in 1976, but the tickets were too expensive. Probably $15 or something.) Half the time I haven’t even liked him — or PRETENDED to myself not to like him, for a variety of reasons, but mainly in the way that people love to define themselves, when they’re young, in terms of their likes and dislikes. So since I was a John Lennon fanatic — and still am, in a big way — that automatically meant that McCartney was no good.

And yet, probably more than any living artist, McCartney has been the one who has most often been in my head.

This is how far we go back. In February of 1964, I was four years old and saw the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, and in that weird way that small children have, I became very embarrassed (why embarrassed?) that McCartney, to my eyes, looked exactly like ME. I felt like I was looking at my own face, and I was afraid, for some reason, that someone else would notice it. No one did.

At least not until May 3, 1975, when I was in high school. I was at a party, and I was standing in a girl’s room. I was a sophomore, and she was a freshman. And I noticed that she had a picture of McCartney (the White Album used to come with these color 8 x 10s of each Beatle) framed and leaning against the dresser mirror. I said, “You know, he looks like me.” She said, “Yeah, right,” and I said, “Look.” I held the picture up to my face, widened my eyes, put on a blank expression and sang one word, “Yesterday!” She laughed, but a look crossed her face like Hmmm. She was my girlfriend for three of the next four years.

I should have appreciated that this guy did for me what I could never have done for myself — he got me a girlfriend. But McCartney was always a difficult guy to endorse completely. He’d do great work like LET ME ROLL IT and MAYBE I’M AMAZED and 1985, and irresistible stuff like JUNIOR’S FARM and ROCK SHOW, and then hit you with garbage like SILLY LOVE SONGS and LET ‘EM IN. And yet, even then . . . it was always easier to dislike McCartney’s music when it WASN’T playing.

It only later occurred to me that McCartney — despite the fact that most of his solo work didn’t interest me — was probably my second favorite guy in pop music.

The man fascinates me. Recently, Albert Maysles made a movie called THE LOVE WE MAKE, which shows McCartney going around New York in October of 2001, arranging a big concert for the 9/11 survivors. Not the most scintillating documentary, but I couldn’t stop watching it: Everybody who talked to McCartney — and I mean, even big stars like Ozzy or Billy Joel — had an expression on their face like, “Oh, my God, Paul McCartney is looking at me right now and talking.” The only one who didn’t fall apart — who was completely himself — was Bill Clinton. Meanwhile, half of everything out of McCartney’s mouth was banal or commonplace, but people reacted like it was Moses coming back with an eleventh commandment. And if he ventured the slightest joke, everyone would fall over laughing. What a strange way to go through life.

Actually, it might be fun, but it can’t be good for your artistic production. You need a John Lennon there, someone that you’re a little afraid might laugh at you. And you definitely need to be in a good marriage, because everyone needs ONE person who knows the truth. McCartney had that for years. Then he didn’t have it. I hope he has it now.

Another reason that as a kid I didn’t like McCartney (even though I did) is that I was convinced that HE was the one keeping the Beatles from reuniting. The truth was quite the opposite.

But I digress. I even digress from my digression.

The man turns 70 years old today. He has been with me my whole life. And in the words of the man himself, I would just like to say . . . “But as for me/I still remember how it was before/ And I am holding back the tears no more./I love you.”

Except I’m not weeping or anything. But I do love the guy.

Happy Birthday.