Paul McCartney And The New 40-Year-Old Beatles Song: Carnival of Light

Paul McCartney has revealed that he wishes to treat fans to a never-before released Beatles track called “Carnival of Light” which the Fab Four deemed too adventurous at the time of its inception, in 1967.

The 14-minute track was recorded in 1967 with the four Beatles, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr experimenting what they could do with their instruments and voices. McCartney’s indication at the time had been for them to “just wander round all of the stuff and bang it, shout, play it.”

Titled “Carnival of Light,” it was recorded for an electronic music festival, McCartney told BBC Radio 4’s Front Row in an interview that is to be broadcast later this week. The musician had asked his bandmates to be “indulgent” for ten minutes during a recording session at Abbey Road Studios.

The final product was deemed too adventurous by the other three members and thus it was never released. It was played only once at an electronic music festival in London.

McCartney, 66, said he was fond of the song and that he felt the time had come for it to fulfill its fate – that is be available for listening.

It was inspired by experimental composers John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen, the veteran artists said and it shows The Beatles “free” and “going off piste.”

One detail that McCartney must settle first though is obtaining permission from surviving member Ringo Starr and the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison, who all manage the band’s estate.

“Carnival of Light” is said to include distorted guitar and organ sounds as well as random shouts from the members such as “Barcelona!” and “Are you alright?”

Paul McCartney also helped complete The Beatles’ legacy earlier this year when he performed in Tel Aviv, Israel. The concert, titled “Friendship First,” gathered some 50,000 fans and was a rewriting of history, as The Beatles were once scheduled to perform in the country in 1965 but were ultimately denied this possibility by the government. He refused to cancel his September concert in Israel, despite threats from Islamic militants.

Another historical event was last month’s announcement that a video game in the vein of “Rock Band” would be released in 2009 featuring songs from The Beatles’ catalog. The game is to be conceived by Apple Corps, the company handling The Beatles’ music catalog, game developer Harmonix and publisher MTV Games.

Surviving Beatles McCartney and Starr, as well as Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, have all given their blessing to the project and will be active in its creation. Giles Martin, son of the Beatles’ producer George Martin will serve as the project’s music producer.

Via efluxmedia.com

Beatles' Paul McCartney slams McDonalds

The Beatles' Paul McCartney is "furious" that McDonalds have hung photographs of the band up in their Liverpool restaurant in an attempt to "flog burgers".

The devout vegetarian has launched an attack on the fast food giant after leaning that his portrait appears alongside bandmates John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison in the restaurant, reports The Sun.

McCartney's spokesman Geoff Baker said: "What sort of morons do McDonalds think Beatles fans are? It's ridiculous and insulting to use images to peddle hamburgers. Fans should boycott McDonalds - and not just in Liverpool."

A PETA spokesperson added: "We hope anyone who sees his picture on the wall will be reminded that he's a vegetarian and skip the Big Mac for a veggie burger."

A McDonalds spokesperson told the newspaper that the pictures were intended to "acknowledge the outstanding contribution The Beatles made to both local and global culture".

Via nme.com

Sir Paul McCartney Denies John Lennon 'Gay Claims'

Sir Paul McCartney has denied that his former Beatles band mate John Lennon ever tried to make a sexual advance on him.

A new book about Lennon, who died in 1980, claims that the former Beatle wanted a gay relationship with Sir Paul.

But in a new interview, Sir Paul has rubbished the claims, saying the pair only occasionally shared a bed on tour.

"I don't think (the gay claims) are true. John never ever tried anything, I slept with him a million times,” he told the Sun newspaper.

"I've seen him on tour roaring drunk, out of his mind in the early days before he sobered up and went to rehab. Roaring drunk and it was always with a female, never once.

"If you've got a little gay tendency and your roaring drunk I'd have caught him once."

As previously reported on Gigwise, John Lennon: The Life, also claims that Lennon had sexual fantasies about his mother.

Yoko Ono, Lennon's widow, has already criticised the book, which is written by respected biographer Philip Norman.

Via gigwise.com

Paul McCartney granted divorce decree

Sometimes love isn't all you need. A judge in London granted a preliminary divorce Monday to former Beatle Paul McCartney and Heather Mills. If no one objects, the divorce will be final in six weeks.

Mills, 40, will emerge from the rancorous divorce with a settlement of $47.5 million but a reputation damaged by her televised outbursts against McCartney.

Neither McCartney nor Mills was in court Monday, which might have been a good thing. At the end of a hearing in March, Mills stole the show by emptying a pitcher of water on the head of McCartney's lawyer, Fiona Shackleton.

"Mrs. Shackleton said something under her breath so I cleansed and baptized her," Mills said afterward. "I thought she looked fantastic — I thought it did her the world of good."

Mills will retain custody of the couple's 4-year-old daughter, Beatrice. McCartney will retain the bulk of his fortune, estimated by the court at $880 million.

The split makes McCartney, at age 65, the last of The Beatles to get a divorce.

John Lennon left his first wife, Cynthia, for Yoko Ono. Ringo Starr and his first wife, Maureen, divorced after 10. And George Harrison's marriage to Patti Boyd ended after 11 years.

But McCartney's marriage to the former Linda Eastman endured 19 years, until her death in 1998.

He married Mills, whose left leg was amputated below the knee after a 1993 motorcycle accident, in an Irish castle in 2002. They separated four years later.

Last year, Mills claimed in interviews that McCartney had failed to protect her and their daughter from slander, death threats and other abuse, and she accused the media of persecuting her.

In November, she said she had been "treated worse than a murderer or a pedophile," despite years of work for land mine victims and animal welfare charities.

Via associatedpress

Mills 'plans to wreck' McCartney romance

Heather Mills is planning to break up Sir Paul McCartney's romance with US socialite Nancy Shevell, say reports.

The animal rights activist thinks Shevell needs warning about the "dangers of dating a Beatle" and is worried that McCartney will start a new family, meaning he will pay less attention to their daughter Beatrice.

A source told The Mirror: "Heather's threatening to call and explain the dangers of dating a Beatle.

"She had hell with the public hating her and reckons Nancy could too. Heather genuinely thinks she's doing Nancy a good turn."

Mills allegedly went "ballistic" when she discovered McCartney had started a new relationship and is reportedly "terrified" he might have another baby.

Via digitalspy.co.uk

Sir Paul McCartney Holidaying With New Woman

Newly divorced Sir Paul McCartney is enjoying a romantic Caribbean holiday with a new woman.

The 65 year old has been spotted in the exclusive Jumby Bay, Antigua resort with American business woman Nancy Shevell, 47.

A pal tells The Sun, “It’s great. They are really happy together and are very close.

"It’s a blossoming friendship and Nancy really cheers him up. Paul deserves some happiness after everything he’s been through.”

“Nancy is really good for Paul - he has put the smile back on his face.”

Nancy, who is thought to have originally got to know Paul when he was married to first wife Linda, was pictured kissing the former Beatle after a lunch date in New York last year.

Via entertainmentwise.com

Paul 'heartbroken' after his Beatle beancounter pal passes away

Grief-stricken Paul McCartney was devastated this week after his childhood friend, the man dubbed the "fifth Beatle" died in hospital after losing a battle with cancer.

Paul had flown to New York on Sunday to say a tearful farewell to Neil Aspinall, the Liverpool lad who started out as The Beatles' van driver and ended up their financial guru. "He is completely heartbroken - he was always very close to Neil," says a close friend."

Neil, Paul and the late George Harrison went to school together at the Liverpool Institute For Boys. He became the band's minder, personal fixer, driver, and even sang backing on Yellow Submarine and played percussion on Magical Mystery Tour.

In 1968, Neil became manager of the group's hugely successful music label Apple Corps. His business acumen helped them amass huge fortunes, even after the band split up in 1970.

The 65-year-old had travelled from his London home to New York to receive treatment after falling ill. His wife Suzy and their five children were at his beside when he passed away.

Paul, Ringo Starr and Beatle widows Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison paid tribute to Neil in a joint statement. "As a loyal friend and confidant, Neil's trusting stewardship and guidance has left a far-reaching legacy," they said. "All his friends and loved-ones will miss him - but will always retain the fondest memories of a great man."

Via hellomagazine.com

Heather Mills to make new court appeal

Heather Mills could face a new court battle with Paul McCartney as she steps up her calls for the release of full court transcripts of her divorce proceedings.

The former model was awarded £24.3 million of McCartney's fortune at a High Court hearing on Monday, but she has faced fresh criticism after the judge's official ruling was made public.

It has been revealed that Mr Justice Bennett viewed Mills as a "less than impressive" witness. He described her testimony as "not just inconsistent and inaccurate but also less than candid".

In a statement released to GMTV on Friday, Heather claimed that the full transcripts would "paint a far fairer and truthful picture" of the divorce battle.

Mills's solicitor David Rosen has confirmed that she plans to appeal in court for the release of her testimony. She will also ask for the removal of a gagging order which forbids her from speaking about her time with McCartney, who may be called to court to challenge the requests of his former wife.

Mr Rosen said: "Heather is very frustrated. She feels that it's very unfair that the judgment should be printed in full when she cannot defend herself.

"She's planning to apply to lift the ban. It was damning enough that the judge made his judgment so clear and vividly - no one deserves that. It's like a prolonged hanging for her."

Via digitalspy.co.uk

Paul McCartney and Heather Mills in £24.3 million divorce

Sir Paul McCartney will award £24.3 million to estranged wife Heather Mills after their protracted divorce settlement reached a conclusion today (March 17).

The hearing held at London's High Court marked the end of a long-running, public dispute between the pair.

Details about the settlement were also revealed showing that Mills had originally requested £125 million from her colapsed relationship with McCartney, whose initial offer was £15.8 million.

Speaking outside the hearing Mills said "it was an incredible result to secure mine and my daughter's future".

A spokeman for the ex-Beatle confirmed McCartney would not be commenting on the settlement, reports BBC News.

Via nme.com

McCartney to pay Mills $50M

British rock 'n' roll great and former Beatle Paul McCartney reportedly will pay wife Heather Mills nearly $50 million as part of their divorce settlement.

The Daily Mail Friday reported details of the settlement are contained in a preliminary London High Court judgment sent to the former couple and their lawyers this week.

The official decision is expected to be handed down Monday.

McCartney and Mills were married for four years, split up in 2006 and have a 4-year-old daughter together.

The couple was not able to reach a divorce settlement last month and so a decision regarding the division of their assets was to be made by a judge. The divorce hearings were held in private.

McCartney is said to be worth about $1.6 billion.

Via upi.com

Judge to rule on Paul McCartney's divorce

One of history's most bitter alimony feuds is nearing an end with former Beatle Paul McCartney expected to find out next week how much of his fortune he must hand over to estranged wife Heather Mills.

With the world's media poised to pore over every detail of any judgment, it is unclear whether judge Hugh Bennett will make public all or part of his decision, due to be handed out at London's High Court on Monday (local time).

The ruling may not spell the end of one of the most bitter and high-profile break-ups in legal history.

If either is unhappy, they can apply for permission to challenge the ruling in the Court of Appeal.

Unlike the closed hearings so far, those proceedings would be in open court.

``I don't think there's ever been a divorce case that has attracted so much publicity, certainly in Britain, and there probably won't be ever again,'' said Alan Kaufman, family lawyer at Finers Stephens Innocent.

McCartney, 65, married former model and charity campaigner Mills, 40, in 2002, but they split four years later, blaming media intrusion into their private lives.

They have a daughter Beatrice, aged four.

Media and public attention intensified in the following months, with tabloid newspapers printing lurid stories about Mills's past and generally casting McCartney, seen as an icon in Beatles-mad Britain, as the innocent party.

At one point, though, McCartney vowed to defend himself in court against accusations published in newspapers that he physically attacked Mills during their marriage.

Mills issued strongly worded statements, threatened to sue newspapers and held a series of emotional live television interviews last year in which she accused the media of branding her a ``gold-digger''.

Her main adviser quit over the interviews, and days later she parted ways with her lawyer.

In recent court hearings Mills has represented herself.

Since the split was announced in May, 2006, newspapers and commentators have speculated about the size of any settlement.

Initial reports put the bill at up $432.25m or a quarter of what McCartney's fortune is estimated to be worth.

Recent figures have been closer $108m, which would still be the largest divorce settlement in British legal history, surpassing the $103.7m paid by insurance magnate John Charman.

Via news.co.au

Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills fail to agree divorce settlement

Ex-Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills have failed to agree on a divorce settlement regarding the distribution of McCartney’s wealth and custody of the pair’s daughter, Beatrice.

Nicholas Mostyn QC, representing McCartney in court in London today, confirmed that judgement was reserved on the hearing.

This means that within the next few weeks high court judge will work out how much of McCartney’s money his estranged wife will get from his estimated £825m fortune.

Sky News reports that Mills was in court for the hearing today (February 18), while McCartney did not attend, as he is thought to be rehearsing for a performance at the Brit Awards, set to take place on Wednesday (February 20).

Via nme.com

McCartney court battle to continue

There is now little hope of any agreed settlement in the Sir Paul McCartney divorce battle with his estranged wife Heather Mills.

It has emerged that Court 34 has been booked for Monday to continue the bitter war of words which centre on Ms Mills' demands over Sir Paul's reputed £825 million fortune and their four-year-old daughter, Beatrice.

Court officials said that the case - originally scheduled to end on Friday - will continue after the weekend.

Via ukpress

Heather Mills 'will leave Britain'

Heather Mills' father has predicted she will leave Britain after her divorce from Sir Paul McCartney.

The divorce hearing at London's High Court enters the third of five scheduled days.

Miss Mills' father, Mark, told reporters he believes she will move to France or America with the couple's daughter Beatrice, four, when the divorce is finalised.

"She won't stay in this country. She knows everybody hates her and she does not care," he said.

"I think she's very low at the moment and would leap at the chance to get away from it all and take her daughter Bea with her.

"I think she'll go abroad and then just slowly fade away into obscurity."

Mr Mills, 66, who lives in Washington, Tyne and Wear, said he fears his daughter will be "torn to shreds" by Sir Paul's lawyers during the divorce hearing.

Miss Mills, 40, is thought to be representing herself and her father said he was proud of her.

He said it took guts to represent yourself at the High Court.

Mr Mills said he was now reconciled with his daughter after a period of estrangement.

Via associatedpress

Heather Mills cheated on Sir Paul McCartney, claims film editor

Tim Steel insists he had 6-month affair with glamour model

A film editor has made wild and unsubstantiated claims that he was secretly having a relationship with Heather Mills for 6 months while she was dating husband-to-be Sir Paul McCartney.

Tim Steel, 45, says he met Heather 3 years before she charmed Macca, 65, at a bravery awards ceremony in May 1999.

Heather and Paul then began dating in August, but Tim claims he and Heather were still an item until 2000.

'Marriage to him opened lots of doors for her,' Tim tells The News Of The World.

'I suppose I was flattered that Heather still wanted to have sex with me despite being pursued by this musical demi-god.

'I guess I hung around because I really didn't think Heather and Paul would last.

'He was an old bloke and I knew what Heather was like. She was only in love with what Paul could do for her. She loved the idea of being Lady McCartney.'

Sir Paul and Heather - who married in 2003 - will meet in court for a 5-day closed hearing tomorrow.

'Heather will fight Paul tooth and nail to get what she wants,' says Tim. 'She's going for the jugular and won't shy away from fighting dirty to win.

'With a click of the fingers, she can switch from smiles to tears. I hope Paul and his legal team know what they're up against and are ready for her.'

Heather Mills was unavailable for comment.

Via nowmagazine.co.uk

Paul McCartney offers £55m deal if Heather Mills keeps her counsel

Sir Paul McCartney is poised to make a multimillion-pound settlement with his estranged wife before a court hearing next week, according to reports.

The former Beatle has offered Heather Mills £55 million, including a £20 million lump sum, if she agrees to a clause preventing her from talking publicly about the marriage, a newspaper claimed.
The offer comes three days before the couple are due to meet at the High Court in a private hearing expected to last a week. Ms Mills is due to represent herself. She has had no legal representation since November, when her lawyers at Mishcon de Reya dropped her case after she appeared on television comparing herself to Diana, Princess of Wales, and Kate McCann, mother of the missing Madeleine. Another report quoted sources from Ms Mills’s camp suggesting that she would accept £10 million.

There have been prolonged negotiations since the couple announced their separation in May 2006. The £55 million proposal is similar to sums mentioned at their financial dispute resolution in October.

Under the agreement Ms Mills would receive £2.5 million a year for 14 years, until their daughter Beatrice turns 18. Ms Mills would never be allowed to discuss in public the breakdown of the six-year marriage.

The former model would be Beatrice’s main carer, but Sir Paul would have equal visiting rights. He would retain the marital home and his homes in Sussex, Scotland, New York and Los Angeles.
If Ms Mills accepts the deal — worth 7 per cent of Sir Paul’s £825 million fortune — it would be the highest settlement for a wife in Britain.

Via timesonline.co.uk

Macca enjoys another date with Arquette

Sir Paul McCartney has been spotted enjoying another date with Hollywood actress Rosanna Arquette.

The music legend was snapped as he drove through West London on Thursday night with Rosanna, star of Pulp Fiction and Desperately Seeking Susan.

Macca will face his estranged wife Heather Mills at the High Court next week as their divorce battle reaches its conclusion.

"Paul has been really down in the dumps over his divorce and needed cheering up," a source told The Sun. "Rosanna was in London and they hooked up on Thursday night. It did the trick and helped him forget he has to face Heather next week."

His spokesman insisted: "It's no big deal. They are just friends."

McCartney and Arquette were first linked in November last year.

Via digitalspy.co.uk

Ex-Beatles pay tribute to Maharishi

Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr paid tribute to the late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the Indian guru who famously set the Beatles on the path to spiritual enlightenment.

The Maharishi died at his home in the Netherlands on Tuesday. He was thought to be 91.

Sir Paul said: "I was asked for my thoughts on the passing of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and I can only say that whilst I am deeply saddened by his passing, my memories of him will only be joyful ones."

He added: "He was a great man who worked tirelessly for the people of the world and the cause of unity. I will never forget the dedication that he wrote inside a book he once gave me, which read 'radiate, bliss, consciousness', and that to me says it all. I will miss him but will always think of him with a smile."

Starr also released a statement paying his respects. He said: "One of the wise men I met in my life was the Maharishi. I always was impressed by his joy and I truly believe he knows where he is going."

The Maharishi became famous in the 1960s through his relationship with the Beatles.

The group visited his ashram in India in 1968, where they studied his transcendental meditation techniques.

Starr went home after 10 days, complaining that he missed egg and chips. The others stayed, joined by other celebrities including Mick Jagger, Donovan and Mia Farrow.

But the rock stars fell out with the Maharishi over rumours that he had made inappropriate sexual advances towards Farrow.

The Maharishi went on to build a multimillion-pound global empire and moved his headquarters to a former Franciscan monastery in the Dutch town of Vlodrop.

Via ukpress

McCartney slams heart operation rumours

Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney has denied reports that he had a secret heart operation in 2007 and wants to reassure his family, friends and fans who might have believed the rumours.

McCartney explained that he usually doesn't try to deny media reports because "most of it is completely inaccurate". But he has chosen to speak out about it because it's related to his health.

Contactmusic.com quoted him as saying: "People are ringing and sending SMS to me saying, 'Are you okay?' And I hadn't seen the report, so I was puzzled by so many enquiries about my health. So, I think it's a good time to put this rumour to rest.

"What happened was, over a year ago during a routine medical examination, there was a minor irregularity, which I needed to have tests for and which I have now been assured is completely fine.

"The media have only just recently reported an exaggerated version of this and that is why people have been asking me if I am okay. So this is where the story has come from. The media reports have, as usual, completely distorted the story. I'm happy to say that I feel great and I have passed my most recent medical with flying colours."

Via sify.com

Paul McCartney had heart operation

Beatles legend Paul McCartney has had a secret heart operation, media reports said Wednesday.

The 65-year-old underwent a coronary angioplasty, a procedure which opens up the arteries to allow greater blood-flow, after complaining of feeling unwell, said the Sun daily.

"Paul had been complaining about not feeling well and and saw a Harley Street specialist at the London clinic," an unidentified source told the tabloid newspaper.

"Tests were carried out and the decision was taken to operate. Paul had the angioplasty in a private hospital. It was all very routine but any work on your heart is a big deal," he added.

The Daily Telegraph's online edition reported that the operation was last autumn. McCartney's spokesman was not immediately reachable, but was cited by the Sun as saying it had been a "routine medical operation."

McCartney, who failed before Christmas to settle an acrimonious divorce from his estranged wife Heather Mills, recovered enough to appear in a televised New Year's Eve show with Kylie Minogue.

"Luckily Paul is in very good shape. He does regular exercise and is fit. He eats well and does not carry any excess weight," the Sun cited a friend of McCartney as saying.

"He has always been in exceptional health, which is remarkable when you think of the rock and roll lifestyle he once had," the friend added.

Via afp