Instead of taking pictures with fans, Paul McCartney has confirmed he does something far nicer.
The Beatles and Wings legend confirmed he rarely poses for photos with people who may bump into him on the street, instead preferring a chat and a handshake. Part of McCartney’s reasoning behind the lack of photos is that his adaptation to being one of the most famous musicians in the world needs some distance between fans and his private life. McCartney also confirmed he does not do autographs either, finding the experience a “bit strange”. In an interview with Reader’s Digest, McCartney confirmed his distaste for selfies with fans.
He said: “What you’ve usually got is a ropey photo with a poor backdrop and me looking a bit miserable. Let’s chat, let’s exchange stories.” McCartney went on to explain his distaste for photos in a separate interview, where the legendary songwriter said being “recognised” was still a weird experience.
The Maybe I’m Amazed songwriter added: “Just being recognised by everyone. You don’t always need that. It’s a very difficult thing because you don’t want to be mean to them [the fans] because they genuinely like you, but you have to draw the line.
“These days, everyone has got a camera. So the first thing when I see people [fumbling for their phone], they can’t say anything, they just go ‘can we do a picture? Can we do a picture?’ and I say ‘I’m sorry, I don’t do pictures, but I’m very happy to shake your hand and we’ll have a chat’.”
A now-legendary comment from Ringo Starr had The Beatles’ member confirm he too no longer signs anything his fans send him. In a post from 2009, he said: “Serious message to everybody watching my update right now peace and love, peace and love. I want to tell you, please.
“After the 20th of October, do not send fan mail to any address that you have, nothing will be signed after the 20th of October, if that has a date on the envelope, it’s going to be tossed.
“I’m warning you with peace and love I have too much to do. So no more fan mail, thank you, thank you, and no objects to be signed, Nothing. Anyway, peace, love, peace, of love.”
