So much of my life with Linda, and our family, was spent just hanging out
either at home or on holiday. The picture on this page is just a simple
holiday snap. It was just one of those shots, a photograph of me in Jamaica
relaxing in the afternoon. As a photographer, Linda had the freedom to take
great family snapshots. She had that knack: when she was taking pictures,
she managed to get us all to ignore her, totally.
She could take pictures of pretty much anything and we knew that we could
trust her. We knew she’d only take pictures of stuff that she thought was
worthy and not too private.
We were made to feel at home. I suppose we were, after all. When I first met
her, I realised that as a photographer she was very sympathetic. It’s now 10
years since she died and probably 40 years since we first met. I can still
recall our first meeting. It was at a London club, the Bag O’ Nails, when
Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames were playing one night. Across a crowded
room, as they say, our eyes met and the violins started playing – but they
were drowned out by, of all people, Georgie Fame. Another northerner.
There was an immediate attraction between us. As she was leaving – she was
with the group the Animals, whom she’d been photographing – I saw an obvious
opportunity. I said: “My name’s Paul. What’s yours?” I think she probably
recognised me.
It was so corny, but I told the kids later that, had it not been for that
moment, none of them would be here. Later that night, we went on together to
another club, the Speakeasy. It was our first date and I remember I heard
Procol Harum’s A Whiter Shade of Pale for the first time. It became our
song.
Although Linda knew lots of top musicians – she’d worked as a photographer on
the first issue of Rolling Stone – she was always very down to earth. In the
1960s we often travelled around by Tube. I took a picture of her one early
afternoon. The carriage was completely empty and she wanted to shoot
pictures of me.
She was always very beautiful. That picture of Linda on the Tube shows her
perfectly: beautiful hands, absolutely no make-up, just the structure of the
face. The argyle socks that everyone used to make fun of. She had two pairs
and used to wear a red one with a green one. She was a very natural girl,
naturally blonde. It was a very casual look. That’s how the two of us went
around in those days – down into the Tube, and I shot a couple of pictures
of her and she shot a couple of me. Soon after the Tube picture was taken I
broke up with the Beatles, which was a horrendous thing for me. Linda was
very matter of fact, very down to earth – two of the attributes I really
needed at the time. And also she was a woman. Until then I’d felt I’d been
dating girls – well, except maybe one or two. Linda was genuinely a woman.
She had a five-year-old child and I was genuinely impressed by the way she
handled herself in life. She just knew how to do it. I found that very
impressive. It’s funny, but a lot of singers and bands these days are more
down to earth than you might think. I actually went to dinner one evening
with my daughter Stella and Madonna, who showed up on her own. We offered
her a lift home and she said: “No, I want to walk home.” You think people
wouldn’t want to do that, but they do. I go shopping, I go to the cinema, I
do a lot of things like that because it’s a good balance for me between that
and the high-profile stuff.
Even at the height of the Beatles era and the screaming fans, I would still go
to gigs on the Tube. There was a ring of theatres on the outskirts of London
in places like Walthamstow and Finsbury Park and we used to play all of
them. I would just take the Tube into the suburbs and walk into the theatre.
I remember one night a group of screaming fans recognised me walking along
the street on my way to the gig. I always tried to say: “Wait, calm down.”
It was a kind of brotherly attitude, like I was their older brother. I’d
say: “Hello, girls, what do you want?” I’d just take control. They’d reply:
“We want your autograph.” I’d say: “Okay, here’s the deal. If we all walk
quietly to the theatre, we’ll chat and I’ll do them. We’ll have a great
experience, but if there’s any screaming I won’t.” I cut a deal with them
and it worked.
Linda didn’t take a lot of pictures of the Beatles, but she made the most of
the opportunity when she was in the studio, usually at Abbey Road. She was
very sensitive about not interrupting. She had this knack of not getting in
the way. She had this great style where she would sit in the corner and just
pull out her camera and take a couple of snaps and put it away. What I love
about the shot of John and me is that it shows the great working
relationship we had. It was a joy to work with John, particularly when we
were writing and organising, as we were in this picture. I can’t recall
exactly what we were doing – maybe a lyric, maybe a running order, maybe the
medley on Abbey Road. At some point we had to organise what song would go
where. I just love the joy of that picture – it’s beautifully composed.
There were also the difficulties of the period – which show up in the film
Let It Be – which I think have overshadowed the truth. It was a very heavy
period. But this picture shows it wasn’t all like that. There was some
light. And that’s how I remember our working relationship. Even though there
were some tough moments, this was a great friendship.
Faced with the pressure of being married to a Beatle, Linda often wanted to
get out of the city.
We would go on visits to places like Cliveden, where Linda photographed me
with Heather, Linda’s daughter, who became our daughter. She always called
me Dad. It is an interesting shot. I knew Cliveden from making the film
Help! – we shot a sequence where we’d used the house, pretending it was
Buckingham Palace. I’m not sure the Queen would have allowed that. I’d been
out there with the Beatles and we met Lord Astor and he was on his last
legs.
I remember him offering us all oxygen. He was saying: “Do you want a bit?” I
think we did have a quick whiff.
I knew that Cliveden would be a nice day out for Linda, Heather and me. When
we went for a drive, Linda always wanted to get lost. I had an in-built
panic about being lost. I always want to know where London is. I don’t want
to get to, say, Staines and not know my way back. We would go down to the
most obscure places, have a great time, find a little tearoom or a
riverbank. She taught me little things like that, to relax and be down to
earth. It was very valuable to me then, a great part of the healing process
after the Beatles broke up. She adored the country and loved taking
photographs there. The picture on the opening spread was taken in Scotland
on our farm, in 1982, when we were spending a lot of time there. That’s my
Scottish dressing gown – it was itchy on the skin but it’s the one I wore.
My task was to walk from one end of the fence to the other and back, which I
did until it got a bit rickety and it became a bit of a health hazard. What
I think is fabulous about this picture is that it is one of those moments in
time that someone like Cartier-Bresson specialised in. There are famous
pictures that Cartier-Bresson took that showed someone jumping over a puddle
in the road – it’s that “you’re there!” look. Then you have this lovely
figure of Stella just crouching down in the foreground. And then you’ve got
the dog perfectly pointing, a little labrador called Poppy, and then you’ve
got me balancing. It’s quite amazing.
Linda was a very natural woman. She loved the fresh air and the freedom and
the privacy of the countryside. During the break-up of the Beatles we spent
quite a long time in Scotland – three to four months. Normally it
would just be a two-week holiday. We loved it up there. It was the end of
nowhere.
Our farm is in Campbeltown and I still go there with the family. The men in
the picture were known by Linda and me as the Old Biddies. They were
retired. They used to hang out in their macs and their Andy Capp caps and
sit around and have a chat. Later I think someone put a bench there for
them. We used to always see them when we went into town to get some
groceries. She’d take snaps and there are quite a lot of photographs that
are now quite historical. In 30 years, places change. We’ve got pictures of
babies, bonny wee bairns who are now great, grown-up farmers.
And the Campbeltown museum has some of Linda’s pictures for that very reason –
they’ve become historical. I love the raincoats. Those old guys are all just
country types, retired with their sticks. There is some great atmosphere in
that photograph. Linda was very fond of the Old Biddies.
One great thing about Linda was that she was able to mix with anyone. Her
father was a well-known lawyer. He had been to Harvard and had a very
successful practice and lived in an apartment in Park Avenue, a very posh
address, with a stunning art collection. She could live in that world, she
was very at ease there. But also she could communicate very easily with
people on the street. She had a very easy manner. In the 1960s and 70s the
press over here didn’t get it – simply because she’d become my girlfriend
and then my wife.
She didn’t go on TV and say “This is who I am – hello” and try to ingratiate
herself. We didn’t need to do that – it was our life, not theirs. We were
too busy living it. When anybody came to the house and met her, they thought
she was fantastic. She was just a great person to hang out with: very funny,
very smart and very talented. She could just as easily talk to a local
postman as a New York art dealer.
It takes time for people to get to know you, especially if you don’t work at
it – and she didn’t work at it. Time is the essential factor. People would
come round to dinner with us, people like Twiggy and Joanna Lumley. Linda
would occasionally do interviews and people would gradually get to know her.
The word just got out that she was just a really cool lady. People would say
about her: “She’s nothing like the image.” Her priorities were private
rather than public, and that’s why it took a bit of time.
For me, probably the saddest and most haunting photograph in this collection
is the self-portrait she took in 1997, not long before she died in 1998, in
Francis Bacon’s studio in South Kensington. Linda was a great art lover. She
had studied art at college in Arizona and her father had a phenomenal
collection. So she’d grown up with great art. She admired Francis Bacon
greatly and had an opportunity through a friend to photograph his studio
after he died. We knew the people who looked after his studio. It was going
– the entire contents – to Dublin. She went along and took some pictures.
This one is a classic. With the cracked mirror it’s particularly eerie. It
is a very strange but powerful picture. I’m not sure, but that looks like
somebody’s death mask on the right of the picture.
At the time, she knew she was ill, but she’d had chemo and her hair was
growing back. I thought at the time it was a very chic look. She didn’t know
she was dying. I’m not actually sure she ever knew she was dying. You have a
decision to make as a family as to whether you tell someone and the doctors
leave it to you, the immediate family.
I talked it over with the doctor and he said: “I don’t think she would want to
know. She is such a strong, forward-thinking lady and such a positive girl
that I don’t think it would do any good.” She was fighting right up to the
end.
Even on the day before she died, she was out on horseback. She loved riding so
much. Sometimes she’d get up on her a horse and I’d say: “You don’t want to
get down, do you?” She preferred it up there than on the ground.
An exhibition of Linda McCartney’s photographs will open at the James Hyman
Gallery, 5 Savile Row, London W1, on April 25. The show is the result of a
three-year collaboration between Sir Paul, Mary McCartney and James Hyman.
Limited-edition platinum prints are available from the gallery. Visit www.jameshymangallery.com
It rests its head on your shoulders and whispers in your ear
Linda Mc Cartney seemed to hide her background. She always appeared to emulate the annoying habits of the so called american aristocracy with the shabby clothes etc. By denying her background {as did Paul McCartney ] they sound hollow and fake.
ellrn, boston , usa
Linda was and always will be my hero. I love her. She was amazing, and she made Paul so happy. I only wish I could have met her before she died. I'm glad to hear that us fans are not the only ones who still think about her.
Rachel, Denver, USA
There's not much to add to what has already been said. I do find it terribly sad that Paul lost his mother and wife to breast cancer. How tragic can that be. i loved hearing Paul refer to Linda as his girlfriend, yeah she's my girlfriend. It has such an enduring charm and love for her.
Judy Eisenhour, Sycamore, United States
Pam of LA, I totally agree. I was a 'Paul girl' and I could never understand why he chose Linda over, say, the more glamorous and poised Jane Asher. But I think Jane was comfortable in the public eye and Linda wasn't. It was a simple as that.
It took me a while to 'get' Linda but as the years went by I realised theirs really was a marriage made in heaven and their beautiful, grounded kids are living proof. Macca, you're a legend. You can never replace your Linda, but you can do a lot better than Harridan Heather.
Susannah, Sydney, Australia
I am glad to see Paul seemingly at peace bruised maybe but at peace. I am just a fan and have been for years. But they seemed so at peace with one another. It seem they were kindred apirits and that's a great thing. Paul you will see Linda again the photos are beautilful something ypu and your children /family will treasure as a little piece of her. Blessing.
Vivian, Chicago, IL
Sometimes we don't miss the water until the wells runs dry. Paul learned a valuable and expensive lesson: take your time with someone new before rushing to the altar...especially if you have wealth, status and celebrity. Paul is fortunate to have had the experience of true love with Linda.
Marion, California City, USA
The greatest love story of the 20th Century. What a wonderful tribute to the woman he will love to the end of time.
susan, CHESHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM
One thing about Linda is she kind, through and through. We call her to this day, "The Animals' Angel" because she didnt only not care how much status or money or fame a person had or didn't have, she didn't even care what species an individual was. She got along wth all everyone and she was kind to everyone, man and beast. She started the very first vegetaran frozen food line in the UK and I remember we were so envous of it in the US back then (before every supermarket stocked veggieburgers and faux chicken and SILK, etc.) that she would ship us a crate of frozen Shepherd's pie with soy "minced meat" in it and "bangers and mash" with veggie sausages. She never said "no" when we asked her to help with a campaign against animal tests or fur. Paul guards her spirit and memory and we miss her, too. I
Ingrid Newkirk, PETA, Norfolk, VA, USA
Sometimes life is unfair. Paul is right to cherish the good and simple memories in his life and those of his first wife Linda.
All of us get caught up in the destruction of living in this wide wide world. I bought Mary had a little lamb it was a simple song that stayed with me forever also the words from another song which are like poetry:-
Who knows how much I love you?
You know I love you still.
Will I wait a lonely lifetime? If you ask me to, I will
I love you forever and forever, I love you with all my heart, I love you whenever we're together and I love you when we're apart. So if at last I find you your song will fill the air,
?
Make it easy to be near you,
for the things you do endear me to you
Oh you know I will.
If you can fill in the missing lyrics for me please do so.
Did Paul write this before or after meeting Linda?
Anyway it's beautiful.
Linda appreciated the beautiful things in her life and she captured them with her pictures which will last forever.
Lorraine Tracey, Kilmacolm, Inverclyde
I loved this essay. I have loved Linda since 1973, when I was 12. Paul says it took along time for people to know Linda because she didn't make being known a priority. The truth is, many of us "got" Linda years ago. We could feel her energy. As a young gay man growing up in a hostile environment, Linda, with her courage, gutsiness, grace and kindness, has always been an inspiration to me. She taught me that you can live your life and be true to yourself no matter what anybody else thinks about you. Now that I am in my mid forties and a parent myself, I'm even more amazed by what she accomplished. Just think about it, how many people you know would have the courage to raise 4 children while learning to sing and play a musical instrument before millions of people? It's mind blowing. I could keep writing for hours about what Linda has meant to me, but I'll just say I still think about her almost everyday--and she continues to give me the courage to be myself.
Robert Goodman, Los Angeles,
This was a beautiful essay and touched my heart. I feel that not only was Paul blessed to have Linda, but Linda was blessed to have a husband who appreciated her so much. To comment on her lovely hands and the structure of her face is a very senstive and artistic observation. I enjoyed how he described her many admirable characteristics. What a glorious tribute. She had a full life. I think they were both so fortunate to have found each other and valued one another as they did. It's a tragedy she had to pass. My heart aches for his loss.
Ester Jowett, Cambridge, Ohio, USA
The preception I have of Linda is a woman that knew who she was and was comfortable being herself. She seemed like a very lovely woman, very natural. I also admire her as a mother and she is one of the people I will look to when I become a mother.
Paul, you had yourself quite a woman and I hope that my marriage will compare to the one you had with Linda. I know that it wasn't all great, that you had to work hard at it, but in the end, what memories you must have.
Linda's passing happened when I was 14 years old. I had just started to love the Beatles and I didn't know much about her. But when I did read a little more about her, her passing saddened me. But the ideas and legacy she left behind has touch more people that she probably ever dreamed.
Mery, Tulsa, OK
PAUL AND LINDA FOREVER! What a beautiful tribute, PAUL! Today I love you more than yesterday! SHE was a great, beautiful, charming woman. She was (is) a reference to all of us! I never met both of you. I saw you on stage in Rio de Janeiro (1990). But I always felt close to you. I pray every night for her. As if she had been a good friend. I got moved with this tribute! Paul, you touched my heart deeply!!!!!
Teresa, BrasÃlia , BRAZIL
The McCartney LP is still one of my favourite albums and I wish
Maybe I'm Amazed would get a few more airings as it was obviously a love song to Linda; can you imagine having that sung to you? all the tracks are fantastic and a tribute to them both.
Treasured memories indeed and a privilege for me to have lived through that era when we could live simply. I too saw Georgie Flame one Friday night on Ready Steady Go! At the end of the night he just walked out and jumped on a bus!
Claire Elizabeth, London, uk
Heather Mills could have learned a lot from Linda McCartney.
I believe Sir Paul and LInda had a wonderful loving, nurturing relationship. This is a beautiful tribute to the woman she was.
Personally, I'm fed up with Heather Mills's legal antics against Paul. She is very much a self-serving person, despite having a young daughter with Paul.
Carol Harrison, Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada
Paul, when you lost Linda I cried and cried. Even though we never personally met, I thought of her as a friend because we shared so many of the same ideals. I remember being in the 4th row at one of your Giants stadium concerts and Linda looked right at me and waved. I thought "what a lovely person", and somehow always felt close to her.
Cherish the many beautiful memories that you have of this beautiful soul. My thoughts are always with you.
Joan Starkman, LI, NY USA
I was absolutely amazed when Heather Mills told ABC's Barbara Walters, that she wished Paul wasn't so famous. Excuse me?? Was she that naive or simply hated the attention the public gave him? She certainly changed her tune after their divorce, wanting to live the way of life she was used to while married. I think the only money Ms. Mills should get is to raise their daughter Beatrice and not a penny more!
Carol Harrison, Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada
even though I never knew Linda personally, to me she was an
inspiration, a true lady full of kindness, compassion and grace- I miss her. Hers to you the Lovely Lady Linda - the world was
a much better place when you were here.
love to Paul and family
Patti, cleveland, ohio
What broke up the Beatles was the total volumn of creative output. John, Paul and George were writing so many truly great songs there wasn't time to flesh them all out in the studio to say nothing of finding vinyl space for them. The band simply wasn't big enough for it's members. Their creativity had outgrown the band. I am not sure the band realized this truth. It is clear the public never did. Many still don't.
After the maelstrom of Beatlemania, the space the women brought the members must have restored some sanity and saved their lives.
Tom, St Louis, Missouri
Thank you for this very sweet and touching portrait of a most incredible woman! The Lovely Linda, indeed!
Dave Trouba, Stockholm, Sweden
The Linda McCartney legacy lives on w/ such "head of the class" rememberances. What an oustanding partnership/marriage and truly worthy of the titles Sir Paul and Lady Linda.
Lovely to read!
jamie, Chicago, USA
Paul,
The remarkable nature of Linda's work is a tremendous vitality that extends itself outwards from each image, to draw us in.
Such great innate method. Her unique sense of awareness & talent, creates this energy present in every image.
"Her priorities were private rather than public, and that’s why it took a bit of time."
A vital observation, not just because it was in her nature to wisely take her time in getting to know others..
This is as well, a basic truth about what it takes to acquire genuine & meaningful bonds with others, which is so needed right now.
Firstly there is risk, then, taking the time, to learn about others & our world with genuine care, responsibility & respect.
Reflection & sensitivity.
Life has gotten much to fast paced & we all suffer for it.
We all need to slow down, process, learn & exchange again & more.
Both of you are testaments to all that is born out of observation, care, creativity, love, evolution & consistency.
All seen, in her eyes.
Amy M Denes, Chicago, Illinois
i still have my copy of Linda's Pictures, that i bought in the late 70s. she was in a lot of ways one very talented person.
tom, Las Vegas, USA / Nevada
Thank you Sir for the wonderful essay. It's an inspiration to see true love and a true marriage. I can't think of too many other examples throughout history, true love is rare.
What would the world be without Sir Paul and what would the world be without a strong beautiful woman by his side?
Cheers
James, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Wonderful insight to a wonderful marriage .. Sad to realize that 10 years have passed by so quickly... Soul mates till the end... Have been a huge fan from the early days and have realized what an amazing woman Linda was.. taken much to soon... but will live on in our hearts and memories... thanks for the insight....
Deborah Lang , Brampton , Canada
Ah Paul, you so miss Linda. Your heart never left her.
Grief does crazy things to all of us.
rich or poor, people have love. Some love is fleeting, some is deep and fullfilling.
Paul had/has that deep and fullfilling love.
Waves crash over all our lives, but in the end, if we are strong, we stand up in the surf and walk to the shore.
Peace always.
Thomas Jefferson, Monecello, Virginia
Paul and Linda were a beautiful couple and what a wonderful love story they shared. I'm so sorry that her life and their life together was cut short. My regards to Paul and his family as they grieve again their loss. I am in the middle of a fundraising campaign for the American Cancer Society. I wonder if there is anyone who would like to make a donation in memory of Linda McCartney or a loved one lost to cancer? It is a wonderful way to honor a loved one who has passed on. Go to www.suffolkrockinrelay.org. Click on Team Listings, click on Magnolia UMC, click on Tracie Neild. You can make a donation and you can can make a donation to have a candle (luminaria) lit. Thank you and God bless you
Tracie Neild, Suffolk, VA/USA
Thank you kindly for sharing Paul. This was an incredibly refreshing contrast to so much tabloid news.
Rob Goszkowski, Washington, DC, USA
Thank You, Sir Paul for sharing with us the beautiful life and memories of your life with Linda and family. I can understand your need for privacy and how Linda always made everything Special for you in all she did. Her greatest tribute I think is the wonderful children you have and how grounded they all are. The Best to all of you. You will always have a place in my heart.
Diane, Delafield, USA
Thank you Paul for your beautiful tribute to the lovely Linda. Your marriage was truly a class act--Linda's incredible spirit lives on in you, your children, and your grandchildren.
Luckily I am going to be visiting London when Linda's photo exhibit opens and I can't wait to see it!
Doreen, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
I had the great honor of living in the U.K. from 1993 to 2004 and meeting all the everyday people who lived in your kingdom
I remember seeing a photo of Paul and Linda sitting at their kitchen table looking out into the garden at their home. This was just before they started up their organic range of food. Paul tells us that was the place where they decided to become vegetarians. A lamb had come up to their window and was looking at them, with its peaceful eyes, which where very curious as to see what John and Linda where doing.
John and Linda looked up from their table, looked at their lamb looking at them. They then looked down at the food on their plates and realized that they where eating another lamb. They put down their silverware, and vowed to never eat another lamb again. That is when their idea was born to start selling organic food in the hopes that their decision will help the rest of the world's decision to give up eating meat.
Colleen Walsh, Hickory Creek Texas
Colleen Walsh, Hickory Creek, Texas, U.S.A
Paul, to be with your soulmate for best part of 30 years was wonderful. To lose Linda must have been so hard, but its great to read such a personal tribute about her , and to learn a little more about her too. Thanks for the memories and the photographs. I still have the two cherished albums that you made after your split with the Beatles...Macartney and Ram, and the photographic contribution made by Linda on the album sleeves of you and the kids are wonderful. I#m not the crazy teenager from liverpool that I was, I'm now a grandmother and my love for you is much quieter in my heart these days! I wish you and yours hapiness in the future, and thanks for sharing your memories of Linda with us.
Catherine, Liverpool,, England
I know Paul has been missing Linda these 10 years and will go on missing her till they meet again. You were both meant to be together through The Beatles' brake up. She taught you how to slow down and enjoy life in its natural settings. Paul,my heart cries for you.
Love Always,
Carol
Carol, Long Island, NY/ USA
Paul, 30 years of life and love with your Linda. This is the first time since you lost her that I have heard you talk about her in such depth. Such a moving article and wonderful pictures...wonderful memories. I know life moves on, but thanks for sharing these memories with us, the generation who grew up with you and Linda. I have the cherished albums that you made after your split with the Beatles, Macartney and Ram. The photos that Linda contributed to the album sleeves were great, of you and of the kids when they were so young. Then of course came Wings and much more. I have all of your albums to date. I'm no longer a screaming teenager in liverpool, I'm now a proud grandmother, and my love for you and your music holds a quieter place in my heart these days, but whenever I hear you singing your incredible songs I'm proud of you, that you survived and have gone on giving us all so much. Don't ever stop talking about Linda Ok? we all want to hear.
Catherine, Liverpool,, England
Loved their whole hippy attitude and values. Loved their beautiful harmonies particularly on Ram. For the joy into the mystery of music making Paul we all thank you. Delbert , glasgow
delbert, glasgow, scotland
Wonderful love story! I am from the Beatle era and I have suffered the same loss I admire your love and commintment so rare today when love seems to be quite fragile, almost out of style . Please keep creating those beautiful love songs for us to enjoy .God Bless You!
Carmen
Carmen, Wilmington, DE
Paul, you write such wonderful songs, but I don't think I have ever read more beautiful words from you than this article. A heartfelt reflection of a wonderful life with a wonderful lady. Although we never met, I miss Linda too. Love and Peace forever.
Greg Armstrong, Melbourne , Australia
I confess to never really having much of knowledge of, or interest in, the history and personal relationship dynamics between Paul and Linda and, to be honest, I don't think it was ever any of our business anyway. But what he has chosen to share about their life together, in this story as well as in interviews that I have seen since her death, speaks volumes about the Love, admiration and respect that they had for one another.
We should all be so lucky.
Linda McCartney- rest in peace.
Gary, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Not speaks more eloquently to his marriage with Linda than the chaos that followed her death. It is very sad that Heather Mills now represents his loss of himself after Linda died, his erratic loss of himself. This article tells me he is OK now. Good.
Tallulah, Hove, UK
Thank you, Paul, so very much for this glimpse into your life with your beloved Linda. I had been in the US two years at the age of 20, having moved to Seattle from Brighton, when you and the other Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. Everybody at work had a hoot, teasing me and making fun of my compatriots' hair styles and apparel, etc. That didn't last long! They all became true fans in no time. I didn't realize that Linda had received so much bad press - shame on them. When she passed away, I felt deeply stricken for you. Somehow, I had always understood that you cherished her, and had relied on her steadfastness. We all wished she could have stayed by your side for many, many more years. Thank you, again, Paul for this trip back to the time you were together.
ashlea, Idaho , US
Nobody did more for animal rights and vegetarianism than the compassionate Linda McCartney. I admired her as a person, a great wife, mother and photographer. Her CD "Wide Prairie" is actaully rather good with ample help from Paul. The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde was a great friend of Linda's.
Brien Comerford, Glenview, United States
I miss Linda and I feel for Paul. He had a great relationship, friendship, partnership and marriage with Linda for nearly 30 years. That's hard for anyone who loses a loved one and then jumps into another relationship with someone half his age. While Heather may have seemed responsible and tried to help Paul get over the grieving of Linda's loss, I think sometimes she did it the wrong way. I have heard that she did not want Paul to talk about Linda at all - to almost forget her existence. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.
Paul needs to be very cautious who he chooses again. There are many women out there (well-known, rich etc) that are chomping at the bit to be his mate. Be careful.
Diane Carroll, Flushing, USA/New York
I loved the insight.
Did anyone catch this one.
Paul writes sentences like he's writing lyrics.
All his sentences are short.
I've always been a fan.
His songs are classic.
What an amazing talent.
Seriously.
Evan Calford, Los Angeles, California
It's a rare privilege to read something like this and for Paul to grant this personal insight into his life.
I doubt there is anyone in the world who has brought more simple joy and pleasure into this world during the past 4 decades than Sir Paul - up to, and including Ecce Cor Meum.
Paul - for those of us who have felt deeply for what you have gone through these past years - thank you. Thank you for your gift of music, and for sharing your memories from this happiest period of your life. It is not "The End Of The End".
Gary E, Lebanon, NH
I met Linda, Paul and Mary coming out of the opening of her 'Sixties' exhibition at the RPS in Bath many years ago. I remember that I sought to shake the hand of Linda who had made for the car with Mary as Paul was attending to a small group who had gathered. I was well-pleased to meet the woman who had taken on the meat-industry single-handed and won with her 'Linda McCartney' food line and said so. She was well-pleased to hear this and said something like 'It was tough but worth it'. At that moment, Paul caught sight of our talking and came over, kind of protectively to check out what was going on. He could see Linda was happy and then offered ME a handshake! It doesn't come cooler than this. Later I found out that the three of them were on the way to Brixton to finish up the first 'Fireman' album with producer Youth, who I later met and who talked of Linda in impressive terms.
Great article, Mr Mac. Float on, float on...
Michael K, Belfast, UK
L.I.L.Y. Dear Paul, you and your Lovely Linda with flowers in her hair. This article shows the love the two of you shared.
Love you always.
Linda, Louisville, CO
Thank you, Paul, for this window into your life with Linda and into your heart. I was never sure about Linda as you indicated she didn't show us who she really was. But when I saw a photo (I think taken by Mary) of her before she died surrounded by her English sheepdogs, I knew she was a woman I would love, too.
Please take your time before getting deeply involved again. I lost my husband 5 years ago to cancer (he was only 55) and have yet to go on a date. (Not that that should be your goal!) But it takes time to come to terms with the loss of a special love and learning to be happy alone is a valuable asset.
I wish you joy as you have brought so much to my life,
Rebecca xx
Rebecca, Portland, OR
I was lucky enough to meet Linda and Paul one night and she was a warm, charming and genuinely funny human being, thoughtful, compassionate and great company. She was only ever good for Paul, as Yoko was for John despite the press and public coolness toward both ladies. All you need is love.
Ralph Brown, Brighton,
I had the opportunity to meet Linda at Carnegie Hall in 1997. I will never forget her kindness and personal warmth. Paul was very fortunate to have so many wonderful years with this extraordinary woman. His recent struggles illustrate how difficult it is to find a true gem such as Linda....
Andrea C; Woodstock, USA
Andrea Coyle, Woodstock, CT/USA
Linda was so natural, she seemed such a beautiful human being inside and out. She loved Paul, and had no other agenda. She was very supportive of Paul, and balanced all of her roles in life so wonderfully. I was so sad when I heard that she died, sad for the world's loss of her, but mostly sad for Paul because they were so well matched and shared such a beautiful life. They always seemed so happy.
Janice, Pine Brook, , NJ USA
Linda.... the only one Lady McCartney!!! I miss Linda!
Manux, rome, italy
Isn't nice to have such wonderful memories of the one you love and be able to share....thankfully, there is so much in pictures and video footage for this family to help remember Linda as a woman, wife and lover, and MOM.....I am so happy for Paul to be able to move on, and feel the freedom to share this story with us....
Jayne Blow, Daytona Beach, FL USA
Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I always admired Linda, her photography, and the McCartney's way of life in the country. Of course much of what I thought I presumed and never really knew, so it is especially appreciated to now know she (and Paul) were indeed as real and down to earth as I had hoped they would be.
Laura, Winter Haven, FL/USA
Lovely Linda.
Charlie, Ocean Pines, md
This is such a generous article, the way Paul has shared his memories with the readers of the Times. I am very touched by his memories of her, the times they lived through (which brought tears to my eyes... ah freedom!) and her stamina throughout her cancer treatment... Amazing story.
Thanks again Paul.
Elan Durham, Santa Monica, CA/US
linda had real style
david c, purbeck,
What a great article. Thank you for making it available in full on the Net to all Paul and Linda's fans around the world who are unable to get their own copy of the magazine.
I was fortunate enough to meet Linda briefly and she was absolutely lovely... charming and funny. Can't believe it's 10 years since she passed.
Thanks again.
Colin Barratt, Washington, England
As a Beatles fan, I don't think I ever took much interest in Linda -she was just the wife of one of my favourite musicians, and it's fair to say I tolerated her presence rather than treasured it. But when I learned of her death, I remember feeling a level of genuine sadness that I've never felt for any other mourned public figure, Beatle or otherwise. For reasons that I've never fully understood, Linda's death felt like a personal loss. This leads me to suspect she was rather special.
David Bowker, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Paul.You were very blessed to have been married to Linda(and have such lovely,talented children.)How I wish you would have let them guide you more when you were so vulnerable after her death.(But then you wouldn't have had sweet,little Bea would you?)All the best to my favourite Beatle(who enhanced my first years in London in the Swinging Sixties.)
H D, WsM, UK
Great article! Interesting insight into the lives of Sir Paul and Lady Linda!
Best of luck to you always Sir Paul!
RIP Linda!
Kristen, Beloit, Wisconsin/US
Nice story.
John G, San Angelo, Texas USA
I still have in my computer desk drawer a copy of the newspaper announcement of her death. Ten years ago. What a tragedy for such a wonderful woman, mother, wife and friend. Thank you Paul for giving us some more insight on your wonderful Linda.
Blessings to you.
Janice, Woodinville,WA, USA
God bless you mate, you were my hero as a young man. Now that I am older I know that you were realy just an ordinary guy .
I hope all goes well for you and yours.
Tom, Huddersfield, UK
I'm 42 years old and have a been a fan since I was 6, listening to Beatles records that were my sisters. I wish I could travel to London and see the pictures. Paul puts so much meaning behind them. I hope it is a great success.
JENNY LOVELAND, Strongsville, Ohio
It's a shame that one of the reasons Linda got so much bad press is because Paul, perhaps mimicking John and Yoko, forced this very private woman onstage, where she was out of her element.
Pam, Los Angeles, USA