Paul McCartney - brilliant 15-min interview (1982)

Fans of the Beatles and Paul McCartney can be forever grateful the greatest musical talent of the 20th century remained open to interviews and candid in his responses, barely a year after John Lennon's devastating assassination. McCartney seen here in his late 30's remains stoic, answering difficult questions, including his own drug bust in Japan, and as always Paul the epitome of cool.

[Rick-Jangle]

In 1982 I was 13 years old and becoming obsessed with The Beatles. Paul was almost 40 during this interview and I hung on every word he said! Fast forward to 2023 and I’ve just secured my ticket to see him play in Melbourne on October 21 this year. Paul is now 81 and I am 54. Where have the years gone! “Maybe I’m amazed”.

[fionanicolson]

Paul is exceptional in so many aspects. An amazing man❤❤

[Fritha]

Interviewer: "How long would you like to keep on doing this?"
Paul: "This? Ugh...forever."
Well, I think he really meant it!

[jeffmarc]

How straight forward and honest. While living on Long Island, a friend of mine in eastern Long Island (NY) met him in a restaurant. he said he was very very approachable and very very nice! As he was walking out of the restaurant, Paul came up to him and said, "(his name – recalled what did you wind up having? ", "How was it? ". Amazingly down to earth not full of himself in anyway. This was about 15 years ago.

[skygazer]

McCartney has handled fame and success throughout his life without any major hiccups, always remaining grounded. I do believe being a real family man helped keep him sane through the years and of course with the love and support of Linda McCartney

[ArchieFatcackie]

The biggest and most successful pop star that ever lived and such a humble, grounded, down to earth guy.

[fdllicks]

Speaking as a bassist, he is and will be a legend and hero, forever.

[ygr]

I'm both elated and saddened by this interview. Paul McCartney comes across as an authentic, original, gifted artist and person. He has given us so much over the years, to be happy about. Every interview I've seen over the years gives off the same impression. I feel so lucky to have lived during this era, and been to so many of his concerts.
And I'm saddened because there are so few like him in this world.
Sure there are other accomplished artists that are also nice people.
But all the best things in this universe sure came together in this one, didn't it.
Thank you, Paul McCartney, for all you have done for us. I hope to live long enough to see you perform one of them future ballads, as a 98 year old.

[thesilvershining]

God, this was a great interview. He’s always been a charmer but you can really see his emotional pain in some parts. He’s a fascinating human with genius talent (and many of the eccentricities that come with genius) but he’s still pretty damn grounded for being such a legend.

[ceediddy]

He shows us that talent and genius does not have to be accompanied with depression, drug addiction, or any of the destructive behaviors that are too common among the gifted few.

[vdkylo]

I love Paul McCartney with my whole heart. What a beautiful and complex man. All you need is love. <3

[LoganMathews-zj]

Paul may very well be writing songs when he's 98.. What a treasure. So glad hes still making music!.

[Cherishthemoment]

The Beatles did something that affected everyone of us. A time, a place, a feeling.

[ingermallia-elromantico]

What a beautiful, honest human being Paul was then, and still is. Love you Paul, and thank you for the music xx

[pkgannon]

I love this man. Without him my life would probably be very different.

[onyourmarkphoto]

Fabulous interview. Great honesty by Paul.

[chilitoday]

You don’t see this kind of natural self assuredness from a guy who has been to the top. He was well brought up.

[doncourtreporter]

I saw The Beatles in Atlanta as a boy and saw Wings in DC as a young man. Now I'm old and they are unrivaled and unmatched still today.

[jimmcguy]

I saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan in 1964 at age 5. I cannot really separate John and Paul in my mind. Two greatest song writers of all time. I rank them as equal.

[joerichardwad]

So impressed with Bryant Gumbel in this interview. Makes a big difference when the interviewer is well-versed on their guest.