I am alive and well and unconcerned about the rumors of my death. But if I were dead, I would be the last to know.
Paul MccartneyRead
If You can play Your stuff in a pub, then You´re a good band.
Interpretation
Being able to perform in a casual setting like a pub is a true test of a band's skill and appeal.
Paul McCartney suggests that if a band can successfully entertain an audience in a relaxed environment such as a pub, it indicates their musical talent and ability to connect with listeners. This highlights the importance of genuine performance and the ability to engage with everyday people in informal settings, rather than just seeking fame in large venues.
In practice
While discussing local bands at a music festival.
I am alive and well and unconcerned about the rumors of my death. But if I were dead, I would be the last to know.
There’s nothing as glamorous to me as a record store.
We were a savage little lot, Liverpool kids, not pacifist or vegetarian or anything. But I feel I've gone beyond that, and that it was immature to be so prejudiced and believe in all the stereotypes.
I don't work at being ordinary.
It (LSD) opened my eyes. We only use one-tenth of our brain. Just think of what we could accomplish if we could only tap that hidden part! It would mean a whole new world if the politicians would take LSD. There wouldn't be any more war or poverty or famine.
There was one moment where they were riding their little ponies in Scotland, and Stella said to me: 'Dad! You're Paul McCartney, aren't you?' 'Yes darling, but I'm Daddy really'.
Let's face it. Rock and Roll is bigger than all of us
There are people these days who can do things on the guitar which are beyond my reach. There's one guy who plays with Queen who can do things I would dream of doing. I sincerely mean that.
Orchestras are like people. They're the sonic embodiment of their community.
Ninety-eight percent of the singing I did was private singing - it was in the shower, at the dishwasher, driving my car, singing with the radio, whatever. I can't do any of that now. I wish I could. I don't miss performing, particularly, but I miss singing.
My greatest teacher was not a vocal coach, not the work of other singers, but the way Tommy Dorsey breathed and phrased on the trombone.
You'd be surprised. Drummers ape each other. The way every rock n' roll record sounds like something else but not all together. Everything other drummers play, if you're playing drums, they all hear.
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