In the 2000s, James played backup percussion and guitar for some of his dad’s solo releases, like “Flaming Pie” and “Driving Rain.” He also played lead guitar for his mom on the track “The Light Comes from Within,” on the posthumously released album “Wide Prairie.”
When his mom died in 1998, James admits that his ‘perfect world’ was destroyed.
“When I was 17 I wrote my first song and then Mum was diagnosed with cancer. She died when I was 20 and that’s when I went into a very dark period,” he said. He continued, “I was studying art, photography and English at college. I had spent a lot of time at home with Mum and Dad. I got a bit of flak from the college because I wasn’t really present, but I never regretted spending that time with her.”
James found solace in drugs and alcohol, and distanced himself from the family. Adding to his struggles was his relationship his dad’s new wife, Heather Mills, whom Paul was married to from 2002 to 2008.
“My relationship with Heather was not very good. I didn’t like her. But I wouldn’t want to say anything negative about her because she’s a good mother to Beatrice and that’s the most important thing,” James said, speaking of his baby sister that Paul shares with Mills. “Beatrice is adorable. She’s great, a real joy for the whole family.”
In 2007, when his award-winning dad was hospitalized and had angioplasty surgery, James reconnected with his family. “Dad’s great now but that episode made me realize how important he is to me. He was suffering in his own way [because of his high-profile split from Mills]. He was under stress. In hindsight I wish I’d been more supportive,” James said.
In 2011, Paul married Nancy Shevell, to which James says, “Nancy’s my new mother. I feel that. Definitely. She’s very genuine.”
“I removed myself from my family for a while. Now I want to immerse myself in them,” James shared. “I love Dad so much. I’m in a happy place. I’m not high, which is a good thing. I just want to be the best person I can be.”
Slowly gaining traction as a reputable musician, James released his debut single “Available Light” (2010) and then, collaborated with his dad, who worked as co-producer, James delivered his first album, “Me” in 2013, followed by “The Blackberry Train” in 2016.
Though he lived a mostly private life, he told the BBC in 2012 that as a child, he aimed to be “better than the Beatles.”
“When I got to a certain age, I realized that I was somewhat better than other kids at school at guitar and took pride and enjoyment in that,” James said (as per the Daily Mail).
“I then dreamt of being better than The Beatles. I’m not sure if I can do that. If anything, I would love to be equal to The Beatles–but even that’s quite tough.”
He even revealed he was wanting to reanimate the Beatles with the progeny of the Fab Four, including John Lennon’s son, Sean, son of George, Dhani Harrison, and Ringo Starr’s two boys Zach and Jason Starkey.
But quickly shutting down the media explosion over a Beatles incarnation, NBC reports that James clarified that it was just a thought. “Well, looks like quite some attention being given to my BBC interview! Honestly, I was just thinking out loud about playing with Beatles family friends, nothing more. My band’s going to be on tour in the UK and US for most of this year, and the shows are going great! I’m so grateful…. Lots of love to you all…!”
Recently, James appeared with his dad and big sisters at the private viewing of the “Paul McCartney 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm” exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
The exhibition features extraordinary photographs taken by Sir Paul of The Beatles’ early days.
James, looking similar to his famous dad, was dapper in a black suit paired with a white shirt at the star-studded event.
Tossed into the spotlight where he’s vulnerable to criticism, fans shared their harsh opinions of James, who is a recovering addict.
“They look very much alike! I think this is what Paul would’ve looked like (in his heyday) if he was overweight and didn’t look after himself. His son needs to start looking after himself. It seems as though he over eats, probably an alcoholic. And doesn’t look like his hygiene is up to par.”
Many, reacted to the Daily Mail writing on Facebook that James is Handsome: “They have a different standard of what ‘handsome’ is….Yikes!” writes one user, while another said, “I don’t think I would say he was handsome got his dad’s eyes but that’s all.”
Some suggested that James aged poorly: “Sorry to say this but his son looks like his father and his father looks like his son.”
Falling into the minority of cyber citizens defending James, one follower writes, “Wow look at all the women body shaming the poor guy for his looks, if it was a woman they would be all up in arms if there was any negative comments, leave him alone ffs nothing wrong with him….probably gets more women than most men in here too lol.”
Have you heard any music released by James McCartney? Are you more likely to listen to his recordings because he is the son of a musical legend or are you the type of person who prefers independent artists?
During an Argument on the Road, My Husband Threw Me Out of the Car 30 Miles from Home
Scarlett’s weekend escape turned into a nightmare when her husband’s jealously got out of hand and she ended up stranded thirty miles from home. She had no idea that karma would provide an unexpected turn of events that would reverse the situation and give her a sense of fairness again. I’m Scarlett. Hi. I recently got back from what was meant to be a fantastic weekend getaway with my husband, Sheldon. Our marriage had lasted for a decade. I get along well with you most of the time.
But tensions do arise occasionally. Things took a bad turn this past weekend. After spending two days in a quaint little town, we were on our way back. The sun was bright and we had been to several beautiful locations. We had pleasure in boat rides, lovely parks, and cozy cafés. It seemed like the ideal diversion from our hectic life. Sheldon was content, and I was relieved to see him unwind once. Everything was great till the very last day. We went to a little eatery for lunch. Sheldon thought our waiter was a little too chatty. He was certainly pleasant enough. He began teasing the waiter about how attentive he was. I dismissed it with a laugh, but Sheldon became upset. What piqued his interest in you so much? We walked to the car and Sheldon inquired. Trying to keep the conversation light, I answered, “I think he was just doing his job.” Sheldon remained silent as we climbed into the vehicle. At first, the drive home was calm. I tried to savor the remaining moments of our journey as I gazed out the window. However, I could sense Sheldon’s resentment building up next to me. They were on the road for almost an hour when Sheldon finally spoke. He spoke in a frigid tone. “I observed your gaze on him.” With a sigh, I had a knot in my gut. “Sheldon, I wasn’t giving him any particular attention.” He tightened his hold on the steering wheel. “If I hadn’t been here, I doubt you would have refrained from flirting!” That remark hurt. I looked up at him. “You can’t really say that? I’d never be unfaithful to you! He snapped back, “Well, you sure had a funny way of showing it.” My heart was racing. “You’re acting absurdly.
He was just going about his work as a waiter. The dispute swiftly became more heated. In minutes, we went from a tight stillness to yelling. Sheldon’s words wounded more than they had before. Even though his envy was unjustified, he wouldn’t let it go.”You have no idea how it feels,” Sheldon said, raising his voice. “Observing you grin at a different man.” “This is unbelievable,” I murmured while shaking my head. Sheldon, you have my affection. You can’t trust me, why? My heart leaped as he abruptly stopped the automobile. “Leave,” he uttered with clenched teeth. Startled, I questioned, “What?” “Go outside and stroll back home!” he said again, his eyes flaming.
His serious expression conveyed that he wasn’t kidding, even though I couldn’t believe he was serious. With tears hurting my eyes, I opened the door. I slammed the door behind me and muttered, “Fine.” I watched from the side of the road as Sheldon drove off, leaving me by myself. I started to move, a mixture of anguish and rage in me. I was baffled as to how our idyllic weekend had devolved into this nightmare. I had problems with Sheldon, but nothing like this I had ever anticipated.I took to the roadside and began to stroll. The air was growing chilly as the sun descended. Not only was I cold, but I was also shocked by what had transpired. I held out my thumb in the hopes that someone would see me and offer to help. Vehicles zoomed by, their drivers giving me curious or disinterested looks. My thoughts raced, repeatedly playing out the disagreement that I had with Sheldon. He had no idea that I would ever be unfaithful to him. Although his jealousy had never been good, this instance it had taken a toll. After what seemed like an endless amount of time, a car eventually slowed down and stopped over. The man behind the wheel, a kindly-looking middle-aged man, rolled down the window. Need a lift, he enquired. With a wave of relief, I said, “Yes, please.” “Many thanks for that.” Feeling relieved to be off my feet and out of the cold, I got into the car. The chauffeur beamed at me. “My name is Tom,” he introduced himself. “Where are you going?”Home,” I answered. “This is around thirty miles away.” Tom nodded and got behind the wheel. “You know, it was a rough day?” I sighed and added, “You have no idea.” “After a heated argument, my spouse abandoned me by the side of the road.” Tom gave me a pitying glance.
“I regret learning that. Would you like to discuss it? I told Tom about the weekend, the waiter, and the out-of-control dispute as we drove. Speaking with someone and getting everything off my chest felt fantastic. Tom carefully listened, occasionally nodding. When I was done, he responded, “Sounds like your husband has some serious trust issues.” Yes, I replied. “I just don’t get why he doesn’t think I’m trustworthy.” For a while, we drove in quiet as I glanced out the window, thinking back on all that had transpired.
Sheldon was the love of my life, but his jealousy was breaking us. If he didn’t think I was trustworthy, how could we go forward? Abruptly, I noticed a recognizable vehicle off to the side of the road. A beat skipped in my heart. Behind the car, which belonged to Sheldon, were flashing police lights. “Tom, that’s my husband’s car,” I said. Could you please stop? Tom gave a nod, reduced his speed, and parked behind the squad car. Stepping out, I made my way over to Sheldon, who was chatting with a policeman. When he saw me, he appeared taken aback and slightly ashamed. “What’s happening?” I walked up and asked. The policeman turned to face me. “Ma’am, is this your husband?” Yes, I answered. “What took place?” The officer said, “He was pulled over for speeding and reckless driving.” “We may have to suspend his license and tow his car because this is his third offense.” Sheldon turned to face me, a mixture of desperation and rage. “Please, Scarlett, could you assist me?” I inhaled deeply, attempting to control my feelings. “Officer, may I take the car home?” I asked. My license is still in effect. The officer gave me a long look before nodding. “All right. We won’t need to tow it if you drive. He is still receiving a ticket, though. Taking the keys from Sheldon, I felt vindicated and empowered.
I was the one saving him now that this was his disaster. Upon taking the wheel, I couldn’t help but experience a wave of fulfillment. Sheldon sat dejectedly on the side of the road. He murmured, “Thank you,” as I turned on the ignition. I remained silent. Rather, I concentrated on the path ahead, experiencing a sense of both relief and accomplishment. Now I was in charge. Sheldon had to realize there were repercussions for what he did. I had a strange sense of finality as I drove away, leaving Sheldon to deal with the police. While it wasn’t the solution to our issues, this was a start in the right direction for me to regain my power and independence. I would be there for Sheldon as he faced his own problems, but only if he could learn to trust me. I was happy to drive home for the time being, knowing that karma had truly had the last laugh.
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