Stella McCartney Reveals Shocking Family History with Dad Paul

UPDATE: Stella McCartney has opened up about her father, Paul McCartney’s infamous 1980 marijuana bust in Japan, revealing shocking insights in her dad’s new oral history, Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run, released today. Stella recalls vividly, “Even a nine-year-old could have hidden skunk weed better than my parents.”

Stella’s comments come as Paul’s chaotic post-Beatles life is laid bare in the book, detailing his struggles to redefine himself after the iconic band’s breakup. Paul was arrested with nearly half a pound of marijuana and spent nine days in a Tokyo prison, facing the grim possibility of seven years behind bars.

In her candid reflection, Stella describes the moment when a guard opened her father’s suitcase, revealing a pillowcase full of marijuana. “I remember [the guard] opening up that suitcase,” she said, illustrating the absurdity of the situation. Paul’s carefree approach to life during this era is evident, highlighting how he and his wife, Linda, often took their children on tour, disregarding traditional concert protocols.

The book, edited by Ted Widmer, recounts how Paul and Wings would show up unannounced at colleges, seeking gigs without prior arrangements. Stella recalls, “They wanted longer, so we repeated things,” emphasizing the band’s improvisational style. Notably, their first gig in Nottingham in 1972 featured only 11 original songs spanning about 33 minutes, as Paul refrained from playing any Beatles hits.

The narrative takes a turn as it details the band’s struggles, including a failed attempt to secure a venue in Leeds due to contract demands. One of the most memorable anecdotes describes a night at a “third-rate hotel” in Hull, where Paul was asked to clean up after his dog, Lucky. This moment starkly contrasts the lavish lifestyle of his Beatle days, showcasing the rough-and-tumble reality of being in Wings.

Critically, the album RAM, released in 1971, faced harsh reviews, with critics calling it “an excursion into almost unrelieved tedium.” Paul’s resilience shines through as he reflects, “I’ve learned not to care what they say,” despite the impact of negative reviews on his psyche.

Amidst this personal turmoil, Paul faced daunting legal battles with former Beatles members, culminating in a lawsuit to dissolve their partnership. “To this day, it’s one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make,” he writes, showcasing the emotional weight of this decision.

The book also captures a pivotal moment when Paul reconciled with John Lennon in late 1971, leading to a renewed friendship. Their meeting in New York included a gift of a bootleg recording from their early days, rekindling fond memories of their musical journey.

With the release of Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run, fans can dive deeper into the complexities of Paul McCartney’s life beyond the Beatles. This captivating account serves as a powerful reminder of the chaos and creativity that defined his journey.

As more details emerge about Paul McCartney’s life and legacy, fans and followers are encouraged to share their thoughts on this compelling new book. Stay tuned for further updates and insights into the life of one of music’s most enduring figures.