our-time Juno Award winner TOBi brings soulful flair and self-assured affirmations on his latest single, “He’s So Good,” produced by acclaimed Canadian producer Classified, released via ADA. Stream “He’s So Good” HERE.
“He’s So Good” is an expression of confidence and positive affirmation. Driven by the smooth, live-style drums courtesy of Classified, TOBi locks into a clean, laid-back groove, blending funky basslines, warm keys, and rich horns. The result is a bold, soul-infused track with a timeless, vintage feel.
Speaking on the release, TOBi shares “My mission with this song was to create something I could say to myself in the morning before facing the day. I think positive affirmations are an underrated way to boost our morale. Plus, Classified is such a legend in Canadian hip-hop — collaborating with him means a lot for the culture.”
The single is part of TOBi’s upcoming project ELEMENTS VOL. 2, set to release on July 9, 2025.
TOBi is a Nigerian-born, Brampton-raised rapper and singer whose genre-blending sound fuses hip hop, R&B, neo-soul, and Afrobeats. His music is deeply introspective, exploring themes of identity, vulnerability, and the immigrant experience. TOBi’s artistry has garnered critical acclaim, with Complex Magazine naming him a “top artist to watch,” and features in Billboard, Rolling Stone, i-D, COLORS, and PAPER.
His discography includes the debut album STILL (2019), which delves into post-traumatic growth and self-reflection; ELEMENTS Vol. 1 (2020), a genre-defying project that won the 2021 JUNO Award for Rap Recording of the Year and was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize; and PANIC (2023), which earned him two 2024 JUNO Awards for Rap Album/EP of the Year and Rap Single of the Year for “Someone I Knew.”
TOBi’s work resonates with audiences seeking authenticity and emotional depth, solidifying his place as a transformative voice in contemporary music.
Prime Video announced the launch date, trailer, and key art for Simple Plan: The Kids In The Crowd, an inmate documentary capturing the remarkable 25-year journey of Canadian punk rock fan favorites, Simple Plan. The documentary launches July 8 on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
“We’re thrilled to share this first look at our documentary. The film captures our journey, struggles, and most memorable moments together. Creating it has been deeply meaningful, and sharing our story is the perfect way to celebrate our 25th anniversary,” said the band. “The Kids in the Crowd is about dreaming big and perseverance. It’s a story of friendship, brotherhood, and music’s transformative power. Our hope is that it encourages people to believe in themselves and inspires a new generation of kids to find their passion, follow their hearts, and maybe even start a band in their own garage or basement…just like we did!” As a companion to the documentary, available now, Amazon Music is offering fans an exclusive early demo version of ‘I’m Just A Kid’, from the album, ‘No Pads, No Helmets… Just Balls’.
The soundtrack full will launch with the documentary on July 8. The band is currently on their “Bigger Than You Think!” Headline Tour across North America.
Simple Plan: The Kids In The Crowd offers an unprecedented look into the band’s journey from basement shows in Montreal to global stardom. The documentary chronicles the creation of hits like “Welcome to My Life,” “I’d Do Anything,” and “Perfect,” and examines the band’s continued impact as one of the most successful punk rock bands still selling out shows worldwide. Fans will experience never-before-seen archival footage, along with new interviews with band members and celebrated icons of the punk rock community, including Mark Hoppus (Blink-182), Avril Lavigne, Dexter Holland and Noodles (The Offspring), and Fat Mike (NOFX).
The documentary is produced by Sphere Media with executive producers Bruno Dubé, Renaud Chassé, and Marie-Hélène Tremblay, and producer Samuel Sauvageau. Didier Charrette directs.
For more than two decades, SIMPLE PLAN has been one of the most culturally and commercially successful bands in rock. Their mul-platinum 2002 debut album, No Pads, No Helmets… Just Balls bore the smash singles “I’d Do Anything,” “I’m Just A Kid,” “Addicted” and “Perfect,” while subsequent hits “Welcome To My Life,” “Summer Paradise,” “Untitled (How Could This Happen To Me?),” “Shut Up!” and “What’s New Scooby-Doo?” have cemented their legacy as pop-punk legends. In all, the Montreal formed quartet has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, captivated the main stages of the Vans Warped Tour and When We Were Young, performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics and with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, sold out shows around the world and raised more than $3 million through the Simple Plan Foundation. Their videos have garnered more than a billion YouTube views, while their inescapable social media presence driven another billion views on the viral #ImJustAKid Challenge alongside videos from NSYNC, Ed Sheeran, Will Smith, and Venus and Serena Williams.
The trailblazing folk-punk band Violent Femmes have announced that they are bringing their genre-defying sound back to the stage with a highly anticipated North American Fall Tour.
Known for their stripped-down acoustics, gritty lyricism, and unforgettable anthems like “Gone Daddy Gone,” “Add It Up,” and “Blister in the Sun,” which was recently featured with classical instrumentation in the trailer for the hit Netflix show “Four Seasons,” the Femmes continue to resonate with generations of audiences through their raw and unfiltered stage performances.
The Fall Tour will kick off on October 3 in Wilmington, DE at the Grand Opera House and will hit several major markets including Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Chicago along the way. It will culminate with a special “Evening with the Violent Femmes” show in their hometown of Milwaukee, WI at the Riverside Theatre on October 18, where they will perform their first two albums in their entirety.
“Hey! Goin out again playing our classics – along with stuff that no one has heard – even us!” said Gordon Gano, lead vocalist and guitarist. “Hope to see you and roll with the rock!”
Tickets go on sale Friday, June 20 at 10 AM local time. VIP ticket packages are available for all tour dates, starting Wednesday, June 18.
Since bursting onto the scene in the early ’80s with their groundbreaking self-titled debut, the Violent Femmes have cultivated a fiercely loyal fanbase and influenced generations of musicians. Their live performances remain both unpredictable and exhilarating-a mix of acoustic punk energy, sardonic storytelling, and virtuosic musicianship. The Fall Tour 2025 promises to continue this legacy with a new chapter unfolding with each special engagement.
The official tour dates are as follows:
October 3 Grand Opera House Wilmington, DE October 4 The Capitol Theatre Port Chester, NY October 5 The Lyric Baltimore, MD October 6 Count Basie Center for the Arts Red Bank, NJ October 8 State Theatre Portland, ME October 9 Chevalier Theatre Medford, MA October 10 The Strand Ballroom Providence, RI October 11 The Flynn Burlington, VT October 14 Santander Arena Reading, PA October 15 Stage AE Pittsburgh, PA October 16 Embassy Theatre Fort Wayne, IN October 17 Salt Shed Chicago, IL October 18 The Riverside Theatre* Milwaukee, WI
Telluride Bluegrass is proud to announce their partnership with nugs, which ensures Festivarians near and far can experience the magic of this year’s festival via livestream, from the comfort of their home. Physically taking place this weekend, June 19-22, in beautiful Telluride, Colorado, the festival is ground zero for the ever-expansive roots music scene, and this year’s lineup is a continuation of this truth.
Dubbed Festivarians after a reinterpreted version of C.P. Cafavy’s poem, “Ithaka,” was printed in a 1994 Planet Bluegrass brochure, the term stuck and was embodied in a way that nobody could’ve guessed. These droves of families, friends, and music lovers make their yearly pilgrimage to Telluride’s Town Park to take in not just the most beautiful music festival, but maybe the most tight-knit community of repeat ticket-holders known to man. They know exactly what it means to be a Festivarian and are happy to invite newcomers to their fold.
“When you set out for the festival, ask that your way be long…
and if you find her poor, the festival has not deceived you,
without her you would not have set out,
and would not have known what it means to be a festivarian…”
Expanding the Festavarian experience worldwide, the Telluride Bluegrass nugs stream begins on Thursday, June 19th at 1 PM MST, featuring live sets from Chris Thile, Mountain Grass Unit, The Travelin’ McCourys, I’m With Her, Thee Sacred Souls, and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. The stream will end around midnight MST.
Friday, June 20th’s Telluride Bluegrass stream begins again at 1 PM MST and features sets from Rainbow Girls, Tim O’Brien Band, Punch Brothers, Dan Tyminski Band, Lake Street Dive, and Greensky Bluegrass. The stream will again end around midnight MST.
Saturday, June 21st follows a similar schedule with a 1:45 PM MST stream start featuring sets from Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez (trio), Yonder Mountain String Band, Kasey Chambers, Sam Bush Band, and Toy Factory Project. The stream will end around 11:30p MST.
On Sunday, June 22nd, nugs’s livestream starts at 1:15 PM MST and features Ken Pomeroy, Rebirth Brass Band, and the Telluride House Band (Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyers, Stuart Duncan, Chris Thile). Special re-broadcast sets on Sunday’s stream include Charles Wesley Godwin (2023 at Telluride) and The String Cheese Incident (2023 at Telluride). Sunday’s stream wraps at 9:25 PM MST.
Tickets and camping passes are still available in limited quantities for Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2025 and can be found right here.
Two powerhouse bands, Soulweaver and Gypsy’s Kiss, are joining forces for a special three-date UK tour in June 2025. The run kicks off on Friday, June 20 at The Six Six in Cambridge, continues at the legendary Cart and Horses in London on Saturday, June 21, and wraps up at The Victoria in Swindon on Sunday, June 22.
Joining them for the Cambridge and London shows are special guests Pearl Handled Revolver, known for their distinctive style and recent acclaimed album. Please note, Pearl Handled Revolver will not be appearing at the Swindon date.
Audiences are encouraged to support independent venues and bands by purchasing tickets in advance.
The tour marks an exciting return for Soulweaver, the UK-based rock/metal trio reuniting after an eight-year hiatus. Formed in 2009 by guitarist and vocalist Goodge and bassist ‘M’, the band has now welcomed powerhouse drummer James Barber to the lineup, adding new drive to their already high-octane sound. With a history of sharing stages with icons such as Wishbone Ash, Nazareth, FM, and Black Star Riders, Soulweaver are known for their emotionally charged songwriting, blistering live shows, and unmistakable classic British rock spirit with a modern edge.
Their comeback single, Red, arrives in June 2025 and sets the tone for what promises to be a thrilling new chapter. The track delivers massive hooks, melodic intensity, and a fiery blend of hard rock and modern metal—an authentic reflection of the band’s passion and renewed energy.
Meanwhile, Gypsy’s Kiss bring their own rich legacy to the stage. Originally formed in 1974 by David Smith and Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris, the band holds a unique place in British rock history. Sitting proudly at the top of the Iron Maiden family tree, Gypsy’s Kiss combine rock, blues, and a touch of prog in a sound that continues to evolve. With a new album on the horizon, fans can expect fresh material alongside their classic high-energy set.
This tour offers a rare opportunity to experience two bands with distinct legacies and powerful live reputations on the same bill. Expect passionate performances, soaring riffs, and a shared commitment to keeping the spirit of rock alive and well.
Tour Dates:
Friday 20 June 2025 – The Six Six, Cambridge (with Pearl Handled Revolver)
Saturday 21 June 2025 – Cart and Horses, London (with Pearl Handled Revolver)
Sunday 22 June 2025 – The Victoria, Swindon (no support)
Antone’s: 50 Years Of The Blues – the five-disc, 41-track box set celebrating the legendary Austin music venue – has been previewed today with a pair of advance singles from Gary Clark Jr. and Los Lobos. Calling on their deep ties to the club’s rich history and enduring spirit, these trailblazing artists have each shared a never-heard recording in celebration of Antone’s 50th anniversary. Both will be included when the full box set is released August 22 via New West Records, a collection which consists of: three full-length albums (each capturing a unique element of the club’s history), a special bonus 45, rare and unseen photographs, an updated hardcover edition of Picture the Blues by Susan Antone and a new, definitive Antone’s history – written by revered Texas music historian Joe Nick Patoski with fresh interviews.
Clark Jr. began playing at Antone’s when he was just a teenager, noting that “I was a kid sitting around playing my guitar with no direction. I already loved to play, but when I jumped onstage at Antone’s, I felt like I was part of something important…It changed the way I thought about life and ended my search for acceptance, because I knew this was what I was supposed to do.”
This previously unreleased – and recently unearthed – board recording of “Catfish Blues” dates from 2004, when Clark was 20 years old and unsigned – but sharing the Antone’s stage with artists like Double Trouble, James Cotton and Jimmie Vaughan for a Hubert Sumlin benefit show. In this sense it’s a perfect embodiment of what Antone’s is all about – coming together to help their elder statesmen, while giving remarkable opportunities to the next generation. “Catfish Blues” will be released on We Went Live In ’75 (the box set’s collection of rare live recordings from the club) – one of the three full-length albums included within, alongside Tell Me One More Time (long-lost cuts from the club’s label Antone’s Records) and The Last Real Texas Blues Album (new material recorded by artists integral to Antone’s story).
In addition to the three full-length albums on Antone’s: 50 Years Of The Blues, a bonus 45 will feature Los Lobos’ brand-new studio recording of the Chicago blues classic “Three Hundred Pounds Of Joy” – written by Willie Dixon and made famous by Howlin’ Wolf. While synonymous with Southern California, Los Lobos hold a lifelong connection to Antone’s, thanks to a crucial encounter early in their careers. “Clifford Antone rescued us in 1983 when we found ourselves kicked off a tour and stranded in McAllen, TX with no money to get home to LA,” remembers Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin. “He said get to Austin somehow, and he’d pay us $100 a man per night to open for a week of shows at Antone’s. That was just enough to make it home, so it is in some very small measure our way of saying ‘thanks for saving our asses’ to do this song for him and his great club. God Bless Clifford and the entire Antone’s family.” Longtime Antone’s house band guitarist Derek O’Brien adds: “Clifford loved it when [Los Lobos’] Cesar Rosas would do Howlin’ Wolf.”
Antone’s: 50 Years of the Blues is part of a major year-long celebration of Antone’s, which will include performances over the next month in both Austin and New York City. On June 29, the club will bring the sounds of Antone’s to one of the world’s most prestigious stages – hosting a curated night of music as part of Lincoln Center’s Summer For The City series. The evening before (Saturday, June 28), they will host a Super Blues Party at Manhattan’s intimate Bowery Electric. This New York City run will feature music from Texas icon Jimmie Vaughan, 2025 GRAMMY Nominee Sue Foley, C.J. Chenier (Crown Prince of Zydeco), Benny Turner (Freddie King Band), Swamp Pop Legend Jivin’ Gene (Jin Records), Big Bill Morganfield (son of Muddy Waters, co-star of A Complete Unknown), Kam Franklin of The Suffers, John Primer (Muddy Waters Blues Band), Steve Bell (son of Carey Bell), Lurrie Bell (Koko Taylor’s Blues Machine), Rodd Bland (Bobby “Blue” Bland Orchestra), Lil’ Ed Williams (Alligator Records), The Texas Horns, Joe Sublett and surprise guests.
Back in Austin, the first ever show at Antone’s took place on July 15, 1975 – from zydeco king Clifton Chenier and his Red Hot Louisiana Band. To mark the 50th anniversary proper, the club has announced a month of concerts featuring Antone’s staples, returning to their hallowed stage. Highlights include Take Me To The River All-Stars Memphis Soul Revue featuring Carla Thomas and Hi Rhythm on June 20, as well as Jimmie Vaughan & the Tilt-A-Whirl Band with Anson Funderburgh on July 12. On the 15th, C.J. Chenier will lead his Red Hot Louisiana Band at Antone’s – alongside sets from Primer and the Antone’s 50th Allstars, including Derek O’Brien, Lou Ann Barton, Marcia Ball, Rodney Craig, Sarah Brown and many more.
Previous celebrations of Antone’s 50th anniversary have included two nights of Allstar Jams at Austin Blues Fest in April featuring Gary Clark Jr., as well as a day party and official showcase during SXSW, which was praised by Rolling Stone for “pointing the way towards the future of the blues.” Later this year, a special episode of Austin City Limits will air on PBS nationally celebrating Antone’s 50th – including performances from many of the artists listed above.
Antone’s: 50 Years of the Blues Tracklist
The Last Real Texas Blues Album
Going Down – Bobby Rush & Jimmie Vaughan Reconsider Baby – Benny Turner feat. Derek O’Brien Flip, Flop And Fly – Jivin’ Gene feat. Charlie Sexton You’ll Lose A Good Thing – Kam Franklin If You Change Your Mind – Lil’ Ed Williams Talkin’ ‘Bout My Friends – Kim Wilson & The Fabulous Thunderbirds Those Lonely, Lonely Nights – McKinley James The Sky Is Crying – Lurrie Bell feat. Joe Sublett Lead Me On – Ruthie Foster Bad Boy – Doyle Bramhall II Just Like A Bird Without A Feather – Big Bill Morganfield Honest I Do – John Primer Lookin’ Good – Eve Monsees feat. Lurrie Bell & Billy Gibbons The Things That I Used To Do – Lynn August feat. Marcia Ball Willie The Wimp – C.J. Chenier You Got Me Where You Want Me – Sue Foley If (I Could Be With You) – Kam Franklin Message From Miss Lavelle – Lavelle White feat. Derek O’Brien & Marcia Ball
Bonus 45
Three Hundred Pounds Of Joy – Los Lobos
Tell Me One More Time
Sugar Coated Love – Lou Ann Barton I’m So Glad – Snooky Pryor It Hurts Me, Too – Angela Strehli Band No Special Rider – Lazy Lester You’re Gonna Make Me Cry – Lavelle White I Won’t Cry – Doug Sahm A Fool in Love – Marcia Ball, Lou Ann Barton, Angela Strehli Too Sorry – Doyle Bramhall Gone Blind – Sue Foley Hear From My Daddy – Barbara Lynn Don’t Touch Me – Kim Wilson Going Down Slow – Pinetop Perkins
We Went Live In ‘75
Chicken Shack / Sugar Bear Intro (Live) – Pinetop Perkins Walking By Myself (Live) – Jimmy Rogers Built Up From The Ground (Live) – Sunnyland Slim Double Trouble (Live) – Otis Rush Bigtown Playboy (Live) – Eddie Taylor Look On Yonder’s Wall (Live) – Buddy Guy What It Takes To Get A Good Woman (Live) – Angela Strehli Cold Cold Feeling (Live) – Albert Collins Catfish Blues (Live) – Gary Clark Jr. Midnight Creeper (Live) – James Cotton
If you’ve ever wanted to own a piece of rock royalty—literally—Liquid Death has you covered. They got Ozzy Osbourne to drink their iced tea, crush the cans, and leave behind his DNA. Now those cans are in specimen jars, hand-signed by the Prince of Darkness himself. It’s called “Infinitely Recyclable Ozzy” and it’s $450 of pure heavy metal weirdness.
Today, nine-time GRAMMY Award winner Christian McBride announced the upcoming release of Without Further Ado, Vol. 1, a new album featuring his acclaimed big band and an all star cast of special guests. Following up his big band’s GRAMMY Award winning 2020 release For Jimmy, Wes & Oliver, the new release employs a jaw-dropping array of talent, featuring Sting, Andy Summers, Samara Joy, Dianne Reeves, José James, Cécille McLorin Salvant, Jeffrey Osborne, and Antoinette Henry to bridge eras with elegance and groove, reaffirming McBride’s status as a champion of jazz past, present and future. The album will be released on August 29 via Mack Avenue Records, and is currently available for preorder here. McBride has also released the track “Murder By Numbers,” reuniting Sting with his bandmate Andy Summers for the first time since The Police’s 2007-2008 reunion tour. The Christian McBride Big Band takes the band’s iconic song to new heights.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have Sting and Andy Summers — two-thirds of one of the most influential bands in history, The Police — join me for one of their songs,” says McBride “Sting continues to evolve gracefully as an artist, and Andy still plays with the sophisticated fire and grit he has always possessed. A huge thank you to both of them, as well as to the remarkable Pedrito Martinez, for bringing that special ‘thang’ that only he can provide.”
Having played with artists ranging from Chick Corea and Wynton Marsalis to Billie Eilish and Celine Dion, several of McBride’s artistic paths converge on Without Further Ado creating an electrifying collection of reimagined classics and surprises. The inspiration and many of the arrangements for the album grew out of the annual NJPAC Gala, for which the Big Band has served as house band and McBride as musical director since 2012. “We’ve always invited a bunch of great singers to come and perform at the Gala,” McBride says, “and as musical director, I’m responsible for arranging all of the music. After so many years of writing big band charts for these incredible singers, I realized that I had stacks of music that had only been played once. This has been a fantastic opportunity to finally record some of these arrangements and to play them with some of my favorite singers.”
If there is any doubt that we are living through a vocal jazz renaissance, the multi-generational line-up of singers McBride has assembled for Without Further Ado, Vol. 1 definitively settles that debate. From Samara Joy’s breathtaking version of the jazz standard “Old Folks,” to Jeffrey Osborne’s reinterpretation of his band L.T.D’s 1977 number one hit “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again,” Without Further Ado, Vol 1 is like a vocal all-star game that’s heightened by the elegance and fire of the Christian McBride Big Band.
Ahead of the album release, the Christian McBride Big Band will be performing at the Newport Jazz Festival on August 3, where they’ll be performing some of the new music from the album. In 2026 he will launch the first ever McBride’s World at Sea cruise, featuring performances with all of his critically acclaimed bands and loads of special guests onboard.
Christian McBride is a nine-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. He is the Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Art Center’s TD James Moody Festival, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. McBride is also a respected educator and advocate for youth, serving as Artistic Director of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS and the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Sessions. In addition to artistic directing and consistent touring with his ensembles, he hosts NPR’s “Jazz Night in America” and “The Lowdown: Conversations With Christian” on SiriusXM. Whether behind the bass or away from it, Christian McBride is always part of the music. From jazz to R&B, and pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights, and the other extended in fellowship—and perhaps the hint of a challenge—inviting us to join him. McBride’s 2024 album But Who’s Gonna Play The Melody? was recorded with renowned bassist, composer, and seven-time GRAMMY Award-winner Edgar Meyer. Released via Mack Avenue Records, the album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart.
The first trailer for Deliver Me From Nowhere is here, and it’s giving us chills. Jeremy Allen White becomes Bruce Springsteen in this dramatized dive into the making of Nebraska, with Jeremy Strong as Jon Landau and Marc Maron as Chuck Plotkin. Directed by Scott Cooper, the film looks like a haunting, heartfelt tribute to artistic vulnerability. In theatres October 24, Deliver Me From Nowhere captures the myth, memory, and music of The Boss.
Happy 83rd birthday, Sir Paul McCartney! As the world celebrates his amazing career, let’s dive deep into some lesser-known gems about the legendary musician that you may not have heard before. From quirky moments to behind-the-scenes stories, these 83 facts will add even more admiration to the man who brought us “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude,” and so much more.
Paul McCartney’s real name is James Paul McCartney.
His first musical instrument wasn’t the guitar; it was the trumpet, which his dad gave him for his 14th birthday.
He taught himself how to play the guitar after struggling with right-handed playing and flipping the strings to play left-handed.
McCartney first met John Lennon in 1957 at a church fete in Woolton, Liverpool.
His earliest musical influences were Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley.
McCartney was inspired to write “Yesterday” after having a dream about the melody.
He originally played rhythm guitar in The Quarrymen, not bass.
Paul was an avid fan of the band The Everly Brothers before The Beatles formed.
McCartney once shared that his dream was to become a postman, a career he almost pursued before music took over.
He was born in a house without indoor plumbing.
Paul’s first band was a skiffle group called The Quarrymen before they evolved into The Beatles.
McCartney wrote “Eleanor Rigby” on a piano at his father’s house.
He had a brief stint playing the organ at a local church as a teenager.
McCartney once wrote a song called “I Lost My Little Girl” when he was just 14.
He’s left-handed, but he plays guitar right-handed.
McCartney was responsible for the “synthesized” sounds heard on the Beatles’ track “Tomorrow Never Knows.”
He has a passion for painting and didn’t reveal it to the public for over 15 years.
McCartney once wrote an entire song, “Scrambled Eggs,” which eventually became “Yesterday.”
When he was young, McCartney considered a career in art, but music won him over.
He’s one of 3 artists to sell 100 million albums in a band and solo – Phil Collins and Michael Jackson are the others.
His children’s book Hey Grandude! was inspired by his love for storytelling with his grandchildren.
Paul McCartney holds a Guinness World Record for the “Most Number One Hits” on the Billboard Hot 100 as a member of the Beatles.
He’s fluent in the art of crosswords, often solving them with his father when he was a child.
McCartney wrote the song “Pipes of Peace” to symbolize his desire for global unity.
He’s a huge animal lover and has been a vegetarian since 1975.
Paul once co-wrote a hit song for Peter and Gordon, “A World Without Love.”
McCartney’s first solo album McCartney was recorded entirely by himself, without any outside musicians.
The Beatles had to replace their original drummer, Pete Best, just before their breakthrough, and Ringo Starr became their permanent drummer.
He’s known for playing multiple instruments across his music, including bass, guitar, drums, piano, and even the recorder.
McCartney came up with the idea of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” as a way to step away from the image of being “the Beatles.”
He’s been married three times, with his most recent wife being Nancy Shevell.
Paul holds the record for most songs written with the word “love” in the title.
The Beatles’ famous track “Love Me Do” was one of McCartney’s first charting hits.
Paul wrote and recorded “Live and Let Die” as the theme for the James Bond movie.
McCartney formed Wings in 1971, after the Beatles disbanded, with his wife Linda.
He co-wrote “Ebony and Ivory” with Stevie Wonder, a song about racial harmony.
The 1973 song “Band on the Run” was created under difficult conditions, with the band getting stranded in Lagos, Nigeria.
McCartney is responsible for the iconic bassline in “Taxman,” one of The Beatles’ most famous songs.
McCartney once spent an entire afternoon in the studio recording animal sounds for his experimental album Wild Life, including the sounds of a donkey and a goat.
McCartney co-wrote “I Am the Walrus” with John Lennon, inspired by their love of experimental music.
Paul once played a live set at the Glastonbury Festival in 2015, making history as the oldest headliner at the festival.
He once admitted that he loved making music for films, having done so for several movies including The Family Way.
McCartney is a massive fan of board games and is known to enjoy a good round of Monopoly or Scrabble.
He and Ringo Starr were reunited for the first time in over 30 years for the “Two of Us” special on VH1 in 2000.
He helped create the famous Apple Records logo.
He once played an unannounced secret gig at The Cavern Club in 2020.
McCartney is one of the richest musicians in the world, with an estimated net worth of over £1 billion.
He’s performed on stage with some of the biggest stars, including David Gilmour and Eric Clapton.
Paul has written songs for movies, including the soundtrack for The Family Way.
His collaboration with Elvis Costello on Flowers in the Dirt produced the chart-topping hit “My Brave Face.”
McCartney loves to travel and has performed concerts on almost every continent.
He spent some time playing with a jazz band while studying at school.
Paul collaborated with Michael Jackson on the song “Say Say Say,” which became a hit across the globe.
McCartney famously said, “You can’t be a Beatle forever, you’ve got to evolve.”
He has appeared on The Simpsons multiple times, contributing his voice to the iconic animated show.
McCartney’s basslines in “Rain” and “Tomorrow Never Knows” are considered among the best in rock history.
He loves playing small, intimate shows and frequently performs surprise sets.
McCartney is known for his environmental activism, particularly advocating for the protection of rainforests.
He once performed a surprise set at the historic Cavern Club, where the Beatles got their start.
He was instrumental in raising awareness for the campaign to ban land mines in the 1990s.
McCartney has performed at the Super Bowl halftime show twice, in 2002 and 2005.
He and Ringo Starr are the last surviving members of The Beatles.
Paul’s bass playing was heavily influenced by soul legends like James Jamerson from Motown.
He once created a fictional band persona for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band to help expand the band’s creative horizons.
McCartney’s song “Hey Jude” was originally written for John Lennon’s son, Julian.
He was deeply involved in the Beatles’ decision to stop touring, focusing on their studio albums instead.
McCartney is one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once as a member of The Beatles and again as a solo artist.
McCartney has appeared in several films, including a cameo in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
He’s performed live at many legendary venues, including Madison Square Garden, The Hollywood Bowl, and the O2 Arena.
Paul wrote “Yesterday” in under an hour, but it was rejected by the rest of the band at first because it didn’t “sound like a Beatles song.”
He is known for his charity work, supporting organizations like PETA and the Humane Society.
McCartney once teamed up with Nirvana’s surviving members for the song “Cut Me Some Slack.”
He’s also a patron of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, the school he helped establish.
He was the first Beatle to visit the White House after being knighted by Queen Elizabeth.
McCartney plays a variety of musical genres, including classical, rock, and electronic music.
He recorded an entire album in just one week, Run Devil Run, in tribute to his early influences.
McCartney’s childhood hero was Buddy Holly, and he later purchased the rights to Holly’s catalog.
He was one of the first to experiment with electronic sounds, paving the way for future artists.
McCartney has stated that he doesn’t write his songs with any particular message or meaning in mind; it’s all about the melody.
He once had a huge crush on Brigitte Bardot as a teenager.
McCartney’s solo career has spanned over 50 years, and he continues to release new music and perform live.
He was part of the famous “Paul is dead” conspiracy theory in the late 1960s.
McCartney once said, “The music will always be there. The important thing is to stay grounded, humble, and love what you do.”
