A new BBC programme, Paul McCartney in 15 Songs, features heartfelt anecdotes from past and present DJs about the legendary musician and the profound impact of his songwriting. The show, airing on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, celebrates a career that spans over six decades, 27 solo albums, and 18 Grammy Awards.
Mark Radcliffe's Unforgettable Encounter
Growing up in Bolton, Mark Radcliffe saved money from his paper round to purchase The Beatles' White Album, never imagining he would one day meet the man behind the music. During a special tribute, Radcliffe recalled a 2005 meeting with Paul McCartney at Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles recorded their iconic tracks. Radcliffe, now 67 and presenter of The Folk Show on Radio 2, described the surreal experience: "There was only me and him in the room, still littered with some of the original equipment. Sitting only two or three feet away, I watched and listened as he played that actual guitar and demonstrated how he discovered the unmistakable first notes of Blackbird. It was an out-of-body experience. I thought, 'I bought the White Album and listened to that song a thousand times. How has this happened?' I still have the album, numbered and signed."
Bob Harris and the Thumbs-Up
Broadcaster Bob Harris, 80, was standing outside the BBC in 1972 when a man tapped his shoulder, gave him a thumbs-up, and said he loved The Old Grey Whistle Test before jumping into a cab. Six months later, Harris met McCartney at Abbey Road and asked if it was him. McCartney replied, "Of course it was. I love The Old Grey Whistle Test." The two became firm friends. Harris said, "That's the way I always think of Paul: very open, friendly, smiling, thumbs-up, Liverpudlian vibe."
Paul Gambaccini and the Beatles' Invasion
Paul Gambaccini, 77, host of The Paul Gambaccini Collection on Radio 2, was among 73 million viewers watching The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 when The Beatles performed. He said, "My entire generation heard the same dog whistle." The song that captivated the nation was I Want to Hold Your Hand, which sold a quarter of a million copies in its first three days in America and became one of the biggest-selling singles of the 1960s in the UK, with 1.82 million sales. Gambaccini added, "It's hard to believe this song was initially rejected by Capitol Records. I love it because it was my introduction to The Beatles and because Paul and I became good pals afterwards."
Tony Blackburn's Humorous Request
Tony Blackburn, 83, presenter of Sounds of the 60s on Radio 2, recalled emailing McCartney repeatedly asking for money. "I said, 'I played so many of your records, you must owe me a fortune.'" Never receiving a reply, Blackburn encountered McCartney months later in Birmingham and repeated his request. McCartney just laughed.
Liza Tarbuck and Maybe I'm Amazed
Actress and broadcaster Liza Tarbuck, 61, chose Maybe I'm Amazed, a song that captures McCartney's life before meeting Linda Eastman. At the time, he was living at Jane Asher's family home on Wimpole Street and used a neighbour's roof to escape fans. Tarbuck explained, "The Beatles had done Sgt. Pepper and were in a bad place, beginning to split up. Paul was likely bluer than he portrayed. Then he caught the eye of Linda Eastman, an American photographer. Naturally, their love grew. It's an incredible time: the ending of something and the beginning of something new."
Gary Davies and Live and Let Die
BBC DJ Gary Davies, 68, a huge Bond fan, selected Live and Let Die from 1973. He said, "It was a coup commissioning a former Beatle to write a proper rock and roll Bond song. It had everything, with orchestrations from Paul's favourite Beatles producer, George Martin." The song became the first Bond theme nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. When Bond producers first heard the recording, they asked George Martin who would make the real record, not realising this was it.
Zoe Ball and She's Leaving Home
Zoe Ball, 55, who hosted the Radio 2 Breakfast Show for six years until 2024, chose She's Leaving Home from Sgt. Pepper. She said, "My dad had this album, so it was the first Beatles album I discovered. I love Paul because he can combine important stories with stunning melodies."
Trevor Nelson and Got To Get You Into My Life
Trevor Nelson, presenter of the weekday afternoon show on Radio 2, picked Got To Get You Into My Life. "Paul McCartney is definitely my favourite Beatle because he's the soul boy in the band. The songs he wrote were more easily covered by soulful and funk singers. He could have been in a funk or soul band easily."
Mark Goodier and Band on the Run
Mark Goodier, 64, former Radio 1 DJ and current host of Pick of the Pops on Radio 2, selected Band on the Run. He said, "The 70s is an underrated era for Paul McCartney. The inevitable comparison to The Beatles means not everyone appreciated how good the songs of that era are."
Jeremy Vine and Pipes of Peace
Jeremy Vine, 61, host of the daily lunchtime show on Radio 2, was 18 when Pipes of Peace reached number one in December 1983. He remembers it for its video depicting a First World War Christmas truce. "British and German troops paused firing, got out of their trenches, and kicked a football around before returning to fight. It's a beautiful maturing of McCartney and a very touching song."
Dermot O'Leary and the Abbey Road Medley
Dermot O'Leary, 52, host of the Saturday morning show on Radio 2, chose the closing sequence of Abbey Road: Golden Slumbers into Carry That Weight into The End. He said, "It contains the perfect Paul lyric: 'The love you take is equal to the love you make.' He performed it at the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. It's a hidden gem; enjoy it right up to the final moment."
Paul McCartney in 15 Songs airs at midnight on 24 May on Radio 2 and is available now on BBC Sounds.
