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?
At 77, Dolly has confirmed that the rumors are true. I don’t care who you are or what you think of Dolly Parton, this is a courageous step for her to take, and we wish her the best
Dolly Parton has been there and done pretty much all there is to do in the music industry.
And yet… and yet the country music icon is still finding ways to challenge herself and broaden her scope of magnificence.
As per reports, fans the world over are reacting with joy over reports that Dolly is finally set to release her first-ever rock album! You may remember that the 77-year-old was inducted into the Hollywood Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year, one year on from having turned down the nomination as she felt she hadn’t “earned the right”.
Though Dolly eventually accepted her entry, it would appear she’s eager to ensure no one can say she doesn’t belong. Dolly previously promised to release a rock album to commemorate her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and we now have a release date!
If sources are to be believed, Parton was initially reluctant to be in the conversation for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Jolene singer was said to be of the opinion that since her career consists mostly of country music, others were perhaps more suited.
In the end, however, the people spoke, and voters decided that Dolly did belong there. In November 2022 she was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and immediately set about trying to ensure that her selection was justified.
Her new rock album is now one step closer to becoming a reality, with Dolly herself having confirmed it will be titled ‘Rockstar’ and is due to drop November 17.
As per reports, there are 30 tracks in total on the album, nine of which are original. The remaining 21 consist of collaborations with other artists and feature new versions of tracks made famous by said featuring artist. A new take on Every Breath You Take by Sting will be on the album, for example, as will Wrecking Ball by Dolly’s goddaughter, Miley Cyrus
Other distinguished guests set to appear on the album include Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, and Steven Tyler.
Reflecting on her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Dolly told The View earlier this year:
“I just didn’t feel like I had earned it but they explained to me why I was in it and all that so I said, ‘Well, if you insist on giving it to me, I’ll take it’.”
“But if I’m gonna be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I’m gonna have to do something to earn it.”
The full list of songs on the album is reportedly as follows:
‘Rockstar’ (special guest Richie Sambora)
‘World on Fire’
‘Every Breath You Take’ (feat. Sting)
‘Open Arms’ (feat. Steve Perry)
‘Magic Man’ (feat. Ann Wilson with special guest Howard Leese)
‘Long As I Can See the Light’ (feat. John Fogerty)
‘Either Or’ (feat. Kid Rock)
‘I Want You Back’ (feat. Steven Tyler with special guest Warren Haynes)
‘What Has Rock and Roll Ever Done for You’ (feat. Stevie Nicks with special guest Waddy Wachtel)
‘Purple Rain’
‘Baby, I Love Your Way’ (feat. Peter Frampton)
‘I Hate Myself for Loving You’ (feat. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)
‘Night Moves’ (feat. Chris Stapleton)
‘Wrecking Ball’ (feat. Miley Cyrus)
‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ (feat. P!nk & Brandi Carlile)
‘Keep on Loving You’ (feat. Kevin Cronin)
‘Heart of Glass’ (feat. Debbie Harry)
‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’ (feat. Elton John)
‘Tried to Rock and Roll Me’ (feat. Melissa Etheridge)
‘Stairway to Heaven’ (feat. Lizzo & Sasha Flute)
‘We Are the Champions’
‘Bygones’ (feat. Rob Halford with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5)
‘My Blue Tears’ (feat. Simon Le Bon)
‘What’s Up?’ (feat. Linda Perry)
‘You’re No Good’ (feat. Emmylou Harris & Sheryl Crow)
‘Heartbreaker’ (feat. Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo)
‘Bittersweet’ (feat. Michael McDonald)
‘I Dreamed About Elvis’ (feat. Ronnie McDowell with special guest The Jordanaires)
‘Let It Be’ (feat. Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr with special guests Peter Frampton & Mick Fleetwood)
‘Free Bird’ (feat. Ronnie Van Zant with special guests Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle and The Artimus Pyle Band)
As per Billboard, Dolly said in a statement: “I am very honoured and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time, and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure.
“I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!”
I’m so happy to see Dolly still making music and still enjoying her work even at 77!
Are you a fan of Dolly Parton and her music? Let us know in the comments box.
Share this article on Facebook to help us keep people entertained and informed.
Leave a Reply