Sir Paul McCartney is revisiting one of the most debated chapters in music history—the breakup of The Beatles.
As the 81-year-old legend prepares for the release of his new documentary Man on the Run, which explores his life after the band’s 1970 split, McCartney is reflecting on the criticism that followed him for decades. In a conversation with director Morgan Neville, he admitted that he once internalized the blame.
“Whenever I hear someone criticizing Paul McCartney, I tend to agree with them,” he said. “When people said I broke up The Beatles or that I was overbearing, I kind of bought into that narrative.”
The documentary traces the formation of Wings, the band McCartney founded after The Beatles disbanded. It highlights the pivotal role of his late wife, Linda McCartney, who joined as the group’s keyboardist and became a creative partner during a turbulent time. The film also features personal footage of their family life with children Heather, Mary, Stella, and James.
Looking back at the archival moments, McCartney described the experience as deeply emotional. Watching scenes of Linda and their children, he said, feels like “your life flashing before your eyes.” Despite revisiting difficult memories and moments of self-doubt, he says he now feels at peace. “Even with some embarrassing bits, I come away thinking, ‘Yeah, I’m alright,’” he reflected.
