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And Finally Artist News
Paul McCartney no longer signs autographs, and would prefer a chat to a selfie
By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 26 October 2021
Thirteen years after Ringo Starr announced that he would no longer sign autographs, his former Beatles bandmate Paul McCartney is following suit.
“It always struck me as a bit strange”, he tells Reader’s Digest. “‘Here, can you write your name down on the back of this till receipt please?’ Why? We both know who I am”.
But I know what you’re thinking. You’ve just recalled that time Taylor Swift said she hadn’t “been asked for an autograph since the invention of the iPhone with a front-facing camera”. Well, Macca’s not too keen on selfies either.
“What you’ve usually got is a ropey photo with a poor backdrop and me looking a bit miserable”, he says. “Let’s chat, let’s exchange stories”.
Oh great, you’ve already plucked up the courage to approach a miserable looking superstar and now he wants you to cheer him up.
At least this is just a general comment in an interview. Back in 2008, Ringo Starr issued a formal warning in a video posted to his website, saying: “I’m warning you with peace and love that I have too much to do. So, no more fan mail, thank you, thank you, and no objects to be signed. Nothing. Anyway, peace and love, peace and love”.
It’s still worth watching that video in full. And here it is:
