Paul McCartney Loves To Talk To Fans, No Selfies Though

The former Beatle is at it again. Sir Paul McCartney was never the most vocal Beatle, and especially over the years he didn't love doing press. In fact, there's an argument to be made that McCartney has racked up more headlines in the last few weeks than in the last 10 years combined. That's due to the fact that Sir Paul's got a book coming out. Also, he and Ringo Starr are going to be featured in an upcoming documentary for Disney + documentary titled, “The Beatles: Get Back.” The two remaining Beatles are looking to spark up maybe their last run of Beatlemania. Both of them though have very picky rules for the fans that they meet on the street.

Sir Paul recently sat down with Reader’s Digest to talk about his career and the upcoming Beatles documentary. In the chat he revealed that he isn't exactly fond of some of the typical fan interactions. For example, he's not really cool with the whole autograph deal. He mentioned that being asked to sign something was a concept that he's never really understand. McCartney told the publication,

"It always struck me as a bit strange,” he elaborated by saying, “‘Here, can I write your name down on the back of this till receipt please?’ Why? We both know who I am.”

McCartney is not the only Beatle that has spoken out against signing autographs. Bandmate Ringo Starr has also been vocal about his dislike for signing autographs. Ringo took things a step further, though, saying way back in 2008 that he was literally done signing autographs. Not only that, but he requested that fans stop sending him things in the mail. He said at the time,

“I’m warning you with peace and love. I have too much to do, so no more fan mail,” Starr also added more rules “And no objects to be signed. Nothing! Anyway, peace and love, peace and love.”

Who sends fan mail these days when you can stalk a celebrity on the street and ask them for a picture right? If Ringo banned fan mail McCartney is very close to banning selfies of himself and fans as well. Paul did give an explanation of why he's not super pleased when someone asks him for a selfie. It really has to do with the fact that he doesn't love the idea of random people having pictures of him where he doesn't necessarily look his best. When you put it that way it sounds a lot more relatable. He mentioned,

“What you’ve usually got is a ropey photo with a poor backdrop and me looking a bit miserable"

With Ringo banning fan mail over 10 years ago and now Paul looking for selfies to go the way of the dodo, we've got to ask a very important question. Do these former Beatles, hate their fans? Maybe they're getting a bit cranky with age. Ringo is 81 and Paul's almost on the eight floor. Being famous for so long must not be easy! To be fair both of them actually give good reasons as to why they've stopped signing autographs or don't love selfies. Ringo mentioned that he disliked the autograph idea after it was brought to his attention that people were making a profit from his signed memorabilia. We know Paul's vanity is hurt by the occasional bad selfie. McCartney did offer an alternative encouraging fans who spot him on the street to stop him and talk. He says he loves to share stories. That sounds a lot more fun than an autograph!