Paul McCartney has stopped signing autographs for fans

Paul McCartney has stopped signing autographs for fans, saying he doesn’t see the point

Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney has spoken out about his decision to stop signing autographs for fans, saying he doesn’t see the point as “we both know who I am”.

Sir Paul McCartney has taken a leaf out of bandmate Ringo Starr’s book, saying, “It always struck me as a bit strange – ‘here, can I write your name down on the back of this till receipt please?’ Why? We both know who I am.”
The ‘Let it Be’ hitmaker added that rather than a selfie, he would rather have a meaningful chat with fans.

“What you’ve usually got is a ropey photo with a poor backdrop and me looking a bit miserable. Let’s chat, let’s exchange stories,” McCartney explained.

It comes after fellow Beatles star Ringo Starr announced he would not be signing any more autographs or accepting fan mail, as the majority goes on to be sold online.

Many of us have autographs from celebrities we have met over the years and none more more so than our very own media guru Mark Boardman who says ” I understand Paul’s decicsion”, adding “he has spent over 60 years signing and it adds little value to him”.

“From a collectors perspective it’s bad news, especially if you have been a lifelong fan – though a photo will have to suffice. “

The public relations, popular culture expert and showbiz blogger added “Celebrities devote alot of time to fans and whilst it can be exciting, some just want to get on with their day”.

Mark Boardman

In a video message to fans, the Beatles drummer said at the time: “Serious message to everybody watching my update right now peace and love, peace and love. I want to tell you, please.

“After the 20th of October, do not send fan mail to any address that you have, nothing will be signed after the 20th of October, if that has a date on the envelope, it’s going to be tossed.

“I’m warning you with peace and love I have too much to do. So no more fan mail, thank you, thank you, and no objects to be signed, Nothing. Anyway, peace, love, peace, of love.”

McCartney recently denied he was the band member who “instigated” the iconic Liverpool group’s split in 1970 and insisted it was the late John Lennon – who was tragically murdered aged 40 in 1980 – who was behind their decision to call it a day.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s new series ‘This Cultural Life’, he said: “I didn’t instigate the split. That was our Johnny.

“This was my band, this was my job, this was my life, so I wanted it to continue.”

On the speculation that was rife at the time that their demise was his doing, the music legend insisted: “I had to live with that because that was what people saw. All I could do is say, ‘no’.”

“I am not the person who instigated the split.

“Oh no, no, no. John walked into a room one day and said I am leaving the Beatles. Is that instigating the split, or not?”

Lennon had told the rest of the band that he wanted to leave the group.

And McCartney suggested the other members – also including the late George Harrison, who died aged 58 in 2001 – had all reached the same point in their lives when it was time to move on, even if they didn’t realise it at the time.