For any rock star, looking cool isn’t just a gimmick—it’s crucial. If you’re not seen as a trendsetter, convincing people to listen to your music becomes an uphill battle.
While Paul McCartney may not be too concerned about public opinion these days, he once admitted that John Lennon unintentionally hurt his reputation after The Beatles’ breakup.
When the Fab Four were together, they were nearly inseparable in the public eye. Each had their roles—’The Cute One’ or ‘The Smart One’—but Lennon and McCartney were often seen as equals, constantly pushing each other to create music that was either more experimental or more accessible.
McCartney’s reputation grew softer as Lennon became more involved in avant-garde ventures.
Although Lennon’s experimental “Revolution 9” from The White Album may have puzzled some listeners, it was seen as a risk-taking creative choice, particularly in contrast to McCartney’s more popular songs like “Ob La Di Ob La Da” and “Honey Pie.”
The truth, however, is more complex. Lennon may have earned a reputation for being the experimental one, but McCartney was the first to introduce avant-garde elements into The Beatles’ music.
His solo work, such as Thrillington and Liverpool Sound Collage, showcases his willingness to explore unconventional sounds, proving he’s far from a pop-only songwriter.
Still, history has cemented Lennon as the risk-taker. Despite McCartney’s efforts to branch out creatively, he was never the one to release noise records or pose nude on an album cover.
Though McCartney doesn’t mind this perception, he’s admitted that Lennon’s ribbing may have tarnished his image. “It’s all jokes, taking the piss out of me. That was John. But it has probably made my image worse than it is,” McCartney confessed. He even sometimes questions how he’s perceived, wondering, “God, do I look like that?”
Yet, McCartney hasn’t shied away from giving fans what they want. Whether it’s classic hits or newer albums, he often taps into that nostalgic, melodic style people expect from him.
Songs like “You Gave Me the Answer” with Wings or the more recent “English Tea” show he’s not afraid to embrace his signature sound.
Even in his later years, McCartney has found ways to scratch his artistic itch, working on experimental music with The Fireman.
While he may always be running from the “granny music” label, McCartney’s still the master of crafting those “silly love songs“—and he doesn’t mind it one bit.
