Paul McCartney’s daughter Stella reveals her mother Linda’s ‘pain’ over ‘ridicule’ from critics after Beatles split

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Stella McCartney shared that her mother, who has passed away, was deeply upset by the harassment she received from fans.

Linda McCartney helped start the band Wings with her husband in 1971, shortly after he left The Beatles.

Paul McCartney’s wife, who worked as a photographer, received mixed reviews for her contributions as a keyboardist and harmony singer in the band Wings.

In the documentary Paul McCartney: Man on the Run, Stella McCartney, 54, talked about how the criticism affected her mother, who sadly passed away from cancer in 1998 at the age of 56.

She didn’t fit the typical mold of a band member. The designer shared in the documentary that it was heartbreaking to see what she endured – especially how they singled out her voice and made fun of it.

‘I know that there was pain there. I knew she hurt. She wasn’t like, cold,’ Stella added.

Stella observed that Linda’s strength demonstrated her courage and positive attitude, qualities that seemed to rekindle something within Paul McCartney.

Paul McCartney, 83, discussed the backlash he and his wife, Linda, received when she joined the band. He explained that the decision to include her was a spontaneous one.

The musician remembered hearing people complain, saying she lacked talent – she couldn’t sing or play the piano, and generally wasn’t capable. He recalled them questioning why she was even in the band, asking things like, ‘Who is this woman?’ and suggesting it was a crazy decision.

Despite the critics’ opinions, Paul McCartney believed Linda’s unique vocal style added a distinctive quality to the songs.

This British rock band, created in London, included Paul McCartney playing vocals and bass, alongside Denny Laine on guitar and vocals, and Denny Seiwell on drums.

Wings quietly disbanded in 1981, as McCartney shifted his focus back to his solo career. Their hits include Band on the Run, Live and Let Die, and Jet. 

McCartney and Linda married in 1969, and stayed married until her death.

As many of you know, family is incredibly important to me. Beyond my wonderful wife Stella, Linda and I were blessed with two children, Mary, who’s now 56, and James, 48. And I was also so happy to welcome Linda’s daughter, Heather – she’s 63 – into our lives as my own.

In 1973 Linda spoke about the public’s opinion of her in an interview with NME.

‘I don’t know the public’s idea of me, because it varies so much. Sometimes I hear I intrude, then I hear I don’t come on enough, then I hear I can’t play. I must own up: personally, I don’t get annoyed,’ she said.

Now that I’m married to Paul, people are suddenly interested in writing about me, but honestly, it doesn’t bother me at all.

Directed by Morgan Neville, Man on the Run chronicles Paul McCartney’s life and career following the split of The Beatles, covering his work as a solo musician and with the band Wings.

At a London screening of the film earlier this year, Paul McCartney shared that he became emotional while watching footage of his late wife, Linda, in the documentary.

It’s moving to see footage of Linda and me together, especially since she’s no longer with us. It reminds me of our life with the kids, the music we made, and my time with John [Lennon].

Looking back on these memories feels like reliving my life. There’s a lot of great stuff, and even though some moments are a little awkward, I end up feeling good about who I am.

It’s wonderful seeing Linda with the kids. It’s really touching – she looks absolutely beautiful and seems so happy and relaxed.

The film will be available to stream on Prime Video on February 27.

Paul McCartney first gained widespread fame as a bassist and singer with The Beatles, becoming a global superstar during the peak of Beatlemania.

Paul Mescal will portray him in the new four-part film about The Beatles, directed by Sam Mendes.

Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon, with Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison in the upcoming films. All the biopics are planned to be released in theaters at the same time in 2028.

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2026-02-23 04:04