Linda McCartney’s Heartbreak Over Fan Bullying Revealed by Daughter Stella
The late Linda McCartney, a talented photographer and founding member of Paul McCartney’s iconic band Wings, endured significant public criticism and bullying from fans during her time in the music spotlight. This painful period for Linda has been brought to light by her daughter, fashion designer Stella McCartney, in the new documentary Paul McCartney: Man on the Run.
Wings, formed in 1971 shortly after Paul McCartney’s departure from The Beatles, saw Linda take on roles as a keyboardist and harmony vocalist. While her artistic contributions were undeniable, her place in the band often drew ire from critics and sections of the public. Stella McCartney, 54, shared in the documentary how deeply this criticism affected her mother, who tragically passed away from cancer in 1998 at the age of 56.
“She wasn’t a cookie-cutter example of someone you put in a band,” Stella recounted, her voice filled with emotion. “What they, and she especially, had to go through, like when they isolated her voice and ridiculed her? I mean, it breaks my heart.” Stella emphasized that her mother was not emotionally detached from the harsh words, stating, “I know that there was pain there. I knew she hurt. She wasn’t like, cold.”
Despite the adversity, Stella highlighted her mother’s remarkable resilience. “Her bravery and spirit,” Stella noted, “that side to her boosted a side that [McCartney] had perhaps lost.”
Paul McCartney himself, now 83, also reflected on the backlash they faced as a couple for Linda’s inclusion in Wings. He admitted that the idea of her joining the band was a “spur of the moment” decision. The musician recalled the pointed criticisms: “‘She can’t do this, she can’t sing, she can’t play piano, she can’t do anything. Oh, they’re crazy man, what’s he got his old lady in the band for? Who the hell is this?’”
However, McCartney staunchly disagreed with his detractors, asserting that Linda’s unique singing style lent a “special sound” to their songs. Wings, formed in London, featured McCartney on vocals and bass, alongside Denny Laine on guitar and vocals, and Denny Seiwell on drums. The band officially disbanded in 1981, allowing McCartney to concentrate on his burgeoning solo career. Throughout their active years, Wings produced a string of beloved hits, including anthems like “Band on the Run,” “Live and Let Die,” and “Jet.”
Paul and Linda McCartney’s enduring love story began with their marriage in 1969, a union that lasted until Linda’s untimely death. Together, they raised a family, including daughters Mary, 56, and Stella, 54, and son James, 48. Paul also lovingly adopted Linda’s daughter Heather, 63, from a previous relationship.
Linda McCartney herself addressed the public’s perception of her in a 1973 interview with NME. She candidly stated, “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 added, with a touch of pragmatism, “Just because I married Paul, I’ve become someone people write about, but I don’t care and that’s the truth.”
The documentary Paul McCartney: Man on the Run, directed by Morgan Neville, offers an intimate look at McCartney’s extraordinary journey following the seismic shift of The Beatles’ breakup, his subsequent solo endeavors, and his time with Wings.
At a recent screening of the film in London, McCartney confessed to feeling deeply “emotional” upon seeing his late wife, Linda, on screen. “Seeing me and Linda interacting is very special because, you know, she is not here anymore,” he shared. “Me and Linda, the kids. The music. Me and John [Lennon].” He described the experience as akin to “a life flashing in front of you,” filled with a mix of “cool things” and some “embarrassing moments,” ultimately leaving him with a sense of contentment.
“All the stuff with the kids and Linda is lovely to see,” McCartney continued. “Obviously, it’s emotional because she looks so beautiful. She’s so cool.”
The film is set to be available for streaming on Prime Video starting February 27.
Paul McCartney’s legacy as a global music icon was cemented during his time with The Beatles, where he rose to superstardom amidst the frenzy of Beatlemania. His impact continues to resonate, with plans for a four-part film series about The Beatles, helmed by director Sam Mendes. In this upcoming project, actor Paul Mescal will portray McCartney, while Harris Dickinson is slated to play John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. These ambitious biopics are anticipated for a simultaneous theatrical release in 2028.
