I've met him!
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Hello everyone, I don't know how many of you have had this kind of experience -I suppose a lot- but today I was able to meet Paul in person for the first time and to wish him a happy birthday. I went this morning, I knew he was in town and as I had things to do in the area, I decided to take a walk and drop by his house with my ukulele just to serenade him a bit from the outside. I expected to see a lot of fans there, but there was nothing except some random people passing. I played a few tunes -Silly Love Songs, Ram On, Let 'Em In and Honey Pie- on my uke, then I decided to write my birthday wishes on his wall, so I turned my back to the street. Suddenly I heard a flash, I turned and I noticed this paparazzo taking shots, I raised my view a bit and... What did I see? I couldn't believe it, Paul and Nancy were returning from a jogging/fitness session, they were wearing sport outfits, trainers and sunglasses. They were coming home, they were heading my direction. I quickly took the ukulele, trying to figure out what to play in such an occasion. I strummed the very first few chords of Ram On, probably the first ukulele-driven song I ever heard in life. As the couple approached, I saw Paul smiling at me. I stop as they were half a metre from me and told Macca "Happy birthday, Paul!". He replied "Thank you man!" Nancy then said "Nice shirt!" referring to my Wings tee which I had bought almost exactly a year ago in Verona. By then the house doors were already open, it took a very few seconds for them to open wide and to close behind as the couple went in. I tried to make Macca notice the ukulele I was playing was actually been signed by him -It happened in Milan in 2011-, but it was too late as he was sneaking in. He then kindly but firmly asked me to leave the space now for privacy, so I duly obliged. As the door closed I finished writing my dedication on the wall, took my ukulele and jacket and walked, better say flew, away. What a meeting, I'll never forget it. Even though nobody was there so nobody could take a snapshot of the moment, I'll always cherish it for the rest of my life. And I wanted to share this experience with you Mod Edit This post has been edited for Paul's privacy and security.
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So, is this you?
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Congrats, but.. i do think if the press weren't photographing him at the time it's likely he would have either blanked you or told you in no uncertain terms to go away.. fans outside his home is something he never encourages (don't blame him!) (ps and even though we all know the name of the street, you should edit your post cos if not the mods will do it for you, take the name out, cos any post always gets cut that says it, despite it being in every beatles book going!)
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I ended up on the Daily Mail, even though they assumed -Why so?- I didn't notice him http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2661522/Sir-Paul-McCartney-Nancy-Shevell-high-spirits-begin-72nd-birthday-romantic-stroll.html Incredible!
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Ybgir Ronaele:
I ended up on the Daily Mail, even though they assumed -Why so?- I didn't notice him http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2661522/Sir-Paul-McCartney-Nancy-Shevell-high-spirits-begin-72nd-birthday-romantic-stroll.html Incredible!
Really mate? Not cool. Most fans know you don't hang around Paul's homes, for security reasons and to not upset Paul's neighbors. Writing messages on the front wall of Paul's house might have been done in 1967, but in 2014 it's just plain disrespectful, rude and lame. You seem surprised no other fans were around?, that's because respectful Paul fans know better. Greg.
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Nicely said.
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nice story congrats
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Oh, sorry! I didn't notice you posted the article way before I even noticed it... Yes. That Was Me!
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gswan:
Really mate? Not cool. Most fans know you don't hang around Paul's homes, for security reasons and to not upset Paul's neighbors. Writing messages on the front wall of Paul's house might have been done in 1967, but in 2014 it's just plain disrespectful, rude and lame. You seem surprised no other fans were around?, that's because respectful Paul fans know better. Greg.
Yeah, i have to say i agree with you there. Going there specifically to try and meet him is not what anyone does post 1980
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You can clearly see Paul moving quickly at that point. A 'fan' did the same thing back in 1980. Surely Paul's blood pressure went up a few points out of nervousness. Why would a 'fan' do this to him especially on his birthday. And then proceed to vandalize his home with graffiti as well?
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Wow you are so lucky! Cherish that moment! That was nice even Nancy gave you a compliment! If George Harrison would have been there George probably would have wanted to play on your Ukelele
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oh and i didnt mean to sound like a stuck in the mud or anything, i mean i can see why you are so happy and i know you meant no harm. It's just with the publicity of the picture in the papers it will give more the idea, and it's just not a good idea... not at his home..
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George was attacked in his home. Not sure he would take a uke from a stranger and play it. Nothing great about people prowling around his home. I hope he gets more security around his home.
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gswan:
Ybgir Ronaele:
I ended up on the Daily Mail, even though they assumed -Why so?- I didn't notice him http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2661522/Sir-Paul-McCartney-Nancy-Shevell-high-spirits-begin-72nd-birthday-romantic-stroll.html Incredible!
Really mate? Not cool. Most fans know you don't hang around Paul's homes, for security reasons and to not upset Paul's neighbors. Writing messages on the front wall of Paul's house might have been done in 1967, but in 2014 it's just plain disrespectful, rude and lame. You seem surprised no other fans were around?, that's because respectful Paul fans know better. Greg.
Last time I was in London, I was appalled by the writing on Paul's wall. Abbey Road is one thing, but you don't write there. It's a home, not Abbey Road. I told my friends if I thought there were cleaning supplies some place, we should try to get some of the writing off the wall. Not right at all.
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Oh, come on - give the uke player a break! What a thrill for him...some of you sound more jealous than concerned for Paul. I agree that writing on his wall was not a good idea, but wishing him a happy birthday and playing "Ram On" were done from the heart and Paul seems to have liked it. I am fully aware of what happened to John and George, but I don't think this fan's moment of joy should be dumped on. And the guy left when asked to do so.
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I will say this: I am happy for him that he got to see Paul and had a nice nod from his wife. Yes, I am. he got to do something I can only fantasize about. (I only play moderate percussion and I'm sure that wouldn't go over as well at all). but the graffiti? Nope. Sure, I'd be tempted but it is a house not thewall on Abbey Road. Plus, it seems like Paul gets hounded every time he sticks his nose outside that house these days. It must be bad for him to ask the guy to leave when the encounter is over. (even if he did it nicely). I just hope there are no future problems from others. and yes, I am glad for you. Glad you enjoyed it. I know I'd be flying too.