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Metro
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Billy Joel savagely slates 'half-assed' Beatles album
Billy Joel has slammed one of The Beatles most acclaimed albums (Pictures: Getty) Billy Joel has unexpectedly taken aim at The Beatles, calling one of their albums a 'collection of half-assed songs'. In 1968, five years after the release of their debut album Please Please Me, the Liverpudlian band dropped their self-titled album, which also came to become known as the White Album. The album featured 30 songs, including Blackbird, Helter Skelter and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Topping record charts in Britain and the United States, the album has since been certified 24× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and labelled by some as one of the greatest albums of all time. However nearly 60 years on, one of the band's contemporaries Billy, 76, has made it clear he is not a fan. The White Album was written when the band – which included John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – attended a Transcendental Meditation course in Rishikesh, India. The American singer said the band's 1968 The White Album was a 'collection of half-assed songs' (Picture: Angela Weiss/ AFP via Getty Images) The band's line up consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison (Picture: Jeff Hochberg/ Getty Images) Reflecting on the release Billy – best known for his 1973 song Piano Man – didn't mince his words. He suggested the Fab Four were 'too stoned' or 'didn't care anymore' when recording the string of songs. 'I hear it as a collection of half-assed songs they didn't finish writing because they were too stoned, or they didn't care anymore,' he said on Bill Maher's Club Random podcast, which was released this week. 'I think they had fragments and they put them on the album.' Win tickets to see Tom Jones and Sugababes at Camp Bestival worth £1,172 We've teamed up with Camp Bestival Dorset to give one lucky Metro reader and their family the chance to win family weekend tickets, worth up to £1,172! Created by families, for families, Camp Bestival combines all the fun of a fantastic family camping holiday with everything you would expect from a perfect and action-packed festival adventure. Headliners include music legend Sir Tom Jones, pop icons Sugababes, plus a carnival-filled live show from electronic music duo Basement Jaxx. Simply enter your details here to be in with a chance of winning four tickets to this epic experience. You have until midnight on 23 July to enter. Good luck! * Open to GB residents (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18+. Promotion opens at 18:01 on 16/7/25 and closes at 23:59 on 23/7/25. Entrant must submit their first and last name, email address, date of birth and postcode when prompted via the entry form available on (available here). 1 prize available of a family weekend camping ticket, including two (2) adult tickets and up to four (4) child and/or teen tickets in any combination as chosen by the winner to attend Camp Bestival (Lulworth Castle, Dorset) from 31st July 2025 to 3rd August 2025. Maximum 1 entry per person. Attendance is governed by the Camp Bestival Terms and Conditions. Full T&Cs apply, see here. He went on to suggest that Lennon was 'disassociating at that point'. 'I think Paul was carrying the weight,' he said. The White Album was a critical and commercial success 'Sometimes they were more prolific and sometimes they weren't, and I hear that in some of those things.' During the recording of the album, the only Western instrument available to the band was an acoustic guitar, with the sound also scaled down and the band breaking with their tradition of incorporating several musical styles in one song. Lennon – who was killed in 1980 – once famously quipped that 'the break-up of The Beatles can be heard on that album'. The band split two years later. Meanwhile Sir Paul previously addressed criticism of the album, telling Radio Luxembourg: 'I'm not a great one for that whole, 'Y'know maybe it was too many of that'. What do you mean? It was great, it sold. It's the bloody Beatles White Album, shut up!' Before Billy slated one of The Beatle's most acclaimed releases, earlier this year Sir Paul spoke about his admiration of the singer-songwriter. Billy is best known for his 1973 hit Piano Man (Picture: Michael Putland/ Getty Images) Speaking in the Billy Joel: And So It Goes documentary, he spoke about wishing he had penned Billy's 1997 single Just the Way You Are. 'When I first heard Billy, it was like 'Oh, wait a minute. He's good. Who's this?',' he recalled. 'You know, like you do, your ears prick up. The song that really made me know that that was happening was Just the Way You Are. 'And where I get asked, 'Is there a song that you wish you'd written?'. And I always…that's the one I always say.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: Sir Tom Jones, 85, cancels gig hours before performance after sad health update Arrow MORE: Oasis reassures cheating fans they are 'safe' after Coldplay kiss-cam saga
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Paul McCartney announces ‘Got Back 2025' US tour: Here's what the Beatles legend is worth in 2025
1/4th of the Beatles is back on the road again! Sir , the legendary Beatles bassist and global music icon, recently announced the Got Back 2025 tour, marking his grand return to North America this fall. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With shows spanning from September 29 to November 25, 2025, the tour spans 19 cities – including first-ever performances in Albuquerque and Palm Springs. Fans are buzzing with excitement as ticket sales begin mid-July. Meanwhile, at 83 years old, McCartney's staggering net worth has been estimated at approximately over a billion in 2025 – thanks to decades of hit songs, touring, and savvy investments. Let's take a look at McCartney's upcoming tour details, his current net worth, and potential boost in wealth. Paul McCartney: Net Worth in 2025 As of mid‑2025, Paul McCartney's estimated net worth stands at about $1.3 billion (£1.025 billion), making him one of the wealthiest musicians in history. Asset breakdown: Music catalog and royalties: Ownership of Beatles, Wings, and solo works, plus MPL Communications publishing rights (including songs by other legends like Buddy Holly). These generate steady income from streaming, licensing, sync deals, and song covers. Songs like 'Yesterday' – with over 2,200 covers – generate consistent, multi-million‑dollar yearly royalties. MPL Communications owns over 25,000 copyrights, a major income engine. Catalog boost, such as reclaiming rights to Beatles songs (2017 US copyright) and licensing hits like 'Blackbird' (as covered by Beyoncé), injected another surge in income. Tour revenue: McCartney's annual earnings from tours range from $50–70 million, with mega‑grossing campaigns like Freshen Up, Got Back, and Out There collectively topping $1 billion. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Real estate holdings: Properties across the US (New York townhouse, Beverly Hills home, Arizona ranch) and UK estates – including an East Sussex estate – worth roughly $100–150 million. Other ventures: MPL Communications publishing, sustainable/plant-based investments, books, photography, and brand licensing diversify his income streams. His portfolio spans sustainable food brands, music tech, books (e.g., 'The Lyrics,' Wings biography), photography, and art, and brand licensing. He first crossed the billionaire threshold in 2024 – becoming the UK's first billionaire musician – and his fortune continued climbing into 2025 thanks to robust tour ticket sales and catalog licensing boosts. Ageless in his eighties: McCartney turned 83 in June 2025. And while some might look at his age and think, '83 ain't no age for a rockstar,' the Beatles boy is proving them wrong. Here's how the legend stays 'forever young'. Enduring appeal at 83: McCartney continues to defy expectations, delivering marathon live sets that span hits from The Beatles, Wings, and his solo output. His stage presence remains magnetic, proving that age is no barrier to musical impact. Millennial and Gen-Z resurgence: Younger listeners rediscovering Beatles classics via streaming platforms and media usage (like Beyoncé's cover of 'Blackbird') helps keep royalties flowing and McCartney's relevance high. Smart business moves: Reclaiming music publishing rights, building MPL Communications, investing across sectors, and leveraging legacy catalogues show long-term financial planning at its finest. Got Back 2025 US and Canada tour: Dates and highlights Sir Paul's Got Back 2025 picks up where his 2022 Got Back tour left off, expanding into larger venues and embracing new audiences. The tour kicks off on September 29, 2025, at Palm Desert's Acrisure Arena and concludes with back-to-back nights at Chicago's United Center on November 24–25. This 19-date North American leg includes stops in: Las Vegas, NV (Allegiant Stadium) Albuquerque, NM (McCartney's first show there) Denver, CO; Des Moines, IA; Minneapolis, MN; Tulsa, OK New Orleans, LA; Atlanta, GA (double date); Nashville, TN Columbus, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Buffalo, NY; Montréal & Hamilton, Canada This is going to be McCartney's first major US tour since 2022, and is slated to have larger venues than the previous Got Back legs. Pre-sales of tickets for the tour to begin July 15, and general ticket sales July 18.
Global News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Global News
Paul McCartney set to be the inaugural performer at Hamilton's new TD Coliseum
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Legendary singer-songwriter Paul McCartney will be the inaugural performer at the newly transformed TD Coliseum in Hamilton. The hitmaker takes the stage Nov. 21 as part of his career-spanning Got Back Tour. Before that, the 'Blackbird' singer stops at Montreal's Bell Centre on Nov. 17 and 18. The Coliseum's general manager Nick DeLuco promises an extraordinary night for the first concert at the 18,000-seat facility. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The revamped arena has touted a 'premium experience' including improved sightlines, concourses and concession areas; and an upgraded acoustics system. The Got Back Tour kicks off Sep. 29 in the Palm Springs area and includes stops in Minneapolis and Buffalo, N.Y., before wrapping in Chicago in late November. Tickets go on sale July 18. Story continues below advertisement TD Coliseum says it is working with Metrolinx to ease after-concert travel between the nearby West Harbour GO station and Toronto's downtown transit hub, Union Station. 'Opening night deserves something extraordinary, and it doesn't get any better than Paul McCartney,' DeLuco said Thursday in a release. Other performers confirmed for the TD Coliseum include Andrea Bocelli on Dec. 9, Brad Paisley on Dec. 12, and the 55th annual Juno Awards broadcast.
Hamilton Spectator
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Paul McCartney set to be the inaugural performer at Hamilton's new TD Coliseum
Legendary singer-songwriter Paul McCartney will be the inaugural performer at the newly transformed TD Coliseum in Hamilton. The hitmaker takes the stage Nov. 21 as part of his career-spanning Got Back Tour. Before that, the 'Blackbird' singer stops at Montreal's Bell Centre on Nov. 17 and 18. The Coliseum's general manager Nick DeLuco promises an extraordinary night for the first concert at the 18,000-seat facility. The revamped arena has touted a 'premium experience' including improved sightlines, concourses and concession areas; an upgraded acoustics system, and touchless and self-serve technologies for faster food and beverage purchases. The Got Back Tour kicks off Sep. 29 in the Palm Springs area and includes stops in Minneapolis and Buffalo, N.Y., before wrapping in Chicago on Nov. 24 and 25. TD Coliseum says it is working with Metrolinx to ease after-concert travel between the nearby West Harbour GO station and Toronto's downtown transit hub, Union Station. 'Opening night deserves something extraordinary, and it doesn't get any better than Paul McCartney,' DeLuco said Thursday in a release. Tickets go on sale July 18. Other performers confirmed for the TD Coliseum include Andrea Bocelli on Dec. 9, Brad Paisley on Dec. 12, and the 55th annual Juno Awards broadcast, set to air March 29, 2026 on CBC. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Paul McCartney set to be the inaugural performer at Hamilton's new TD Coliseum
Legendary singer-songwriter Paul McCartney will be the inaugural performer at the newly transformed TD Coliseum in Hamilton. The hitmaker takes the stage Nov. 21 as part of his career-spanning Got Back Tour. Before that, the 'Blackbird' singer stops at Montreal's Bell Centre on Nov. 17 and 18. The Coliseum's general manager Nick DeLuco promises an extraordinary night for the first concert at the 18,000-seat facility. The revamped arena has touted a 'premium experience' including improved sightlines, concourses and concession areas; an upgraded acoustics system, and touchless and self-serve technologies for faster food and beverage purchases. The Got Back Tour kicks off Sep. 29 in the Palm Springs area and includes stops in Minneapolis and Buffalo, N.Y., before wrapping in Chicago on Nov. 24 and 25. Currently on hiatus A review of funny, uplifting news in Winnipeg and around the globe. TD Coliseum says it is working with Metrolinx to ease after-concert travel between the nearby West Harbour GO station and Toronto's downtown transit hub, Union Station. 'Opening night deserves something extraordinary, and it doesn't get any better than Paul McCartney,' DeLuco said Thursday in a release. Tickets go on sale July 18. Other performers confirmed for the TD Coliseum include Andrea Bocelli on Dec. 9, Brad Paisley on Dec. 12, and the 55th annual Juno Awards broadcast, set to air March 29, 2026 on CBC. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2025.
