After spending many years away from the public eye, James McCartney may once again retreat from the limelight as fans of his iconic father, Paul McCartney, have been highly critical of his appearance.
James recently joined his legendary father, Paul McCartney, at an event, drawing attention and sparking comparisons. Observers commented on his resemblance to his father, noting, “He looks like Paul McCartney if he were overweight and didn’t take care of himself.”
As the only son of global music icons Paul and Linda McCartney, James has largely avoided the celebrity lifestyle. He even worked as a waiter before stepping into the music scene in the 2000s. James has two stepsisters, Heather (60), who leads a quiet life as an American-British potter, and Stella (51) and Mary (53), who have followed their father’s footsteps into fame.
James spent his early years touring with his parents in the band Wings, soaking in the pop-rock culture that defined his family. “It’s tough living up to The Beatles. Even Dad struggled to live up to them,” James once told the Daily Mail. “I had to earn my place in music and wait for a time when I and my music were ready. I don’t want to be idle. I want to earn my living.”
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In the 2000s, James contributed as a backup musician on some of his father’s solo projects, including “Flaming Pie” and “Driving Rain,” and played lead guitar for his mother on the track “The Light Comes from Within” from her posthumous album “Wide Prairie.”
James’s world changed drastically when his mother died of cancer in 1998. “When I was 17, I wrote my first song. Then Mum was diagnosed with cancer, and she died when I was 20. That’s when I entered a very dark period,” he said. “I was studying art, photography, and English at college but spent a lot of time at home with Mum and Dad. I don’t regret spending that time with her, even though I faced criticism for being absent from college.”
During this dark period, James turned to drugs and alcohol and distanced himself from his family, complicated by a strained relationship with his father’s new wife, Heather Mills. Paul and Heather were married from 2002 to 2008. “My relationship with Heather wasn’t great. I didn’t like her, but she’s a good mother to Beatrice, and that’s what matters,” James said, referring to his half-sister, Beatrice. “Beatrice is wonderful. She’s a real joy for the family.”
James reconnected with his family in 2007 after his father’s health scare and subsequent angioplasty. “Dad’s doing great now, but that incident made me realize how important he is to me. He was under a lot of stress during his divorce from Mills, and I wish I had been more supportive,” he reflected.
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In 2011, Paul married Nancy Shevell, whom James regards highly: “Nancy’s like a new mother to me. She’s very genuine.”
After spending some time apart from his family, James expressed a renewed desire to reconnect: “I love my dad so much. I’m in a good place now, no longer relying on drugs or alcohol. I just want to be the best person I can be.”
James has gradually established himself in the music industry, releasing his debut single “Available Light” in 2010, and working with his father, who co-produced his first album, “Me,” in 2013, followed by “The Blackberry Train” in 2016.
Despite his preference for a private life, James once told the BBC in 2012 that he aspired to surpass The Beatles: “I realized I was better at guitar than other kids my age, and I dreamed of being better than The Beatles. I’m not sure if I can achieve that, but I’d love to be their equal.”
James even mentioned the idea of forming a new band with the sons of the original Beatles, including John Lennon’s son Sean, George Harrison’s son Dhani, and Ringo Starr’s sons Zach and Jason Starkey. However, he later clarified that it was just a thought and that his focus was on his own band’s tour.
Recently, James appeared with his father and sisters at the private viewing of “Paul McCartney 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm,” an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London featuring photographs taken by Paul during The Beatles’ early days. Dressed in a black suit and white shirt, James looked strikingly similar to his famous father.
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However, this appearance subjected James, a recovering addict, to harsh online criticism. Fans made unkind comments about his looks, suggesting he was overweight and questioning his hygiene. Some even compared his appearance unfavorably to his father’s in his youth.
While many fans criticized James, a few defended him. One supporter commented, “It’s sad to see people body-shaming James. If he were a woman, they’d be outraged by such comments. Leave him alone. There’s nothing wrong with him.”
