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Sir Paul McCartney Was Told by Manager to Retire at 50

Henny Ray Abrams, AP/PA

Sir Paul McCartney has revealed how his former management asked him to retire before he reached 50. The renowned songwriter, now 69, admits in Mojo (via the Independent) that he considered the advice but chose to continue.

"One of my old guys who I used to have as my manager, I was knocking 50 and he said, 'I think it's time you retired.' I thought, I know what you mean, but I don't really feel like it," McCartney revealed. "And if I'm really enjoying this, why retire? So I decided against it, and got rid of him. I wonder what he thinks today. Perhaps that he was right, but hopefully not."

Sir Paul, who is keeping busy with concerts across North America the reissue of old albums, said his job doesn't feel like work.

"People say to me 'you work so hard.' We don't work hard, we play music -- we don't work music. It sounds simplistic but it's really true. It's not like going into an office."

His recent album reissues are for 'McCartney' and 'McCartney II,' with editions available in every format imaginable between vinyl and high-resolution digital downloads. A deluxe version includes a 128-page book with images taken by Sir Paul's late wife Linda McCartney, and a DVD containing previously unseen footage.

Watch Sir Paul McCartney Playing 'Let it Be'

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WBSIMB

I don't think Paul should retire. You know who should retire is Barry Manilow. He looks worn out and his voice is so bad at times. It like comes and goes...You never know and he's dropped tons of weight it seems. He just looks bad I find..and I think Barry and Paul are the same age.... But Paul, he looks so great. Paul is still shaking it and someone said he wished Paul could live forever..ME TOO!

Paul look smore youthful at times. It's so weird. lol. He look sso good I find! The only time I thought paul looked bad was when he was in terviewed withRingo by Larry King. Many of us saw that. That was right at the time Heather was working him over really good. That poor man looked so drained and so tired and upset. I never saw him like that ever, but with a goldigger like that? I would too.

God bless you Paul. Stay strong, healthy, wealthy and wise...lol...Congrats on your new bride!

July 20 2011 at 1:51 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Rusty

Paul McCartney is undoubtably one of the greatest musicians of all time. He and his mates shaped the music we love and listen to to this day. I wish he could live forever!
Every time I hear a McCartney tune on the radio, I have to think back to those days about how we loved the Beatles and how great the music was. I still love them to this day!

July 20 2011 at 11:26 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
Sheryl

Sir Paul, Paul, Macca...whatever you chose to call him was just voted the best "live" act and you want to debate whether or not he should have retired years ago. Who else does the number of concert tours he does and don't give me crap about he only does it for the money...I mean, come on...he has more than he'll ever need. He is one of the most sincere humanitarians in the world and truly supports great causes. The man is a phenomenal musician, composer and artist. And that's on his own without The Beatles. With The Beatles he helped mold and shape the way we think about, listen to and play music to this very day. I hope the man plays until he can't pick up an instrument any longer. I do not want to see my idol stop playing. Those of you who do should just stop listening to his music and whining about it. God love everyone and have a brilliant life.

July 05 2011 at 8:18 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Rick

John Lennon was never knighted...he didn't live long enough. All of the Beatles received the MBE...a special British award from Queen Elizabeth in the mid-60's.
Had he lived, he certainly would be "Sir John" by now...but unfortunately he was taken from us before that could happen....

July 05 2011 at 12:17 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Rick

Alot of people bashing going on online these days. Release your fear. Apparently paul's success is mireing your dumb ass failures... get over it !

July 04 2011 at 10:05 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
Rick

ginger.. ginger... ginger.............. what izzzz your major malfunction anyways? You put down one of the best male entertainers ever for what ungodly purpose pray-tell ?

July 04 2011 at 10:03 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
jpr070

YOU'RE NEVER TO OLD TO ROCK AND ROLL. SIR PAUL... KEEP ON ROCKIN'!!!

July 04 2011 at 9:52 PM Report abuse +4 rate up rate down Reply
marcsmpsn

Sick of him, wish he would retire...

July 04 2011 at 9:27 PM Report abuse -4 rate up rate down Reply
ginger10487

CAN'T STAND THE GUY. WHY DOESN'T HE CUT THAT AWFUL STRINGY HAIR HE IS TO OLD FOR THAT.

July 04 2011 at 8:53 PM Report abuse -6 rate up rate down Reply
Denise

So glad he kept going!!

July 04 2011 at 8:52 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply