Stella McCartney Reveals Shocking Details of Paul’s Drug Bust

UPDATE: Stella McCartney has just opened up about her father, Paul McCartney, and his infamous drug bust in Japan in 1980. In a revealing excerpt from her dad’s new oral history, “Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run,” she expresses her disbelief over how poorly her father hid nearly half a pound of marijuana.

Stella recalled the moment vividly: “I remember [the guard] opening up that suitcase, and I remember him picking up a pillowcase worth of skunk weed. Even a nine-year-old could have hidden skunk weed better than my parents.” This candid remark highlights the chaotic lifestyle Paul led during the tumultuous years following the Beatles’ breakup.

The book, released by Liveright, delves into Paul’s struggles to redefine himself after the breakup in 1970. His time with Wings was marked by frequent drug use, to the extent that he once missed a chance to meet reggae legend Bob Marley due to being too stoned. In a unique approach to touring, Paul would often show up at colleges unannounced, asking if he could perform, creating a blend of impromptu gigs and family life on the road.

During their early performances, such as in Nottingham in 1972, the band was still finding its footing. “We had 11 original songs for about 33 minutes of music,” Paul recounts, emphasizing that he refused to play any Beatles songs during those sets. The reception was mixed, with many venues skeptical of a former Beatle performing without a proper contract or assurances.

The reality of life on the road was starkly different from his Beatles days. In a humorous yet telling anecdote, Paul had to clean up after his dog, Lucky, while staying at a “third-rate hotel” in Hull. The book paints a vivid picture of their rough lifestyle, contrasting sharply with the glamour of his past.

In a shocking twist, Paul’s arrest for marijuana possession during what was supposed to be a tour around Japan led to a nine-day stint in a Tokyo prison. He faced the grim reality of prison life, detailing waking up early to clean his cell and sharing a bath with a convicted murderer. His release came only after the intervention of Linda’s brother, John Eastman, who helped navigate the legal chaos.

While grappling with the fallout from his arrest, Paul also dealt with strained relationships with his former bandmates, leading to a lawsuit in February 1971. This decision was agonizing for him, as he questioned the implications of suing his childhood friends.

The emotional turmoil didn’t end there. Paul’s relationship with John Lennon was fraught with public disputes until they eventually reconciled in New York later that year. “You get to talking and the vibe is right, and it’s great,” he reflects, encapsulating a poignant moment of friendship amidst the chaos of their careers.

As the release of “Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run” continues to generate buzz, Stella’s candid insights provide a fresh perspective on Paul McCartney’s complex journey post-Beatles. This latest reveal not only sheds light on a pivotal moment in music history but also humanizes one of the world’s most iconic figures.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and join the conversation about the impact of these revelations on Paul’s legacy and the music industry at large.