In a revealing new documentary, “Paul McCartney: Man on the Run,” Stella McCartney discusses the often harsh criticism faced by her late mother, Linda McCartney, during her time with the band Wings. The film sheds light on the challenges Linda encountered as both a musician and a public figure, illustrating how these pressures affected her personally.
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Linda, who married Paul McCartney in 1969, was not initially a trained musician; her expertise lay in photography. Despite this, she joined Wings, where she played keyboard and provided vocal harmonies. This decision was met with skepticism and derision from some music fans, who questioned her suitability for the band. Stella, now 54, reflects on the emotional toll this criticism had on her mother, who died from cancer in 1998 at the age of 56.
In “Man on the Run,” Stella poignantly recalls the hurt that her mother endured. “She wasn’t a cookie-cutter example of someone you put in a band,” Stella explains. “What they, and she especially, had to go through… it breaks my heart.” She adds that Linda was sensitive to the mockery of her voice, expressing deep empathy for the pain her mother experienced throughout her career. “I know that there was pain there. I knew she hurt,” Stella continues, clarifying that Linda’s resilience showcased her bravery and spirit.
Paul McCartney, now 83, shares his own memories of the backlash surrounding Linda’s involvement in Wings. He recounts the dismissive comments he heard, which questioned her musical abilities. “People said, ‘She can’t do this, she can’t sing, she can’t play piano,’” he notes, reflecting on the doubts cast on their partnership. However, he goes on to praise her unique voice and style, citing their collaborative dynamic as a pivotal factor in shaping the band’s signature sound.
The McCartneys’ marriage endured through the tumultuous years of fame and the pressures of the music industry. They raised three children together—daughters Stella and Mary, and son James—while also bringing Linda’s daughter from a previous relationship, Heather, into their family. Throughout their close-knit family life, Linda’s determination to carve out her own identity as a musician is as inspiring as it is poignant.
In a previously recorded interview from 1973 with NME, Linda addressed her public image and the mixed reviews she received. “Sometimes I hear I intrude, then I hear I don’t come on enough,” she remarked. Despite the constant scrutiny, she professed to remain unbothered by the critics: “I don’t care, and that’s the truth.” This unwavering confidence, even amid adversity, is a recurring theme throughout her legacy.
“Man on the Run,” directed by Morgan Neville, provides an intimate portrait of Paul McCartney’s life post-Beatles, offering insight into the dynamic between him and Linda while revealing their artistic evolution. The documentary combines interviews with McCartney, Linda, their children, and notable musicians like Sean Ono Lennon, Mick Jagger, and Chrissie Hynde, creating a compelling narrative of resilience and creativity.
The film is set to be screened in cinemas on February 19 and February 22 before becoming available for streaming on Prime Video from February 27. With its exploration of both the personal and professional tribulations faced by the McCartneys, “Man on the Run” promises to evoke a renewed appreciation for Linda’s contributions to music and her enduring influence within the McCartney family.