The music universe did not know it at the time but it was deprived of one of the most unique endeavors ever proposed.

Paul McCartney missed out on the chance to form a supergroup with fellow music icons Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis in 1969 - because he was on holiday.

Hendrix, Davis and the jazz trumpeter's drummer, Tony Williams, were making plans to record an album together with producer Alan Douglas, and decided to call on The Beatles legend to join them on bass.

They sent out the invite via telegram on October 22, 1969, writing, "We are recording and (sic) LP together this weekend. H...

Veteran rocker Sir Paul McCartney battled bizzare conditions during a concert in Brazil on Monday (06May13) after a swarm of grasshoppers invaded the stage during his performance.

The Beatles icon was entertaining fans at the Serra Dourada Stadium in Goiania when the insects attacked - one even settled on his shoulder and remained there for much of the three-hour gig.

Animal-loving McCartney refused to let his new army of chirping fans disrupt his show, and introduced the grasshopper at the top of his arm as Harold before launching into a rendition of Hey Jude.

The quick-thinking rocker ...

Paul McCartney has urged his fans to support Tony Bennett's campaign to tighten gun laws in the country.

The Beatles legend, whose band mate John Lennon was shot dead in New York in 1980, is backing Bennett's Voices Against Violence crusade, which is encouraging citizens to push for new legislation on weapons ownership.

Despite a gun-control bill losing a Congress vote on Wednesday, McCartney is urging supporters to continue lobbying politicians for change and has recorded a telephone message which will be played to everyone taking part in the campaign before they are put through to the ...

Famed music producer Phil Ramone has died at the age of 79. The producer and sound engineer, who worked with stars including Ray Charles, Billy Joel and Barbra Streisand, passed away on Saturday in New York City. 

His death comes just weeks after he was hospitalized to treat an aortic aneurysm. 

Ramone, who was born in South Africa, but grew up in the Big Apple, won 14 Grammy Awards throughout his illustrious career, including album of the year prizes for Paul Simon's Still Crazy After All These Years, Billy Joel's 52nd Street and Ray Charles' Genius Loves Company.  He won his last Grammy...

Beyonce will have the honor of entertaining Super Bowl halftime audiences that don't switch over to the Puppy Bowl this weekend (they have hedgehog cheerleaders now!). The history of the halftime show is a surprising display of ups-and-downs, from mind-blowing performances to corny overproduced ego trips. Here are some of the best and worst Super Bowl halftime shows:

Best: Michael Jackson, Super Bowl XXVII

The halftime show was hurting. Two years prior, the New Kids on the Block performance was pre-empted by coverage on Desert Storm and their performance was edited down and shown after th...

Paul McCartney is to fill in for Kurt Cobain as the surviving members of Nirvana reunite at the Superstorm Sandy benefit in New York on Wednesday.

Grunge stars Dave Grohl and bassist Krist Novoselic have reportedly enlisted the Beatle to play onstage with them at the Madison Square Garden charity performance.

The Fab Four legend reveals Grohl invited him to "jam with some mates," but admits he had no idea he was filling in for tragic rocker Cobain, who committed suicide in 1994.

Paul tells Britain's The Sun, "I didn't really know who they were. They are saying how good it is to be bac...

Paul McCartney's fashion designer daughter Stella has created a new perfume in honor of his near 30-year marriage to her mother.

Photographer Linda Eastman wed the Beatles legend in 1969 and the couple enjoyed a lasting relationship until she lost her battle with breast cancer in 1998, aged 56.

Now, their daughter Stella McCartney has paid tribute to her parents' romance by launching a new fragrance based on the Let It Be hit-maker's nickname for his wife, L.I.L.Y., which was also her favorite flower.

She tells Harper's Bazaar, "I've been hiding away from giving out information but, y...

Animal-loving stars Pamela Anderson and Paul McCartney are celebrating after their campaign to save an elephant from a life of misery ended in victory.

The former Baywatch beauty and the Beatles star publicly backed a drive by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to rescue Sunder, an elephant who suffered injuries after being mistreated by his handler and kept in a tiny shed at the Jyotiba Temple in India.

Both stars sent letters to Indian officials urging them to step in and end the scandal - and on Thursday it emerged Sunder is to be moved from the temple to a wildlife r...

Paul McCartney has promised to do everything in his power to help jailed rockers Pussy Riot.

Three stars of the Russian band are behind bars awaiting a court verdict on charges of hooliganism after they performed a protest song against President Vladimir Putin at a church in Moscow earlier this year.

Singers including Madonna and Bjork have already thrown their weight behind a campaign to free the trio, and now Beatles legend McCartney has joined them, insisting jailing the musicians impinges on their "artistic freedom".

In an open letter to the caged rockers, posted on his official w...

The Olympic soundtrack is must-have music as evidenced by its climb to the top of the iTunes chart. The "Isle of Wonder" album features everything from Dizzee Rascal, to the Arctic Monkeys, and the Four Nations Choir.

Filmmaker Danny Boyle masterminded the opening ceremony on Friday night ,and he featured a lot of contemporary music, as well as some classical tunes.

Boyle's collaborators are featured prominently on the album, including his "Slumdog Millionaire" soundman AR Rahman, who is featured on the disc.

The album features music by Mike Oldfield, Emeli Sande, The Chemical Brothers, ...

Ringo Starr, Bette Midler and Christina Applegate were among the stars who offered their congratulations to Danny Boyle as his spectacular show opened the Olympic Games in London on Friday night.

The festivities kicked off with a stunning opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford and the show, directed by moviemaker Boyle, was watched by an estimated 4 billion people across the world.

A number of celebrity sports fans were among those watching the extravaganza on TV and they took to Twitter to share their thoughts on Boyle's efforts.

Joe Jonas tweeted throughout the ceremony a...

On Friday, "Slumdog Millionaire" director Danny Boyle kicked off the London 2012 Olympic Games with a dazzling visual spectacular that included appearances by actor Kenneth Branagh, James Bond star Daniel Craig, author J.K. Rowling and Queen Elizabeth II.

The filmmaker presented the Isles of Wonder Opening Ceremony in Stratford, East London, and the Oscar winner did not disappoint.

The sound of the Olympic Bell signalled the official start of the London Games as the patriotic hymn "Jerusalem" was sung throughout the stadium. Branagh was the first celebrity to appear as he stepped up to po...

Organizers of a London music festival have defended their decision to shut down Bruce Springsteen's set after he broke a curfew, blaming the move on health and safety rules.

The Boss took to the stage to headline the Hard Rock Calling event in London's Hyde Park on Saturday night and at the end of his three-hour show, he brought out Paul McCartney for an encore.

The pair played two songs, but they were cut off when festival bosses turned off their microphones in a bid to stop the gig from over- running.

Springsteen's E Street Band bandmate Steven Van Zandt criticised the move on Twitt...

Bruce Springsteen hit the stage in London over the weekend to headline the finale at the Hard Rock Calling festival held at Hyde Park in London Saturday. Taking the stage with him for the finale was none other than the knighted Beatle himself, Sir Paul McCartney.

Apparently the status of the two rock legends wasn't enough to extend the concert being held in one of London's largest outdoor parks.

Springsteen is known for his marathon sets and in the climax of the three hour show McCartney and Springsteen were playing an old Beatles favorite “Twist and Shout” when the plug was pulled on th...

Paul McCartney is hoping to put an end to animal testing in the cosmetic industry by launching a new crusade with members of the Humane Society International.

The Beatles star has been a champion of animal rights for many years and now the vegetarian is taking that love of furry creatures one step further by asking fans to follow his lead and pledge their support to the Be Cruelty-Free campaign, which prohibits the testing of beauty products on rabbits, guinea-pigs and mice.

Such testing has already been outlawed in Europe and an extended ban is due to take effect in other parts of the ...

Happy Birthday, Paul McCartney! The former Beatle celebrates his 70th birthday today. The music icon is still going strong; he most recently performed at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert. Did you know the Guinness Book of World Records has dubbed him the “most successful composer and recording artist of all time”?

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Music stars Jay-Z, Kelly Rowland and Paul Weller have sent their best wishes to Paul McCartney ahead of his 70th birthday.

The Beatles icon reaches the milestone age on Monday, and a host of stars have offered up tributes to celebrate his big day.

Rapper Jay-Z says, "He's a genius writer, he changed music - he has always been ahead of his time," and Destiny's Child star Rowland adds, "Paul McCartney is a true legend, he's written some of the most iconic tracks of all time. I have always been a huge fan and would like to wish him a very happy birthday!"

Take That frontman Gary Barlow s...

Paul McCartney has confirmed he will be performing the grand finale at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics this summer.

The Beatles legend revealed earlier this year that he was in talks to play a pivotal role in the 2012 sporting spectacular, and now he has ended the speculation.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Drive, he announced, "I've been booked," adding that he would be "closing the opening" on July 27.

Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire filmmaker Danny Boyle is taking charge of the opening ceremony, which is inspired by the theme Isles of Wonder.

The Fab Four icon proved he k...

Paul McCartney gave Beatles classic "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" a Mexican twist when he performed in Mexico City last week - by bringing out a mariachi band to join him on the track.

The rock legend staged a free concert for an estimated 250,000 people at Zocalo - the city's most historic venue which has drawn audiences since the Aztec period - and delighted fans by jamming for three hours.

During the gig, McCartney showed his love for the country by waiving a Mexican flag and he admits he was moved by the turnout.

He says, "It was quite emotional and exciting that people who might not be able ...

Johnny Depp has poked fun at criticism of his sign language efforts in Paul McCartney's "My Valentine" video after deaf music fans highlighted a mistake in the promo.

The Beatles legend recruited the Pirates of the Caribbean hunk and actress Natalie Portman to sign the lyrics to his new song in a black-and-white film directed by McCartney himself and Depp enjoyed taking part in the shoot.

He says, "I've known him on and off through the years and ran into him. Then he gave me a call and asked me if I would be interested in being in his video. (I said), 'Certainly, let's do it.' It was a ga...

Paul McCartney is set to thank Mexican fans for their continued support by staging a free concert in Mexico City's most historic venue next month.

The Beatles legend has lined up two live dates in Guadalajara and Mexico City in May, as part of his current South American tour, and now he has added a third concert on May 10th.

That show, staged at The ZA3calo, a location which has drawn audiences since the Aztec period, will be completely free of charge.

McCartney says, "Thanks to the Mayor and the people of Mexico for making this beautiful site available for our show. Also thanks to th...

For the second time in the show's history, 30 Rock was performed as a live show. That, of course, means that a second show has to be done for the west coast audience watching hours later. That caused an issue when the script called for a gratuitous celebrity cameo.

On the east coast, viewers were thrilled to see Paul McCartney for a few brief moments. After waving to the studio crowd, he shook Alec Baldwin's hand and slapped his shocked face! He later tweeted, "To be slapped on live TV by Sir Paul... #filethatinmydiaryunderperfect."

The studio audience wasn't as thrilled with the west c...

Paul McCartney has recruited Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman for his latest video.

The former Beatles star has made three promos for his new song My Valentine and the film stars feature together in one of them and separately in the other two.

According to The Sun, who have obtained pictures from the set of the video, Depp plays a guitar in his solo video, while Portman poses on a stool.

The videos, all directed by McCartney, will premiere at a special event in Los Angeles on Friday night.

The sons of Beatles stars Paul McCartney, George Harrison and John Lennon are planning to team up to form a new supergroup.

McCartney's son James has revealed he has had conversations with Sean Lennon and Dhani Harrison and they appear to be "up for" picking up where their fathers left off.

But McCartney admits that Ringo Starr's drummer son Zak was less than keen: "I don't think it's something that Zak wants to do."

Paul McCartney's rocker son James is set to follow in his dad's footsteps on Tuesday by performing at the fabled Cavern Club where The Beatles made their name.

The singer/songwriter will take to the stage at the now-legendary venue in Liverpool, England, where the Fab Four honed their craft and launched their career in the 1960s.

The 34 year old admits he jumped at the chance to play the Cavern Club, insisting, "Yeah, I (wanted)... just to embrace the Beatles legacy rather than running away from it... I think it's great, I think it's an honor."

"I don't really think I am quite as good ...

A forest Paul McCartney planted in memory of his late wife Linda has been destroyed by disease.

After his wife's death from cancer in 1998, the Beatles star planted numerous trees on the border of the estate he shared with Linda in Somerset, England.

However, the woodland has been devastated by phytophthora ramorum, or sudden oak death, a disease which has infected many of the trees in Linda's Wood and forced caretakers to cut them down.

McCartney entrusted the maintenance of the green space to the League Against Cruel Sports and spokesperson Joe Duckworth confirms most of the larch tree...

Paul McCartney is set to re-release the 1971 album he recorded with his first wife Linda.

The music legend has announced the reissue of Ram, which was the star's second post-Beatles project. It was also the only one of his records which credited both McCartney and his beloved partner, who died from cancer in 1998.

McCartney hopes the album, which will include four CDs and a bonus DVD, will help fans revisit their hippie hey-day.

He says, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is an album from a long, long time ago, when the world was different. This is an album that is part of my history - it go...

The Beatles' animated classic Yellow Submarine has been digitally restored for a new DVD/Blu-Ray release.

The 1968 film, which has been out of print for years, will hit stores at the end of May.

Restoration expert Paul Rutan, Jr. and his team of specializts at Triage Motion Picture Services and Eque Inc. worked on the film for months, cleaning up the film's photochemical elements by hand, frame by frame.

The DVD and Blu-Ray packages will feature a making-of documentary, the film's original theatrical trailer, audio commentary by producer John Coates and art director Heinz Edelmann and in...

Previously unseen pictures of the Beatles on holiday taken by an 11-year-old schoolboy are set to be sold at auction.

The musicians were snapped relaxing at a hotel in the British seaside resort of Weston-Super-Mare in 1963, just weeks after they scored their first U.K. number one single with "Please Please Me".

The photographer was Bruce Leak, then 11, who was on a family holiday with his parents at the time.

The pictures show the stars sunbathing, relaxing on deckchairs and having afternoon tea at the hotel.

Leak's sister, Ann O’Neill, 73, inherited the snaps after her brother's death...

The Love We Make is a powerful documentary centered around Paul McCartney’s journey to help give something back to New York City and its residents after tragedy struck on September 11, 2001. McCartney was on a plane preparing to take off from JFK Airport when the captain came on and announced that planes had struck the World Trade Center. McCartney, like most Americans in the wake of 9/11, felt he needed to do something, and felt he needed to give back in some way, so he planned an event. Albert Maysles and Bradley Kaplan direct the mostly black and white film, detailing McCartney’s every m...