Paul McCartney : Drugs Were 'Quite Important' To The Beatles' Development

Paul McCartney has admitted the importance of hallucinogenic drugs in the history of The Beatles.

However, McCartney told The Daily Telegraph that drug use is not essential for bands to push themselves forward.

When asked how important LSD and marijuana were to the group's work, McCartney replied: "Um, er, probably quite important. It was a development thing.

"It's difficult - I think the answer is quite. It certainly made us stretch further than we might otherwise, from Rubber Soul onwards.

"But I have the problem now - now that things have got a bit out of control - of not wanting to be seen advocating it. ’Cos we did some pretty good work before that, as well. It's not a requirement."

In other related news McCartney is allowing his concert in Mexico City to be viewed for free on a giant movie screen.

Mexican Culture Secretary Elena Zepeda says the screen will be set up Friday night (May 28) at a plaza in the capital's Chapultapec park. She says it's the former Beatle's gift to Mexico City residents.

Zepeda says the plaza can hold 10,000 people.

McCartney scheduled Mexico City performances on Thursday and Friday nights as part of his "Up and Coming Tour." No screen was set up for Thursday's concert.

Almost 100 people have gathered outside the hotel where McCartney is staying hoping for a glimpse.

Thanks for the report to Nightwatchershouseofrock.

Comments

[Lion_Slicer]

Drugs are definitely not essential--good music is good regardless of whether or not you're ****ed up, and for me, the best music is even better than drugs. Selkies gives me a better high than anything I've done, and anyone who knows that song knows what I mean. It's practically sex.

On the other hand, experimenting with drugs is an experience of itself, and new experiences can often be the inspiration for creativity. So Sir Paul McCartney, I 100% agree with you, the middle ground is best here.

[korbhag]

I agree with Lion_Slicer. Selkies pretty much gives me an orgasm everytime the solo ends (and yes I do have a sex life).

And about the article, that's not like nobody knew... I am the walrus poo-poo-poo-poo-tee-poo...

[deadlyMETAL]

I've never done any types of drugs to know what it's like to make music with its assistance, but quite frankly I think I can write amazing music on my own without having to do anything to develop myself, my sound, or my writing/composing experimentation.

I'm of the belief that not only are drugs not essential to making music, but also that not everyone in the industry does them. I have no evidence for or against this belief, it's but to say that 100% everyone in a group of people does something is easily a suspicious statement. So, there's someone out there already well into the industry who can support me on the stance that drugs are absolutely not essential to making music or developing yourself as a musician, and even that it's possible for a person to do as good or even better at making the music they love without having to resort to using drugs as a supplement to their creativity.

[deadlyMETAL]

I've never done any types of drugs to know what it's like to make music with its assistance, but quite frankly I think I can write amazing music on my own without having to do anything to develop myself, my sound, or my writing/composing experimentation.

I'm of the belief that not only are drugs not essential to making music, but also that not everyone in the industry does them. I have no evidence for or against this belief, but to say that 100% everyone in a large, diverse, worldwide group of people does something like drugs is easily a suspicious statement. So, there's someone out there already well into the industry who can support me on the stance that drugs are absolutely not essential to making music or developing yourself as a musician, and even that it's possible for a person to do as good or even better at making the music they love without having to resort to using drugs as a supplement to their creativity.

[Galvatron]

If you havent done them and played than you can stop assuming.

Lots of artists have their music suffer when they get sober.The list of classic albums written under the influence would dwarf the classic albums written sober list.

Do those drugs kids.

[96ZB]

Kids, plug your ears and go "La la la I can't hear you."

[SumFX]

Not particularly news worthy tbh

and Selkies? seriously? BTBAM suck and that song proves it!

[fftabs]

Seriously, if I would like to see a top 100 of the best songs ever and a flag on those that were created under influence.

[intheshadowplay]

hell, just flag the ones that weren't. save some flags.

[RockNRollChaps1]

Yes, children, Selkies is a most delicious song. Regardless, drugs are very helpful to the songwriting process. If you get stoned, songs will come.
Don't get crazy though. Cannibis (as much as you like), psilocybin mushrooms (very infrequently), and, of course, LSD (once a week or less [preferably less]). No cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, other amphetamines, designer drugs, and you're all allowed to shoot heroin ONCE!
So remember, children; stay safe, do drugs, and create massive, insanely delicious riffage!!
Have a great day