Paul McCartney’s daughter Stella McCartney recently opened up about the severe criticism and bullying her mother Linda McCartney faced after joining Wings. She shared her thoughts in the new Prime Video documentary ‘Paul McCartney: Man on the Run.’
Stella McCartney discussed how the harsh treatment of her mother deeply affected both Linda and the family. Linda died of cancer in 1998 at age 56.
“She wasn’t a cookie-cutter example of someone you put in a band,” Stella McCartney said. “What they, and she especially, had to go through, like when they isolated her voice and ridiculed her? I mean, it breaks my heart. I know that there was pain there. I knew she hurt. She wasn’t like, cold.”
Stella emphasized how her mother’s strength had a positive impact on her father despite the challenges.
“Her resilience in the face of such situations showed her bravery and spirit,” she continued. “That side to her boosted a side that Paul McCartney had perhaps lost.”
The comments shed light on the personal toll that public criticism took on the McCartney family during Linda’s time with Wings.
Linda McCartney’s journey into music began after the Beatles disbanded. Paul taught her to play keyboards despite her lack of formal musical training. 1972wingstourbus.com reported that after the Beatles broke up, Paul taught Linda to play keyboards. They recorded the album Ram as a duo before forming Wings.
Linda had established herself as a professional photographer who captured some of the most iconic musicians of her era before joining Wings. LindaMcCartney.com noted that she photographed legendary artists including the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix. This demonstrated her artistic credentials beyond music.
Critics frequently targeted Linda’s musical abilities. They often dismissed her as a “one-fingered player” on the Moog synthesizer. However, Wikipedia documented that Wings achieved significant commercial and critical success during Linda’s tenure. The band earned Grammy wins and produced hits from albums like Band on the Run.
Linda served as both keyboard player and vocalist throughout her time with Wings from 1971 to 1981. She contributed to the band’s distinctive sound. LindaMcCartney.com stated that after receiving credits on Paul’s solo album RAM, Linda joined Paul on stage as keyboard player and vocalist in Wings. She played a crucial role in the band’s musical evolution.
The band’s success story continues to resonate today. Paul McCartney recently announced a new book titled “Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run” scheduled for release in November 2025. The book will provide a comprehensive account of the band’s journey during the 1970s.
