At 83, Paul McCartney is still moving forward creatively, preparing to release his new album The Boys of Dungeon Lane on May 29. But while his career continues to evolve, his perspective on modern fame and media culture remains refreshingly skeptical—and deeply grounded.
In a recent conversation on The Rest is Entertainment, McCartney discussed how he’s engaging with today’s media landscape, including podcasts, but made it clear that some corners of the internet culture are far outside his comfort zone. TikTok trends and “Get Ready With Me” videos, for example, are not on his agenda.
“I don’t really get influencer culture”
McCartney didn’t hold back when asked about modern societal trends, particularly influencer culture. While he acknowledged that he comes from a different generation, he admitted that the phenomenon still catches his attention—especially when it appears on social media platforms his wife uses, like Instagram.
What stood out most was his honest confusion about the nature of online fame today. He pointed out that many people achieve massive audiences without what he personally recognizes as traditional artistic or technical skill, saying it’s “funny” how individuals can become widely famous with billions of views.
At the same time, he was careful not to sound dismissive. He even paused to note that such criticism can come across as “old-fashioned,” before adding with humor, “which I am.”
Fame, ambition, and “getting out of your circumstances”
Beyond his observations about social media, McCartney reflected on his own journey to global fame. He described the early days of his career as a time when conventional expectations were low, recalling being told there wasn’t much potential for him professionally.
Forming a band changed everything. For McCartney, success wasn’t abstract—it was tied to very human motivations: approval, financial security, and the desire to rise beyond one’s circumstances. He noted that ambition is universal, whether you’re in music, television, or any other field.
Staying grounded despite global fame
Even as one of the most recognizable musicians in history, McCartney credits his upbringing for keeping him grounded. He spoke warmly about coming from a loving, working-class family, and emphasized the importance of remembering those roots.
That perspective, he suggested, helps him avoid getting lost in the scale of his own fame. Rather than overanalyzing his legacy, he chooses simplicity in how he views his life and career.
“If I really sat and thought about it—my head would explode,” he explained, describing how he intentionally “dampens down” the magnitude of his achievements.
“I’m just the guy who has breakfast”
Perhaps the most striking part of the interview is McCartney’s approach to identity. Despite decades of cultural impact, awards, and worldwide recognition, he prefers not to dwell on the “legend” version of himself.
Instead, he separates the public figure from the private person—choosing to see himself in the most ordinary terms possible. As he put it, the famous version might exist out in the world, but in his own mind, he’s simply someone who gets up, goes about his day, and has breakfast.
It’s a surprisingly humble reflection from a man whose work helped shape modern music—and a reminder that even global icons often rely on simplicity to stay grounded in a very complicated world.