Paul McCartney is baffled by influencer culture: “I just don’t really get it”
Paul McCartney has shared his utter confusion at the concept of influencer culture in a new podcast interview.
The 83-year-old is gearing up to release his new album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, on May 29th, which means engaging with new media, like podcasts, but don’t expect him to be dancing on TikTok or doing a ‘Get Ready With Me’ video anytime soon.
During a new interview with The Rest is Entertainment, McCartney was asked about what modern-day societal archetypes baffle him, which led to him giving his thoughts on influencer culture.
He explained, “I think a lot of this influencer stuff – I just don’t really get it, because I’m not that generation. But you can’t help seeing it. My wife will be looking at Instagram and showing me something, and then one of those will come on.”
McCartney continued, “I think it’s funny – and I suppose it always happened – but people who don’t seem to be particularly talented are incredibly famous. Billions of hits and views.”
The legendary musician did concede, “You’ve got to be careful about saying that, because it makes you sound very old-fashioned,” before adding, “Which I am.”
While McCartney is confused by people becoming famous for no apparent reason, he’s certainly enjoyed becoming a household name thanks to his songs changing the world, sharing, “Think about it. What were we doing when we started? We’re at school, you go to the careers master and he tells you you’re hopeless – there’s nothing out there for you. And then you get in a group and start to do well. What is it you’re looking for? Approval. Money.”
He powerfully continued, “To get out of your circumstances and rise in the world. I don’t think there’s any point being shy about that. I think everyone knows. If you’re in a job, you want a promotion. If you’ve got a show on television, you want ratings.”
Despite being one of the most famous people to ever walk the earth, McCartney also thanked his family and upbringing to ensure that he doesn’t get above his station, adding, “I think the truth is my family. I was very lucky – I came from a very loving family of very smart working-class people. And I always say to people: don’t underestimate the working class.”
Elsewhere in the conversation, McCartney said that not thinking about his success is another key reason that he’s allowed himself to live relatively normally.
He refreshingly shared of his perspective, “If I really sat and thought about it – my head would explode. So I try to dampen it down and just think: yeah, that was okay. That was a good one. And I don’t really feel like him. He’s the famous one. I’m the guy who just has to go up and have breakfast.”
Watch or listen to The Rest Is Entertainment wherever you get your podcasts
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