In the 2000s, James played backup percussion and guitar for some of his dad’s solo releases, like “Flaming Pie” and “Driving Rain.” He also played lead guitar for his mom on the track “The Light Comes from Within,” on the posthumously released album “Wide Prairie.”
When his mom died in 1998, James admits that his ‘perfect world’ was destroyed.
“When I was 17 I wrote my first song and then Mum was diagnosed with cancer. She died when I was 20 and that’s when I went into a very dark period,” he said. He continued, “I was studying art, photography and English at college. I had spent a lot of time at home with Mum and Dad. I got a bit of flak from the college because I wasn’t really present, but I never regretted spending that time with her.”
James found solace in drugs and alcohol, and distanced himself from the family. Adding to his struggles was his relationship his dad’s new wife, Heather Mills, whom Paul was married to from 2002 to 2008.
“My relationship with Heather was not very good. I didn’t like her. But I wouldn’t want to say anything negative about her because she’s a good mother to Beatrice and that’s the most important thing,” James said, speaking of his baby sister that Paul shares with Mills. “Beatrice is adorable. She’s great, a real joy for the whole family.”
In 2007, when his award-winning dad was hospitalized and had angioplasty surgery, James reconnected with his family. “Dad’s great now but that episode made me realize how important he is to me. He was suffering in his own way [because of his high-profile split from Mills]. He was under stress. In hindsight I wish I’d been more supportive,” James said.
In 2011, Paul married Nancy Shevell, to which James says, “Nancy’s my new mother. I feel that. Definitely. She’s very genuine.”
“I removed myself from my family for a while. Now I want to immerse myself in them,” James shared. “I love Dad so much. I’m in a happy place. I’m not high, which is a good thing. I just want to be the best person I can be.”
Slowly gaining traction as a reputable musician, James released his debut single “Available Light” (2010) and then, collaborated with his dad, who worked as co-producer, James delivered his first album, “Me” in 2013, followed by “The Blackberry Train” in 2016.
Though he lived a mostly private life, he told the BBC in 2012 that as a child, he aimed to be “better than the Beatles.”
“When I got to a certain age, I realized that I was somewhat better than other kids at school at guitar and took pride and enjoyment in that,” James said (as per the Daily Mail).
“I then dreamt of being better than The Beatles. I’m not sure if I can do that. If anything, I would love to be equal to The Beatles–but even that’s quite tough.”
He even revealed he was wanting to reanimate the Beatles with the progeny of the Fab Four, including John Lennon’s son, Sean, son of George, Dhani Harrison, and Ringo Starr’s two boys Zach and Jason Starkey.
But quickly shutting down the media explosion over a Beatles incarnation, NBC reports that James clarified that it was just a thought. “Well, looks like quite some attention being given to my BBC interview! Honestly, I was just thinking out loud about playing with Beatles family friends, nothing more. My band’s going to be on tour in the UK and US for most of this year, and the shows are going great! I’m so grateful…. Lots of love to you all…!”
Recently, James appeared with his dad and big sisters at the private viewing of the “Paul McCartney 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm” exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
The exhibition features extraordinary photographs taken by Sir Paul of The Beatles’ early days.
James, looking similar to his famous dad, was dapper in a black suit paired with a white shirt at the star-studded event.
Tossed into the spotlight where he’s vulnerable to criticism, fans shared their harsh opinions of James, who is a recovering addict.
“They look very much alike! I think this is what Paul would’ve looked like (in his heyday) if he was overweight and didn’t look after himself. His son needs to start looking after himself. It seems as though he over eats, probably an alcoholic. And doesn’t look like his hygiene is up to par.”
Many, reacted to the Daily Mail writing on Facebook that James is Handsome: “They have a different standard of what ‘handsome’ is….Yikes!” writes one user, while another said, “I don’t think I would say he was handsome got his dad’s eyes but that’s all.”
Some suggested that James aged poorly: “Sorry to say this but his son looks like his father and his father looks like his son.”
Falling into the minority of cyber citizens defending James, one follower writes, “Wow look at all the women body shaming the poor guy for his looks, if it was a woman they would be all up in arms if there was any negative comments, leave him alone ffs nothing wrong with him….probably gets more women than most men in here too lol.”
Have you heard any music released by James McCartney? Are you more likely to listen to his recordings because he is the son of a musical legend or are you the type of person who prefers independent artists?
Hello, ambulance? I… I found a baby in the entrance hall. It looks like someone dropped it off. Please come quickly
Christina was up before sunrise that morning — she needed to make a quick run to the store.
As she made her way to the front door, she noticed the familiar sight of her nephew’s toys scattered across the hallway floor.
She often babysat him, and though she had no children of her own, there was a quiet joy in the sound of a child’s laughter echoing through her home. For now, her life was centered around her career and personal goals, and she hadn’t yet met someone to start a family with.
After finishing her shopping, Christina’s bag was full: fresh bread, cheese, yogurt, fruit, and a few cans of peas in case she felt like whipping up a salad later. It was her day off — a rare chance to take care of things around the house without rushing.
As she returned home, walking along the peaceful path through her courtyard, she felt content. But just as she reached her building’s entrance, a faint sound caught her attention — a weak cry or moan. It sounded like a child.
She paused, listening closely. The sound was coming from the stairwell, near the garbage chute where discarded furniture was often left. Curiosity mixed with worry pushed her forward.
Tucked in the shadows, she saw a small bundle — a baby, barely a week old.
His tiny face was pale, lips tinged blue from cold or hunger. Christina’s heart clenched in sh0ck and compassion.
Without hesitation, she called for an ambulance.
“I’ve found a baby… he looks abandoned. Please come quickly,” she told the dispatcher, providing her address.
While waiting, she knelt beside the infant, whispering softly, “It’s okay, little one… you’re safe now.”
Within minutes, the ambulance arrived. Paramedics rushed in, and Christina carefully handed over the fragile baby. The doctor checked him over and nodded gravely.
“He’s alive, but weak. He needs medical care immediately. Are you his mother?”
Christina shook her head, emotion rising in her throat. “No… I just found him.”
After the ambulance sped away, Christina stood in silence, feeling shaken.
Back in her apartment, her groceries sat untouched on the table — cooking was the last thing on her mind. Later, she called her friend Oksana, needing to share the experience with someone.
That evening, Oksana arrived with a cake, and over tea, Christina recounted everything — the discovery, the fragile little life left alone in the cold.
“I keep thinking about him… What will happen to him now?” Christina wondered aloud. “Will he end up in an orphanage?”
Oksana nodded gently. “Most likely, unless his parents come forward. Or he’ll stay in the hospital until social services make arrangements. Are you thinking of helping him somehow?”
Deep down, Christina’s heart was already stirring with a thought that frightened her: Could she possibly take this child in? The idea seemed impossible — she was single, with an ordinary job and only limited experience raising children. But her heart was restless.
The next morning, Christina received a call from a police officer handling the case.
“We’ll look for the mother, though it’s often difficult — people leave and disappear. Usually, in these situations, the child is placed in an orphanage or foster care.”
Later, unable to shake the image of the tiny baby, Christina called the hospital to check on his condition. Days passed, but the thought of him lingered constantly in her mind.
A week later, gathering her courage, she visited the hospital. There, under a warming lamp, lay the fragile little boy, asleep and snoring quietly. Seeing him, her heart filled with emotion.
Returning home, Christina called her mother, who lived in another city.
“Mom, you won’t believe what happened…” she explained, voice shaking. “I found a baby… he’s in the hospital now, but I can’t stop thinking about him.”
Her mother was understanding but honest. “If you feel ready to be a mother, then go for it. But know that it won’t be easy, especially alone.”
Days later, Christina walked into the local child welfare office.
“My name is Christina — I found the baby in our building. I’d like to know if I can adopt him or become his guardian.”
So began a challenging new chapter of her life — collecting documents, undergoing health checks, and taking parenting courses.
Months passed. At the end of summer, Christina received the long-awaited news: she was approved to adopt the child.
In late August, the court hearing made it official. When the judge declared her the child’s legal mother, Christina could hardly hold back tears.
Ten days later, she held in her hands the baby’s new birth certificate, listing her as his mother.
She celebrated quietly with Oksana, a few friends, and her mother, who came from afar. Everyone shared in her joy — and understood that her life had changed forever.
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