Paul McCartney’s girlfriend between 1963 and 1968, Jane Asher was a major influence on his lifestyle and songwriting with The Beatles. For a time McCartney lived at the Asher family home in London, and a number of his songs were inspired by their relationship.
I always feel very wary including Jane in The Beatles’ history. She’s never gone into print about our relationship, whilst everyone on Earth has sold their story. So I’d feel weird being the one to kiss and tell.
Anthology
Born in London on 5 April 1946, Asher was the second of three children born to Dr Richard Asher and his wife Margaret. Dr Asher was a consultant in blood and mental disease at Central Middlesex Hospital in Acton, London, and a broadcaster and author of a number of notable medical papers; Margaret Asher was a professor of the oboe at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Coincidentally, one of her pupils had been George Martin, who studied piano and oboe at the school between 1947 and 1950.
Jane Asher was educated at Queen’s College in London’s Harley Street, and began her acting career at the age of five, playing the role of Nina in the 1952 film Mandy. She appeared in a number of notable subsequent films, including The Quatermass Xperiment (1955), The Greengage Summer (1961), The Prince And The Pauper (1962) and Alfie (1966). She also appeared in numerous television programmes, including the British series The Adventures Of Robin Hood, and appeared as a panelist on the BBC music show Juke Box Jury.
She met McCartney for the first time on on 18 April 1963, at the age of 17, prior to a performance by The Beatles at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The concert was broadcast live by the BBC on the programme Swinging Sound, and in between rehearsals the group did a photo session for the weekly listings magazine Radio Times.
I met Jane asher when she was sent by the Radio Times to cover a concert we were in at the Royal Albert Hall – we had a photo taken with her for the magazine and we all fancied her. We’d thought she was blonde, because we had only ever seen her on black-and-white telly doing Juke Box Jury, but she turned out to be a redhead. So it was: ‘Wow, you’re a redhead!’ I tried pulling her, succeeded, and we were boyfriend and girlfriend for quite a long time.
Anthology
Asher had initially liked the look of George Harrison, and all The Beatles gathered round her after McCartney began chatting to her. They invited her back to their hotel, the Royal Court in Sloane Square, before moving on to the Kings Road apartment of Chris Hutchins, a journalist.
The others left Paul alone in the bedroom with Jane, after a lot of winking. They spent the evening talking about gravy and what was their favourite meal. ‘I realised this was the girl for me. I hadn’t tried to grab her or make her. I told her, “It appears you’re a nice girl.”‘‘They couldn’t believe I was a virgin,’ says Jane.
Hunter Davies
After that night McCartney escorted her home, and they arranged to meet again. They went on a number of dates in London, and their romance became public when they were photographed leaving the Prince of Wales theatre after watching Neil Simon’s play Never Too Late. Thereafter they became one of the most frequently featured couples in the press.
Paul fell like a ton of bricks for Jane. The first time I was introduced to her was at her home and she was sitting on Paul’s knee. My first impression of Jane was how beautiful and finely featured she was. Her mass of Titian-coloured hair cascaded around her face and shoulders, her pale complexion contrasting strongly with her dark clothes and shining hair. Paul was obviously as proud as a peacock with his new lady. For Paul, Jane Asher was a great prize.
A Twist Of Lennon
By summer 1963 The Beatles had become household names, and found it difficult staying in hotels and walking around London unhampered. Although they often went to plays and clubs, McCartney and Asher often stayed in at her parents’ home at 57 Wimpole Street, a townhouse with six floors. Jane Asher suggested he regard the house as his London home, and her mother agreed to let him move into the attic room.
There were people there and food and a homey atmosphere, and Jane being my girlfriend, it was kind of perfect! Really, I suppose what solidified London for me was the house that they lived in at 57 Wimpole Street.It was really like culture shock in the way they ran their lives, because the doctor obviously had a quite tight diary, but all of them ran it that way. They would do things that I’d never seen before, like at dinner there would be word games. Now I’m bright enough, but mine is an intuitive brightness. I could just about keep up with that and I could always say, ‘I don’t know that word.’ I was always honest. In fact, I was able to enjoy and take part fully in their thing.
Many Years From Now, Barry Miles
I feel rather melancholy after finishing reading this. Jane is my favorite Beatle ex. Anyway, nice job done here.
My wife, Isabella Asher, is a cousin of Jane.
Hey Harry sorry to be so intrusive, but is your wife Jewish? You see I’ve been trying to find out if Jane is Jewish or not on her paternal side. So is she? Peace!
David Yaffe in Tablet Magazine claims that Jane Asher’s father was Jewish. https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/paul-mccartney-jew-ish
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-jewish-chronicle/20090731/282973921040525
What nationality is Stern?
German
Stern is a surname which can be of either German/Yiddish or English language origin, though the former case predominates. The English version of the surname was used as a nickname for someone who was strict, austere, harsh, or stern in character. The German/Yiddish word Stern means “star”.
She is my fave Beatle ex too. Very classy that she won’t reveal anything about her relationship with Paul. I don’t believe the “I never clicked” with her comment from Paul. You don’t stay 5 years with somebody you “kind of like.” He knows he blew it when she walked in on him in bed with Francie Schwartz and should say he did something that he should not have done and he regrets it led to their break-up. Too bad they could not have gotten back together after Linda died (except Jane was still married) instead of him having a bad marriage with Heather.
There is zero evidence she walked on him with Francie Schwarz, even Francie denies that. There are a lot of people who stay together out of habit as opposed to “clicking”. That’s clearly why they stayed together so long. Neither of them wanted the relationship to “fail”(let’s face it they both seem to have a bit of a perfectionist tendency). They had a brief period where they did “click”, they both got something out of the relationship they needed and wanted but after that they were always moving in different directions personally. They stayed together because it was easier at that point than breaking up.
Linda was a very talented rock photographer, she had a big portfolio(and had sold plenty of her work) well before she met or became involved with Paul. She wasn’t a groupie, she slept with a number of them because that was what the times were like in the rock business. She wanted to so she did it. Just like Paul slept with lots of women before he became serious with her.
Paul and Linda were well matched temperamentally and understood each other without it having to be a negotiation all the time(though clearly they did work at it and make compromises as all long term marrieds do and they said as much, they had their ups and downs). Paul’s something of a workaholic, he needed someone who would help him relax(though Linda was by no means lazy – I seem to recall reading one of her sayings was “Time to fill” instead of “Time to kill” meaning you should be trying to do something useful with that time), someone who he knew would be there.
Jane was just named to the 100 most beautiful actress list.
I wish he had married her. They were perfect for each other
Paul needed and needs a loving woman beside him every day but with Jane it was not possible.
How do you know? What an extraordinary comment, and very rude towards Jane Asher. From what I’ve read, I’m sure she understood him all too well. Needs? Paul appears to cope quite well thank you without his present wife by his side every minute of the day while on his numerous world tours.
Paul said himself when he and John joined forces to have a band that the reason they did it was to “pull birds”. They were in it for the girls and the sex! When they were in Hamburg performing on the Reeperbahn they had women throwing themselves at the Beatles every night and they intended to have sex with a Beatle. The “boys”, being young and hormonal were only too happy to oblige! They had a Doctor giving them regular shots in their behinds to clear them from venereal disease. They were so used to it going on all the time and John was with Cynthia (since 1957) and George was under age, which is why he was sent home to Liverpool so they all went home. When Paul met Linda he was intrigued by this American woman who was a mother and a photographer of mainly rock bands in the 60’s. For almost everyone in the 60’s of that young age the thing was peace, drugs, sex and rock ‘n roll. Linda seized her opportunity to partake of that menu too! When Paul visited Linda in New York, he saw her with her daughter, Heather, who was only about 6 years old and he saw Linda as a woman who was, as he put it, “mother Earth”, and he was attracted to her “natural woman-ness”. She was American, different than the English “birds” and she had a healthy sexual appetite as did Paul. Once they spent that weekend together in the hotel, they were hooked. Linda was attracted to John in the beginning but once Paul approached her in the Bag o’ Nails in London and they got together a few times that was it. They were obviously very much in love and soulmates. Once The Beatles were done and Paul formed Wings, he didn’t want to be away from Linda so he insisted she be part of the band and he taught her to play the keyboards. I think that also, he probably didn’t want to fall back into the old deal of women throwing themselves at him when he was touring with The Beatles. He wanted his own love with him and that is why they never spent a night apart during their marriage other than when he was imprisoned in Japan for 9 days for being caught with the half a pound of marijuana that Linda had smuggled into the country in her bag. Once they were together, had children, they were all each other needed. They were absolutely soulmates; true love. It was completely heart-breaking when Linda died so young.
Hmm. Are we to infer from this that American women have sexual appetites but British “birds” don’t? I didn’t know that real women are only the ones that have children. Wonder if the same applies to men. Marijuana assists female sexual appetite somewhat from what I’ve heard. There appears to be not much evidence that Linda was a raver before 1965, at least not with non famous men anyway.
I would read up a little more. They were quite wrong for each other in the end.
Yes, I agree. Jane was bound on a successful acting career and had to be away from Paul to perform her craft. Paul was going in the other direction with The Beatles and the loud, crazy, screaming fans were a bit much for Jane Asher’s more refined lifestyle. Paul had a lot of latitude and continued “pulling birds” and enjoyed a sexual freedom even though he was with Jane but Jane wasn’t there. That was not the life for Jane Asher. He also admitted once that he and Linda had both been ravers before they met and married.
Jane and Paul were “deeply and passionately” in love according to everyone in the Beatles inner circle. Jane was not a groupie or a girlfriend when she ended their relationship after catching Paul in bed with FS -she was Paul’s fiance. And, Jane and Paul remained together throughout the height of Beatlemania which had no effect on their life together. Women work to support themselves or their families and it’s not okay to defend Paul’s cheating because “Jane wasn’t there.” Paul cheated because he has no integrity or humility and that apparently has not changed. And, when Jane was “there” every woman was out of sight and out of mind including Linda. Paul tried to become friends with some of his/Beatles biographers to change history, but some including Peter Brown and Alastair Taylor kept to the truth -truths that publicly bothered Paul due to his PR marriage. Too bad..so sad. Read their books (or even articles on line). Then, read Paul’s lyrics from ’72 to present day. It’s really sad
I do too, I really liked her, still do. She is a class act.
Why do you wish that? It was over. I am sure they learn a lot from their time together. Jane married the gorgeous, genius Gerald Scarf and live happy ever after. What can be better then that. Peace??
Can’t believe Paul was so uncaring toward her.She would have made a truly good wife.She deserves to be happy!
Jane didn’t give in to him, when he was wrong, he was wrong. Besides, he cheated on her all the time, and in the end it was why she dumped him. Paul was a chauvinist who was used to subservient northern women who let him have his way. Jane was educated, and he learned a lot from her. But he jinxed it up. To her credit, she has never written a tell all and will not to this day discuss Paul McCartney.
What a Lady!
“subservient northern women”. What a load of tripe – where are you from Barb? Stop swallowing whatever line you’ve read in a ‘Beatles’ biography written by those who never made it north of the Watford gap. Met any “subservient northern women”? Having been a northern woman all of my life I can tell you most of us are the polar opposite of “subservient”. Marianne Faithfull has said she’d wished she hadn’t all but given up her career for Mick, as she did for much of the sixties – she was an upper class woman from the Home Counties. Patti Boyd (another southerner) gave up her career for George. Apparently not “subservient” enough for ‘Barb’ though. Yoko devoted her life to look after John. None were “subservient northern women”. Watch that tendency towards credulity and demeaning, contemptuous bigotry. Not a good look.
Yes – speaking as a man I must say that I found that phrase “subservient northern women” incredibly patronising and insulting too. Was it really a woman who wrote such outdated nonsense? If so, she must be a terrible Southern snob. In any case, good reply aerialkate.
No one understood Paul choosing Linda, a groupie from NYC. No one understood George cheating on Patti Boyd to the point he drove her into Eric Clapton’s arms, another womanizer. And, not one person on this planet understands John choosing Yoko, the biggest gold digger in rock history. Watch your own tendency to suspend logic for rock glamour.
Not sure what you’re on about here, Sarah. I think you have missed the point of aerialkate’s post.
Paul and Linda were in love and soulmates and John and Yoko fell in love. Each filled a need that their other half had. I guess their song, “All You Need is Love” was their gospel; they wrote if for the national television show and they sang it to the world.
And I’m sure she’s plenty happy with her doodler Gerald Scarfe, and Paul’s happy to be rid of her and is very lucky to have found his soul mate Linda. While she is gone, he still loves her and always will. He should thank God Jane and he weren’t married or he would’ve never married Linda and he would’ve never found the true love of his life.
So true – I met Paul and Linda in New Orleans in 1974, when they were recording Venus and Mars – you could see she was the love of his life and soulmate
She’s still an absolute babe in her mid 60s andI am just past 40
Unfortunately you also have zero evidence of what actually happened. Only Jane Asher knows.
‘I realised this was the girl for me’: for Paul to reiterate in 1968 what he felt about Jane in 1963 sounds like they clicked all right. Paul had plenty of opportunities to establish other relationships, as did Jane, far more than most people their age. It wasn’t habit that kept them together. He only became serious with Linda after Jane called it quits and it was obvious that what they clicked over was their shared love of marijuana, if that’s what they needed. They didn’t have to negotiate with each other? Not having three other Beatles in their lives would have helped.
One thing: why do people believe Jane Asher would get back with Paul McCartney if she was available? After the shabby way he behaved towards her he would be the last person she’d want. His rather self-congratulatory marriage to Linda doesn’t justify anything – to their fans it’s as if their past sexual proclivities are to be worn as a badge of honour or something.
In his book, Alastair Taylor confirmed that Jane had caught Paul in their bed with another girl because Paul told him. Taylor described their breakup as “awful” and “terrible for Jane.” Paul literally cried on Taylor’s shoulders and shared his feelings. It was quite pitiful to read how Paul behaved and his transformation afterwards that continues to this day. Taylor said Jane rejected Paul’s calls and messages, and it “changed” him. That he became “harder” and “more cynical.” When a person is emotionally hurt so terribly (regardless of fault), they do become harder and build walls to protect themselves from ever feeling that pain again. To try to find if my discerning was on point, I found my answer in Linda’s lyrics to “Endless Days” which was a response to Paul’s yearning for a girl in his past to call him. He wrote lyrics about it again in recently, while married to Heather and Nacy. For anyone to dismiss Jane as Paul’s great love has not been paying attention for years. Perhaps, the reason the other three Beatles couldn’t stand him and they did not speak for years. Perhaps, the reason why Linda cried to her friend Cox about her miserable marriage and wanting to leave Paul in the late 80s and spoke of Jane “quite negative.” She did not know Jane and she has had no contact with Paul. Their marriage was PR from day one! And, the fact that he wrote songs for Jane while they were married and Linda sang on these songs is really disrespectful and mean. Read Linda’s lyrics to “The Light Shines From Within” because it’s also about Paul. She was sharing her story and no one listened. Regardless, Jane has been filling her bucket list and I am happy for her. Paul is on his third marriage, covets money and not love, and still uses Jane as inspiration. You can hear it.
I didn’t know anyone else saw this as a recurring theme in Paul’s songs to this day. What recent songs do you see with it? ‘Struggle’?
I see this theme through the years in his songwriting too. What recent lyrics do you see this in?
1. “Anyway” 2005 This made me cry to hear his voice old and pleading
2. “On my way to work” 2013 (JA catching him with FS-he switches)
3. “Do it now” 2018 answering a invite that never came? Weird
4. “Despite Repeated Warnings” 2018 (Dr. Asher? the name “Janet”)
5. “Struggle” 2013 “We can work it out” in the lyrics? He’s not hiding anything in this song and you caught it! He was married to Nancy S.
There is a repeated theme with him that his lyrics are about a past love and not a present one. Shockingly in some earlier songs he does not even try to hide it and poor Linda sings on these songs. Linda shoots back with “Endless Days” which was her way of exposing Paul’s obsession with Jane.
Endless days and lonely nights, I cry out baby
When will you come back to me?
Gone away you wouldn’t say the hurt I caused you
When will you come back to me?
I’ve been waiting for you to call
But you just won’t get back to me
Endless days and lonely nights
Are all that you give to me”
Linda’s exposing Paul’s obsession/pain/whatever in an almost mocking manner. I did not stop at lyrics, but went to his videos. “Give my Regards to Broad Street” the secretary is redheaded, Tracy U. dyed her hair red, the woman at the meet is a redhead, the lead dancer in Ballroom Dancing is redheaded. Then, there is the recent “Who Cares” with Emma Stone. He did a song with E.Costello called “This One” about a marriage that did not happen and Paul decides to put a India theme in the video. In Queenie Eye a redhead sits by his piano. It goes on and on. I am not sure if he is conscientiously aware he is doing it or he continues to speak to Jane via his lyrics and videos as he did when they were together but I cannot ignore his message. He settled for Linda and he could control her, while describing their marriage as “not idyll” and “volatile.” Why his fans ignore this, I do not know.
Thank goodness! I thought no one else saw this. ‘I’m Carrying’ was the song that first alerted me to it. As you say, so many songs with this as a theme. Yeah, the ‘we can work it out’ reference in ‘Struggle’!
Yes, ‘Anyway’ jumped out at me, too. Every podcast or review relates it to Heather but I hear it as a message to someone much further in his past. A lot of songs like it where he’s waiting on someone from his past calling him, getting in touch.
“Anyway”
“If you love me, won’t you call me I’ve been waiting, waiting to long
In my soul is, constant yearning
Always singing, singing this song”
One must go back to earlier lyrics to find answers. In the song “The Mess” 1972 Paul not only gives a timetable when Jane left (June) but he also begins his obsession of yearning for her to call him.
“All i needed your number,
Will you give me your number”
How do we know this song is about Jane?
“Oh – sweet darling what a mess i’m in
What a mess i’m in, since you left me”
Clearly, the song “Anyway” is not about Heather. It is about Jane. You would not believe the list of songs I have. It is actually really sad.
I wrote an earlier post but do not see it. When I read Cox’s interview and Linda mentioned Jane after 20yrs of marriage, I wanted to know more. However, nothing was out there. So, I resorted to what I know best..research and I went to his lyrics.
The first song I could find that sets the stage for Paul waiting for a call is in “The Mess” which was released in 1972. In this song, Paul also gives a timeline when Jane left him (June). The lyrics:
“When i want ya do i get ya
All i needed your number,
Will you give me your number”
Well, that could be about anyone. However, take the next verse:
“Oh – sweet darling what a mess i’m in
What a mess i’m in, since you left me”
It was not known then, but Taylor told the story of Jane catching Paul in the act and leaving him years later.
Then, the most recent is “Anyway” where he sounds tired of waiting for the call that has never happened.
I would say about 85% or more of Paul’s songs are about Jane. Too many to note. So, when he talks about what the song is about wait when it changes at times near the end. “On My Way to Work” he said was about his job. Okay, but he shifts to being caught with a woman (Jane catching him with Francie) and that was wrote in 2013.
I have written several posts but I do not see them 🙁 They were long too! ugh!
“Anyway” released 2013
“If you love me, won’t you call me
I’ve been waiting, waiting to long
In my soul is, constant yearning
Always singing, singing this song”
Yes, and he started singing “this song” in 1972
“The Mess”
When i want ya do i get ya
“All i needed your number,
Will you give me your number
Oh sweet darling
Oh sweet darling
Oh – sweet darling what a mess i’m in
What a mess i’m in, since you left me”
I would say, that 85% or more of his songs were written with Jane on his mind. It’s sad and it makes you want to give him a hug because he’s so vulnerable.
Your post was missing a reply button. I am new to this forum, so please bear with me. I am not on Twitter but have a FB account. I was asking earlier if there’s any way we can create a forum here. A perfect place and it would be interesting to see what comes up. I was on the “why didn’t paul marry Jane” forum and already people were responding to one of my posts. One poster wrote the original lyrics to “Maybe I’m Amazed” and it really took me for a loop. When you get the time check it out as it only validates my thinking that the song was written about…Jane and not Linda. He is obsessed with her.
My ever present past
Look up YT “Paul McCartney Making Ever Present Past”
Why on earth would Paul want 16 female dancers to wear red wigs? Paul is so obvious..he simply does not care who knows.
Yes! The number of redheads that appear in his videos.’ The Mess’, of course: “you sailed away one night in June…what a mess I’m in”. ‘Same Love’ – his most complete statement?
For quicker chat, are you on Twitter?
I’ve written posts that I can’t see, too. Are you on Twitter for easier chat?
Stephen Lennon there was not a reply on your post. So, here I am. I am not on Twitter but have a Face Book account. I think it would be interesting if we could get a forum going on our topic. It would be interesting to see what other people can come up with just for shit and giggles. What do you say?
Totally agree!!!
They weren’t right for each other. The story of Paul and Francie is not confirmed; Francie Schwartz denies it to this day, and Jane refuses to say anything. I think it’s quite absurd that everyone keeps telling that story when we don’t know if it’s true. I can’t stand the woman, honestly. Even though we share a name.
Love her, always have and I do think Paul always loved her even when he was married to Linda, I heard that Linda was jealous of Jane years later and Paul would mention Jane to Linda. I think Linda was a rebound, actually. So were the others.
Barb….YOU ARE SO RIGHT! He married the rebound because she was trashy enough to get pregnant as soon as she possibly could….
Well, that’s a classy remark, Patti. I’m sure Mary McCartney would appreciate hearing that. Right….a rebound. A rebound with whom he was never unfaithful, and a rebound he spent every single night of his life with until she died three decades later — except for the 11 days he was in jail for pot. A rebound with whom he had a family who is close and loving….
What is the matter with you people. Are you all really so naive as to think that a person cannot have several meaningful loves over the course of a long life? Paul’s had three: Jane, Linda, and (after she-whom-we-shall-not-name), Nancy Shevell.
What vicious, small-minded people are on here.
Thank you! I agree! You put what I was feelings into words.
To me, it doesnt matter who got who and when. They were a part of the history of the Beatles, memories from my childhood, it was all Beatles for us then. Im happy for her, she has a wonderful life. And he is doing pretty great.
What about ‘knocked-up Dot’?
Completely agree with you, Carolina!
Gotta love “she-whom- we-shall-not-name”. Bravo.
Funny how Jane still dislikes Paul to this day. I think Paul got the better woman in the end.
I don’t think so, I think he got the woman he wanted.
Wanted? He had met Linda a few times already while he was still with Jane Asher. At no time did he seem prepared to give her up for Linda, or any other woman for that matter.
I suspect that when he was actually with Asher all other women were out of sight, out of mind.
How on earth do you know Jane “still dislikes” him? She hasn’t said a word about him. She has repeatedly said to interviewers that it is “insulting” to be asked about an ex-boyfriend she dated shortly after her 17th birthday and she’s absolutey correct. It’s patronising to her and it’s insulting to her husband, to whom she’s been married for over thirty years. Perhaps what’s eating so many people is the fact that she genuinely moved on and was happier with another man. Their lasting union would seem to suggest this is the simple truth.
Well said, aerialkate. Not to mention the fact that life, and hearts, are complicated. People expect celebrities to be one-dimensional characters like in a romance novel. Of course, no human is. It’s quite possible to love your current husband while still having unprocessed emotions for an old flame. Notice I didn’t say “still being in love with an old flame,” but unprocessed emotion. Anyone who has really lived life has stuff that happened decades ago that they are still unpacking. Also if I were Jane Asher, I wouldn’t talk about Paul, either. Why? Because if she were to open that door, that’s all she’d be asked about from then on out. Her decades of acting, her many successes, would be trivial compared to reporters asking what Paul ate for dinner on Boxing Day 1965 or whatever. She’d get completely lost in the Beatles glare. Good for her for keeping a firm boundary.
I’ve Got a Feeling was Paul’s first diss song to Jane after the end of their relationship. She must have been very hurt after hearing it at the premiere of Let it Be, which she attended along with Cynthia Lennon (who had to endure the similarly mean Don’t Let Me Down). I’m pretty sure Jane felt the lyrics were pointed at her, as she washed her hands of Paul forever from 1970 onwards rather than 1968.
oh please believe me, I’d hate to miss the train,
oh yeah, oh yeah
And if you leave me, I won’t be late again
Perhaps it is easy to overanalyze the lyrics were it not for the fact that Paul missed his train to Liverpool because of lingering with Jane at the station and ended up staying at the Ashers that night and for the next three years (The Biography: Hunter Davies; 1968). And ever since Jane has always described meeting her future husband as feeling that she had ‘arrived’ (at her station?), a rather unusual phrase, but perhaps meant as an up yours to Paul.
Beatle fans can be pretty insensitive in trying to make out that Jane got over Paul in five minutes and had no lasting ill effects. I’d read that her friends had encouraged her to pray to help her get through it but she couldn’t find any solace in God. So that seems to be the opposite – that it was traumatic and painful for her.
I don’t know what it was about Linda’s influence on Paul, but it seems from the very moment Linda Eastman appeared on the scene he became secretive and underhanded – not only this song, but others too, where John felt slighted and upset – Too Many People, Dear Friend, Dear Boy (the latter supposedly for Linda’s ex husband). Also Paul’s first solo album was done secretly. John retaliated of course with How Do You Sleep; Jane rejected Paul by ignoring him completely with her silence. I wonder which was the most damaging to him psychologically? I’m not sure whether the songs mentioned above are about Jane, especially while Linda was alive. Why would Paul rock the boat considering her animosity towards Jane? I think possibly the songs I Don’t Know and Get Enough from Egypt Station are, but not Despite Repeated Warnings, which is about Donald Trump. But like I said, Paul can be very secretive.
…..rolling my eyes……
The Beatles wrote lyrics about their lives, beliefs, and relationships in their songs. If you don’t care for that side of it, then that’s your choice. Their songs and motives are always being analysed on this site and many others. It’s not always about who sang or played what on x track. So keep them eyes rollin’, MikeP.
I’ve written several posts but I still do not see them. You are on point, Kalle. Do not allow anyone to tell you differently. When one reads Alastair Taylor’s book it all makes sense. I am aware that what Paul did terrible, in which the other three were just as bad, but his songs are heartbreaking. He covets their love still to this day.
“
Very nice analyzing on “I’ve got a Feeling” and, I agree. I just noted a post about my research into Paul’s songs up a few posts with Lennon before I read yours. I almost feel as if I am intruding in his life, but he has shared it. There are too many songs Paul has written for Jane over the years to list, as I just went through them all. And, I agree that Jane did not come out of that relationship unscathed. As for your question on who hurt Paul more John or Jane – when ignored by someone they love or care for, people feel inadequate. They lose themselves in doubt, sadness, and a plummeting of self-worth. The act of ignoring someone is a powerful psychological weapon that I think is abusive. As for John, I think he had it with Paul and Linda’s behavior towards his wife and let it eat. Paul said recently that John’s song hurt him and he was able to release that pain and share it to resolve. With no response from Jane all these years, the more damage Paul would be doing to his own psyche. So, in my humble opinion Jane is hurting him much more and deeper-longer than John.
Actually, Jane “washed her hands” of Paul in June 1968 and has never had anything else to do with him. Most think it was July, but Paul sets the timeline in “The Mess.” And, he also admits that it was Jane who left him. Why do you think it was in 70, may I ask?
A lucky escape for Jane. McCartney was screwing women all over the place and got sprung by Jane with another girl in her bedroom at her home when she came home early from the U.S. The Ashers kicked him out and immediately Paul hooked up with a groupie he was screwing on the side. It was Linda Eastman . A bedroom hopping pot smoking social climber just like Paul. Jane was far to good for him besides Paul was always attracted to someone who could at times mother him, prepared to stay in the background and not challenge him if he wanted a bit on the side. In this respect Linda was perfect.
Source. FAB an intimate life of Paul McCartney by Howard Sounes.
A deeply misogynistic take on Linda and one that’s trotted out far too often. Who cares if she had a good time in the 60s? Linda was better for Paul because Jane refused to give up her career. I’m glad Jane took that route, she was ahead of her time. Despite McCartney’s fame and wealth, Asher ended up with the far better man, as far as I’m concerned.
It sounds like they all ended up with the people most appropriate for them. Funny how life happens that way. That was a misogynistic view of Linda, and in fact the sexism in this whole ridiculous Jane vs. Linda, Paul vs. Jane’s current husband business makes me throw up in my mouth a little.
I couldn’t agree more. While not even close to ‘Beatle’ fame, Linda was proven in her own rite as a photographer. That she chose to put that career to the side when they married perhaps fulfilled both their needs – I always saw it as Paul ready to settle down and start a family, and Linda willing to provide the home he wanted. But I found it curious when he dragged her into Wings; obviously she had little music talent but I think it was more of a security-blanket thing for him. And she willingly played along.
The influence on Paul by the Asher family was tremendous; they opened a world of possibilities to him and greatly stretched his mind and musical abilities and curiosity. But for Jane to meet someone when she was 17 and for us to lament that after 5 years it didn’t ‘work out’ (nevermind that they were two young, hard-working professionals in different fields) isn’t realistic. That she did in a few short years find that someone to spend her life with is incredibly fortunate for them both. Some of us go through life and don’t find that someone.
I do think Linda was Paul’s soul-mate. Paul, once he settled in to the married man role, well I think he obviously loved it. When Linda died he filled that emptiness way too soon with Heather; we know how that ended. It appears Nancy and he, marrying after a long friendship, seem better suited.
Linda is my favorite because she’s nice and we miss her terribly Paul loved linda ????
Jane vs linda well Paul didn’t cheat on linda he cheated on jane asher a lot so linda Louise Eastman McCartney wins again p.s. I love wings
Linda v Jane (grow up) – but since you brought it up: There’s a reason for that “they never spent a night apart” shtick we always heard. Linda knew damn well Paul had a roving eye and she kept her eye on his at all times. She told several band members she didn’t enjoy touring with (or even being in ) ‘Wings’. Jojo Laine (Denny’s wife) said that Linda was extremely wary of groupies. Paul didn’t cheat on Linda because she never gave him the opportunity. The difference between the marriage proposals between the two women is that Asher wasn’t pregnant when McCartney asked her to marry him. Asher won by walking. For me, as a human being (and not just a Beatle) McCartney was no prize.
You know, I love Paul and I always will, but I agree with you whole heartedly. I’ll never understand how Linda became so sainted after she died. I think she get pregnant purposely to rope Paul in. I’m happily married and have no desire to “want Paul for myself”, plus I agree that he is no doubt a difficult person to live with. I admire Jane. She seems happy and she’s a classy lady. I also think Paul’s current wife, Nancy, is a very classy lady. Paul and Linda seemed happy together and they made their marriage work, and I don’t have anything “against” Linda, but I don’t think she was the class act Jane and Nancy are.
Julie….I could not agree more….besides being a bed hopping groupie…..Eastman was trashy and never tried to fix herself up…..Stringy ugly thin hair….Eastman always looked like
she needed a shower….Keeping a firm grip on Paul….showing off to everyone that she landed Paul….
“That weekend, she tried calling him at home and got Stash on the line instead. He told her Paul was in Liverpool. Unfazed, Linda said she wanted to come over anyway.
So she did — and promptly fell into bed with Stash. It was a bizarre weekend. While Stash and Linda were rolling around together, Paul phoned to tell his lodger to move out. So Stash took Linda to stay with the musician Graham Nash.
And soon their affair was common knowledge in London’s rock community. ‘I was teased extensively by Roger Daltrey and [Jimi] Hendrix and so on, because, you know, Linda had gone around,’ says Stash, ungallantly.”
You have pretty much nailed it, aerialkate
Amen.
I loved Jane Asher. She was so beautiful. She just was’nt the right one for Paul. When he met Linda I think he just knew she was the one. they were married for 29 years, so i guess she was. They went everywhere together.
I wish Paul married her.
I don’t. He would have made her life a misery.
No it is in fact true. The funny thing is when Jane came back from 5 months in the US she said “he was like a different person…” Anyway she went with the real Paul and then with Sargent Pepper, the imposter I still love now, who, with the help of the Beatles, Epstein, and who knows who else, has managed to pull off the most amazing conspiracy of the 21st century. She had to know….right ?
Yes, Jane Asher is the only person alive that could definitively put this whole “Paul died in 1966” thing to rest.
I wish She would!!
If Paul died in 1966, why would Paul’s Dad and brother and his huge family of Aunties, cousins and babies not be able to tell the difference? Not to mention the other 3 Beatles themselves who probably knew him better than anyone else. It’s ludicrous that people actually can believe that! When The Beatles split and Paul was suing them in court to disassociate himself from Allen Klein who represented the other three as business manager, don’t you think the others would have mentioned that the real Paul died in 1966? Come now people, it was a joke, a ruse, probably John’s idea; he had a warped sense of humor.
Totally agree!
Jesus, I was wondering when somebody was gonna bring up him being replaced!!! So when did Jane say he was like a different man? After the change was suppose to take place? And I always wondered how the hell he was so much taller then her in the end then in the beginning! Christ he would have needed the shoes the guys in KISS Wore to be that much higher!!!!
She is a pretty good actress for sure. I like Ringo’s quote about how he thinks Jane’s explanation of why they broke up would be more interesting. She is not talking and probably for good reason. There are a lot of lies being told. There are a lot of secrets being hidden, and the Double Fantasy continues…
Women who have less than glowing things to say about their time with Beatle members get savaged online and in the press. They habitually get called “whores”. Every woman is a “liar” and a “publicity seeker”. Jane Asher’s not stupid. She doesn’t fancy millions of Beatles fans giving her grief online. I doubt she harbours any resentment – she’s been happily married for nearly forty years. But if asked to look back about McCartney, in terms of her memories and experiences, she’d probably have some good things and some bad things to say about him. Too many fans can’t brook any criticism of McCartney.
Linda is still Paul’s true love
Yes Jane Asher and the Paul McCartney who died in 1966 were the perfect couple just as Billy Shears and Linda Eastman were the perfect couple. That makes better sense. I’m amazed that Jane could keep up the pretense.
Do you hear that siren? It’s the men in the white van; they’re coming to pick you up.
NO ONE is THAT GOOD!
Well said.
Agreed
Paul, was a young handsome guy in his 20s at the height of his fame with more temptations that any of us will know in 100 lifetimes. Had he met her after 70 they might be together still.
Or before Heather Mills!!!!!
Jane asher is a true beauty. What happened with them was a simple twist of fate. The fruits of adversity are the sweetest. So I think they are much happier with their own separate lives.
????
How about the song “For No One”?
I remember seeing her in some British funeral film. She aged well and was a total English Rose in the day. I wonder why she is so quit about her data with Paul. I would love to hear her story.
Jane doesn’t discuss her personal life in the public eye; certainly there is no reason a classy woman, such as Jane Asher, would publicly discuss the details of her personal relationship with such a publicly know person as Paul McCartney. Only guttersnipes would do that; it’s simply nobody’s business. She had only just turned 17 and was a virgin when she met Paul and barely an adult when she realized they weren’t meant to be together. They were together only a few years; it’s ancient history.
I love Paul, was never crazy about Linda. I think you are absolutely right – she was hanging onto him and did not want him out of her sight. Every picture she has a hold of his arm. If he was happy, then that it is the main thing.
Meh never cared for her. And besides I think Paul looked much better than whatever she thought about George. Linda said she thought Paul was beautiful and even took a photo. Not that its about looks but he sure did last longer with Linda otherwise.
They just grew apart, that’s all. I suppose many don’t realize how hard it was for both of them to be true blue with those careers,at that age,in those times. Not many celebrity couples go the distance,right? We lifelong Beatle fans project our own fantasies at times about the other fab four, Cynthia,Jane,Pattie and Maureen…but again, none of them went the distance. We can all read about the juicy details regarding Beatle women in hindsight, but in the end no one but THE BOYS and their women know why some things clicked and others didn’t. We have the music,words,and books…that’s good enough.
It is amazing that so many of us are still intensely interested in the private lives of the Beatles, fifty years later, but we are. I visited Liverpool, and 20 Forthlin Road, and Mendips in 2008, and it was magical… When you consider the 60s, and the insane level of fame that the Beatles achieved, it is unsurprising that their first marriages (or first serious relationship, in Paul’s case) suffered as a result. What young guy, in his 20s, could resist the temptations that the Beatles had? What is amazing is that Paul, John, George and Ringo all found long-lasting happiness in their respective second marriages/relationships. Does anyone doubt that Paul and Linda would still be together? or John and Yoko? or George and his second wife? if not for death itself causing their separation? For that matter, Jane Asher–still beautiful and successful, aged 70–has been with her man since 1971. So let go of your fantasies about Jane and Paul already–they both did, a long, long time ago.
AMEN!
It’s not about any fantasies between Jane and Paul. Jane Asher refuses to talk about her five year relationship with Paul McCartney and she is absolutely right. Instead, it’s about recognising her personal place within the Beatles’ inner circle which can’t be divorced that easily from the music. And without her input there will always be a big hole in the Beatles history. It seems that Paul is more than happy to attribute his negative songs to her (For no one, You won’t see me etc.) but describes his most beautiful love songs, with their powerful imagery, as being written about “nobody in particular”. What a complete sham. Here’s a man who likes to think of himself as a serious artist – well if he can’t take his own songs seriously then why on earth should we. His excuses for the failure of his relationship with Jane are pathetic – we didn’t click, it didn’t feel right, she had a boyfriend, ad nauseum. He was nothing but a love cheat and walking out was the best thing she ever did. I always liked Paul best, but at times he is very hard to like. Jane Asher was the most significant female throughout the Beatles era from 1963-1968. Get over it. If Paul had never met her in the first place nobody would give a damn about his wives or any of the other women in his life who have set about telling their tawdry tales.
He had to say his most beautiful love songs were about, “nobody in particular” or Linda would have had his head for mentioning Jane. Or, more likely, he was sensitive to Linda’s feelings, which he learned from Jane. Out of respect for your current love, don’t talk about your exes.
Sorry so late, but if you look up a few posts we started a conversation about the songs Paul wrote for Jane over the past 50 years. I think Jane was a great loss for Paul and although he may have deserved it, I feel sad that his humility went with her. He changed and not in a good way which led to his disagreements and eventual feuds with John, George and Ringo, as well as with old and loyal friends. It clearly hurt his relationship with Linda and Heather (not sure about PR Nancy yet). Jane has not spoke to Paul since she caught him with Francie in “June” 1968 and this has deeply hurt him over the years. I think the comments he’s made was not because of Linda but to hurt Jane and to receive a reaction from her but all he got was further silence. To this day, Jane refuses to acknowledge Paul. The silent treatment may frankly be one of the most grossly understated forms of psychological abuse and torture. It is characteristic of neglect, depriving the target of much need social engagement, validation, affection, and empathy. To ignore someone is incredibly painful, and studies have shown it to be even more damaging than or at minimum comparable to physical assault. With that said, Paul betrayed her in the worse possible way and I understand why she ended their relationship. This is not to say that Jane was not devastated and scarred either. It’s a deep and passionate young love that went tragic. It has been a long time and perhaps one day Jane can reach out to Paul. According to Paul’s lyrics he is still waiting and it’s not too late.
In wanting to put her past behind her, I believe that Jane in ignoring Paul is not being abusive in the least. Paul had cheated on her far more than she had realized and the media and Beatles fans have made hay with it ever since. This is humiliating for any person let alone someone who is in the public eye. Jane’s reaction is perfectly normal and anyone in her situation would act no differently. Paul made his choices. Jane doesn’t owe Paul anything. If she doesn’t want to discuss him publicly or make contact with him she is well within her rights.
Totally agree!
If Macca hadent gone out with Jane, the Beatles might never have progressed on to using strings in their music………..
Very true! Paul’s world was opened up to a different class with symphony, stage, professional family members, different tastes in music, foods and lifestyle. The BBC broadcast where Paul heard the piccolo trumpet led to him asking George Martin about what it was when he described the sound and then was always looking for new sounds to introduce to their studio recording sessions. Living with the Ashers afforded Paul a look into a different class of society and improving himself was something his mother always had her family aspire to.
It’s never too late to find love again. I waited too long but I appreciate my love more now. I know he found another woman because we all deserve love and peace of mind. I will be always kind to her and their children. Life is about building bridges and not tearing them down.
At his brothers first wedding Paul looked totally in love with Jane but they split up not long after Its very strange
Why are people so obsessed with the private lives of celebrities? I love Paul’s music and the music of the Beatles. No one that has ever experienced fame and being under a microscope of the press can possibly understand the lives of famous people. I just wish happiness for both Paul and Jane. I find it tragic that people judge others when we all have our own messed up relationships…that’s part of being human.
Lynn Bradley
I think life is long and sometimes relationships just don’t work out. They are after all people.
They are not just people….they are celebrities constantly in the public eye…are pursued by press, fans, etc in ways that bring enormous pressures that the average person cannot relate to. But in the end no one really knows except Paul, Jane, Linda…
Didn’t read every single comment but you have to look at the person’s AGE. When one is in their early 20s, “love” looks a lot different than it does in your 30s and 40s! Or even in your late 20s! Jane might not have been the right woman for him at the time. Perhaps another time? No one will know. But I have to say, Linda was always “in with the band” for a reason (LOL). I don’t blame her for trying to keep an eye on him. As we age our perception and definition of love changes and evolves . That’s all I’ll say about it.
Paul is the one who insisted that Linda be in Wings! Linda did not want to be in the band but Paul didn’t want to be away from his love when on tour and that would happen if she wasn’t touring with him. In the end, Paul wanted his love with him, always, and that is why they never spent a night apart in 29 years apart from his jail time in Japan for 9 days. When asked in an interview as to why Paul and Linda had never spent a night apart, he answered something to the affect, “why would we want to?
Jane is soooooo much more than Paul McCartney’s ex. Well done her.
Paul said once in an interview for People.com magazine issue of May 1998 that he had known a lot of girls but that Linda was a real woman. He also said that any love song he ever wrote after they were together was for Linda. People will always believe what they choose or want to believe but Linda was Paul’s soulmate and he was hers. It was so obvious how much in love they were and that kind of love never dies. Quoted from the interview: “Beyond that, she never stopped being her husband’s best friend. “Even though we have our ups and downs, we really do like being together,” Paul told PEOPLE in 1993. “My Love,” “No More Lonely Nights,” “The Lovely Linda”—one of the world’s best songwriters could not stop putting his feelings into music. “Any love song I write,” Paul said last year, “is written for Linda.”
He’d reached his mid 20s and Linda was the first real woman he’d dated? Seems he was nowhere near as experienced as he liked to make out to be then. I’d say there were plenty of real women in his life but he was too immature to recognise them.
again with the “real woman” sheeeh.. so sexist
What if Paul McCartney had become a famous painter instead of a songwriter and had painted fabulous portraits of his ex loves? What then? Destroy the works? Marriage to successful artists is not the same as for the rest of us. They have a history that is visible – we don’t. On the contrary, out of respect for your ex, if you don’t have anything positive to say about them then don’t say anything at all.
It seems that indeed Linda was probably the love of Paul’s life, however I don’t regard her as being nearly as classy as Jane. From most everything I’ve ever read about Linda pre-Paul, she was indeed a rock band groupie of sorts, and she successfully set her sight on catching Paul. He seemed very happy with her. To each his own, I suppose.
Paul is my favorite musician of all time. (I’ve had a crush on him for over 50 years now, lol.) Having said that, he was definitely no saint himself.
The private lives of entertainment and sports stars -celebrities of any sort – is of no interest to me. What they wear, who their friends are, lifestyle, political leanings, etc. – all of that stuff is irrelevant ( the only caveat is illegal / immoral activities).
The Beatles’ wives, girlfriends, and other friends have nothing to do with the music (Yoko and Linda in a very minor way because they performed – for better or for worse – with their respective husbands). Therefore, I don’t have an opinion and don’t really care.
To be fair, I think both Jane Asher and Yoko Ono had quite a lot to do with the music as far as influence goes. But the Beatles’ marriages did morph into soap opera somewhat after the band split. The 70s ushered in the age of celebrity.
To Lisa001. Maybe I’m Amazed was NOT written about Jane. It was written about Linda who supported Paul during the time he was depressed and drinking over the Beatles disintegration. Not only is it disrespectful to Linda’s memory but to Jane also. I’m pretty sure Jane herself didn’t interpret it in this way, which is likely why she closed the door on him forever and found someone for herself. I agree that some of Paul’s post-Beatles lyrics are obscure, deliberately perhaps, but not this one. The classic songs about Jane were written when Paul was with her during his Beatle years and personally I think they are better. They are timeless.
Honestly, there are also those who think every second song Paul wrote was about John Lennon and their fantasy love affair, and the kooks who examine Paul so closely they think he died in 1966. If anything, it’s Beatle fans who are obsessed, not Paul.
Someone just sent me the original lyrics to Maybe I’m Amazed and it is about Jane’s Mother (Music teacher) and her brother by name, as well as “Janey” were on the original lyrics . Paul could have noted this down as he did with “Yesterday”/aka as “scrambled eggs” to keep the melody in his head. I am in private now going over Paul’s songs with lyrics referencing Jane and he called it “staggering.” Of course, you are entitled to your opinion and I respect that. I will not share our findings
I can’t possibly know who Paul loved more, Jane or Linda. I do think, based on what I’ve read, that he loved Jane and was devastated when she left him. He married Linda so soon after the breakup with Jane that I find it hard to believe he was in love with her at the time. I’m not saying he didn’t fall in love with her during the course of their marriage. Again, how do I know? I do believe that losing Jane, when they both still loved each other, helped Paul to be a better husband to Linda. Jane taught him respect is a big part of love.
Jane Asher was a beautiful and classy lady.
Jane Asher and Linda Eastman both are lovely ladies in their own way.
Jane was classy and charming, Linda was loving and loyal.
Paul McCartney was lucky to have wonderful ladies like Jane and Linda in his life.