A Night That Changed Everything
In 1967, Paul McCartney found himself celebrating a monumental achievement—finishing the recording of the iconic Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Where better to celebrate than at the trendy Bag O’Nails nightclub in London? As the evening unfolded, a photographer named Linda Eastman happened to walk past his table. In a moment that would change both their lives, Paul stood up, bumped into her, and with that charming British accent, invited her to join his party.
Linda Eastman wasn't your typical groupie; she was an accomplished photographer in her own right. She was an American single mom who had already made history as the first woman to shoot a cover for Rolling Stone magazine. When asked about her relationship with Paul later, she explained to author Lesley-Ann Jones in the book Fly Away Paul, "I wasn’t a groupie. But I did hang out with groups." It was clear from the start that their connection was special.
A Complicated Love Life
Before long, Linda became one of the many women in Paul's life. He was juggling relationships with fiancée Jane Asher and actress Peggy Lipton, who would later star in The Mod Squad. But don't let Paul's baby-faced appearance fool you. According to Lesley-Ann Jones, "Anyone who believed sweet, baby-faced Paul was too clean-cut for casual sex was deluded. The wholesome innocence was an act." This period of his life was filled with complexity and emotion.
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A New Chapter in New York
By late 1968, Paul's engagement to Jane Asher was over, and he found himself seeking refuge in Linda's small apartment in New York City. To blend in, he stopped shaving and dressed casually, allowing him to enjoy the city life anonymously. He spent his days shopping in thrift stores with Linda and even took on the role of babysitter for her daughter, Heather. Paul joked about this time, saying, "I always used to joke that I ruined Linda's career." But in reality, their relationship was blossoming into something much deeper.
Marriage and New Beginnings
The couple tied the knot in March 1969, and by the end of the year, they welcomed their first child together. Following the Beatles' breakup, they retreated to a quieter life in rural Scotland. However, this period wasn't without its challenges. Paul admitted to a long depression during this time, saying, "I started drinking. Anger, deep, deep anger sets in, with everything." It was Linda who played a pivotal role in lifting him out of this funk. She encouraged him to take a risk and start a new band, which eventually became Wings. Paul credited Linda with saving him, saying, "It was all done in a sort of domestic setting. There’s a couple of times in life when you are forced into taking a risk. The risk paid off."
