Some say he was merely having a beautiful Christmastime – whereas others have advised Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney was really interesting to the occult.
However now the Fab 4 rocker has lastly responded to viral claims about encouraging witchcraft in his 1979 festive hit.
A brand new video shared by Sir Paul’s staff, amid the discharge of a brand new official e book about his post-Beatles band Wings, offers behind-the-scenes clips.
And Sir Paul, 83, addresses jokes in regards to the lyrics to the tune which he solely began enjoying reside once more in December 2009 at London’s O2 Area.
Fantastic Christmastime begins by saying: ‘The temper is true, the spirit’s up, we’re right here tonight – and that is sufficient.’
Commenters on-line have advised the verse may consult with individuals holding a witchcraft session solely to be caught within the act and hurriedly masking their tracks.
Sir Paul has now straight addressed the web hypothesis in a Vevo video in regards to the making of the observe.
He stated of the witchcraft hearsay: ‘There’s a concept on-line that the tune is about individuals practising witchcraft, getting came upon and making an attempt to cowl it up.
Sir Paul McCartney performs at London’s O2 Area throughout his Bought Again tour final December 18
‘That is utterly true and in precise reality I’m the pinnacle wizard of a Liverpool coven.
‘Both that… or it’s full nonsense. And it is the latter!’
Fantastic Christmastime reached quantity six within the UK charts in 1979.
It has change into a mainstay of festive season TV and radio airplay – reportedly incomes Sir Paul $400,000 in royalties every year, so as to add to his $1.2billion fortune – whereas additionally being parodied by comic Peter Serafinowicz as a extra risque model.
Sir Paul and fellow former Beatles have been topic to loads of misdirected hypothesis since turning into a worldwide sensation within the Sixties.
A ‘Paul Is Lifeless’ hoax within the late Sixties – initially attributed to US pupil newspaper pranksters – was one thing he described on the time as ‘bloody silly’.
Sir Paul has been tipped to launch a brand new album subsequent 12 months, which might be his first since 2023 McCartney III which he described as his ‘rockdown’ LP, recorded throughout Covid-19 pandemic restrictions at his dwelling in Peasmarsh, close to Rye in East Sussex.
A supply was quoted as saying: ‘Paul has been engaged on the album all 12 months and initially hoped it could be out by the tip of this 12 months however as with most issues plans change.
‘It is not fairly completed however the majority of the album is finished and Paul is actually happy with it.’
A brand new video has explored the making of Paul McCartney’s 1979 hit Fantastic Christmastime
Sir Paul, 83, reached quantity six within the UK charts with the festive observe in 1979
The ex-Beatles legend addresses joking on-line hypothesis that the tune is about witchcraft
Studies have additionally advised he may deliver a tour again to the UK – having final carried out right here at London’s O2 in December 2024.
Sir Paul lately appeared – and received rave critiques, amid combined value determinations of the movie – in rock mockumentary sequel Spinal Faucet II: The Finish Continues.
When requested on display what retains him going, together with the love of music and the love of performing, he replies: ‘Yeah – and the medicine.’
However he has additionally spoken currently of his more healthy actual pre-performance rituals.
Sir Paul stated: ‘I all the time get referred to as an hour earlier than the present, effectively, an hour earlier than I will be wanted.
‘In that point, I do sure issues – I’ve a gargle with salt water, then I do my enamel, then I work out what I will put on after which I’ve a form of Chinese language syrup resolution you set scorching water in.
‘It is purported to be good to your throat – in the event you’ve ever seen footage of me earlier than the present with a cup, that’s what’s in it.’
This 12 months has been busy for brand new Beatles and post-Beatles releases – with a brand new model of 1995 documentary sequence Anthology shared on Disney+, accompanied by a 191-track album assortment.
Paul and Linda McCartney, seen right here within the Fantastic Christmastime video, have been among the many members of his post-Beatles group Wings
Paul McCartney and his late first spouse Linda are pictured right here in 1989
Paul and Linda McCartney married at Marylebone Registry Workplace in London on March 12 1969
Sir Paul is tipped for a 2026 UK tour – right here he’s on the London 2012 opening ceremony
The Beatles, seen right here in November 1963, have been topic of a current new launch of sequence Anthology – left to proper, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Harrison
Sir Paul later fashioned Wings along with his spouse Linda and ex-Moody Blues guitarist Denny Laine
Three double-CD units have been launched within the Nineties with a fourth now added – although after criticism, label Apple backtracked to permit the fourth to be obtainable by itself.
Followers have additionally been calling for the long-awaited launch of near-mythical experimental observe Carnival Of Mild, recorded in 1967 however by no means made public.
Sir Paul’s post-Beatles band Wings have been the main target of one other new e book and reocrd launch rounding up their basic tracks together with Band On The Run and Jet.
Hypothesis about potential new Beatles output in 2026 embody discuss of a remastered model with potential extras of 1965 LP Rubber Soul.
Albums which adopted within the Sixties have been given elaborate reboots in recent times, together with Revolver, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Membership Band and The Beatles, popularly often known as ‘The White Album’.
