My turn to talk about my likes again... I love a good conspiracy theory, who doesn't? Did we really land on the moon in '69? Is Elvis still living it up somewhere in secret? Not forgetting the grassy knoll...
My absolute favourite conspiracy is the 'Paul is Dead' theory - where Beatles fans obsessively hunted out clues that apparently pointed towards the untimely death of Sir Paul (god forbid!) and his mysterious replacement... They sought out clues in lyrics (played forward and backwards!), album art and photographs from public appearances... What fascinates me the most is the way that these rumours spread like wildfire across the world back in the 60s, without today's social media platforms, online forums or other such means of instantaneous information sharing (read: gossiping) . This lack of modern media also probably helped fuel the fire and keep it burning for so long, without the power of immediate PR response and speedy press releases rebutting these sorts of wild rumours the fans were able to let their imaginations run amok...
So the outline of this phenomenon for those who are unfamiliar - reportedly Paul stormed out of a rehearsal in 66 and then was involved in a fatal accident, to save the fans from grief they quickly replaced McCartney with the winner of a look-a-like competition, supposedly a man named William Campbell...
Some of my favourite clues were 'hidden' within the album artwork from subsequent releases... you won't believe you missed them ;)
Behold, one of the most recognisable album covers in pop history, a masterpiece by one of my all time favourite artists, Peter Blake. Cleverly hidden within this wonderful example of pop art in its prime are some 'unmistakable' clues that lead to no other conclusion but to believe the stories of McCartney's untimely demise... First ladies and gents, cast your eyes to the left of the image, wax works of the fab four in their younger days mournfully looking down upon an apparent funeral floral arrangement. Within that flower arrangement is the bass guitar, positioned as left-handed Paul would have carried it... To the right of the image a bloodied driving glove sits beside that broken looking doll. Did you miss that Paul is the only Beatle carrying a black instrument? A hand hovers above his head, a blessing? ... AND Edgar Allan Poe is set among those famous faces, a sure sign of the darkness afoot. It is rumoured that Lennon requested a cut out of Jesus Christ, but that would have been FAR too obvious, his request was denied. Serious PID'ers (Paul Is Dead...ers) would chastise me for failing to point out the most significant clue, the image you see when you place a mirror along the middle of the words 'Lonely Hearts', but I'm trying to ease you in gently to the world of conspiracy... But admit it, it is undeniable, Paul must be dead... Need further evidence... Check out the cover of Abbey Road...
Again, you'll have seen this image oh so many times in your life, you'll be absolutely furious with yourself when I highlight The Beatles' most blatant display of Paul-Is-Dead-ery... John Lennon leads the procession here, dressed all in white, symbolic of his being Christ/God/A Preacher, of course... Ringo behind him there, dressed in black, a mourner at this devastating scene, dear George at the rear in the workman's denim, which could only symbolise the fact that he is the grave digger... and Paul, or Faul (Faux Paul, see what they did there? Paux doesn't have the same ring) as William Campbell was now fondly known by the PIDs, barefoot, dead man walking, out of step with the other 3, clearly signifying his role as the corpse in this scenario.
I probably should have ensured that you were sitting before reading this, if you're new to the theory you're probably rather shell shocked right now... Rest assured though, whoever the Man was on this day in 2010 or when Lauren caught a show just before Christmas, be it Living Legend Sir Paul or Faul, he certainly doesn't disappoint.
To finish, here is 'I am The Walrus' - which apparently is intentionally nonsensical and was written to confuse those who looked for significant meanings and alternative interpretations in every Beatles song... Certainly didn't stop those pesky PID'ers trying though...
Much love,
Rhi xx
ps. Disclaimer note: I'm almost 99% sure that Sir Paul is the real Paul... almost.
1 comment:
I love this post! It really got me thinking. I personally don't believe that Paul is dead, but it's definitely interesting to think about. I'm used to hearing theories that famous people DIDN'T die. Like Elvis or Tupac or Michael Jackson. It makes me wonder, why wouldn't the Beatles announce that Paul died? Lennon wasn't covered up, but I suppose there were witnesses in that. Either way, what's done is done, and be it Paul or Faul, he's making pretty good money, even today.
Great post! I'm a new follower. :)
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