Mike McCartney: 'Paul and I had an affinity with John'

Mike McCartney, photographer and musician as well as the younger brother of Sir Paul McCartney, has shared personal insights into The Beatles’ early years during an exhibition in Hamburg. The display, part of Hamburg’s Hafengeburtstag Port Festival, features rare photographs and personal letters from the band’s formative period in the German city between 1960 and 1962. This era saw The Beatles, including original members Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe, and Pete Best, perform over 250 gigs, honing their skills and laying the groundwork for their future success. Reflecting on his relationship with John Lennon, Mike McCartney described John as “not a typical lad” and emphasized a deep, unspoken affinity between them, rooted in shared personal loss. Both had experienced the death of their mothers at a young age, which created a unique bond. Mike recalled how this connection shaped their friendship and influenced their early interactions before The Beatles’ rise to fame. He also highlighted the resilient and humorous spirit of Liverpool, their hometown, as a crucial element in shaping their outlook and approach to life. The exhibition at Hamburg’s City Hall offers a rare glimpse into the band’s early development through intimate letters and photographs, providing context to their time in Hamburg that was pivotal in their journey. This period was critical in transforming The Beatles from a local Liverpool band into a group ready for international recognition. Mike’s reflections underscore the personal and emotional dimensions behind the band’s legendary status, adding depth to the public’s understanding of their origins and the bonds that fueled their creativity.