Happy 79th Birthday, Sir Paul McCartney! (A Celebratory Toast)

Portions of this piece originally ran for a previous birthday celebration on behalf of Sir Paul McCartney, so here it is again for his 79th …

Back in 1967, the Beatles wondered what life would be like “When I’m 64” — and now, that once-distant birthday is a dozen years in the past for Sir Paul McCartney, who celebrates his 79th birthday today.

Ringo Starr toasted his old pal with an amazing throwback photo:

The George Harrison estate wished him well with a festive video post:

As did the John Lennon team, this time with some crisp black-and-white photos from the earlier days:

We don’t need to lay out the reasons why the man affectionately referred to as “Macca” by fans around the world is considered one of the greatest songwriters in history (as part of one of, if not the greatest, musical act ever assembled).

He’s of a special kind of musician, and after the Beatles went their separate ways he forged ahead with a still-active solo career that’s elevated his legend even higher.

In December 2020, McCartney released , an album he recorded in “rockdown” entirely by himself — one of the stronger solo records he’s released in a while, as well.

The album was so well received, in fact, that a second edition, , featuring all-star collaborations and/or covers from Beck, St. Vincent, Phoebe Bridgers, Anderson .Paak and more, was released in April ahead of a physical edition in July.

Click here to pre-order on CD from our Rock Cellar Store

Click here to pre-order on LP from our Rock Cellar Store

McCartney and his band are still quite active on the touring circuit, playing epic two and three-hour concerts each night with set lists of classic songs, fireworks, and more. They’re tireless — and he’s the ringleader, delivering hit after hit to the assembled masses.

At some point — hopefully soon! — he and his band will be able to resume their epic tours around the world.

All this to say: there’s only one Paul McCartney, and today he celebrates another trip around the sun.