Smash Notes

Why Did Paul McCartney Give Up Coil Winding for a Gig?

at 23:55

From the episode: Paul McCartney

Answer

Paul McCartney says people tell him he works all the time. He answers that you do not work music, you play music, so he is a playaholic, and he is addicted to playing. He feels lucky the playing is his job.

After leaving school, Paul McCartney's first job was coil winding in a factory. A big wheel held the coil wire. The wire came through his legs, went onto an armature, and he kept winding it. The coils go in motors. His were not very good. The plan was to take him through every task until he became manager.

One day two people showed up. A coworker warned him there were guys outside he did not want to see. They had a gig at the cabin. He looked at the coils, then at the pay packet of seven pounds 15 a week, and said he would get back to them. He still cannot believe he questioned the choice. He did get back to them, and he gave up a career in coil-winding management.

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Good Hang with Amy Poehler
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Paul McCartney
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Paul McCartney
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