Paul McCartney’s name hasn’t been associated with a lot of good news lately. First there was the very depressing divorce from his second wife, who, with the cooperation of the tabloid press, consistently made herself look not very nice (to put it mildly). Now there are alleged death threats circulating as a result of his plans to play in Tel Aviv as part of the 60th anniversary of Israel. What the hell did the guy that wrote “Let It Be” and “Pipes of Peace” and a whole litany of other songs that inspire and enrapture do to deserve this?

Less experienced pop stars might throw up their hands and admit defeat when confronted with such adversity, but it must be remembered that Sir Paul has been mostly famous since he was a teenager, and such adversity has been thwarted repeatedly throughout his illustrious 40-plus year career. Even in 1989, there was a sense of triumph as McCartney announced his first American tour since 1976. Having previously admitted to being a bit timid about performing following the tragic murder of John Lennon, the multi-talented singer felt the time was right to traverse the globe again, delivering the gift of song.

In this press conference and interview from that period, Paul’s mood is jovial and lighthearted, consistent with the public persona that has made him so beloved since the ’60s. Many topics are covered, including song selection for the upcoming tour, and his opportunity to bring his music live to a new generation of fans for whom he had never performed.

It can’t be easy being one of the most famous musicians ever in the history of anything, but Sir Paul McCartney has always handled himself with an inhuman amount of charm and dignity. Whatever the trial, our man will always come out on top.

Here’s Part I of the interview:

Part II of the interview: