November 25, 2008 10:36

Paul McCartney 'doesn't mind' illegal downloading

Former Beatle also praises Radiohead's 'anarchic-ness'

Photo Gallery: Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney has said that he "doesn't mind" illegal downloading - although he admits he finds the concept "weird".

The former Beatle said that although he did not download illegally himself, he admitted he had been tempted to buy Radiohead's 2007 name-your-own-price download of 'In Rainbows' for just one pence – then tell friends he'd paid more.

"It's weird for me [the concept of downloading]," he said. "I'm not from that. I'm from going into a shop and buying a 45. We've come through vinyl, tapes and CDs – it's all the same, except people don't pay for it [now]. I don't mind. It works out."

Macca praised former EMI labelmates Radiohead for their revolutionary 'In Rainbows' download release.

"I like it, it's a new idea," he said. "I like its anarchic-ness. I thought about buying it for one pence and telling my friends I'd paid £10!"

McCartney also said that a deal between The Beatles' estates and EMI to make their back catalogue available on iTunes had "stalled".

The legend was speaking as he launched his side project with producer Youth. The pair record under the name The Fireman and launched new album 'Electric Arguments' at the Fire Station pub in Waterloo, south London, yesterday (November 24).