June 30, 2011 15:27

Paul McCartney: 'I was told to retire when I reached 50'

Former Beatle says his ex-manager advised him to call time on his career but he refused

Photo Gallery: Paul McCartney
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Paul McCartney has said he was advised to retire when he reached 50.

The former Beatle, whose solo career is still going strong at 69, said his former manager suggested he call time on his career but the singer refused.

"One of my old guys who I used to have as my manager, I was knocking 50 and he said 'I think it's time you retired'," McCartney told Mojo. "I thought, I know what you mean, but I don't really feel like it, you know."

"And if I'm really enjoying this, why retire? So I decided against it, and got rid of him," he added. "I wonder what he thinks today. Perhaps that he was right, but hopefully not."

Since then he has continued to enjoy a successful career releasing 11 further albums and famously headlining Glastonbury in 2004.

McCartney also said he has no plans to retire soon and that he doesn't see his music career as work.

"People say to me 'you work so hard'. We don't work hard, we play music - we don't work music," he added. "It sounds simplistic but it's really true. It's not like going into an office."

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