PAUL MCCARTNEY WANTS NEW YORK PAD

Paul McCartney

Beatle icon Paul McCartney has taken his relationship with Nancy Shevell to the next level after reportedly beginning his hunt for an apartment closer to her New York City home. The singing star has been dating American heiress Shevell since last year and is now said to have made moves to purchase a property closer to her Upper East Side residence. McCartney once owned a place in midtown Manhattan with ex-wife Heather Mills, who settled into her own apartment in the city's star-studded downtown West Village earlier this year. A source tells the New York Post, "He's been looking at eight-figure apartments. I think he just wants to rid himself of the Heather factor."

MCCARTNEY AND DALTREY'S COPYRIGHT

Rock icons Paul McCartney and Roger Daltrey are heading for a win in their ongoing campaign to extend the copyright on old songs. The European Union (EU) proposed today a scheme which will allow ageing musicians and session performers to keep receiving royalties for their music for 95 years. Stars currently lose the rights to their recordings after just 50 years. After that period, performers, producers and record labels are no longer compensated for sales or airplay.
U2 and Sir Cliff Richard have also previously spoken out in support of extending the copyright term. Former Undertones singer Feargal Sharkey, now chief executive of British Music Rights, says, "I am especially pleased that the announcement focuses on the ‘invisible’ members of our industry - the musicians, engineers and session players whose names are hidden away in the liner notes and credits. "It is they, and not just ‘featured’ artists and record labels, who could derive real benefits from this move - and at a time in life when their earning power would be severely diminished." EU governments and the European Parliament still need to rule on the proposal.

THE COURT PAPERS ON MCCARTNEY CASE

Text of statement released by the Family Court on the financial settlement for Heather Mills in her divorce from Paul McCartney:

This is a summary of the judgment handed down today. It is not a summary of every issue in the judgment. This summary forms no part of the judgment. The court ruled that the judgment should be published but upon Ms. Mills' application granted a stay of such publication pending her appeal to the Court of Appeal.

1. The fundamental issue was what financial provision should be made for Ms. Mills. She sought an award of almost 125 million pounds ($250 million). Sir Paul proposed that the wife should exit the marriage with assets of 15.8 million pounds ($31.6 million) inclusive of any lump sum award.

2. The judge decided that the husband should pay the wife a lump sum of 16.5 million pounds ($33 million) which together with her assets of 7.8 million pounds ($15.6 million) (which include her current properties) means that she exits her marriage with total assets of 24.3 million pounds ($48.6 million) inclusive of a deemed figure of 500,000 pounds ($1 million) referable to her overspending in the period of separation.

3. The judge found that the total value of all the husband's assets, including his business assets, was about 400 million pounds ($800 million). There was no evidence at all before him that he was worth 800 million pounds ($1.6 billion).

4. The judge found that although the parties met in 1999 and formed a relationship, the parties did not cohabit from March 2000 but did so from the date of the marriage (11 June 2002). The parties separated in April 2006. The length of the marriage was just under four years.

5. The judge refused to permit either party to raise as an issue the alleged conduct of the other on the broad ground that it was irrelevant.

6. The judge, in undertaking the exercise prescribed by section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act, 1973, decided that the needs of the wife were a factor of magnetic importance.

7. The lump sum of 16.5 million pounds ($33 million) is made up of a sum of 14 million pounds ($28 million) as the capitalized figure for the wife's income needs, which the judge assessed at 600,000 pounds ($1.2 million) per annul, and a sum of 2.5 million pounds ($5 million) for the wife to buy a property in London.

8. Financial provision for Beatrice consists of a periodical payments order of 35,000 pounds ($70,000) per annul, the husband agreeing to pay for her nanny and her school fees.

9. The court made an order in the following terms:

Save for the release of the judgment and Order dated 17 March 2008 the Wife and the Husband and any persons acting on their behalves are strictly prohibited from publishing, disclosing, or in any way revealing without the consent of the other, the evidence, correspondence, transcripts, judgments or Orders in the proceedings concerning (a) the child of the family, (b) the main suit, (c) the cross-applications for ancillary relief, and (d) any marital confidences. If consent is not forthcoming then the party seeking publication shall be entitled to seek the permission of a Family Division Judge to do so.

10. The judge expressed his confidence that the media would respect the privacy and confidentiality of the Children Act and ancillary relief proceedings, including evidence and submissions (oral and in writing) given within both sets of proceedings.
Read the whole drama at our sister site Times Square Gossip...

OZZY OSBOURNE AND PAUL MCCARTNEY

Wild rocker Ozzy Osbourne will finally receive his lifelong wish when he hosts the 2008 Brit Awards, by performing with his idol Beatle Paul McCartney. The former Black Sabbath singer and his wife/manager Sharon will host the Brit Awards in London in February. Sharon has also arranged for the former Beatles legend to perform alongside her husband when McCartney collects an Outstanding Contribution To Music award at the ceremony. She says, "They go together really well. It will be amazing." No word yet if Ozzy will have Paul bite the head off a bat!

PAUL MCCARTNEY AND KYLIE MINOGUE

Legend Paul McCartney is teaming up with pop superstar Kylie Minogue for a duet that will air on British TV on New Year’s Eve. The Australian pop singer joined the Beatle as he performed hit song Dance Tonight on Thursday while filming annual holiday program Hootenanny, hosted by musician/TV presenter Jools Holland. A source tells British newspaper the Daily Star, "Macca (McCartney) snared Kylie before she was due to team up with (British talent show finalist) Leon Jackson. She looked very sexy in a flesh-coloured bandage style dress. "After her performance, which also included a stripped-down version of I Should Be So Lucky, Kylie sat at Sir Paul’s table and watched the rest of the program being made. Macca paid Kylie his full attention and they nattered (chatted) away like old pals." The 39-year-old will also duet with 18-year-old Jackson on the finale of reality contest The X Factor on today.

PAUL MCCARTNEY RECORDING WITH SON

The legend Paul McCartney

Sir Paul McCartney is recording a new album with his son. The Beatles legend is collaborating with James - his son with late first wife Linda McCartney - on the LP, and says the experience is "really exciting". He told Billboard magazine: "I'm actually doing some recording with my son, James. We're making an album together. He's doing it all. He's writing it all. It's sensational. "There's nothing set in stone yet - the plan is for me to just do some recording with him. But it's really exciting, I'm really loving it." The 65-year-old musician also revealed his latest songs have been inspired by his bitter public divorce from animal rights campaigner Heather Mills. He said: "I think one of the great things is that music is a great healer and it's a great sort of therapy. You work through it with your music. I thank heaven for my music. I feel very, very blessed. People always used to call it a gift, the gift of music, and I think that's very much more and more how I see it. "Whatever happens, I still seem to come out positive and optimistic. I think that's just my character."

PAUL MCCARTNEY SLASHES HEATHER

Paul McCartney

Sir Paul McCartney has slashed his divorce offer by £43 million (US $86 million) following estranged wife Heather Mills' TV outbursts. The Beatles legend, who is currently embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with Heather, is said to be fuming after she attacked him on several UK and US TV shows and has now offered her just £7 million (US $ 14 million). A source said: "The war between them has just gone to a new level. Paul knows she will go all out to damage his reputation." During her TV outbursts, Heather blamed Paul for the breakdown of their marriage, claimed she felt suicidal and persecuted since receiving death threats, branded Paul's daughter Stella "evil" and likened herself to the late Princess Diana. Heather was dropped by her legal team Mischon de Reya following her rants, and she will now represent herself at the next divorce hearing in February. Paul is convinced Heather's TV appearances have weakened her case and he is confident he can thrash out a £7 million settlement. However, Heather is planning to hit back by selling 10 explosive secret tapes she made during their marriage. The 39-year-old vegan - who lost her left leg below the knee following a motorbike accident in 1993 - reportedly has recordings that prove Paul accepted blame for the breakdown of their marriage, took Viagra pills to spice up their sex life and mocked her disability. Meanwhile, Paul is planning to confirm he is dating Nancy Shevell when they attend Harvey Weinstein's wedding together next month. Movie mogul Weinstein will marry British fashion designer Georgina Chapman in Connecticut on December 15. Paul was first linked to the married millionairess after they were photographed kissing in the Hampton's last month. The pair spent the weekend in the exclusive New York resort, having dinner, enjoying cocktails and visiting each other's mansions.

PAUL MCCARTNEY WANTS CUSTODY NOW

Sir Paul McCartney is set to apply for full custody of his daughter with estranged wife Heather Mills. The Beatles legend - who split from Heather in May 2006 after a four-year marriage - is said to be worried about four-year-old Beatrice after Heather sensationally claimed Paul has done nothing to protect them from death threats in a series of TV interviews. A source said: "Paul fears Heather has lost the plot and needs help. She claimed to the world her life was at risk and he is understandably concerned about the safety of his daughter. "Going for full custody is a last resort but he is really scared for his child. He doesn't feel he has a choice. He also is worried about her being psychologically damaged by their increasingly public divorce." Paul allegedly contacted his lawyers on Friday to prepare his case for full custody, after a heated meeting with Heather. The musician was reportedly outraged when Heather, 39, demanded he hand over his beloved £12 million (US $ 24 million) Peasmarsh estate in their divorce settlement because it has a state-of-the-art security system. He was also said to be saddened by the former model's threats to "tell the world the truth" about their failed marriage. Last week, Heather claimed she was suicidal, likened herself to the late Princess Diana, blamed Paul for the breakdown of their marriage, said he refused to give her a "quick and gentle" divorce and branded his daughter Stella "evil". Paul, 65, fears Heather has turned Beatrice against her fashion designer sister, after she hid when Stella visited recently. The source added: "Beatrice called Stella, 'That bad woman,' and told Paul, 'Mommy is so sad.' " Meanwhile, Heather claims she has secret recordings of Paul and Stella mocking her false limb. Heather, who lost her left leg below the knee following a motorbike accident in 1993, reportedly played the tape to Paul and threatened to reveal other taped conversations unless he agrees he was to blame for the failure of their marriage.

VICIOUS HEATHER MILLS CONTINUES TO ATTACK BEATLE PAUL MCCARTNEY ON TV

Heather Mills continued her vicious attack on estranged husband Sir Paul McCartney in three US TV interviews the other day. The 39-year-old former model - who claimed she was suicidal and likened herself to the late Princess Diana on UK TV on Wednesday, appeared on 'The Today Show', 'Good Morning America' and 'Extra' yesterday. She claimed the Beatles legend refused to give her a "quick and gentle" divorce. She told 'The Today Show': "All I can say is when we first split, I said to Paul, 'I'm going to be crucified. You know why we split. You know the truth. They don't need to know the details, but you need to stand up and say, I'm responsible for the breakdown of this marriage.' "'If you say that, I'll walk away with nothing, and we'll do a very gentle and quick divorce.' And he promised he'd do that. I have evidence of that. "He knows I was suicidal and he did nothing." Heather, who split from Paul in May 2006 following a four-year marriage, insisted the legendary musician was a "broken man" when they met and she put her life on hold for him. She said: "I fell in love with a man, not a Beatle. I fell in love with someone that chased me for three months and people forget he wooed me. He was a broken man when I met him. And everybody around him knows he wouldn't perform, he hadn't performed for a long time. If actually someone sat down and did their proper research and looked at the facts, I was a huge support for Paul. "I put all my own work, except my charity, on hold for the seven-and-a-half years we were together." Heather also says the couple regularly rowed over Paul's refusal to give more money to charity. She fumed to 'Good Morning America': "I was very passionate about the power Paul had. How could anybody have that kind of money and not do more for charity? That is what we argued about all the time." Heather claimed she is "stuck in an English village" because Paul won't let her move to the US as he doesn't want their four-year-old daughter Beatrice to have an "American accent". Heather also accused Paul's "jealous" daughter, fashion designer Stella, of ruining their marriage. She told 'Extra': "Stella has done some evil, evil things. Every single week Stella tried to break up our marriage. She was so jealous. Her friend told me Stella was jealous because I would get all the planes and the diamonds. Stella wasn't interested in her dad's happiness. I can't protect her any longer."

HEATHER MILLS ISSUES PAUL ULTIMATUM

Heather Mills has issued an ultimatum to Sir Paul McCartney - agree to a £50 million (U.S. $100 million) divorce settlement by today or fight her in court. Heather, who split from the Beatles legend in May 2006 following a four-year marriage, knows Paul is desperate to avoid an expensive and potentially embarrassing public court hearing and is confident he will pay up before the deadline. A source told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "Heather has demanded that her lawyers contact Paul's legal team to say they have a deadline. If they do not agree to the settlement she will give the green light to slug it out publicly in court. "Heather has been saying it is not in Paul's best interest to go to court by reminding him of the cards she is holding. A lot could come out in court and she could publicly destroy his reputation." Last year, leaked court documents alleged Paul had been abusive towards Heather during their marriage. It was claimed Paul once stabbed her in the arm with a broken wine glass and was verbally abusive. The 39-year-old model is even said to be threatening to take their three-year-old daughter Beatrice to the US for an extended stay in a bid to convince Paul to agree to the sum. The source added: "Heather has started making worrying noises about the custody of Beatrice, suggesting she might take her to America for long periods of time. "She has been saying that if this goes to court, she will be awarded more money and it will be awful for Beatrice to have her parents publicly warring. Her legal team are even saying she could fight for future earnings." Meanwhile, Heather - who lost her left leg below the knee when she was hit by a police motorbike in 1993 - is in "absolute agony" and is set to undergo surgery after a metal plate in her pelvis broke. A source said: "It separated after a screw came out. "Two weeks ago the joint moved and is out of line - it's not stable. She could face a serious operation." Heather - who was in a wheelchair when she arrived at the court last week - could be forced to rest for six months.

PAUL MCCARTNEY REACHES STALEMATE

Paul McCartney

Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills reached a stalemate in their divorce proceedings over her demands for two more houses. The Beatles legend - who failed to hammer out a settlement with his estranged wife at London's Royal Court of Justice last week - is refusing to give Heather the pair's £2 million former family home in Hove, East Sussex, and his £6 million Los Angeles property. A source said: "It has literally come down to bricks and mortar. "She has asked for two of Sir Paul's estates. She wants two of the properties for herself, even though she already owns a place in Sussex. Paul has said no. They are back to square one." As well as having a home in Sussex, the 39-year-old charity campaigner also has another home where she lives with the pair's three-year-old daughter Beatrice. Talks between Heather and Paul - who split in May 2006 following a four-year marriage - are also said to have broken down over the former model's refusal to accept the 65-year-old singer's £50 million offer in return for her silence. Heather was reportedly willing to sacrifice £14 million from her payout so she could talk about their relationship on US chat shows and write a revealing autobiography. The final divorce settlement is likely to be one of the biggest in British history. Paul, who is worth a staggering £825 million, is said to be eager to reach an agreement as quickly as possible in private without resorting to taking the case to open court.

PAUL MCCARTNEY AUCTIONS GUITAR

Paul McCartney

Sir Paul McCartney auctioned one of his guitars to raise money to fund music grants for underprivileged US schools. The former Beatle donated a stage-played, autographed instrument to be sold at the VH1 Save the Music Foundation 10th Anniversary Gala held at New York' s Lincoln Centre the other night. Bidding started at $30,000 and proceeds will be used to buy instruments and musical equipment for underprivileged schools throughout the US. A host of stars were present at the sold-out charity event including Bill Clinton, Mariah Carey, Quincy Jones, James Blunt, John Mayer, Jon Bon Jovi and Mya. Before the auction guests enjoyed dinner, dancing and live entertainment, which included comedian Conan O'Brien mocking Britney Spears saying: "If any of you watched the MTV Video Music Awards, you saw that more than ever we need music education." Many of the music stars attending the event fiercely believe children should be taught music in school. Singer John Mayer said: "Public schools don't really appreciate the guitar. I don't know why they wouldn't put a turntable in a school, or an electric guitar and an amplifier. I had to go home and do all that stuff." Mya added: "Music is a group effort and it felt really, really good connecting with the other kids. Music has been a playground for me."

PAUL MCCARTNEY AND RENEE ZELLWEGER SECLUDED IN THE HAMPTON'S

Renée Zellweger is taking Sir Paul McCartney on a romantic weekend away. The 38-year-old actress has booked a secluded luxury cottage in America’s East Hamptons resort so she and the 65-year-old Beatles legend can get to know each other better. A source said: “It’s early days but Renée really thinks they could have something. “The Hampton's seems to be a lucky place for them. So Renée is playing it safe by spending the weekend with him there. “The cottage has a piano and guitars, so she might be serenaded with an impromptu performance.” Renée and Paul first met at a Tom Petty concert in New York last month where they were seen cosying up to one another. For their second date the Oscar-winning actress and the beloved musician enjoyed a romantic dinner at The American Hotel restaurant in The Hampton's. The pair met up again at Jon Bon Jovi’s East Hampton holiday home last week. Paul is currently locked in a bitter divorce battle with Heather Mills – mother of his three-year-old daughter Beatrice – and he has recently been spotted with supermodel Elle Macpherson and former model Christie Brinkley. But despite the amount of female attention Paul has been receiving of late, he and Renée are said to be smitten with each other. The source added: “‘"Jerry Maguire’ is one of his favourite films, and she is a huge Beatles fan. So they were off to a good start before they even met."

PAUL MCCARTNEY'S SHREK IMPRESSIONS

Sir Paul McCartney does 'Shrek' impressions for his three-year-old daughter. The Beatles legend says Beatrice - his child with estranged wife Heather Mills - is a huge fan of the popular animated film series and loves it when her famous dad impersonates the green 'Scottish' ogre. McCartney said: "I'm a huge fan of 'Shrek' as my little girl, who is three, loves it. I can do a really good impression of him - I put on my best Scottish accent!" The 65-year-old musician also revealed he has a phobia of putting things in his ears. McCartney owns an Apple iPod MP3 player but rarely uses it because earphones remind him of being at work. He said: "I've got an iPod but I don't really like sticking the headphones in my ears. It just reminds me too much of being at work, being in the studio. I love what they can do, the way they store music, but I tend to listen to music when I'm in my car."

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY WANTS WORLD TO BECOME VEGETARIANS

Beatle Paul McCartney

Sir Paul McCartney wants everyone to become vegetarians to stop global warming. The Beatles legend believes the world would be a better place if people stopped eating meat, because it would stop the destruction of rain forests. Animal rights campaigner Paul said: "Livestock farming is one of the biggest destroyers of the planet. When you see the trees in the Amazon being cut down for hamburger cattle, that's pretty obvious. "And it's all done in the name of something that benefits humans, when in fact it's the opposite. It's all about attitudes, no one thinks they are the one who has to change." Paul's late first wife Linda introduced him to vegetarianism in the 70s. Linda launched a range of meat-free cookbooks and a line of frozen vegetarian meals under the 'Linda McCartney' name. She was a passionate animal rights campaigner and following her death from breast cancer in 1998, Paul said the best tribute to her memory would be for fans to become vegetarians. Paul also recalled a fight Linda once had with Prince Philip - the then-president of the World Wildlife Fund. Paul revealed: "Linda said, 'You're the head of a wildlife organisation, how can you go out shooting birds?' He asked, 'Are you vegetarian?' trying to catch us out. 'Yeah!' we both answered. Shooting birds, that's hypocrisy. It's not even a sport."

PAUL MCCARTNEY AND HEATHER MILLS MAY END UP AS NEIGHBORS

Sir Paul McCartney and his estranged wife Heather Mills are set to be neighbors.Heather is currently looking for a home just minutes away from The Beatles
legend's Peasmarsh estate in East Sussex. The former model is said to be keen to live close to Paul, 65, for the sake of their three-year-old daughter Beatrice.
A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "Six months ago, this would have been inconceivable. But they think it will be best for Beatrice to have both her parents close by." Heather, 39, is planning to sell her $4 million art deco beachfront Sussex home in Hove, and move to Rye.The coastal town is just three miles away from Paul's lavish estate. Relations between Paul and Heather - who have been embroiled in a bitter divorce battle since splitting in May 2006 - have seemingly improved in recent months.The pair are said to have decided to end their feud for the sake of Beatrice,with friends claiming they meet regularly.Paul has even been sending Heather "little notes and flowers".The musician recently revealed 'See Your Sunshine' which features on his new album 'Memory Almost Full' was inspired by happier times with his estranged wife. He said: "That is pretty much an out-and-out love song for Heather."A lot of the album was done before, during and after our separation. I didn't go back and take out any songs to do with her. "That one was written during a good time with Heather."

HEATHER MILLS TO CELEBRATE BEATLE PAUL MCCARTNEY'S BIRTHDAY TOGETHER

Sir Paul McCartney will spend his 65th birthday with estranged wife Heather Mills.The Beatles' legend has invited Heather to the intimate celebrations at his Peasmarsh estate next Monday.A source told Britain's Sunday Mirror newspaper: "We are talking about a total and very quick transformation from a state of complete vitriol between the two of them to something much more amicable. "Before she went to America, they wouldn't speak on the phone, now they can have a civil conversation. "It's as though Paul has chosen saturation point with all the bitterness and Heather - aware of the battering her public image has taken - has decided to genuinely try to bury the hatchet. "Paul has had enough of all the spite. The divorce has effectively been placed on hold." Heather - who has been embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with Paul since they split in May 2006 - is set to present Paul with a vegan birthday cake at the party. Two weeks ago, Heather, 39, and Paul were seen meeting in a North London restaurant, sparking rumours they had decided to end their feud for the sake of their three-year-old daughter Beatrice. Relations between them have improved so much friends claim they have been meeting regularly and that Paul even sends Heather "little notes and flowers". Last week, Paul wowed a select group of fans at a secret London concert. The star, who performed for just 1,000 people, debuted tracks from his eagerly anticipated new album, 'Memory Almost Full' and delighted the crowd with a series of Beatles classics, including 'Hey Jude', 'Get Back' and 'Back In The USSR'.

PAUL MCCARTNEY AND HEATHER MILLS CALL FOR TRUCE DURING DINNER

Heather Mills and Paul McCartney were once happy

SIR Paul McCartney and Heather Mills have put an end to their bitter divorce battle for the sake of their daughter Beatrice.The music legend and his estranged wife have been embroiled in a high-profile divorce since their split last year, but put on brave front as they dined at a London restaurant on Friday with their three-year-old tot. An onlooker says, "They sat there chatting away. When they left they were side by side and seemed very friendly." And the former Beatle admits he has put his feelings about his failed marriage aside to focus on the "positive" things in life. He says, "I’ve talked to a lot of people and everyone says you want to look at the positive… my beautiful baby daughter. "Both parents know there is something great that came out of our marriage even though it didn’t work."

THE SUNDAY TIMES RICH-RICH LIST !

Rich Rich Rich Paul McCartney (Heather?)

Sir Paul McCartney leads the way for musicians on the Sunday Times music industry rich list. The Beatles legend's million dollar fortune earned him third place. He was beaten by music mogul Clive Calder, who netted a staggering $3 billion when he sold his independent Zomba record label to BMG, and theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber who is worth $1.5 billion, who took first and second place respectively. Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie come in at number six on the list, with a combined $600 million, followed by Sir Elton John at seven, who is worth $450 million.Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger is eighth with $445 million. The63-year-old is the richest of his bandmates, although guitarist Keith Richards, 63, closely follows with almost $400 million. Keith shares joint tenth place on the list with ageing Welsh singer Tom Jones.Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Phil Collins, David Bowie, and Barry and Robin Gibb also feature in the top 20. The list, which is compiled in two parts with a separate list for younger earners, is published in Britain's Sunday Times newspaper this weekend. Coldplay's Chris Martin, 30, takes second place in the young earners list with $60 million. 'James Blunt, 33, comes in at sixth, having raked in almost $40 million since the release of his debut album 'Back to Bedlam' in 2004. Joss Stone, who turned 20 earlier this month, is the youngest of the mega-earners. She shares seventh place with Charlotte Church, 21, with a fortune of $40 million. Classical violinist Vanessa-Mae Nicholson tops the young earners list with $64 million.