A new book by former manager Richard Ogden claims that Paul McCartney exhibited a "bolshy" attitude during his tenure, resisting budgets and engaging in heated discussions over finances and tours.
Ogden, who managed McCartney's solo albums and tours between 1987 and 1993, described these interactions in his book, "Bigger Than The Beatles." He recounted instances where McCartney, warned about tours losing money, would assert, "Paul McCartney doesn't lose money!" and "I don't work to budgets, I don't need to."
According to Ogden, he was hired by McCartney after being recommended by Linda McCartney's brother, John Eastman. At the time, Ogden was managing director of Polydor Records, and McCartney was experiencing a career downturn following the film "Give My Regards To Broad Street" and the album "Press To Play."
Ogden initially found McCartney's solo output uninspiring, believing the artist needed a "knowledgeable straight-talking and most of all creative-minded manager." The plan was to assemble a new band, record new music, and support it with extensive publicity and touring.
However, early creative differences emerged when Ogden informed McCartney that none of the 20 new tracks were "strong enough" to be released as a single. Linda McCartney reportedly expressed surprise, noting that "No one ever spoke to him like that before," which Ogden considered his first "black mark."
Further conflict arose regarding the release of a greatest hits album, "All The Best!" McCartney's father-in-law, Lee Eastman, advised against it, calling greatest hits compilations "for has-beens." The album ultimately achieved triple platinum status.
The 1989-1990 world tour, while initially successful in ticket sales and media reception, was a source of contention. Ogden claimed McCartney verbally abused him in front of Linda and the band, expressing a "visceral dislike of the idea that he was having to do anything for money."
In February 1993, when informed of overspending and financial losses on the tour, McCartney allegedly became furious, reiterating his stance against losing money. A "vituperative meeting" in New York with Ogden and John Eastman addressed the tour's financial issues, with McCartney reportedly expressing anger toward both men. During this meeting, McCartney told Eastman he was "not half the man your father was" and instructed them to "Get out of my sight, the pair of you."
As they left the meeting, Ogden asked Eastman why he tolerated McCartney's behavior. Eastman reportedly responded that "John Lennon was much worse."