Sir Paul McCartney has been awarded one of the prestigious gold Blue Peter badges, in honour of his inspirational music career.
The Beatle will accept his award during Thursday’s show (February 7) on CBBC at 5.30pm. Other gold Blue Peter badge owners include The Queen, Sir David Attenborough, JK Rowling, Steven Spielberg, Mary Berry, David Beckham, Ed Sheeran and Madonna.
Speaking of their decision to award McCartney the badge, Editor of Blue Peter, Ewan Vinnicombe, said: “Sir Paul McCartney has inspired generations of Blue Peter viewers to love music and be creative – a core value of Blue Peter. I’m thrilled that we have been able to honour the legend that is Sir Paul with our highest accolade – a Gold badge.”
During the show, Blue Peter presenter Lindsey Russell asks McCartney what advice he would give to young musicians. “The only advice really is to do it… a lot. I have a song writing class and the first thing I say to them is ‘look I don’t really know how to do this’ and at first they kind of look at me, but when you think about it there is no formula,” he said.
“I know how to write one of my songs but I can’t say ‘you do it that way’, because it’s a very personal thing. So the advice really is to just do whatever it is you’re doing… a lot!”
Upon receiving his badge, McCartney said: “That is beautiful, that’s a great badge. I will wear it with great pride. Yes! I made it!”
Meanwhile, The Beatles have teamed up with Sir Peter Jackson for a new film documenting the band’s final days.
Made by the band’s Apple Corps Ltd. and WingNut Films, the movie is based around 55 hours of never-released footage of the Fab Four in the studio recording final album ‘Let It Be’, shot between January 2 and January 31, 1969. It culminates with their final gig on the rooftop on their Apple HQ in London, which was exactly 50 years ago today.