Episode 21: The “Paul Is Dead” Conspiracy Theory
Did Paul McCartney really die in a horrific car crash in 1966 and was secretly replaced by a lookalike named William Campbell? Or was it all a big phenonmenon due to the spread of misinformation? Frank and Rachel talk about one of the biggest conspiracy theories in the history of music and surrounding The Beatles: the Paul is Dead Conspiracy Theory with Beatles Magician John Logan.
The “Paul Is Dead” conspiracy theory is a conspiracy theory that centers around Paul McCartney who supposedly died in a horrific car crash in 1966. Here’s how the theory goes:
On November 9th, 1966, Paul McCartney stormed out of a session for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and got into his car where he was then killed in a horrific car crash on his way home. The other BEatles were so distraught over their bandmate’s death that they replaced him with a look alike named William Campbell, who could sing and write hit songs like Paul. Supposedly, The Beatles left clues in their songs and album covers that were hinting at Paul’s untimely “demise".”
The conspiracy theory gained worldwide popularity in October of 1969 when a caller called into the Detroit radio station, WKNR-FM told disc jockey, Russ Gibb about the rumor and the clues.
Check out this playlist of songs that has “clues” contributing to the “Paul is Dead” conspiracy theory!
John Logan is an award winning magician and keynote speaker. He has performed with the New England Patriots and is one of the hosts of The Beatles multimedia show, Come Together. To learn more about John’s work, you can check out his website here: https://www.johndukelogan.com/