Introduction: Even Music Legends Have Opinions
At 83 years old, Paul McCartney, one of the greatest songwriters of all time, continues to inspire generations with his endless creativity and passion for music. Known for his gentle nature, optimism, and unwavering love for melody, Paul has always been diplomatic in interviews.
But even the kindest legends have their limits when it comes to personal taste in music. In a rare, surprisingly candid interview, McCartney opened up about the six bands that simply never resonated with him.
His comments weren’t about hate, jealousy, or rivalry. Instead, they reflected a deep commitment to a particular philosophy: music built on melody, harmony, authenticity, and craftsmanship.
The Six Bands Paul McCartney Admitted He Never Clicked With
The Sex Pistols
“Punk was interesting, but when it becomes chaos without melody, it loses me.”
As one of the architects of melody-driven rock, Paul always struggled with the raw, aggressive spirit of The Sex Pistols, whose mission was to tear down the very kind of musical structure The Beatles helped build.
KISS
“Great showmanship, but for me, it always comes back to the song—and that’s where it didn’t connect.”
While McCartney respects theatrics, his focus has always been on songwriting first. Bands relying heavily on stage spectacle over melody simply weren’t his thing.
Limp Bizkit
“I never quite understood the shouting. It’s an energy thing, but it’s not for me.”
Nu-metal’s aggressive, angst-driven style was far removed from Paul’s musical DNA of harmony, optimism, and melody.
Slipknot
“Masks, noise, chaos… I respect the passion, but I couldn’t find the song beneath it.”
The intense, visceral energy of Slipknot—though loved by millions—was simply too far removed from Paul’s love for musicality and storytelling.
Milli Vanilli
“If you’re not actually singing on your records… what’s the point?”
The infamous lip-sync scandal around Milli Vanilli was completely against everything Paul believed in about real performance, real songwriting, and real artistry.
The Monkees (Early Years)
“Back then, the idea of a manufactured band felt strange to me.”
While Paul later grew to appreciate The Monkees, particularly as they evolved into real musicians and songwriters, their beginnings as a TV-created band felt disingenuous to someone raised on the hard work of writing and performing his own music.
It’s Not About Hate — It’s About Musical Philosophy
McCartney emphasized that this wasn’t about disliking the people behind the bands or dismissing their fans. Instead, it was about a lifelong commitment to a very specific vision of what music should be.
“For me, it’s melody. It’s harmony. It’s a song you can sit with at the piano or strum on a guitar. If that’s not there, then it’s just not for me.”
Fan Reactions: Shock, Debate, and Reflection
“I’m shocked! I thought Paul loved everyone!” — A fan on X (Twitter)
“Honestly… respect to Paul for being honest. Not everyone has to like everything.” — A Beatles superfan
“I grew up on Slipknot. I still love Paul McCartney. We can coexist.” — A metal fan on Twitter
The list instantly sparked online debates, with fans from every genre chiming in. Some were surprised, some amused, and others simply fascinated by the honesty of a man who has seen the entire evolution of modern music.
Conclusion: The Melody Endures
Whether it’s “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” “Blackbird”, or “Maybe I’m Amazed”, Paul McCartney’s unwavering belief in melody and songwriting has shaped the world of music.
His reflections on bands that didn’t resonate with him aren’t about tearing anyone down. They’re a reminder that music is subjective, personal, and deeply emotional. What lifts one person’s soul may leave another unmoved—and that’s the beauty of it.
At 83, Paul’s message remains as clear as ever.
“Make music. Make it honest. Make it sing.”