A Winter Day in 1966
It was January 21, 1966, when George Harrison, the “quiet Beatle,” married model Pattie Boyd at a small ceremony in Epsom, Surrey. The wedding was a private, elegant affair — far removed from the chaos of Beatlemania. Friends and family gathered, cameras flashed discreetly, and George beamed with a rare, unguarded joy.
But even in such an intimate setting, one guest managed to steal a little of the spotlight — quite unintentionally.
Paul McCartney Arrives in High Spirits
Paul McCartney arrived dressed sharply as ever, but according to those who were there, he was in unusually high spirits— laughing loudly, embracing everyone, and pouring himself a celebratory drink… or two… or three.
A former Apple Corps staffer later recalled:
“Paul was just… Paul. Charming, a bit cheeky, and clearly enjoying the champagne. But it was George’s day, so he tried to keep himself in check. For the most part.”
The Infamous Toast
The reception was held in a cozy venue, with speeches from close friends. When it came time for Paul to speak, he reportedly raised his glass with a wide grin and launched into a toast that began heartfelt… and slowly drifted into playful rambling.
“Here’s to George,” he said, “the only man I know who can make a guitar sound like it’s falling in love.”
Then, turning to Pattie: “And here’s to Pattie — the only woman who can put up with him.”
The room erupted in laughter, George shook his head smiling, and Pattie blushed. But Paul, encouraged by the response, carried on — slipping in a few inside jokes only the Beatles themselves would have understood.
A Stumble, A Song, and a Wink
After the toast, someone suggested music. Paul, still riding the wave of good cheer (and champagne), made his way to the piano. Witnesses say he launched into a loose, jazzy version of “Yesterday” — adding improvised, humorous lyrics about weddings and “keeping your drummer out of trouble.”
At one point, he leaned a little too far off the bench and caught himself, grinning at George:
“I’m fine… it’s the floor that’s had too much.”
The Moment Everyone Remembers
By the end of the night, George and Pattie’s wedding was exactly what they wanted — a day of love, laughter, and close friends. And while Paul may have been a bit tipsy, his antics added a warmth and humor that no one present would forget.
One guest summed it up best years later:
“It wasn’t drunk in a bad way. It was drunk in a Beatles way — full of love, music, and just a little mischief.”