Paul is Dead Theory: Introduction

The “Paul is Dead” theory is a conspiracy theory alleging that Paul McCartney of The Beatles died in 1966 and a look-alike took his place. This theory gained traction in the late 1960s and has since become one of the most famous conspiracy theories in rock music history.

The story also implies that the rest of the Beatles were covering up his death. However, they were leaving clues in their artwork, lyrics, etc. Here are the main points and origins of the theory:

Origins and Spread

Initial Rumours: The theory appears to have started with rumours circulating in London around February 1967. It gained widespread attention in the United States during the latter part of 1969.

In the UK, the story goes that Paul stormed out of the Sgt Peppers sessions at 5am on November 9, 1966, and crashed his car. You could stop the Paul is Dead theory right there because he was out of the country on holiday on that day. Be that as it may, this was a Wednesday, which will be significant later.

One theory suggests that he picked up a female hitchhiker on his journey, and she couldn’t believe her luck when she lunged at him for a hug. That caused Paul to lose control of his Aston-Martin and crash. The accident was so horrific that the couple were unidentifiable.

Not wanting to disband, all three surviving members look for a replacement. Step forward someone by the name of William Shears Campbell, who, with a little plastic surgery, became Paul McCartney Mark II. Campbell went missing at the time; his former career was as a policeman in Ontario, Canada. He is thought to be Billy Shears on Sgt. Pepper, or, as he gets called, Faul.

So let me introduce to you
The one and only Billy Shears
And Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club

Meanwhile, In America

Radio Broadcast: The theory exploded much more after a call to a Detroit radio station in October 1969, where a listener claimed that if certain Beatles songs were played backwards, they contained hidden messages suggesting Paul’s death. The example given was Revolution Number 9 from the White Album. Played backwards, the repeating Number 9 allegedly says, “Turn me on, dead man.”

With a few minor publications writing more articles in late 1969, the theory gained more traction. From now on, fans began to scrutinise all the Beatles work. Thus, a ton of theories come to light.

“Evidence” of the Paul is Dead Theory

The following statements are not hard evidence that Paul McCartney died; they are merely what others have said in the past. However, they are common knowledge and in the public domain already. Of course, none of the following statements are from anyone at the Beatles Fan Club.

Furthermore, we believe the Paul is Dead Theory to be a complete waste of space. So, we print them purely for entertainment value. However, that doesn’t stop you from having your say. After all, it is a free country!

Paul is Dead Theory: Album Covers

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Interpretations:

Some theorists believe the album cover contains clues hinting at Paul’s death:

They point to the funeral-like arrangement and the inclusion of a hand over Paul’s head, which they claim is a symbol of death (in eastern cultures).
Then there is an O-shaped “wreath” placed conveniently at the end of the band’s name, making it read “Be At Leso.” However, no such place exists on modern-day maps.
The left-handed bass guitar wreath is another clue, indeed, that only has three strings, saying there’s only three Beatles remaining. Some actually believe they spell Paul!
The goddess Kali symbolises rebirth and regeneration, and that statue is prominently displayed at the front.
A couple of clues are linked to the doll on the right. Firstly, there is a toy Aston-Martin on the doll’s leg (Paul’s car). You can also see a bloodstained driving glove on her left side, worn by the old lady on whose lap she sits.
Ringo’s drumkit was under immense scrutiny, and this is where the main clue lies. Once you hold a rimless mirror up across the centre of “LONELY HEARTS”, it reads “IONEIX HE<>DIE”. It’s a mixture of Roman numerals and English, so that reads 11-9, or November 9, the date given above!
On the lyrics section on the back of the sleeve, notice George Harrison pointing to one line of “She’s Leaving Home“: “Wednesday morning at five o’clock as the day begins.” So, now you have the time and date.
Paul’s head is next to the words, “Within You Without You.”

There are others, so how many more can you see?

Magical Mystery Tour Interpretations:

The booklet that came with both the British double EP and American LP had numerous images from the film, including lyrics from the songs.

One image on page 5 shows Paul at a desk, and in front of him reads a sign, “I Was.”
Pages 12, 18, & 19 show Paul wearing no shoes; corpses are buried like this.
When the Beatles are all dressed in white and dancing in the hall, they all wear a red rose, except Paul, who wears a black one!
On the final page of the booklet, we see another hand over Paul’s head, just like in Sgt Peppers.
Back to Ringo’s drumkit, can you see it says, “Love the 3 Beatles?“

You can also list your other observations below.

Abbey Road Interpretations

They released the Abbey Road album in the autumn of 1969, and this has some unmistakable clues. Once you see them, you can’t unsee them. But remember, these are all theoretical, in our opinion. Of course, you have a mind of your own!

Firstly, the immediate impression of The Beatles walking over the Abbey Road crossing is well documented. The theory goes that it is supposed to represent a funeral procession.
Clergyman: John Lennon leads the way in his white suit.
Undertaker: Ringo Starr follows John and looks the part.
The Corpse: Paul McCartney follows with no shoes on his feet. He is also holding a cigarette in the wrong hand (Paul McCartney is left-handed), suggesting the lookalike is playing his part. Paul also has his eyes closed.
The Gravedigger: George Harrison is walking behind the other three in his work clothes, ready for the dirty work.
There is a parked Volkswagon Beetle near the crossing with the registration number LMW 28IF. This meaning in the eye of conspiracists is “Linda McCartney weeps” and 28 if (Paul was alive). However, at the time, he would have been 27. So maybe they thought the album was going to be their last in 1970, rather than Let It Be? Alternatively, we are all one year older in some near-eastern culture!

Again, if you know of any others to add to the list, let us know.

Songs And Other “Evidence”

Paul is Dead Theory: Song Lyrics

A Day in the Life: contains the line “He blew his mind out in a car,” which some interpret as a reference to Paul’s supposed fatal car accident.
Lady Madonna: “Wednesday morning papers didn’t come” (a hush-hush story?)
Revolution Number 9 (again): You can hear something resembling the sound of a car crash.
Don’t Pass Me By: “You were in a car crash and you lost your hair.”
She Came In Through The Bathroom Window: “And so I quit the police department” (reference to William Campbell).
Strawberry Fields Forever: John Lennon mumbles the words “cranberry sauce.” People thought this sounded like “I buried Paul.”
Glass Onion: “Here’s another clue for you all: the walrus was Paul.”

Paul is Dead Theory: Backward Messages

Backward Messages: Some fans claim that playing certain Beatles songs backwards reveals messages like “Paul is dead; miss him, miss him” from the song “I’m So Tired.”

I’m So Tired: Backward Message (miss him)

Forward

Backward

Revolution Number 9: Backward Message (turn me on, dead man)

Forward

Backward

_{Source: low quality “fair use” at Wikipedia}

Paul is Dead Theory: Image “Evidence”

Photographic Evidence: Some theorists point to differences in facial features, stature, and other physical attributes in photographs of Paul from before and after 1966. In particular, his eye colour changed from brown (1966) to green (1967).
Paul’s teeth: Paul has noticeably chipped in the videos for Paperback Writer and Rain. However, those songs came a few months before his alleged death.

Responses from The Beatles

The Beatles and Paul McCartney himself have consistently denied the theory. Paul addressed it directly in an interview with Life magazine in 1969, saying, “Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”
In various interviews, the band members have expressed amusement and disbelief at the persistence of the rumours.

Paul is Dead Theory: In Conclusion

Despite its debunking, the “Paul is Dead” theory remains a popular cultural phenomenon, often cited as an example of how conspiracy theories can spread and persist. It has influenced various aspects of popular culture, including movies, books, and even other music.

In essence, the “Paul is Dead” theory is an intriguing part of Beatles lore, reflecting the era’s fascination with hidden messages and the powerful impact of media on public perception.

Finally, what are your thoughts? Do you think there’s any credibility in the theory or do you think once it started, the band were clever enough to capitalise on it?