50 years ago in September of 1969 an article was published in the student newspaper of Drake University with the intriguing title of: “Is Beatle Paul McCartney Dead?”
The article, written by the editor of the student newspaper, Tim Harper addressed a rumor that had been floating around for a year or two that Paul McCartney had died in a car accident in 1966 and the other Beatles replaced him with a look-a-like to keep the band alive.
The article got picked up by several news agencies and it turned into one of the biggest conspiracy theories that’s still alive today.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of this legendary rumor, below are links to online articles and a video featuring news, facts, clues and an April Fool’s article about the infamous, “Paul is dead” conspiracy theory.
And then there’s the Coming Attractions for the week here on MBIP. Turn me on, dead man!
‘I buried Paul’: Your guide to the convoluted conspiracy theory that Paul McCartney died in 1966 - This is a great guide to all of the clues and photos in the Paul is dead conspiracy theories.
Paul Is Dead - The “Paul is Dead” rumor made Time magazine’s top ten conspiracy list coming in at number four.
Paul Is Dead: The Story Behind The Paul McCartney Conspiracy Theory - This feature notes that when the rumor was at its height, Beatles records started selling more briskly and some even re-entered the charts! Dead men may tell no tales, but apparently they sell records!
Did Paul McCartney really die in 1966? The history of the conspiracy theory - This 20 minute video explores the rumor in depth.
Paul Is Still With Us - This is a cover and an excerpt from a 1969 interview with Paul in Life magazine where he tried to squash the rumor.
Paul McCartney Admits Beatles Planned Death Hoax - Here’s another clue for you all: This article was originally published on April 1st for all of you April Fool’s conspiracy enthusiasts!
Monday: Last Thursday we celebrated my friend Amber’s birthday with a special “Amber Monologues Party” at Casa de Arte! We had drinks, tacos, chips, salsa, guacamole and then we put on an Amber monologues show with live music from Noion Cities and three Amber monologues delivered by Jackie, Yours Fooly and Joe. It was the best Amber Birthday Extravaganza ever!
Tuesday: We continue the MBIP 13 month chicken tour with a magnificent stuffed chicken breast at Joe’s Original Italian & Martini Bar. A chocolate martini was had as well!
Wednesday: I’m going to have a post from the Build Peoria Third Annual Chili Cook-Off that’s happening today at Dozer Park. I’ll try every chili and I’ll be in search of the elusive beanies chili!
Thursday: I’m going to have a rare full Thursday post as I revisit Farmer Ted’s Land of Legos!
Friday: Will be yet another patent-pending Quickety-Blickety Blog.
Saturday: I’m going to be putting the weekly sandwich spotlight on a unique sandwich from Panaderia Ortiz Bakery.
Okay, I have to get over to Dozer Park soon and start the search for beanless chili!
Related Posts: Sunday Links: Amy Winehouse, Please Kill Me and The Lovin’ Spoonful.