University of Virginia Library

Beatles Clarify
Death Rumors

A spokesman for the Beatles, perhaps Paul
McCartney himself, will make a public
announcement today in order to clear up
rumors that Mr. McCartney died in 1967 and
the Beatles hid the fact by substituting a
look-alike for Paul, according to the Associated
Press.

Meanwhile, Paul Clarke, a disk jockey at
WEAM in Washington and a friend of Mary
Hopkin, stated yesterday that Miss Hopkin had
had dinner with Mr. McCartney and Ringo Start
Sunday, and Mr. McCartney was then in good
health. Both Mr. Clarke and Miss Hopkin
scoffed at reports of the Beatle's "death."

Both Mutual Radio and the Associated Press
released information yesterday that the Beatles
are greatly disturbed by the rumors of Mr.
McCartney's alleged death, and they have
decided to dispel such fears by making a public
announcement.

Reportedly, the announcement will be made
today, but it is not known whether Paul himself
will appear.

The story of Paul McCartney's "death"
began last week, when the Michigan State
University student newspaper ran a detailed
account of the Beatle's demise. The article cited
extensive evidence to prove the fact, relying
mainly on peculiarities of Beatle record albums
and covers.

Allegedly, Paul died in 1967, perhaps in a
car accident that could have been suicide. The
Beatles then kept the incident secret by
substituting the winner of a "Paul look-alike
contest" for the original Paul.

Since then, the Beatles have given clues to
the secret in their songs and on their albums.
Thus, John Lennon can be heard saying, "I've
buried Paul," but only if Strawberry Fields
Forever is played at extra-high speed.

A spokesman for WUVA radio stated that
the rumors have elicited a "tremendous
response" in phone calls and visitors. The
station's Outlook program Monday night
presented the case for Paul's death, and it has
proved to be the most controversial program in
the station's history.