Paul McCartney Gets Candid About John Lennon in Emotional Video for New Photo Exhibit in Los Angeles

In a deeply moving new video, Sir Paul McCartney opens up about the enduring legacy, friendship, and heartbreak he still feels over the loss of his Beatles bandmate, John Lennon. The footage was released ahead of the launch of the powerful new photography exhibition, “Paul McCartney: Rearview Mirror: Photographs, December 1963–February 1964”, opening April 25 at Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills.

The exhibit showcases 36 never-before-seen photos captured by McCartney himself, chronicling The Beatles’ explosive rise during their first visit to the United States. But it’s Paul’s emotional reflections—shared in a companion video—that are resonating most with fans across generations.

“He was a great guy,” McCartney says of Lennon, visibly moved. “I’m so proud and happy to have known him, to have worked with him, and to have done all that stuff with him. It’s a huge thing in my life.”

A Personal Lens on Beatlemania

The images in the exhibit were taken during a whirlwind period in late 1963 and early 1964, spanning cities like London, Liverpool, Paris, New York, Washington D.C., and Miami. They feature candid backstage moments, fan interactions, and rare self-portraits, offering an intimate perspective from inside Beatlemania.

The video—filmed at Griffin Editions in Brooklyn—features McCartney signing exclusive prints and reflecting on each image with Joshua Chuang, Gagosian’s director of photography. When shown photos of Lennon, McCartney reveals the emotional weight they still carry:

“I think for me, the main feeling is just remembering the joy,” he shares. “People come and go. But what stays are the great times you had together—and these pictures remind me of that.”

A Tribute That Gives Back

The exhibition is not just a nostalgic tribute—it’s also a cause. A portion of proceeds from the limited-edition signed photo prints will support Southern California wildfire recovery efforts. The show includes not only McCartney’s photographs but also archival memorabilia, footage by Albert and David Maysles, and a rare look at The Beatles’ first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Video:

Fans can also enjoy light-hearted moments, such as McCartney teasing a close-up photo of George Harrison with visible teenage blemishes:

“These days you’d retouch out his pimples,” Paul jokes. “Here, we’re bringing them up. Sorry, George. You’re still gorgeous.”

Exhibit Details

• Title: Paul McCartney: Rearview Mirror: Photographs, December 1963–February 1964
• Location: Gagosian Gallery, Beverly Hills, CA
• Opening Reception: April 25, 5–8 p.m. PT
• Run Dates: April 25 – June 21, 2025

This exhibit—and the heartfelt video that accompanies it—offers a profound reminder that behind The Beatles’ global phenomenon was a deep brotherhood, a bond of artistic trust, and a friendship that shaped music history.