Paul McCartney has expressed his sorrow over the passing of British television presenter Michael Parkinson, remembering him as a “great guy” and a “good friend”.
The news of the broadcaster’s death at the age of 88 came this week after a brief illness. Parkinson’s career in television spanned seven decades and he hosted some of the world’s biggest stars on his show, including Muhammad Ali, Elton John, and Madonna.
The Beatles legend first met Parkinson in Liverpool when he and his team visited the famous Cavern Club. McCartney then went on to appear on the presenter’s chat show several times. He also appeared on the cover of Wings’ ‘Band on The Run’ as an escaped convict.
McCartney took to Twitter to express his sadness at Parkinson’s death, saying: “I first met Michael Parkinson in Liverpool when he and his team came to see us at the Cavern Club. He was a very likeable guy and we eventually did our first TV performances with Granada in Manchester, where Michael worked. Through the years I got to know him more and more, and appeared on his chat show quite a few times. He was a pleasure to talk to and we always had fun. He appeared on the front cover of ‘Band on The Run’ as one of the escaping convicts in the title song. He was very knowledgeable about many subjects and a keen sports-lover.”
The first Parkinson show aired in 1971 on BBC television, with US jazz singer Marion Montgomery as his first guest. The show ran for 11 years and spanned hundreds of episodes, before returning to the BBC in 1998 for a new run.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie paid tribute to the presenter, saying: “Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed. He interviewed the biggest stars of the 20th century and did so in a way that enthralled the public. Michael was not only brilliant at asking questions, he was also a wonderful listener.”
Following his death, a clip of George Michael’s classic introduction during his 1998 interview with Parkinson has resurfaced online. The Wham! star recalled being just eight or nine years old when his mother allowed him to stay up late to watch Parkinson, adding “She probably wouldn’t have been quite as thrilled that I had to take my willy out to get on here.”
McCartney concluded his tribute to Parkinson by saying “I will miss him personally, as a good friend. I send all my love to his family and friends. Cheers Michael, you’re a great guy okay!”
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