Behind the Album: 'Run Devil Run,' Paul McCartney's Rocking Return from Tragedy
After suffering through a devastating personal tragedy, Paul McCartney hunkered down and got back to his music in 1999. Specifically, he turned to the music of his youth for comfort and inspiration. The resulting album, Run Devil Run, was a triumph.
While many cover songs of rock standards can lack the zest of the originals and come off as routine retreads, McCartney and the backing band he used for the album absolutely sizzled. Let’s look back at how Run Devil Run, Paul’s off-the-cuff project, delivered such lasting impact.
On April 17, 1998, Linda McCartney passed away after battling cancer. The McCartney’s marriage had been idyllic, especially by the standards of rock and roll unions where volatility is a given. The pair rarely spent any time apart, even with all the demands of the former Beatle’s career.
Thus, it was understandable when McCartney stepped out of the limelight and spent time to grieve, in the end taking about a year off. Many wondered if his next release would address the feelings of loss he likely was experiencing in the wake of Linda’s passing. But McCartney instead chose something invigorating and mostly joyful.
Long a fan of the early days of rock and roll and R&B, McCartney decided to put out an album that would consist mostly of cover versions of those songs. With a few exceptions, he also tended toward more obscure choices. Because of that, the album sounded a bit fresher for not treading over well-worn paths.
Source: Jim Beviglia/americansongwriter.com
