McCartney 'revisits' Beatles through music

LONDON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Paul McCartney said at the London launch of his new CD and DVD that playing music helps him "revisit" his fallen former bandmates and late wife Linda.

McCartney said at a news conference marking the release of the live CD and DVD "Good Evening New York City" that he can get "emotional" on stage when a song reminds him of John Lennon, George Harrison or Linda McCartney, the BBC reported Thursday.

"If I'm doing songs by The Beatles, I obviously remember the sessions when we recorded," the musician said. "There's a song I do called 'Here Today' which is specifically written for John, and that sometimes catches me out."

The former Beatle said he can be seen getting a little choked up playing "Here Today" on the DVD.

"It catches me out in this film version where I realize I'm telling this man that I love him, and it's like, 'Oh my God!' It's like I'm publicly declaring this in front of all these people I know well. What am I doing?" he said. "I couldn't have done it when I was 18 because I would not have allowed myself to cry or go anywhere near that as an 18-year-old guy -- now it's okay. I'm used to it."