Paul McCartney turns 82: his dramatic transformation over the years

In a career spanning almost seven decades, the legendary Paul McCartney – who celebrated his birthday in June – is as fab today as he was in 1961 when he joined the British band, The Beatles.

The frontman of the iconic quartet has changed dramatically over his 82 years of life and is still a remarkable entertainer who continues to release hit after hit, and deliver look after look.

Keep reading to learn about the octogenarian’s timeless sense of styles!

Through the 1960s, Beatlemania peaked and left an indelible mark on popular culture, fashion, and grooming that continues to resonate today.

Over the years, fans have seen Paul McCartney sporting various hairstyles like shorter shags, a beard and mustache, all classic styles and in line with popular trends of each era.

The same year he married Linda (1969 to her death in 1998), the Beatles’ frontman added to his shaggy crimson hair, a thick beard that became the envy of many men.

The beard even has its own Instagram page and is “Dedicated to the finest beard in rock n roll history.”

Live and let dye

McCartney experimented with different lengths and styles, adapting to changing trends while maintaining his own distinctive look.

Unfortunately, he also had a few fails with attempting to keep his tresses timeless.

According to the New York Daily News, when the songwriter was married to Heather Mills (2002 to 2008), he purchased an off-the-shelf hair colouring kit and made a mess of dyeing his locks in the bathroom of his home in the Hamptons.

Panicked, Mills called in the experts from a salon in Manhattan to repair his hair.

“She called the salon in a very agitated way. People were making fun of the colour. He was colouring his hair on his own using a box colour,” the salon told the outlet.

Silver fox

After years of refusing to accept his hair was starting to show its age, the singer finally “Let it Be” and started aging with grace.

In 2018, he shocked fans when at 76, he appeared on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon with a head of stunning silver hair framing his face.

McCartney, who is rumored to have been dying his locks brown for 30 years, ditched the hair dye and embraced his inner silver fox.

The Daily Mail writes, “Just months ago, he was still showing off a head of dark hair – although in January he had allowed a hint of grey to show through on his sideburns, perhaps as a first step towards a more natural look.”

Since releasing his critically acclaimed 18^th solo album McCartney III, which he recorded in 2020 while in lockdown during the Covid lockdown, McCartney’s silver hair has become a signature look, adding to his distinguished and mature appearance.

Free flowing shag

In March 2024, McCartney was seen frolicking through the sands of St. Bart’s with Shevell, whom he married in 2011.

Playfully running along the island’s beaches, McCartney is pictured wearing a long-sleeved black shirt and sunset-print shorts with his hair flying in the wind behind him.

The 64-year-old Shevell, cousin of the late journalist Barbara Walters, was sporting black shorts and a patterned pink, orange and white long-sleeved top, while wading in the water.

And recently, McCartney shared a social media post, wishing his father along with his former bandmate Ringo Starr a happy birthday.

Fans were quick to jump into the comments section with wishes, praising the men for still looking “fab.”

“Stop being so cute old man,” writes one fan, while another user, referencing the song “She Loves You,” adds “We love you yeah yeah yeah.”

A third pens, “You look great Paul. Love your threads.”

Another adds, “You are so handsome.”

McCartney’s hairstyles have evolved with the times, but his early mop-top paired with a crisp suit remains one of the most iconic and enduring images associated with him and The Beatles.

Throughout his career, McCartney has maintained a youthful spirit while embracing his role as a cultural icon and the seasoned maturity of a music legend, all the while maintaining his own unique sense of style and charisma.

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