Paul McCartney’s Brother ‘Was Nearly in the Beatles’ Then Hid Being Related to the Legendary Singer

• Paul McCartney's brother, Mike McGear, came tantalizingly close to joining The Beatles as their drummer but had his dreams dashed by a mishap.
• He made a deliberate choice to hide his familial connection to the legendary singer as he carved his own path in the world of entertainment.
• To avoid seeming like he was cashing in on his brother's fame, Mike changed his surname, marking a distinct separation from the Beatles phenomenon.

In the world of iconic music history, one name reigns supreme: The Beatles. We've grooved to their timeless tunes, idolized John, Paul, George, and Ringo, and perhaps wondered what might have been if another name were added to the mix. Surprisingly, there almost was.

Meet Peter Michael McCartney, also known as Mike McGear, the lesser-known brother of the legendary Sir Paul McCartney. While he may not have achieved Beatles-level fame, his life story is a fascinating journey of dreams almost realized and an unwavering commitment to individuality.

The McCartney family faced a tragic loss when their mother, Mary, passed away from breast cancer when Paul was just 14 and Mike 12. This loss marked the beginning of a musical journey for the McCartney siblings. Their father provided them with instruments, and Paul's musical prowess began to emerge.

They formed a bond through music, a connection born from the hardships of their shared grief. Mike believes that if their mother had lived, their lives might have taken a different path. She aspired for them to pursue music, and their destiny might have veered toward different horizons. But fate, as unpredictable as it is, led them on a musical odyssey. He says:

"I guess that was fate or luck. Mum's death is not what you want, but Paul and I had an affinity with that."

Sibling Bonds and Childhood Adventures

Mike's story begins in Liverpool on January 7, 1944, just a few years after the birth of his world-famous older brother, Paul. Their childhood was marked by the typical sibling rivalry and camaraderie that most can relate to. Mike was close enough in age to Paul to be his playmate but young enough to be occasionally intimidated by the impending shadow of his older brother.

They had a memorable childhood incident that involved Paul playfully swinging Mike around, which, humorously enough, led to Mike colliding with a concrete post. Their relationship was a blend of close friendship and occasional bouts of standoffishness that persisted into adulthood.

Mike's relationship with his brother, Paul, is a unique blend of camaraderie and sibling teasing. He refers to Paul as "our kid" and mentions their constant communication, marked by humorous exchanges. It's clear that Mike plays a part in keeping Paul grounded, as evidenced by their interactions.

He narrated how Paul once forgot his birthday, and Mike made sure that he never forgot again. He recalled with a smile, "He forgot my birthday once. I made it quite clear that he'd forgotten. He's never forgotten again." When asked about the experience of being related to the world-famous Paul, Mike provided a candid response:

"Initially, it's like everyone else with an elder brother. And then your elder brother does rather well for himself, and for us, as the family, it's nothing but pride and joy."

Mike's Divergent Path

Both Mike and Paul attended the Liverpool Institute, and post-school, their paths began to diverge. Mike ventured into the world of hairdressing, yet his real passion was photography. He had an early connection with The Beatles, even attempting to get them booked for an audience participation event. However, the organizers at the time didn't quite grasp the potential of rock 'n' roll.

But, as fate would have it, this initial brush with fame would eventually lead to Mike's journey into the world of entertainment. The turning point came when Paul gifted Mike a Nikon camera in 1967, which spontaneously inspired a little ditty, "Thank U Very Much," later developed into a single for the satirical group Scaffold, which Mike was part of, along with Roger McGough and John Gorman.

The Scaffold's live performances were always infused with humor and had a knack for creating a jovial atmosphere. One of the highlights of Mike's career was the release of "Lily The Pink," a delightfully absurd party song that he and The Scaffold took to number one on the charts for an impressive four weeks in 1968.

This silly track, with its catchy tunes and humorous lyrics, endeared itself to audiences, becoming an enduring musical gem. As the fame of The Beatles continued to soar, Mike decided to take a bold step. He changed his surname from McCartney to McGear, as being called McCartney felt as iconic as Presley or Sinatra at the time.

Despite being frequently asked for his autograph due to his connection to Paul, Mike remained steadfast in signing as "Michael McGear" and often denied any familial ties. He wanted to avoid any appearance of cashing in on his brother's success, a testament to his genuine and independent spirit.

He emphasizes that he never desired fame but rather success on his own terms. His contentment with the life he's led underscores the importance of following one's unique path. Mike's decision to leave showbiz came in 1982 when The Scaffold disbanded, marking a significant turning point in his career.

Mike's life then took a different course, influenced by his passion for photography and the creative world. He went on to establish a successful career as a photographer, with some of his work displayed in the National Portrait Gallery. This journey of self-discovery led him to reclaim his family name, shedding the "McGear" coat he wore for his showbiz pursuits.

A Near Miss with The Beatles

Mike once dropped a bombshell confession that's sure to pique the curiosity of The Beatles fans worldwide. He revealed that he was almost a Beatle himself, poised to be their drummer. He disclosed, "I was nearly in The Beatles. I was the drummer, but I broke my arm in the Scouts."

Electric shocks and hot treatments were needed to restore his nerves, and he even had to wear a support strap with a wire for a couple of years. As Mike aptly says:

"If I hadn't broken my arm, I'd have been a Beatle. But I did break my arm, and I'm not a Beatle. You always have to deal in reality, not dreams."

Although the dream of being a Beatle was never realized, the broken arm led Mike down a different path. He discovered a passion for photography and began taking pictures with a family box camera. His newfound skills allowed him to document the rise of The Beatles.

Mike's lens captured moments of the legendary band in action, akin to having Rembrandt's kid brother sketching the master painter. His photographs provide a unique insight into the early days of the legendary band.

While Mike may not have been a Beatle, his 20-year career with the satirical group The Scaffold and his accomplishments in the world of photography speak volumes about his individuality and talent. As he reflects on his life's journey, he asserts that he wouldn't change a single minute of it.