Words by Riley Fitzgerald
Graphic by Paul McCartney and Wings 'The Mess'

Talking with Time, pop heavyweight Taylor Swift has cited Paul McCartney as her second greatest influence.

“I’m also very influenced by having a role model to look up to,” she said. “I look at Paul McCartney and he’s had just this amazing career. He’s created unparalleled art.”

It also seems that Swift finds an affinity for Paul as a result of the intense public scrutiny and obsession he’s endured as a result of fame. “[He’s] probably been faced with more pressure than most people,” she continued, no doubt likening Paul’s experience to her own issues with stalking and intense fandom.

It’s not an altogether out of the ballpark comparison. There are more than a few parallels between Swift’s numerous stalkers and those Paul and his fellow bandmates had to endure at the height of Beatlemania and well after. (George Harrison was stabbed by an unbalanced fan in 1999 and John Lennon was tragically of all shot dead by another in 1980).

“He’s always been known to be kind to people, respectful, and also really selfless as performed” Swift went on. The pop star, it seems respects the former Beatles’ generosity in favouring demands from fans for older hits over preferencing his newer work, perhaps referencing similar demands she may be facing approaching the middle point of her own career.

It seems also that swift unlike many McCartney fans is more forgiving of his post Beatles solo work. “I like his new music too” she shared, hinting that she held his latest run of albums, the most recent of which was Egypt Station, in high regard. “I still love Paul McCartney.”

Paul, who has performed with Swift, also holds the singer in high regard, stating that when it comes to pop albums people like Swift and Beyonce “had that kind of thing covered,” while in conversation with late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon last year.

Was Swift sincere though? Who knows? Ever the public relations person Swift can often come off as a little cloying, but then again doesn’t Paul?

Swift’s interview concluded with her stating that the number one most influential factor in her life was cats.

The full interview here.