Paul McCartney surprises journalist by revealing that he still listens to the radio.

Paul McCartney surprised reporter Sharyn Alfonsi by revealing that he listens to the radio in the traditional way.

A classic scene from the Beatles’ first visit to the United States in February 1964 shows Paul McCartney with a radio pressed to his ear, listening to the band’s songs. In another moment, all four Beatles are inside a car while an FM radio station broadcasts an enthusiastic DJ narrating the excitement caused by the group’s arrival in New York.

In the 1960s, TV, radio, magazines, and newspapers were the main media sources, and radio played a crucial role in discovering new bands and how teenagers consumed music. The BBC in London hosted several live Beatles performances, resulting in numerous recordings that later became official albums. However, for a long time, these recordings circulated only as bootlegs and collector’s pirated discs.

Paul McCartney has always acknowledged the importance of radio and surprised reporter Sharyn Alfonsi from 60 Minutes when she asked how he discovers new music. Paul answered simply: “I listen to the radio.” Taken a back, she asked, “Radio?” McCartney then repeated her question to be sure: “Wait a minute. You still listen to the radio? Don’t you?” Sharyn replied, “A lot of people do,” to which Paul responded, “In the car, you don’t listen to anything in the car?”

Trying to understand, the reporter asked if he meant a satellite radio station. With simplicity, McCartney replied: “The old way. It’s just a device with a button, ding! FM radio,” making a gesture as if tuning a station in a car.

Finally, Sharyn, still curious, commented, “I noticed you even drove here yourself. What do you listen to in the car?” Paul smiled, incredulous, and reaffirmed: “Radio!”

Watch the video of this moment: