No Treble’s 2024 Reader Favorite Bassists – #7: Paul McCartney’s Timeless Legacy

Paul McCartney

Editor’s Note: At the end of each year, we tally up all the article and video views on No Treble to come up with a list of the top 10 most popular bassists. This is entirely based on readership, not on opinions, polls, or anything else. Just having some fun.

Few bassists have had the cultural and musical impact of Paul McCartney, whose influence remains strong at 82. As one of the most influential bassists in history, 2024 marked another milestone in his legendary career.

In 2024, Sir Paul saw the return of his 1961 Hofner, which was stolen in 1972. We got to see that bass in action on December 19, which also saw McCartney once again on stage with Ringo Starr.

The year also saw McCartney open the Wings’ vault with One Hand Clapping, and the announcement of things to come in 2025.

All this buzz resulted in McCartney coming in at #7 on this year’s reader favorites list.

Report: Paul McCartney’s Stolen 1961 Hofner Has Been Returned

Report: Paul McCartney’s Stolen 1961 Hofner Has Been Returned

There have been several mysteries of missing basses of historical importance. Jaco’s Bass of Doom was thankfully found, though James Jamerson’s Funk Machine has not surfaced. In September, there was a big push to find Paul McCartney’s original 1961 Hofner bass, and after 51 years the search is finally over.
Paul McCartney Gives 6-Figure Reward for Höfner Bass’s Return

Paul McCartney Gives 6-Figure Reward for Höfner Bass’s Return

One of the biggest bass mysteries was solved this year when Paul McCartney’s Höfner bass was returned 50 years after it was stolen. McCartney awarded a 6-figure sum as a thank you.
Paul McCartney’s Original Hofner Returns to Action After 51 Years (with “Get Back”)

Paul McCartney’s Original Hofner Returns to Action After 51 Years (with “Get Back”)

Paul McCartney’s original 1961 Hofner bass was found after a 51 year search. Sir Paul brought it out on stage in London on December 19, with the help of some special guests: Ronnie Wood and Ringo Starr.
Paul McCartney Opens the Wings Archives for “One Hand Clapping”

Paul McCartney Opens the Wings Archives for “One Hand Clapping”

A new piece of Paul McCartney’s archives has been unveiled fifty years after it was created. In August 1974, the former Beatle and his band Wings went to Abbey Road Studios to film a documentary and record a live studio album that never made the cut. That project has now gotten an official release as “One Hand Clapping.”
Paul McCartney Documentary “One Hand Clapping” Coming to Theaters

Paul McCartney Documentary “One Hand Clapping” Coming to Theaters

In August 1974, Paul McCartney took his band Wings into Abbey Road Studios to film a documentary. The project got an official release back in June as “One Hand Clapping” and now the film portion is coming to movie theaters.
Paul McCartney’s New Year’s Resolution: The Beatles Legend’s Next Chapter Includes New Album and More

Paul McCartney’s New Year’s Resolution: The Beatles Legend’s Next Chapter Includes New Album and More

Following an eventful 2024, Paul McCartney has revealed that fans have even more to look forward to in 2025.

Corey Brown is the founder of No Treble and serves in an advisory role. He’s also Head of Editorial at Muse Group. Learn more about Corey on his website and LinkedIn.

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