‘They have to start making interviews after the games so they can explain themselves.’

Sir Paul McCartney has paid tribute to Sir Michael Parkinson (Picture: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)

Sir Paul McCartney has paid tribute to Sir Michael Parkinson after his death aged 88.

It was confirmed on Thursday, August 17, that the legendary talk show host had sadly died.

Since then, fans and celebrities have taken to social media to pay tribute and remember his interviews, including the likes of David Beckham recalling the iconic ‘GoldenBalls’ moment, and Piers Morgan on his shock at making Sir Michael cry.

A statement from Sir Michael’s family on Thursday said: ‘After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.

‘The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.’

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday, Sir Paul wrote: ‘I first met Michael Parkinson in Liverpool when he and his team came to see us at the Cavern Club.

‘He was a pleasure to talk to and we always had fun.’ (Picture: BBC)

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‘He was a very likeable guy and we eventually did our first TV performances with Granada in Manchester, where Michael worked.

‘Through the years I got to know him more and more, and appeared on his chat show quite a few times.

‘He was a pleasure to talk to and we always had fun.’

Sharing a picture of the duo together as well as a picture of his 1973 album cover, Sir Paul went on: ‘He appeared on the front cover of ‘Band on the Run’ as one of the escaping convicts in the title song.

‘He was very knowledgeable about many subjects and a keen sports-lover.’

I first met Michael Parkinson in Liverpool when he and his team came to see us at the Cavern Club. He was a very likeable guy and we eventually did our first TV performances with Granada in Manchester, where Michael worked.Through the years I got to know him more and more, and… pic.twitter.com/o0fMiXsWwN— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 19, 2023

The 81-year-old concluded: ‘I will miss him personally, as a good friend. I send all my love to his family and friends. Cheers Michael, you’re a great guy okay! – Paul x’

The Beatles star’s tribute follows the likes of Sir David Attenborough remembering Sir Michael.

On BBC Radio 4’s World At One earlier this week, a pre-recorded tribute was broadcast from Sir David, which appeared to have been given over the phone.

Sir David remembered the ‘generous’ Sir Michael (Picture: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)

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The 97-year-old said that the celebrated TV personality was ‘extremely professional’, saying: ‘You knew he would know all the background and you didn’t have to fill in anything.’

‘He was always generous in the way he framed his questions,’ he continued. ‘He wanted you to shine, he wanted his interviewee to shine.’

Sir David added that Sir Michael ‘would always laugh at your jokes and give you an opportunity to make them sound funnier than in fact they were.’

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