The Ten Greatest False Rumors in Pop History

RUMOR: Paul McCartney, singer and bassist for the most popular group in pop history, is believed by a certain sect of Americans to have died in a 1967 car accident and replaced with a lookalike. (And soundalike and actalike, presumably.) In 1969, Drake University brings the rumor to wider attention with an article called “Is Beatle Paul McCartney Dead?” featuring a list of clues hinting at his covered-up demise. The rumor persists for decades, though after the first few years, only the true nutters are taking it seriously.

DEBUNKED!: Let’s just say that if Paul has really been dead for over 40 years, it’s been a very, very convincing impostor howling “Live and Let Die” and “Maybe I’m Amazed” on a gazillion worldwide tours over that timespan.

DENY, DENY, DENY: “Perhaps the rumour started because I haven’t been much in the press lately. I have done enough press for a lifetime, and I don’t have anything to say these days. I am happy to be with my family and I will work when I work…I would rather be a little less famous these days.” -McCartney, LIFE Magazine, 1969