McCartney to retire

The former Beatle's farewell tour plans have been revealedÂ…

11:22 31 July 2009

Sir Paul McCartney is planning to retire and quit touring, according to reports.

The former Beatle will hang up his guitars following a mammoth worldwide farewell tour next year.

The 67-year-old music legend is said to be hoping to play a selection of unusual venues to provide his live performance career with a memorable coda.

McCartney recently played a set on top of the roof of the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York, echoing the Beatles' final public gig which was played on top of the roof of Apple headquarters and recorded for the 'Let It Be' documentary.

Since McCartney's 2003 Back in the World Tour, his recent public performances have concentrated mainly on the US aside from a Glastonbury headlining slot in 2004.  

A source told The Sun: "Paul wants to go out with a bang.

"He's played countless stadiums over his 50-year career and is on the hunt for the most unusual locations he can find.

"He realises that the older he gets, the less his body will be able to cope with the demands of extended periods on the road.

"He might play the odd benefit gig if the likes of President Obama gives him a bell - but other than that he'll be putting his feet up and enjoying retirement.

"The tour in 2010 is likely to last well over a year, by which time he will be almost 70.

"He's making enquiries about a number of special locations and he's keen to play in China and at Checkpoint Charlie."

McCartney has not as of yet released a formal statement.