The greatest heartbreak in pop music history started with a very simple tip. Two massive music legends were sitting at a dinner table. One friend told the other exactly how to make a lot of money. A few years later, that friendly tip completely destroyed their relationship forever.
Those two friends were Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson ft. Paul McCartney – Say Say Say (Official Video)
Before everything went wrong, Paul and Michael were incredibly close. From 1982 to 1985, they were an unstoppable team.
They ate warm family dinners together. They laughed and joked at Paul’s house. They also went into the studio and created absolute magic. They recorded the huge hit “The Girl Is Mine” for Michael’s famous Thriller album. Then, they made “Say Say Say” for Paul. They looked like two brothers who would conquer the music world together.
During this happy time, Paul gave Michael a great piece of business advice. He told the young star to invest his money in music publishing rights. Michael listened very closely.
In 1985, the rights to over 250 classic Beatles songs went up for sale. Paul McCartney and his friend Yoko Ono tried very hard to buy them. It was Paul’s own music, after all.
But Michael swooped right in. He used Paul’s advice against him. He spent a massive 47.5 million dollars and outbid his best friend. He bought the entire Beatles catalog.
Paul was totally stunned. He felt completely betrayed. He later famously said, “You think someone’s your friend, and then they buy the rug you’re standing on.” When Paul reached out to talk about the hurt feelings, Michael was very cold. Michael simply replied, “Oh Paul, that’s just business.” Michael even started letting TV commercials use the beloved Beatles songs. Paul hated that. After that painful moment, the letters stopped. The friendship was completely dead.
Paul McCartney Reflects On His Feud With Michael Jackson Over The Beatles Catalog
Fast forward to today. The world is watching the new Michael movie. Now, a huge sequel is coming. Famous actor Paul Mescal is already set to play Paul McCartney in four massive Beatles movies. Now, heavy rumors say he will bring that exact same character into Michael: Part 2.
But will the movie show the absolute truth?
The first movie is a giant hit. It perfectly recreated the magic of Michael’s life. But critics also noticed a problem. The movie skipped over some very hard truths and ugly moments. Because Michael’s family helps make the new movie, they might protect his image. They will probably show the giant purchase as a very smart business move, instead of a broken friendship.
You can make millions of dollars. You can own the biggest songs in the entire world. But when you mix cold business with a warm friendship, you always risk losing something that money can never buy back.