Sir Paul McCartney, 83, releases new music for first time in five years – as he revisits ‘Liverpool memories’ and pre-Beatles life with George Harrison and John Lennon in poignant album

Paul McCartney has announced he is set to release a new studio album titled The Boys Of Dungeon Lane in May, alongside new single Days We Left Behind. 

Days We Left Behind was unveiled on BBC Merseyside on Thursday, in what is 83-year-old Beatles legend’s first new music in five years, with a new portrait and artwork shot by his photographer daughter Mary McCartney, 56. 

The album revisits memories of his home city of Liverpool while also sharing ‘early adventures shared with George Harrison and John Lennon long before the world had ever heard of Beatlemania.’

Speaking about the new single, Sir Paul, whose new record is his 18th studio album credited solely to him, said: ‘This is very much a memory song for me. The album title, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, comes from a lyric in this track…

‘I was thinking just that, about the days I left behind and I do often wonder if I’m just writing about the past but then I think how can you write about anything else?…

The cover art of The Boys Of Dungeon Lane. The album is named after the road, which was located near his old street Forthlin Road

The Beatles are pictured in 1965 (L-R Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison)

‘It’s just a lot of memories of Liverpool. It involves a bit in the middle about John and Forthlin Road which is the street I used to live in. Dungeon Lane is near there…. 

‘I used to live in a place called Speke which is quite working class. We didn’t have much at all but it didn’t matter because all the people were great and you didn’t notice you didn’t have much.’

The album has been described as: ‘With The Boys of Dungeon Lane, Paul McCartney turns the lens inward, revisiting the formative years that shaped not only his life, but the very foundations of modern popular culture….

‘In a career defined by timeless storytelling and unforgettable characters, Paul now tells the most personal story of all, his own. The Boys of Dungeon Lane is his most introspective album to date and takes the listener back to where it all began.’

Additionally, the songs give a nod to his pre-Beatles days with his bandmates: ‘These extraordinary new songs find Paul in a candid, vulnerable and deeply reflective mood, writing with rare openness about his childhood in post-war Liverpool…

‘The resilience of his parents, and early adventures shared with George Harrison and John Lennon long before the world had ever heard of Beatlemania. 

The octogenarian’s tight schedule meant that the album was recorded in tight and sessions between legs of global tour dates spanning five years and alternating between LA and Sussex. 

The octogenarian’s tight schedule meant that the album was recorded in tight and sessions between legs of global tour dates spanning five years and alternating between LA and Sussex

The Boys of Dungeon Lane came to fruition five years ago when Paul met producer Andrew Watt for a cup of tea and an exchange of ideas.

Ahead of the latest chapter in his epic music career, last week Sir Paul was seen relaxing in St. Barts with his wife Nancy, 66. 

Paul and Nancy got married in 2011 after meeting in 2007 and both have children from previous relationships.

Nancy shares son Arlen with her ex-husband Bruce Blakeman, while Paul has Stella, James, Heather and Mary with late wife Linda McCartney and daughter Beatrice McCartney, 19, with ex-wife Heather Mills, 55.

Paul coupled up with Nancy when the pair were on holiday in Morocco with his brother Mike and the musician serenaded her on the hotel’s piano.

The Beatles star has detailed how they weren’t yet officially a couple and were sleeping in separate bedrooms when he made his move.

Paul explained: ‘The piano was sitting in the foyer all day long, and because the rain would not stop, I sometimes went and just noodled on the keys.

‘I was thinking all sorts of loving thoughts towards Nancy, and while I was at the piano, I could see that the waiters who were clearing up were listening.

‘But it was nice and romantic, it was a perfect moment, and I thought to myself, we’re not going to stay in separate rooms tonight.’

Paul previously revealed his signature dance moves were responsible for his lasting romance with his wife.

Writing in his book, The Lyrics, the Beatles star explained how he knew Nancy was a keeper when she matched his energy on the dancefloor.