BBC Radio 2 celebrates Sir Paul McCartney with 15-song special

Paul McCartney is set to be honoured in a new BBC Radio 2 special exploring his extraordinary catalogue across more than six decades of music.

The programme, Paul McCartney in 15 Songs, traces his journey from The Beatles through to his acclaimed solo career and major collaborations.

This special brings together a line-up of Radio 2 presenters reflecting on the songs that define McCartney’s legacy, with each choosing key moments from his vast catalogue.

Vernon Kay introduces the track he believes McCartney simply has to perform live, while Paul Gambaccini revisits the charts to reflect on his first number one hits.

Tony Blackburn recalls introducing McCartney’s earliest solo releases on Top Of The Pops, while Liza Tarbuck reflects on how Linda McCartney shaped his life and selects a track that captures that influence.

Zoe Ball makes a personal choice of definitive album track, while Mark Radcliffe recalls witnessing McCartney perform Blackbird in Abbey Road Studios on original instruments used by The Beatles.

Other contributors include Trevor Nelson, who highlights McCartney’s potential as a soul or funk frontman, and Jeremy Vine, who reflects on being moved by a poignant archive moment.

Gary Davies recalls discovering a McCartney James Bond theme in the cinema, while Mark Goodier argues the 1970s marked a golden period in his career, particularly with Band on the Run.

Bob Harris shares memories of unexpectedly meeting McCartney at the BBC and introducing a live performance that echoed the spirit of The Old Grey Whistle Test.

Finally, Dermot O’Leary closes the programme by selecting hidden gems that showcase McCartney’s lyrical depth and lasting cultural impact.

The Best of Sir Paul McCartney in 15 Songs, will air from midnight to 1am on Sunday morning, 24 May.