Paul McCartney: Don’t pressurise bands

Sir Paul McCartney says being hailed as the next Beatles is a "kiss of death" for a band.

Paul was a member of the famous British group, which shot to worldwide fame in the '60s. He is reluctant to agree with hype surrounding new UK boy band One Direction – insisting such comparisons puts too much pressure on an act.

"That is the kiss of death," he told UK TV show Daybreak when asked how he feels about One Direction being labelled as the new Beatles. "So many bands have been called the next Beatles. It puts an awful lot of pressure on them to be the next Beatles. Oasis were the next Beatles once if you remember, you know, and it's a pressure and suddenly you have to live up to all the things we did. It was a different time, you know, so let's just call them the next terrific band.

"But they are doing well in America, so that is good. Good luck lads!"

Paul performed at the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday, in a concert to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The 69-year-old star was thrilled to put his musical talents to use to help others.

"I always wanted to do it because it is such a great cause," he explained. "When you are playing for some sort of added benefit for someone else it makes that bit extra special."

The father-of-five also spoke about his family.

He admits his youngest daughter Beatrice – who turns nine this year - often becomes impatient when he is strumming his guitar or playing the piano while working on new material.

"It dawns on them gradually," he replied when asked if Beatrice understands his fame. "But I like the way they don't care. [She says…] 'Oh shut up, I am trying to watch the TV.' And I say, 'Yes, but I am trying to write a song, this could be good…'"