The well-dressed elderly gentleman clearly did not fit in as he was turned back by bouncers at the door, when he tried to enter one of Hollywood’s trendiest nightclubs.
They apparently did not realize that the man they were turning away was Sir Paul McCartney, 73, attempting to get into a post-Grammy Awards party hosted by the rap singer Tyga at the Argyle club, one of Los Angeles’ most fashionable venues.
TMZ reported that Sir Paul was refused access twice on Monday night after he turned up with his wife, Nancy Shevell, and a group of friends.
The former Beatle seemingly took his snub in good humor, joking “how VIP do we gotta get?” after his first failed attempt to enter along with the singer Beck and Taylor Hawkins, the drummer with Foo Fighters.
He then said “we need another hit” before leaving after a second attempt at persuasion was also rejected. He was later seen at Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails, where they were joined by the actor Woody Harrelson.
Tyga later expressed shock that his august guest had been turned away, calling him “a legend”.
Sir Paul, whose compositions with the Beatles include Yesterday, written with John Lennon, may reflect that it was a case of changing times. Fifty years ago, the Beatles played before thousands in memorable concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, just a short drive from the Argyle club.
Also, Rapper Bow Wow, 28, who hosted the Grammys pre-show, voiced surprise that Sir Paul was refused admission but explained that it may have because he was not part of the nightclub’s “new generation” clientele.