PASSION PICTURES, BBC Arts and Fremantle today announce The Beatle and the Bass (w/t), a new feature-length documentary with Paul McCartney, directed by Arthur Cary (Surviving 9/11, The Last Survivors).
The film tells the story of Paul McCartney's original Höfner bass guitar; its disappearance and the fan-powered quest to find it. For over 50 years it has been one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most enduring mysteries. Now, we discover the extraordinary story this iconic instrument has to tell.
Speaking in the documentary Paul said: "I think anything that's nicked, you want back, especially if it has sentimental value. It just went off into the universe and it left us thinking, where did it go? There must be an answer..."
The journey of McCartney’s beloved Höfner bass – one of the most famous instruments of the 20th century - is a portal to the past. In 1961, an unknown 18-year-old Paul McCartney bought the bass in Hamburg for £30. It was by his side throughout the birth of the Beatles powering songs like She Loves You and Love Me Do. It bore witness to their extraordinary rise to fame and the full course of the band’s journey. When it vanished in the early Seventies it was thought to be lost, forever…
The Beatle and the Bass is a rock ‘n’ roll detective story featuring new interviews with Paul McCartney and many others who are personally connected to the bass. From Paul’s brother Mike McCartney to friend and artist Klaus Voormann, who knew the Beatles from the start. From roadies and collaborators such as Elvis Costello to the fans, experts and journalists behind The Lost Bass Project who embarked on a mission to track down the bass and rescue and restore it to its proper place in music history, and to the hands of its owner. Their memories are by turns funny, moving and surprising. This is a story about fandom, creativity, love, loss, memory and the transformative power of music.
Ceire Clark, VP of Non-Scripted Acquisitions, Fremantle, said: “This remarkable story takes us on a truly global journey, spanning decades and continents. The documentary offers a fresh perspective on music history, with access to McCartney himself and those who witnessed The Beatles' rise from the very beginning. At Fremantle, we’re proud to be part of a project that celebrates the enduring power of music and storytelling to connect people around the world. We are thrilled to be reuniting with Passion and the BBC — two creative forces we deeply admire”.
Emily Jeal, Head of Feature Documentaries at PASSION PICTURES said: “From its beginnings, we knew The Beatle and the Bass was exactly the kind of distinctive, emotional and uplifting story that we love to tell. We’re thrilled to be growing our slate of films showcasing the world’s best talent, on and off screen. Working with Arthur Cary and BBC Arena to bring the unforgettable story of Paul McCartney’s lost bass to the screen is a true privilege.”
The Beatle and the Bass is a PASSION PICTURES Production in association with Footprint Media Partnership. The director is Arthur Cary. Editor is Paul Carlin and producer is Katherine Anstey. The Executive Producers are Emily Jeal and Hamish Fergusson. Associate Producers are Scott Jones and Naomi Jones. It was commissioned for BBC Arts and BBC Two & iPlayer by Mark Bell and Suzy Klein.
Fremantle is handling global distribution of The Beatle and the Bass (w/t).
