The world has said goodbye to a music legend, as Jimmy Buffett passed away September 1 at the age of 76. Many musicians have paid tribute to the “Margaritaville” singer and beach bar owner, including Sir Elton John and Kenny Chesney, but when one of The Beatles speaks highly of the life you’ve lived, I’d say you left quite a legacy. Sir Paul McCartney spoke out about his longtime friend and shared a sweet story about the “great man” that Buffett was.
Most Parrotheads will remember Jimmy Buffett as the care-free, fun-loving singer of beach vacation anthems like “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” — and possibly for his awesome Jurassic World scene — but it’s no surprise that Paul McCartney’s memories include grander tales from their friendship. It’s even less surprising that those memories involve music. In a lengthy homage to Buffett on his Instagram page, The Beatles singer recalled:
I remember once on holiday when I had forgotten to bring my guitar and was itching to play. He said he would get me one of his, but I said, ‘I’m left-handed’. So, Jimmy had his roadie restring one of his guitars which he loaned me for the duration of the holiday. He then followed this act of generosity by giving me my own beautiful left-handed guitar that had been made by one of his guitar-making pals. It’s a beautiful instrument, and every time I play it now it’ll remind me of what a great man Jimmy was.
I’m sure it’s no small feat to have one of your guitars completely restrung to accommodate the left-handed musician, but hey, I’m with Jimmy Buffett: When Paul McCartney wants to play some music, you do what you have to do to make it happen. The fact that Buffett later gifted McCartney with a special left-handed guitar seems to show how special that trip was for both of them, and the Beatle still has that souvenir and special memory of his friend.
Sir Paul McCartney went on to celebrate Jimmy Buffett’s “lust for life” and “beautiful sense of humour,” saying the singer was always good for a yarn about his sailing or surfing excursions. McCartney continued:
Right up to the last minute his eyes still twinkled with a humour that said, ‘I love this world and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it’. So many of us will miss Jimmy and his tremendous personality. His love for us all, and for mankind as a whole.
Sir Elton John called Jimmy Buffett “a lovely man” in his own tribute, while LL Cool J was thankful for the time they spent together. Kenny Chesney spoke about the “songs I will carry in my heart forever,” and of course Paul McCartney also mentioned Buffett’s musical talents, specifically noting how he could seemingly turn any quip into a song lyric. He ended his tribute with love, concluding:
So long, Jim. You are a very special man and friend and it was a great privilege to get to know you and love you. Bubbles up, my friend.
You can see his full post below:
The singer-songwriter may be gone, but his spirit will surely live on through his music, with his greatest hits being on the playlist for any vacation in paradise. Our thoughts continue to be with Jimmy Buffett’s family, friends and many fans during this time.