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Sir Paul McCartney’s 1984 Airport Cannabis Incident Uncovered on Antiques Roadshow
Music legend Sir Paul McCartney and his then-wife Linda McCartney faced scrutiny for cannabis possession during a 1984 Barbados vacation. Upon their return from the Caribbean getaway, they were once again suspected of carrying illicit substances at Heathrow Airport. This incident resurfaced when a guest on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow recounted how her father, a customs official at Heathrow, received intelligence suggesting the couple might still be in possession of drugs.
Customs Sketch and McCartney’s Signature
While Sir Paul and Linda were held for questioning by customs agents in a private room, the guest’s father, a customs officer, creatively documented the situation by sketching a cartoon. The artwork depicted Paul McCartney serenading a customs official with a modified rendition of his iconic song ‘Yesterday.’ In the cartoon, a speech bubble emerged from McCartney’s mouth, humorously altering the lyrics to: “Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away, now I know that they are here to stay.”
“Play the Pipe of Peace!”
Emerging from the interview, the customs official presented the impromptu artwork to Paul and Linda McCartney, attempting to lighten the mood. He reportedly remarked with levity, “This is a bit of a tense moment but this might make you laugh!”
In an unexpected twist, Sir Paul reportedly enjoyed the sketch so much that he autographed it, adding the phrase: “Play the pipe of peace!” This signed cartoon became the focal point of the Antiques Roadshow segment.
Cartoon’s Valuation Revealed on Antiques Roadshow
On Easter Sunday, the customs officer’s daughter appeared on Antiques Roadshow, presenting the signed McCartney cartoon. She explained that her late father likely underestimated its potential value, and she sought a professional appraisal.
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The expert appraiser on the show delivered delightful news, estimating the cartoon’s worth to be between £2,000 and £3,000, confirming its significant market value.
Barbados Arrest and Heathrow Suspicion
Prior to the Heathrow incident, Paul and Linda McCartney had been arrested in Bridgetown, Barbados, for possession of a small quantity of cannabis. This earlier arrest likely heightened suspicions among customs officials upon their arrival back in the UK. Despite the potential stress of the airport detention, the McCartneys appeared to maintain a positive attitude throughout the ordeal.
Other Notable Finds on Antiques Roadshow
Alongside the McCartney cartoon, the Antiques Roadshow episode featured other intriguing discoveries, demonstrating the diverse treasures brought on to the show each week.
Winston Churchill’s Wartime Cigar
Among these items was one of Winston Churchill’s signature wartime cigars, assessed at an estimated value of around £2,000.
Lego Queen Portrait
Another surprising item was a seemingly pixelated image of the late Queen Elizabeth II. This artwork was revealed to be constructed entirely from tiny Lego bricks. The owner, a graphic designer, who acquired the piece for a mere £50, learned its current market value ranged from £500 to £600.
Vivienne Westwood Pirate Collection
Fashion also played a prominent role in the episode. One individual showcased an entire wardrobe from Vivienne Westwood’s iconic 1981 Pirates collection. This collection was valued at approximately £15,000.
The owner of the vintage Westwood garments shared fond memories of the era, recalling how models were given creative freedom to assemble their runway looks and even danced during catwalk presentations.
Displaying asymmetric scarves and distinctive pirate boots adorned with Westwood’s “legendary squiggle,” the owner emphasized the collection’s sentimental value, stating its unavailability for auction, as he still enjoys wearing the pieces.