BBC Arts Releases Documentary on Paul McCartney’s Returned Stolen Bass Guitar

The new feature-length documentary "The Beatle and the Bass," directed by Arthur Cary and produced by Passion Pictures for BBC Arts, tells the story of Paul McCartney’s original Höfner bass guitar, which went missing in the early 1970s and was recovered in 2024 after more than 50 years. This fan-driven detective tale highlights the sentimental value of the bass, which McCartney bought in 1961 as an unknown 18-year-old and used extensively during The Beatles' rise to fame, playing iconic songs such as "She Loves You" and "Twist And Shout." The film includes interviews with McCartney, his brother Mike, artist Klaus Voormann, collaborator Elvis Costello, and members of The Lost Bass Project who helped locate and restore the instrument. The documentary forms part of BBC Arena’s 50th anniversary celebrations, alongside other arts profiles like "Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks." Passion Pictures, which recently won a BAFTA, and Fremantle, handling global distribution, emphasize the documentary’s emotional and uplifting narrative about music history and fan dedication. McCartney himself expressed the universal desire to reclaim stolen items with sentimental value, underscoring the deep connection between the musician and his instrument.