Sir Paul McCartney backs Rage for No.1
Sir Paul McCartney backs Rage for No.1
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By Tom Powell. |  |
Friday, 18, Dec 2009 09:16
By Lewis Bazley.
A week after appearing on the X Factor final, Sir Paul McCartney has said he's supporting the campaign to get US rock band Rage Against the Machine to number one.
The former Beatle performed on last Sunday's final of the ITV1 show with the final 12 acts singing backing vocals for his rendition of Drive My Car.
But the 67-year-old has now said he could understand the thinking behind the online campaign to get Rage Against the Machine's 1992 single Killing in the Name to Christmas number one to prevent another X Factor winner topping the charts.
"I like the idea," Sir Paul told Sky News as the sales battle between Rage and X Factor winner Joe McElderry looked set to go to the wire.
"Everyone expects Joe to do it, and if he goes to number one then good luck to him," McCartney added.
"He's just some kid with a career ahead. I've got nothing against that, but it would be kind of funny if Rage Against The Machine got it because it would prove a point."
X Factor judge Simon Cowell has previously criticised the campaign but McElderry has insisted he is not taking it personally.
"I'm not really seeing it as a personal attack, because I think if any other person would have won it would have been the same case," he told BBC Breakfast.
"It's more against The X Factor than the actual winner. I would be disappointed if it's not number one - but it's out of my hands and there's nothing I can do about it and I just hope people get behind us and support us and buy the single."
Rage Against the Machine were ahead of McElderry according to early sales figures, though the physical release of McElderry's debut single The Climb on Wednesday was expected to see the ballad charge to the top of the charts.
McCartney's comments come after the BBC issued an apology after Rage Against the Machine swore in a live radio breakfast show performance of Killing in the Name.