He used to go on a Magical Mystery Tour before a show – but these days Paul McCartney says Let It Be to the booze because he started to forget his song words on stage.

The star’s backstage rider now consists of a bag of chocolate raisins and some cashew nuts. Very rock ’n’ roll…

Sir Paul used to enjoy wine and beer during his days with The Beatles and on the road with Wings in the Sixties and Seventies.

But now the 75-year-old Band on the Run singer waits until after a gig before he tucks into the vino.

Asked if he sinks any booze to calm his nerves prior to concerts, Sir Paul said: “No. I used to try that, particularly in the early days of Wings when we would tour. But it didn’t work – I would just forget the lyrics I didn’t know anyway.”

Macca’s rider is a world away from other major rock stars.

James Brown would request a deli tray with meats and cheeses, coffee, Gatorade, Champagne – Cristal or Dom Perignon – and an electric golf cart.

Britney Spears has McDonald’s cheeseburgers (without the bun), 100 figs and prunes, a fish-and-chip supper – and a framed photograph of the late Princess Diana.

The Prodigy ask for Crunchy Nut Cornflakes and a bottle of Dom Perignon.

Eminem likes Bacardi, Hennessy cognac, two cases of soft drink Mountain Dew and a selection of Mexican treats from Taco Bell.

Kanye West demands brand new Versace towels – and the Stereophonics once asked for a bottom-shaped piñata filled with Cuban cigars and dark chocolate Cacique rum liqueurs, indoor fireworks and black gaffer tape. As you do.