A captivating new documentary is set to chronicle the incredible journey of Paul McCartney’s stolen bass guitar—a treasured instrument that vanished over half a century ago and was miraculously recovered in 2024. Titled The Beatle and the Bass, the film is directed by Arthur Cary, known for his powerful documentaries like Surviving 9/11 and The Last Survivors. Produced by Passion Pictures for BBC Arts, and distributed globally by Fremantle, this feature-length documentary promises a rich, emotional dive into a mystery that has fascinated fans and music historians alike.
McCartney’s Höfner bass guitar, purchased in 1961 for just £30 when he was a young musician performing in Hamburg, became one of the most iconic instruments in rock history. It accompanied him through the Beatles’ meteoric rise, yet it vanished mysteriously in the early 1970s. For decades, the guitar’s whereabouts were unknown, sparking one of music’s most persistent legends. In this documentary, McCartney shares his thoughts on the instrument’s disappearance and emotional return. “Anything that’s stolen, you want it back—especially something with that kind of sentimental value,” he reflects.
The film also features heartfelt interviews with people closely tied to McCartney and the bass itself. His brother Mike McCartney, longtime friend and artist Klaus Voormann, and frequent collaborator Elvis Costello all offer unique perspectives. Additionally, the documentary shines a light on the passionate team behind The Lost Bass Project—a group of fans, experts, and journalists who dedicated themselves to tracking down the missing instrument and ultimately bringing it home.
As part of the BBC Arena’s 50th Anniversary programming, The Beatle and the Bass joins other creative works like Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks and LS Lowry’s Lost Tapes. Emily Jeal, head of feature documentaries at Passion Pictures, said the film was a perfect fit for the studio. “From the beginning, we knew this was the kind of uplifting, emotional story we love to tell. It’s been a privilege working with Arthur Cary and BBC Arena to bring Paul’s story to life.”
Fremantle’s Ceire Clark highlighted the documentary’s global reach and historical resonance, noting how it spans decades and continents. With rare access to McCartney and others who witnessed the birth of Beatlemania firsthand, the film not only revisits a personal mystery but also serves as a poignant celebration of music’s lasting power to connect people across time and space. As stories go, this one strikes a chord deep in the heart of music history.
