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Paul McCartney Joins the Foreign Legion

BY: SUSAN ALEXANDER

SEPTEMBER 9, 2012

Paul McCartney received France's highest award, the Legion of Honor, for services to music. The honor, was presented to him by French President, Francois Hollande, in a ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

When Paul was notified of his newest honor, he commented, "It is such an honor to be awarded this." He joked, "I am looking forward to being in the Foreign Legion and doing my stint in the desert, if I understand my duties correctly"!

The Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. It carries social status, but no money is involved. That is except for the provision that one has to buy one's own award through a licensed jeweler. With prices ranging from $210 to $880 for the highest rank, that's quite an award.

In the past, this honor has been bestowed on actors Robert De Niro and Clint Eastwood and singers Lenny Kravitz and Liza Minnelli.

Sir Paul then rushed back to London to perform as a surprise guest at the Africa Express collective concert. McCartney said, "I've loved African music for years. I went to Lagos in the 70's and came back friends with Fela Kuti. I've always wanted to do an Africa Express show."

Sir Paul always seems to keep busy. He closed the Opening Ceremonies at the London Olympics. He has just announced that his "On the Run" tour is returning to North America for some dates in November. This includes his first appearance in St. Louis in ten years. He will also visit Houston, Texas for the first time in almost seven years.

Paul, of course, has enjoyed more success than most people dream of with the Beatles and then his own solo career. He never seems to run out of steam. He and his band started the "On the Run" tour last July 15-16 with the legendary concert at Yankee Stadium in New York with 90,00 fans singing along to all of his songs.

He followed that up with a free concert in Mexico City's central plaza, which drew 250,000 fans. That tour garnered rave reviews from critics and fans, alike.

He also played at the Grammy Awards last February in Los Angeles.

McCartney, who turned 70 on June 18, plays an almost three-hour concert. There seems to be no stopping him. He has been very active in various charities over the years, including global tolerance, saving the Artic, music therapy, PETA's campaign to save animals and One Voice Movement to bring real peace to the Palestinians and Israelis.

Paul McCartney attends the world premier of "My Valentine" video, West Hollywood, Ca., April 13, 2012

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Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images