PAUL MCCARTNEY HITS THE ROAD

Paul McCartney today announced that he will hit the road for the first time in eight years, playing a series of impromptu shows around the world.

"That would be good. I do fancy that actually," the prolific former Beatle said in a statement.

While plans have not yet been made, McCartney said "it is very likely" that the tour will support his new studio album, set to drop in September.

"I like to go out on the road with a new album and I'm very excited by this one," he said. "I've been recording it in the States and we recorded 18 tracks in just two weeks. Recording new songs makes you enthuse and want to get out and play them."

McCartney also says he would not re-form Wings, the group he started with his late wife Linda, after he left the Beatles. Instead, he will play his new material with a team of unknown musicians, most of whom recall Wings as "that one show Steven Weber was on."

"You can't reform Wings for the same reason that you can't reform The Beatles, because a very important member of each band wouldn't be there. With the Beatles, it is John and with Wings it is Linda."

Meanwhile, "Wingspan," the band’s two-disc compilation, debuted at #2 this week, selling over 220k, following McCartney’s 90-minute ABC documentary of the band.

In case you missed it, HITS’ resident Beatles nut, and smooth daddy love, Gary Jackson has it recorded, with commercials intact "to preserve its authenticity."