Half a chocolate bar started the Beatles

Paul McCartney reveals to Bono the real story behind the Lennon – McCartney partnership.

“Here’s a story. Matt Damon told it. But it’s not about Matt Damon. It’s about Bono. But it’s not really about Bono, either; it’s about Paul McCartney. But Damon heard it from Bono. One day, Bono flew into Liverpool. Paul was supposed to pick him up at the airport, and Bono was shocked when Paul picked him up at the airport alone, behind the wheel of his car. “Would you like to go on a little tour?” Paul said. Sure, Bono said, because Bono, you see, is a fan of Paul’s, in the same way that Damon is a fan of Bono’s. “Bono’s obsessed with the Beatles,” Damon said at the table in the lobby of the gated hotel in the little town in Germany.

“He’s, like, a student of the Beatles. He’s read every book on the Beatles. He’s seen every bit of film. There’s nothing he doesn’t know. So when Paul stops and says ‘That’s where it happened,’ Bono’s like, ‘That’s where what happened?’ because he thinks he knows everything. And Paul says, ‘That’s where the Beatles started. That’s where John gave me half his chocolate bar.’ And now Bono’s like, ‘What chocolate bar? I’ve never heard of any chocolate bar.’ And Paul says, ‘John had a chocolate bar, and he shared it with me. And he didn’t give me some of his chocolate bar. He didn’t give me a square of his chocolate bar. He didn’t give me a quarter of his chocolate bar. He gave me half of his chocolate bar. And that’s why the Beatles started right there.’ Isn’t that fantastic? It’s the most important story about the Beatles, and it’s in none of the books! And Paul tells it to Bono. Because he knows how much Bono loves the Beatles.”

Excerpted from an interview with actor Matt Damon in Esquire. I wonder if this story will appear in the new Mark Lewisohn book?
UPDATE: In an email to us, Lewisohn confirms that this alternative meeting is detailed in his book, but that he didn’t know about the chocolate. More will be revealed in October when the book comes!

5 Responses

  1. Michael Hockinson says:

    I would be very cautious about accepting Matt Damon's version of this event, which he related over several beers to Esquire journalist Tom Junod. Later in the piece, Damon relates a story about Russell Crowe and George Clooney at the BAFTA awards which was completely made up.

    The pull quote on the page where the chocolate bar story is featured reads, "Turns out that at least some of the stories Matt told about famous people didn't strictly happen. He might have been messing with us. But what does it matter? They're still delicious."

    Lewisohn hasn't heard about the chocolate bar. Until Bono or McCartney confirm this, I'd be suspicious…

  2. Anonymous says:

    Of course it's nonsense! Bono has been banned from Liverpool for decades for being such a wazzock.

  3. Martin says:

    How come this isn't mentioned on the Anthology then?
    It's a load of bollocks and Damon is full of shizer…

  4. Unknown says:

    Matt Damon Iri$h Lover of Tall Tales Not a Lie-Perhaps a Twee White Lie-If Sir Paul Told Bono Who Knows. Great to Know JL was Cool enough to Share Half of his Tasty Treat-This guy can Play guitar He might HELP! me with OUR New Band. Knowing John Sure…Oi Paul Did ya here about the Fete Some mates of mine are Playing…IMAGINE.
    Being a U2 Fan (My Beatles of the 80's) Super Cool knowing Paul Picks UP Bono from Airport.
    Live Aid Trivia Linda Wrote Love Letters to Bono RE Live Aid Performance. Bono got carried away Leap Of Faith. Dissapointed Himself. Queen Vs U2? Foe Me That Bono Stage dive Danced w Girl Special! Sorry Freddy Bono Made IT.
    Great Site By The Way.
    Hi Hi Hi from Toronto Ontario. Peace N Love. Sharing IS Caring!

  5. Karen says:

    Made me emotional. How precious! ♡♡

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