Sandi Thom - I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker

Daily Post

Ex-Beatle hails Sandi's success

Sir Paul McCartney put his marriage troubles behind him yesterday when he paid a flying visit to his Liverpool fame academy.

He hailed the success of Sandi Thom - who graduated from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts in 2003 - on topping the UK charts this week with her self-penned song, "I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair)".

It is the first time in LIPA's 10-year history that a graduate has reached the top of the charts.

Sir Paul was visiting the Mount Street institute to talk to current singersongwriters.

He said: "I'm dead chuffed that we've helped Sandi to achieve her dream."

Last night, the 24-year-old Scottish-born singer praised the advice Sir Paul had given her while she was a student at LIPA.

She said: "At the time I was in a band with seven members, and Sir Paul's advice was to keep it simple.

"I was chuffed with what he said. When I was at LIPA I learned a lot, and I have a lot to thank him for."

Asked if success would change her life, Miss Thom said: "I'm still doing what I've always done. I just want to play songs and see the world."

LIPA principal Mark Featherstone-Witty joined Sir Paul in support of Miss Thom's success and said her achievements had offered a great boost for staff and students alike.

He added: "This is fantastic news. Aside from Sandi's achievement, the timing for us is amazing - during our tenth year of existence we have a graduate at the top of the charts."