First published in the Sunday Mirror, June 9 2002
£700m MACCA'S BROTHER IN LAW.. AHARD-UP TROMBONIST
But he'll be at the wedding
He's an impoverished trombonist who lives alone in a one bedroom flat and earns a crust playing gigs in smoky nightclubs.
Yet Shane Mills will soon call the world's richest musician his brother-in-law.
For the man dubbed "The Lips" in musical circles is the younger brother of Heather Mills, Sir Paul McCartney's model fiancee.
But that is where the similarities between the two musicians end. Ex-Beatle Sir Paul - who will marry blonde Heather at 3pm next Tuesday in a £1million ceremony - has more than a billion record sales to his credit. His personal fortune is over £720million and he can command stratospheric fees for the few concerts he plays.
Shane, 31, earns around £100 for the odd gig - and admits he usually performs for free.
And while Macca, 59, counts a 1500 acre estate and a regency town house among his property portfolio, Shane lives in a pokey 60s flat in a rough part of South London.
Floppy-haired Shane - who dreams of success with his own band, Deep Fur - is even caught in a running feud with moaning neighbours over his blaring trombone practice.
"He's driving us up the wall with the racket," said one.
"He keeps the window shut when he practices, but the walls are so thin it's like he's standing next to you."
Shane moved into the £150-a-week flat in Stockwell just two months ago, but already lives in fear of eviction over the complaints.
Meanwhile, wealthy Sir Paul can splash out on a parade of marquees and a no-fly zone over secluded Castle Leslie in Co Monaghan, Ireland, where the wedding will take place in the church next door. Shane was staying tight-lipped, although he confirmed he would be among the guests.
"We see each other from time to time and keep in touch on the phone," Shane said. "Things between us are fine but Heather's a busy girl. She has a lot on her plate."
Sir Paul and Heather last night touched down in Ireland as preparations for their big day were in full swing at the romantic 18th-century castle.
Teams of people spent yesterday putting the finishing touches to the elaborate marquee running from the church to the castle.
Locals say a huge "yacht" has been secretly driven in through the castle gates. The McCartney's and the guests will ride in the "love boat" after the wedding feast, an Indian themed vegetarian buffet. They will then sit down at tables of 10 in a huge marquee which will be decorated in gold and white. Another two giant tents will be put up in the 1000 acre grounds of the castle - one for dancing and the other for a show. A team of 46 security guards in horseback guarded the site and ensured the couple enjoy the utmost secrecy.
There was a constant stream of deliveries throughout yesterday including mobile kitchens, generators, oil tankers and frozen food. A huge refrigerated van from Holland packed with roses, orchids, irises and other exotic plants arrived at the estate.
