Sir Paul McCartney has revealed that he nearly didn't perform with Jay-Z at the Grammy Awards in 2006 – because the rapper had stage fright.

The former Beatle said the rapper was “in two minds” as to whether to appear, although they eventually performed a cover of The Beatles' 'Yesterday' alongside Linkin Park.

“He'd just become the head of a record company and was thinking, 'Should I perform?' I said, 'People want to see you, let's do it',” he said.

Sir Paul made the comments in an interview for a forthcoming Radio 1 documentary entitled The Beatles And Black Music.

Due to be broadcast next week, the documentary also sees the former Beatle speak about the relationship between hip-hop and the band's music.

(by Jason Gregory)