"Run Devil Run" is the eleventh solo studio album by Paul McCartney, released in 1999. The album features mostly covers of both familiar and obscure 1950s rock and roll songs, along with three original compositions by McCartney, including the title track. It marks his return to music following the death of his first wife, Linda, in 1998. McCartney felt compelled to revisit the music he loved as a teenager. He promoted the album with a performance at the Cavern Club on 14 December 1999.
After Linda's death in April 1998, McCartney took a year to mourn. He aimed to keep the recording process fresh and quick, similar to how The Beatles worked in their early years. He enlisted producer Chris Thomas and booked time at Abbey Road Studios to create the album.
The album consists of 12 cover versions and three originals. Notable covers include "Blue Jean Bop" by Gene Vincent, "She Said Yeah" by Larry Williams, and several songs by Elvis Presley. "No Other Baby," originally recorded by the Vipers, made a significant impression on McCartney despite him not owning a copy at the time. The original songs "Run Devil Run," "Try Not to Cry," and "What It Is" reflect his experiences and emotions following Linda's passing.
McCartney wanted to work with trustworthy musicians, recruiting guitarist David Gilmour, along with Mick Green, keyboardists Pete Wingfield and Geraint Watkins, and drummers Ian Paice and Dave Mattacks. The recording sessions were laid-back, emphasizing the feel of early rock and roll. The album was completed after several sessions in early March and additional ones in April and May.
Released on 4 October 1999 in the UK and a day later in the US, the album reached number 12 in the UK and number 27 in the US. The title was inspired by a hoodoo and herbal medicine shop in Atlanta, which appealed to McCartney as a fitting name for a rock and roll song.
To promote the album, several limited-edition versions and bonus discs were released, including a special edition sold at Best Buy that featured an interview disc and a four-track EP at other retailers. The single "No Other Baby" was released with additional tracks in both the UK and the US, along with a music video filmed in black and white that highlights McCartney's grief. He also filmed a performance at the Cavern Club, which was later released as a video titled Live at the Cavern Club.
