SHORT TAKES : Fellow Artists Honor McCartney

LONDON — Fellow musicians gave Beatle Paul McCartney an award and a standing ovation for his contribution to popular music.

McCartney said the recognition Tuesday by the Performing Rights Society, which ensures composers receive payments for all public performances of their music, was one of the most important he had ever received.

“These are all people who have written great lyrics, and to be honored by them is something very special,” said McCartney, a society member for more than 25 years.

McCartney paid tribute to his fellow Beatles--Ringo Starr, George Harrison and the late John Lennon--and accepted a miniature gold copy of the Hofner guitar he made famous.

McCartney, who has just finished the American leg of his first world tour in 13 years, said the tour is “going marvelously.” He said he is particularly looking forward to “the British fans, that part is nostalgic.”

McCartney’s first British concert is Jan. 2 in Birmingham.