You ain't seen nothing yet - wait till the new album!

Paul McCartney spokesman Geoff Baker

A gold disc represents sales of 500,000 copies, and McCartney's Wingspan album has also gone double platinum for sales of two million.

McCartney's tally of 21 gold discs includes only those gold records earned since leaving the Beatles in 1970 - 11 as a solo artist and 10 with his group Wings.

Paul McCartney's spokesman Geoff Baker told BBC News Online that, despite having so many gold discs, the ex-Beatle would be delighted to receive his 21st.

'Dead chuffed'

"It's always nice to do well - it's the approbation from the fans, that what you're doing is right," said Baker.

"It still matters, and Paul will be dead chuffed.

"But you ain't seen nothing yet - wait till the new album!

"If that doesn't go gold I'll eat my hat - it's the first album of totally new songs since 1997."

McCartney's new album, still untitled, will be released in September.

Eric Clapton: first hit with The Yardbirds in 1965

Clapton earned his 20th gold disc last year for his collaboration with blues master BB King, Ridin' With the King.

"With so many new artists making waves on the charts every month, it's nice to see some of rock's veterans getting recognition as well," said RIAA president Hilary Rosen.

"McCartney and Clapton's past contributions to the industry have been incredible and we're pleased to be able to continue to honour them with our Gold and Platinum award program."