Get ready for a thrilling journey as we delve into the world of Paul McCartney's legendary band, Wings! The story of Wings is one that will leave you inspired and eager to learn more.
"Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run" is an essential read for any music enthusiast, especially those with a soft spot for The Beatles and their solo adventures. Paul McCartney, the undisputed star of Wings, takes center stage in this captivating oral history, but he's not alone. His bandmates' contributions to the group's immense success during the 1970s are highlighted in this expansive narrative.
But here's where it gets controversial... While McCartney may have been the shining star, it was his wife, Linda, who acted as the central force behind Wings' success. She helped Paul overcome the devastation of The Beatles' disbandment and played a crucial role in his rebirth as a solo artist. Even John Lennon, in one of his final interviews, admired Paul's resilience and hard work ethic, which he attributed to his success.
The numbers don't lie! Wings dominated the charts from 1971 to 1980, with an impressive eight Top 10 US LPs, including five chart-toppers. They also landed 14 Top 10 singles, with six reaching the number-one spot. All 23 of their US singles made it to the Top 40, and they won six Grammy Awards, selling over 14 million records and earning numerous platinum and gold discs.
"Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run" takes readers on a journey through the band's evolution, from their humble beginnings with "Wild Life" in 1971 to their dominance in the arena rock scene of the mid-1970s. The book includes a treasure trove of recollections from band members, collected by Academy Award-winning director Morgan Neville. You'll get to know Linda McCartney, Denny Laine, and Jimmy McCulloch, all of whom have passed away, and appreciate the diverse musicians who joined Wings along the way.
Music lovers will understand McCartney's frustration as he transformed his bandmates into a powerhouse quintet, but they'll also celebrate his triumph as he remade the band three times, achieving blockbuster success each time. This book is a powerful response to the band's critics, who hoped to see McCartney's post-Beatles experiment fail.
Readers will be captivated by the production of Wings' hit records, including "My Love," "Live and Let Die," "Band on the Run," and many more. However, the band's story takes a tragic turn with McCartney's 1980 Japanese drug bust, which crushed the Wings dream.
By then, the band's journey had come to an end, but their musical legacy lives on. McCartney released his solo LP, "Tug of War," in 1982, and Wings became a part of history. "Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run" reminds us of the group's unique musical fusion and their enduring impact on music.
To celebrate the release of the book, a new anthology of McCartney and Wings' standout tracks has been released. Previous anthologies, such as "Wings Greatest" and "Wingspan: Hits and History," had notable exclusions, but this latest self-titled collection gets it right. It presents the breadth of McCartney and Wings' work in high fidelity, capturing the energy and passion of their finest moments.
Mark your calendars for the inaugural Everything Fab Four Fest, which will feature a special Wings listening party on November 7th, hosted by Mark Lapidos and Ken Dashow. Get your tickets on Eventbrite and visit the festival's website for more information.
So, what do you think? Is Wings' story one of resilience and musical greatness? Or is it a tale of missed opportunities? Let us know in the comments!
