Paul McCartney and Wings, later just Wings, was a band founded in 1971 by Paul McCartney, his wife Linda McCartney (born Linda Eastman), Denny Laine and Denny Seiwell. Despite many personnel changes, Wings was very successful in the 1970s. The only three constant members of Wings were Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney and Denny Laine. After the Beatles broke up in 1970, Paul McCartney made two solo albums: McCartney and Ram. Already during the recording of Ram, Denny Seiwell played the drums. For his third album, Denny Laine (ex-Moody Blues) was brought in and Wings was formed. According to Paul McCartney, the name of the group came to him during the difficult birth of his daughter Stella in 1971.
Wings' debut album, Wild Life, was released in December 1971 but was poorly received. With the addition of guitarist Henry McCullough, the band went on a "surprise tour": the group visited schools and universities and played there unannounced.
Subsequently, Wings released a number of singles in 1972. The first single Give Ireland Back To The Irish was boycotted by the BBC but still reached number 16 in the top 40. In response, a children's song Mary Had a Little Lamb was released. The next single Hi-Hi-Hi was again boycotted by the BBC, this time due to the alleged sexual content and drug references. The B-side C Moon was played instead. In October 1972, the song Live and Let Die was recorded as the soundtrack for the James Bond film of the same name.
In 1973, the first number 1 hit came with My Love. This song came from the album Red Rose Speedway. After a successful tour of Great Britain, Henry McCullough and then Denny Seiwell left the group. Wings therefore travelled as a trio to Lagos where the recordings took place for the next album Band on the Run. This album received good reviews and became the band's most successful album. Both the title track and Jet became major international hits. The album put Wings on the map as a group. Wings was then supplemented by Jimmy McCulloch on guitar and Geoff Britton on drums.
In the early years, Wings was often considered a kind of backing band for Paul McCartney. After the success of Band on the Run, Wings was increasingly regarded as a real band. Both Denny Laine and Jimmy McCulloch wrote some songs for Wings. In addition, Denny Laine, Jimmy McCulloch, Joe English and Linda McCartney occasionally provided lead vocals. However, it was clear that Paul McCartney was the leader and star of Wings. During the 10 years Wings existed, there were quite a few personnel changes, with Wings twice being reduced to a trio.
Source: Wikipedia Photo: album cover Wild Life
