Shock as Denny Quits Wings (1981)

 

I often forget that Denny Laine officially quit Wings in 1981.  I find it a bit humorous that the reason Denny gives sounds like something Paul himself said to The Beatles.  I don't think John's murder is the reason why Wings stopped touring, although it didn't make Paul and Linda want to jump back on the road  If you look at what Linda was saying after the Wings Over America tour, she wanted to slow down and do concerts -- then Japan happened, and that was the end of touring for Wings. Plus, why wasn't Tug of War recorded as a Wings album if Wings were still together?  Sure, Denny was on a few tracks on that, but it was never a Wings album.   Anyhow -- Denny is seen in this photo sitting on top of his car because the same week he quit Wings, he was charged with drunk driving and was banned from being behind the wheel for 3 years.  He was quoted as saying he was having a "bad week."  

Shock as Denny Quits Wings

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Daily Star

April 29, 1981 

     Rock Star, Denny Laine, has quit Paul McCartney's top band, Wings. The breakup has happened because McCartney refused to go on tour, particularly since the murder of fellow ex-Beatle John Lennon.

     But it does not mark the end of Wings. Spokesman Tony Brainsby said, "Wings are Paul and Linda McCartney."

     Since Lennon's death, McCartney has increased protection around his family, but singer- guitarist Laine enjoys concerts in public life and plans to go on solo tours. His manager, Brian Adams, said there is no row. "Denny likes to tour, and Paul has decided not to make any tour plans."

     Laine said, "It became obvious that Wings would not be touring again, which is the whole purpose of being in the business, as far as I am concerned. After 10 years, it was a difficult decision to make, but after doing some solo work last year, I enjoyed it so much that I decided to leave Wings."

    He added, "I had been rehearsing solidly with Phil Curtis on bass guitar and John Hollywood on drums." The trio will record an album in June for release in the autumn. Then they will go on tour.

     McCartney, who is working on a new album and a Rupert Bear cartoon, said last night, "I wish Denny all the luck in the world."