Two Wings

 Denny Seiwell recently posted this photo of him and his wife with Paul.   It is so nice to see them all smiling.  

The McCartney Legacy Volume 1: A Book Review

 

This review has been a year in the making. I bought TheMcCartney Legacy Volume 1 at Beatlefest in April 2023.   While I had good intentions of reading it, I never got around to it because of the size of the book.  It is a very big, heavy book, which can make it physically difficult to read, especially for me, who read a lot at airports, airplanes, and hotel rooms.   But when it was recently announced that Volume 2  is available for pre-orders, I realized that I better read Volume 1.  

Authors Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair wrote an amazing volume documenting Paul McCartney's life from his wedding in 1969 to the end of 1973. The research was amazing. The quotes, the dates, the details.   If you are a fan who wants the details, then this book is for you!   I was completely blown away by the amount of research these two men put into this book.   I read nuggets of information that was completely new to me and had some rumors cleared up.   I did not find a single error in the book, and they document each quote, so you can look things up on your own.   

In reading the book, you can't help but feel sad for Paul as the Beatles ended.  He was the odd man out and he was hurt.  He turned that pain into creativity and recorded some of what is now considered classic McCartney songs.  But as you read, you just can't shake that overall sadness of the Beatles breaking up. 

In the book, Paul is a controlling, bossy musician who seems very out of touch with how "real" people live.  At the same time, he also comes across as the sweet, charming Macca that we all know and love. I feel that Paul had forgotten how "regular" people lived.  The members of Wings were barely scraping by and were having a hard time making ends meet.  While much of Paul's Beatles money was tied up in litigation, he wasn't hurting for funds.  Denny, Denny, and Henry had to take odd musician jobs on the side, which I don't think Paul liked very much -  he expected them to be on call whenever he needed them.   Paul also used his time in the studio much like he did with The Beatles.  You all have seen Get Back and know how the Beatles jammed for a long time and goofed off with their instruments. They then recorded some of the songs they were working on and then jammed more.  Out in the non-Beatles world, people have schedules and don't have time to jam or goof around.  I don't know if Paul ever realized how inconvenient people were around him.  However, because he is Paul McCartney, they didn't want to speak up (except for Glyn Johns).  

I loved seeing that John and Paul's relationship during this timeframe wasn't as vicious as we all thought. Paul and John might have taken jabs at each other through songs and letters to the editor, but they were still talking on the phone and communicating. One thing I had never heard before was that John asked Paul and Wings to perform at the One to One concert in NYC for the children of Willowbrook, and Paul considered it.  With the issues with Klein still in the air and Paul was a little ticked off at John, he decided against it.  But the mere fact that John asked him and he considered it was mind-blowing to me.  As a matter of fact, I was surprised just how often Paul says that there would be a time when John, Paul, George, and Ringo could appear on a stage together -- not as The Beatles -- but as four musicians.  Paul wasn't as ready to throw away his Beatles past as I was led to believe. 

Linda comes across as a loving wife who supports her husband and children.  She knows she is the butt of the joke when it comes to her keyboard playing and singing but continues with the group because Paul wants her there.  At the same time, Linda also can be seen as someone with a hot temper, a little stuck up, and obviously dislikes any woman being around her man.  She really dislikes Jo Jo (Denny Laine's girlfriend at the time) and treats her very poorly right after she gives birth to her baby.   She sees Jo Jo only as a groupie who is trying to sleep with her husband and not as Denny's girlfriend and mother to his child.  That was disappointing and also made me realize why so many fans disliked her -- that was the only side of her that they saw. 

I think I could go on and on about this book.  It was just so good!  It was one of those books that I didn't want to read too fast, because I didn't want to miss anything.   I would read a chapter and then digest what I just read.  

The question I have, though, is that the book has been heavily marketed toward the general public.  This book is in major bookstores and museums.   I don't know why.   What casual Paul McCartney lover would want to spend money on a huge book that details the animals Paul and Linda had at Cavendish?  I really see this book really for those of us who are hard-core fans.   And I know you all don't like it when I talk this way because a fan is a fan is a fan.  But really -- I don't agree.  There is a difference between those of you who visit this site every day and will spend over $1000 on John Lennon's Mind Games box set and those of you who like to hear "Hey Jude" and "Band on the Run" on the radio.  I don't see how this book would appeal to both groups.  When you publish a book, they say you have to know your audience -- who exactly is this book for?   And let me be transparent.  Maybe I am just jealous.  My book is not in bookstores and has barely sold.  I know it is a niche group of people that will read it, and I have to be fine with that.   I would assume this book was the same way, but perhaps I am wrong. 

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Wild Life

 

Riding by

 So is the guy riding by the Wings Over Europe bus just a random person, not paying any attention of the brightly painted bus or the former Beatle and his new band standing in the upper deck?  Or is he someone connected with Wings and is staged in the photo?   Because if it is the first choice -- Wow -- you should look up!  

'73 Wings backstage

 July 6, 1973

Live and Let Die

July 5, 1973
 

Oh sweet darling

 May 25, 1973

Going to Scotland

 May 23, 1973

Top of the Pops with Wings

 April 4, 1973 -

Paul wearing the Macca strawberry silk jacket and that funky striped shirt -- wow!   

Morocco '73

 

Wings '72

 

November 30, 1972 

Wings over Europe

 July 21, 1972

Backstage with Wings

 July 19, 1972 

Wings I

 April 1972 

Wings 1st tour

February 1972 -

I can't even imagine being a university student in Ferbuary 1972.  You hear that a band called Wings is going to be performing on campus.  You have nothing better to do, so you and your friends go over to hear this band.   To your shock and amazingment -- it is Paul McCartney!!   

The start of a tour

 

Colorful Wings

 

Wonder Wings

 

Wings recordings

 

Wings the Concert of The Century!

 

This story was originally published in a 1972 issue of McCartney Ltd.

Frankfurt, Germany -- July 17-20

Sarah, Kris, and I arrived at Frankfort airport on July 17 after flying for about one hour from London.  We got lost in the airport as none of us knew much German.  Finally, we found a taxi and headed for Frankfurt itself.  The cab was a Mercedes Benz -- very classy!  Now we know how George feels in his!  After a 45 minutes ride, we arrived at the hotel and we settled in our room.  One nice thing about the room was our balcony.  Standing on it we could see a lot of Frankfurt and the main railway station right across the street.   We spent many hours out there talking, getting fresh air, and searching for a psychedelic bus on the street below. 

Our second day in Germany we had to go pick up our tickets for the concert.  Our fabulous German Guardian Angel better known as Mrs. Ulrich said our tickets would be waiting for us at the box office in Frankfurt Zoo.  I had her repeat this several times because I thought I misunderstood it.  We got a cab to the zoo and stared at the crowds waiting to get in.  We couldn't figure out what tickets to a Paul McCartney concert would be doing here!  Finally, I up to the window and asked for Mrs. Uhrich.  The lady behind the window gave me a black stare that turned into a smile.  "Are you Miss Miller?" she asked in broken English.  I replied to the affirmative and she pulled out three tickets.  I literally shook as I took out the money (60 Marks) and handed it to her.  She kept telling me to calm down and that Mrs. Ulrich had gotten us front row seats because we came all the way from London.  I thanked her a million times and ran over to Sarah.   We all held onto our tickets for dear life. I think I would've pushed myself under a Frankfurt trolley had I lost mine.  We spent the day at the zoo.  It was blisteringly hot and humid.  By the time July 19 arrived, we were a bundle of nerves.  We got to the concert hall, City Hall of Offenbach.   Offenbach being a small town outside Frankfurt.  As we sat there hundreds of young people arrived.  They were still selling tickets at the door to our surprise (it was full by the time the concert began).  We had gotten there two hours early so we sat down to wait.  Little did we know Paul had already arrived and parked that wild bus of his in the parking lot behind.  Maybe if we had spoken more German we'd have known why they were pointing.  Most of the people there were American soldiers stationed in Germany.  I heard parts of their conversations as we went in and they were all speaking about The Beatles.  I knew, and I'm sure Paul suspected, they all came to see one of The Beatles.  Sarah, Kris, and I had come to see the man we love do what he does best -- performing!  That's why in a way we were a part form the rest of the audience.  Paul is so much of our lives that we felt closer to him, then anyone in the audience could.  I know I was upset if I felt the audience didn't clap or cheer enough for a song.  It was as if I was also a part of Paul as he is a part of me.  

The doors opened and we thought since everyone had reserved seats we were ok, but little did we know people in Germany don't' go by those rules.  Everyone dived for the first rows or wherever they landed.  there were no users or anything as far as organized seating went.   We had a good word or two with the guys in our seats and soon we were settled.  Yes, the lady had told the truth.  IT was the VERY FRONT ROW, right in the center of the stage.  We were about five feet from the stage!  We went to get our cameras ready when a man came along and told Sher that she could not take any movies.  She had spent $35 on film plus an indoor camera for nothing.  Sob!  He firmly said no movies and only stills if NO flashes.  After what seemed like indefinite waiting and listening to Crosby, Stills, and Nash on the loudspeaker, the noise came from behind the curtain and there were moving feet!   False alarm-- curtain went up and down again -- though that didn't stop your stomach from feeling like it was 1966 all over again in anticipation of who would be standing behind that curtain.  

Again the sound began and this time it was definitely "Bip Bop" - curtain goes up and there's a loud bass run and it hits us who that white pants leg belongs to!  Paul!  Yes, that's him alright -- right there!  His microphone could not have been positioned better if we'd done it ourselves.  He stood there looking like a little boy of 7 in a red and white side striped shirt and white overalls.  His hair is short and back but the eyes just the same as always -- gorgeous!  He looked the same standing up to the microphone and bopping up and down the way he did, smiling and singing.  Pau was about in the middle of the stage then Linda to his left seated at the piano in a white '30's blouse and dark printed skirt-bare footed.  Denny Laine and Henry McCullough up front with Paul and Denny Seiwell behind, thumping the drums.  I honestly remember very little about anyone but Paul, thinking you'll all understand why.  "Bip Bop" ended and they went straight into "Smile Away."  There was no break or talking.  He really belted that one out and kept looking at Henry and watched him play lead guitar.  After that song he said, "Danke Schoen, Thank you." then asked how are you in German and then introduced "This is from the Wings Wild Life LP and it's called Mumbo."  Well, I can't even write what we did when we heard that!  We had been sitting around for a couple weeks thinking, wow how fantastic it would be if he sang that -- obvious reasons if you understand why -- but we thought it would be illogical to sing that - so what does he do but sing it!  WE had made mention of it on our birthday card to him, so that made us even more happy to hear it.  Unbelievable song in person!  Then after that while, we were trying to pick ourselves up off the floor, he wiped his face with a towel cause he was sweating so much and it was hotter than Hell in there besides the air-conditioning.  Then he said, "Thank you, do we have many people who speak English?"  That got a roaring answer, so he said, "Mostly American?" which got another roar to which he answered in his Texan accent "Howdee ya'll , how ya doin'?" which cracked everyone up and he smiled.  "Give Ireland Back to the Irish" was introduced to applause.  The lighting to the whole song was all in greens and the song sounded just like the record, very good guitar.  Then Paul said "This is from our next LP, repeated that in German and people applauded when he said it in German so Paul softly said, "been around y'know" and Henry says, "He's been here before" and smiled.   "the song is called 1882" (repeated that in half German/half English).  It starts out slow with him singing "Good morning dear master, it's 1882"  Really a new song, definitely Paul type.  I think to be on the LP.  Denny Laine then sang one of his own songs, "I would only smile," to be on LP also.  Paul sang harmony with him and it sounded really good!  The title of the next song may sound stupid but it was really good!  "Blue Moon of Kentucky" very loud rocking and he seemed to really enjoy it.  After that he said, "Think you hot, dripped up here" as he wiped his face again, looking quite gorgeous.  He then said in German that they would take a short break after the next song and come back for the second half.  Once he finished the German he said really loud and silly "Get out!"  "One more song and if you're not too hot, clap a little, we'll see you after the break, song from the next LP called "Mess I'm in," dedicated to the gentleman with the microphone, pointing.  There was a guy behind us with a big mike holding it up so obviously, Paul saw that!  He laughed when he said that.  Before the concert people had also told him about no taping allowed.   That song -- WOW it is very good!  Loud with a lot of guitar work and then it slows down to a soft bit and then thumpy again.  This song also due on the new LP.

The break lasted about 15 minutes and gave us time to recuperate.  During the first bit, Linda occasionally gave us looks like we were going to stay in our seats or not.  Kris and I both had telephoto lenses and she didn't look too happy about the close-up bit, but Paul didn't seem to mind.  The curtain went up again and there they were already playing again, only this time wearing black suits with slashed open necks down to the waist -- no comment about that!  The lapels were covered with gold glitter and he looked quite sexy, to say the least.  I'm surprised we're still alive to tell this.  As the curtain went up they were playing a song called "Best Friend," though I can't remember too much about it, except there was a lot of bass.  Must've been concentrating on that outfit!  WE spent a lot of time hitting each other over that.  Denny Laine introduced the next song, "Soily" off the next LP.  The beginning sounds like a bit of instrumental in the "Help" album.  Most likely when the album is released, you'll all think we are nuts and the songs sound nothing like this, but we're trying.  Paul and Denny sang equally on this one.  Henry spent a lot of time staring at Kris and I and we sat there giving each other funny looks.  Occassionally I felt like I shoudl watch the others.  There we were in full view and our eyes followed Paul.   The others must have felt unappreciated.   I just couldn't help it when you're so close, your eyes just stay glued to his eyes.  Henry then introduced with "Paul is going to play piano" to which Paul says, "No, he is not" and laughs.  Henry says, "Whoops, wrong song -- some people never know."  So Paul says, "From the last LP, called 'ich bin your singer," half English half German obviously.  Everyone clapped a lot for this one right off.  He got off-tune once and stepped back to clear his throat and looked so embarrassed and cute.  Linda sounded quite nervous and a little weak but he made up for it.  The guitar was jazzed up and really sounded good.  After that one he took a sip of water saying, "Here's to you" raising the glass, adding "a song by Denny Laine called 'Say you Don't mind.'"  Paul sang the chorus with him.  It was strange how much Denny sounded like PAul, exactly almost if you didn't know it was Denny.   Paul and Henry sang backgrounds of "ooh-ahh" almost back to 1963 type.  The NExt song Linda introduced "a song by Henry, a blues called 'Take me on home Mama cause I'm running home tonight."  It was a slow guitar solo which was good but a bit long.  Paul laughed so hard during one bit while Henry laid on the stage quickly and got up that he had to turn around and stop playing  During most of it he watched Henry play lead and had the same expression as while watching John singing "Across the Universe" in Let It Be.

Next song Paul said, "Song we're going to do is written by Linda."  Some people applauded and he went "aw" and said, "this is the first song she ever wrote.  It's called 'Seaside Woman.'  If you feel like moving around, don't' let us stop you.'"  It's definitely a reggae type number with Paul and Linda singing harmony.  Paul said, "We'd like to sing a song off our lap LP and if you know it, keep quiet," he smiled.  "It's called Wildlife."  This one was really good with a slightly changed chorus at the end.  During all the loud songs, PAul always had his left foot-stomping and he was constantly moving around.  It's hard to describe but he looks quite good anyway, more like "Let it Be" than the Beatles days.  Henry then announced, "Paul is going to play piano, Denny bass, and Linda just looking good."  Paul said, "This is a love song for all the Americans out there."  WE fell over and all the Americans clapped.  He said "My Love" (in a very Liverpool accent) and made a funny comment about Nixon and said, oops this is the wrong country to say that and Linda said something about McGovern being good.  This song is another "Yesterday."  Very slow with him singing softly and playing the organ.   The main line of the song though isn't what you'd expect by the song melody -"My love does it good"  Well anyway, it's a beautiful song of Paul back to the 1965 type.  Why he dedicated this one to Americans we're not sure but it's a nice thought and we can hope?   He looked a lot like "The Long and Winding Road" with his eyes and only one light on him singing.  Paul then said, "We'd like to sing a song that's our new record in England.  This one is a nursery rhyme and there's a bit in it that just goes la-la, sing along, be our guest."   Mary Had a Little Lamb.  We were singing along "la-la-la."  Afterwards Paul asked, "Were you singing?"  Linda said the guy next to us was, but Sher said he was half asleep -- oh well.  The next one Henry said, "You'll know this one" and Denny Laine yelled, "Get up off your ass," and Paul went straight into "Maybe I'm Amazed."  What that did to me -- my favorite all-time song.  I fell apart during that.  He looked so good sitting there screaming it out.  By this time Linda had sat down at the piano bench with him.  The organ was like in Let It Be while he was really banging out the piano.  The applause for this one were the loudest and he looked really happy about it.  He got up and went to play bass again.  Paul said, "This next song is our last, so all you people who have been sitting on your bums all evening should now take this opportunity and rise from them, shake them a bit, clap a bit, here we are in Offenbach," he smiled. "Let's do it!" Then this loud thumping song starts and everyone is on their feet, clapping and he is really moving around by this time.  "High Hi High" is the song, the one mentioned before as a possible single.