Wings arrive at Apple

 

February 4, 1972 

I have read that Paul never stepped foot into Apple again after 1970 -- here is proof that those people are wrong.  

Colorful Wings

 

Those Funky Wings

 

Wonder Wings

 

The Wings Ball

 

A message to the Swedish police

August 10, 1972 -  Sweden -- the McCartney first pot bust.   
 

Interesting photo on Henry's shirt

 

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.  

Silly Girls!

 

WIngs fans head to London 1973

More fun times with the American fans from the McCartney Lovers and Friends club found in the Summer 1973 issue of the fanzine.


Paul flew down from Scotland on May 26.   Sil, Angela and I saw Paul at his house. He said hello and all that and he looked really tired.  Sil made this huge blanket where she had embroidered "Wings" -- it was really beautiful.  She gave it to Rosie who gave it to Paul.  He didn't see it until the next day but really flipped over it!  He was going to put in on the organ that night, but for some reason, he didn't. 

I came out with a real winner:  "Are you as tired as we are? ha!"  He said, "Tired as YOU are??!! Tireder!!"  The show was fantastic.  We were just about in the middle.  For some odd reason, I was the only one in the section that got up and clapped.  It was okay though because Paul pointed at me and grinned.  Three of us saw Paul again the next day.  I gave him some flowers from all of us.  This went on for a while and he said, "Hey!  Thanks for the flowers, Luv!"  We were walking down the street and Linda was driving.  They beeped the horn at us all the way down the black and as they turned the corner.  Paul had his head hanging out the window, waving at us. 

That night the three of us got in to the pit, which was the best place to be because it was directly in front of the stage and you could move around and not get killed.  It was the photographers' pit and you needed a pass to get in, but we just made like we belonged.  Goldie and Robin (our friends from New York) had arrived that morning and they were there too which was lucky for them since it was their first concert!   Anyway, it was really great, because you could bop around without worrying if you were going to get smashed. 

At the third and final concert in London, we were al lin the pit again and this time Ann came and also Sarah and Vicki.  It was a great ending.  As I told you, Sarah is a real comic and when Paul went into his bit about "My Love" he looked directly at us and shrugged his shoulders and smiled as if to say "can't do anything for you up here!"  Well Sarah puckered up and his eyes nearly popped out of his head and he was laughing really hard.    By this time, we were really desperate!  During "Live and Let Die" Linda would sort of raise her arm in the air to the beat so we did it to -- only on time.  Talk about raised eyebrows! 

So much happened, it's hard to put it all down on paper.   At the end of the show, Robin came over to me and told me there was a party.  I was really out of it,. and I do not remember this happening.  She told me later that I just kept saying, "I know, I know, but I'm going backstage."   Some of the girls saw Paul from this window later.   But that night we all went to the Cafe Royal on Regent Street near Piccadilly where the party was.  Around 1am, who should come walking down the street but Paul and Linda.  Paul sporting a yellow suit with short sleeves and Linda with a halter top and Frankenstein shoes.  Oh yes, Paul had his pants tucked into his brown suede boots.  Anyway, this weirdo stopped him as he went in, telling him about this "beautiful place" somewhere.  It was very strange with PAul that night -- he's a true Gemini.  Oh yeah, to complement his outfit, he had gone home and painted his thumb yellow and had put on red, while on a few others he painted them half red and half dark blue (By the way, Linda usually wore red on a few fingers, blue on one, and green on the other).  I'm sure this was to impress the other people at the party.   He stood at the door for a while, talking to John Entwhistle from The Who.  Denny Laine got Goldie and Robin and some of their friends into the party at midnight.  We got there late.  If we had only arrived earlier we could have gotten in too.   I hope that Goldie and Robin will write a column about the party. 

Paul's chauffeur was there.  We were pretty aggravated by this time, so I said, "Well, you want to take us home now?"  Much to our surprise, he said yes!  He was really a nice guy.  Paul had hired him just for the weekend.  He usually works as David Bowie's chauffeur and bodyguard.  He showed us Paul's "Macca" jacket, which was in the trunk.  We all loved that jacked and were certainly excited to see it!  Each of us even tried it on.  That was nice.   Well, that was the en f our few weeks in heaven.  None of us know how quiet to digest the whole thing.  I just can't wait for the next tour! 

Wings head to Scotland in 1973

Our friends from McCartney Lovers and Friends now follow Wings to Scotland on the 1973 tour.  This was published in Summer 1973 issue of McCartney Lovers and Friends 

We were in Scotland for two days -- the countryside is really beautiful.  It was strange to really see the fog come from the ground.  I was quite disappointed with the city of Edinburgh.  It was really gloomy and the "castle" was a big let down.  The people are very strange and obviously don't like intruders.  there were two concerts that night.  

We saw Paul arrive on the bus, looking particularly gorgeous as he was unshaved.  He had a radio with him and he bent down and looked at us and started dancing off the bus!  He hopped off and got swarmed by the autograph hounds.  Linda gave us a big smile and a hello.  Paul continued to bop on in, and Linda stopped to sign autographs.  He looked back to see where she was and saw her signing and said, "Linda!  Come on!!"  She went in fast.  

That night we had front row seats in the balcony for both shows.  At one point during the "dance" part, this girl started to faint.  So, a guard picked her up and put her on the stage.  She started dragging him over towards Paul instead of going off to the side.  Suddenly she gained consciousness and she grabbed Paul from the back, digging into his chest and making him fall back.  He pushed her off then the guard and Dave picked her up by her hands and legs and dragged her off.    We saw her later talking with friends and the "poor girl" was so excited that she had to sit down and cry all over again.

We saw Paul at the hotel that night.  We were the only ones there, but when the bus arrived, out of the nowhere 20 people arrived and he was swarmed.  There was a show in Glasgow the next day, but our train passes ran out, so we had to get back to London.    We were hesitant about Glasgow anyway because we hear a lot of stories about it being rough.  If they don't like you there, they get you with razor blades!  I was going to ask John (one of the roadies) to give me a ride down to London from Glasgow, but he arrive din their van with the other roadies and some groupies, so I didn't.  (If any of you are wondering about groupies and Mr. Mac-- forget it!  No chance!).   

We got back to London the next day.  One of us went to the show in Glasgow, so I will leave it to her to review it.   

The tour begins

Continuing one with the story of the American girls that followed Wings on the 1973 UK tour as found in the fanzine called "McCartney Lovers and Friends" from Summer 1973.



May 11th started the tour.  Ann and I decided to get rid of the car and enlist ourselves on the British Rail.  I'm not exactly a whiz at maps and Sarah decided it would make her nervous if I followed her, so to avoid missing out on half the concerts and risking our lives, we decided to leave the driving to the train conductors.  Oh, the night before, on May 10th "James Paul McCartney" was on.  We stayed at the Park Court Hotel that night so we could see it.  (You'd think for $14.00 each you'd get a color TV, but no...and the place had mice too!  We didn't get a view of Hyde Park either.  Grrrrr!).  Anyway, it was nice seeing the special again -- especially at the end, where we were shocked to find out that instead of singing "Long Tall Sally" he sang "Hi Hi Hi" (which was rather shocking since it was banned here). 

We arrived in Bristol.  What a weird place.  It used to be a big seaport.  Lots of sailors.  A dirty place.  To make matters worse, we stayed in this haunted house.  What had happened was Sarah called this guest house and was told that there were no vacancies, and two seconds later the lady changed her mind and said to come over, and maybe they'd have a vacancy when she got there.  Sarah just mentioned that there were two girls.  When they got there, this weird woman says "ooohhhh..are the other 3 like you too?"  There was absolutely no one in the house, and she put them in this weird room on the top of the house.  When the rest of us got there, we were the lucky ones who met up with her weirdo husband, who stuck us in a room next to Sarah.  It was the type of place where you expected some eerie figure to come out of the wall.  There was four different types of wallpaper in each room and he would not give us a key to the room.  At first, we decided that he was a vampire but Vickie saw his reflection in a mirror and some of the wallpaper had crosses on it, so that theory was out.  I was sure that he was going to lock us up in the rooms and make us prostitutes.  When it came time for us to leave for the concert, we found out we'd have to wait 45 minutes for a taxi.  Well, the owner decided we didn't have much of a choice.  During the ride, he announced that he lost his way, but would soon find it again.  the reason he lost his way in his own city was because "I was looking at you..."  I just about jumped out the window! 

We did get to the Bristol Hippodrome.  Before the show, I spoke to the tour manager, Dave, and to make a long story short, he said that we would be able to attend a press conference at the Randolph  Hotel in Oxford the next evening - so we were really looking forward to that!   The show began with a group called Binsley Schwarz.  At first, I thought, "Oh God, if I have to go through this every show, I'll crack up. " but, after a while, they really grew on us.  They're a good band - quite popular in England.  We became pretty friendly with them and made up nicknames for each one.  The funniest thing was the drummer because he looked like our friend, Linda only with short hair.  We called him "Mr. Moo" because one night he had a shirt on with the saying "Once in a Blue Moon." 

During intermission, they would have a "novelty act" with these two old corny folks and their cute little poodle.  It was really a terrible act, with this old woman trying awfully hard to be sexy and her husband wore this toupe and thought he was the greatest performer on earth (we all know he came on after) He would trill everyone by standing up on his wife's stomach and after he performed this great feat, would urge everyone to clap for him (Corny).  His wife would come out dressed as a gorilla and attack people in the first few rows and drag up on stage (we got it a few times!  How embarrassing!) We went practically crazy after sitting through this 15 times.

Finally, a few minutes after that act, the big moment would come.  It's always so hard to put into words the feeling you get at something like this.  how can you explain how you felt when he walked out on the stage -- the excitement, how he looked, and how proud you were of him.  I'll TRY and tell you how it went -- all the shows were basically the same, so I'll just review this one in detail, and then tell you the special parts in each concert thereafter.  Ok?  The MC came on and said, "do you want to see Wings?!?!?!"  and with that everyone clapped and cheered.  Denny Laine walked on and the MC said, "do you know this fella, Denny Laine?"  And then the whole group walked out!  Paul came on giving the thumbs-up sign and grinning.  He must have been awfully nervous, but that soon went away because the audience's reaction was tremendous!  Before any word was said, Paul began with "Soily" a fabulous rocker, sort of an introduction song.  "Now people gathered here tonight.  I Want you to listen to me..."  A great song!  Straight into "Big Barn Bed", which is so great anyway, but even better in concert.  After that Paul said, "Hello Bristol!  How are ya?"  After Big Barn Bed, Paul would stomp and dance over to Denny's drums, which you all know didn't bother us a bit.

 We were in the 7th row, and much to our surprise, Paul really DID spot us and looked over a lot and smiled!  Oh, before the show people were warned not to try and take any pictures or tape the show.  We all have 35mm cameras and weren't going to use a flash anyway, but this man walked over and told us that no photography was allowed.  We really had no intention of listening anyway, but a few minutes later he came back over and said, "Are you the five American girls that came all the way for the tour?  Oh! I'm so sorry I told you you couldn't take any pictures.  You can take as many as you want!"  He kept apologizing.  I just couldn't believe the special treatment.  We kept hearing people say, "They're the ones -- going through the whole tour non-stop!"

  Anyway, Paul sang "When the Night" and then said they were going to do a song off one of their old LPs -- "Wild Life".  They used a blue spotlight and the stage was dark.  HE sang it slower.  Denny would then introduce Linda's song, "Seaside Woman," explaining that it was the first song she ever wrote and to give her some encouragement and sing along.  They used bright yellow lights and Paul really bopped around.  He really wanted people to join in, but no one knew the song, so it was a bit hard.  He jokingly said, "ohhhhh c'mon!  You're terrible!"  There's a few lines in each verse which go like this, "Papa catches fish from the bottom of the sea, Momma sticks around, she keeps an eye on me.  Crazy little mama smile all day.  Papa comes home and at night they lay.. Ohhhhhhh seaside woman..."   During the middle of the tour, Paul added aline which he spoke.  I couldn't catch onto it too well, but he would say something and end it with "I only want to be with you."  So, after that, Linda would get up from the piano and Paul would sit down.  He'd drink water and say, "cheers!"  He used to make a lot of nice little comments like "Sure is hot up here.."  Then, if you remember the special, Paul sang "Little Woman Love" and then "C-Moon" (which everyone went crazy over) and then back to "Little Woman Love." 

Then he would introduce "Live and Let Die" by saying it was the music he wrote for the new James Bond film and then he'd shoot up in the air with both hands and go "boom boom".  If you think the record is great, you should hear and see it in concert.  Amazing!  They had psychedelic lighting during the fast chorus and it was really wild.  Linda and Henry would dance and carry on while Paul pounded away. The lights made everything look like it was in slow motion and it was really cool.  Every time I hear that song, I have a mental vision of those lights flashing on Paul's face, and Linda running across the stage in slow motion.  by the way, at the end of the song, Paul didn't let it drift off like on the single -- he'd pause, and then there'd be a rousing one last boom on the piano.  It was fantastic!  Then Paul would do "My Love".  He say something like this, "OK, now if there are any couples in the audience, you can kind of snug, cuddle up to this song..."  Naturally, Henry, the big joker would make a couple comments or someone in the audience would make a remark and everyone laughed for a while.  Then Paul would say, "It's called 'my Love.'"  This, too, was remarkable!  Then into "Maybe I'm Amazed."  Beautiful. Paul was so proud -- really...

Then he'd introduce Denny Laine, who then sat down at the piano.  Henry sang his little song, "There was a wee man and he had a wooden leg..."Then, Denny sang "Go Now."  Fabulous, naturally.  It was strange to hear Paul on that song.  Denny is really talented.  Then, Denny would sing "Saw you don't mind."  I love this song and I hope they'll put it on one of their LPs -- it's really fantastic!  During this, Paul would share the mike with Henry.  Henry is a real character.  He's really funny.  Before Denny did this song, Paul would say, "You've been a good audience, you've sat there and enjoyed yourselves.  But if you feel like clapping or shaking your bums a little big, then please do so."  After Denny's song, Paul would again urge everyone to get up and believe me they did for "The Mess."  This was my favorite part of the concert.  Paul would really sweat this number out and there was not one person sitting down.  Everyone was up clapping and dancing and having a great time!  Then he'd introduce "Hi Hi Hi" by saying the song was banned.  He thought because he heard it was "dirty."  Everyone would go "ooooohhhhhh!!!!" and when he started that number, people went absolutely berserk!  Paul would end the number and then wave and walk off stage.  The audience would go CRAZY, thumping and stamping their feet, yelling, "more, more, more!" over and over.  IT was too much.  Paul would come back out and do "Long Tall Sally" as an encore, and then say "Thanks" and walk off again.  Well, 99% of the time that just wasn't enough for the people and he'd have to come out again and say how great everyone was "I love you all!" and then explain that they had no more numbers to do, and they'd see everyone "next time."  When Paul set out to give everyone a good evening out, he gave them a good evening out!

After the show, everyone was waiting outside the stage door.  It was like 1964 again -- really scary.  We were so nervous about what would happen when he came out.  The bus was waiting for him, but then pulled away.  The police were there, but no one would leave.  The bus, by the way, wasn't the same one they had last year, rather a rented Valient Silverline bus.  Then, a photographer told us that he was going to come out the front.  Thank God there weren't too many people that knew that.  But when he did come out, it was bad enough.  I nearly turned gray within two seconds.  Those animals literally attacked him.  Pulled his hair, yanked at his jacket, screamed, and yelled.  All I could do was say, "Oh God, please don't hurt him!"  Paul didn't seem to mind all that much, but it really scared me to death.  I just can't stand people treating him like that.  Meanwhile, Paul got on the bus and sat on the left side.  I was in such a rage.  I could have killed all those people.  Then it dawned on me that I should go over to the left and see him.  There was about 7 people there, including Ann -- it as nice because he just sat there and waved at them for five minutes.  Naturally, I missed most of it because I was too busy turning gray on the other side, but fortunately, he continued to ham it up for a while longer, waving and giving the thumbs-up sign. I stood away from the people, alone.  When the bus took off, I waved and he waved back at me -- then he realized it was me!  He took a double-take and looked back at me and gave the nicest smile and little wave, so I was extremely happy about that. 

Meanwhile, we had to go back to the haunted house.  The two girls next door froze to death in their room, and we scared each other to death by discussing what we thought was wrong with the house.  We ended up staying up until 3, left the lights on, put a chair up against the door and all slept in the same bed.  We were never so glad to leave a place as we were to leave Bristol!  Now, onto Oxford.  This was a big place -- for the press.  There was only going to be one press conference and it was going to be that night.  Luckily for us, we had front row seats!  IT was really fantastic, being right in the center-right within his line of vision.  He gave us a lot of nice looks and smiles and once winked and kind of waved.  It was only the beginning of the great evening for me....

The Last Chapter in the Exicitng Adventures of Morgan Studios

Not too long ago I shared a story about some fans that spent the day outside of Morgan Studio in London while Wings recorded inside.   You can find that story here  http://www.meetthebeatlesforreal.com/2020/05/how-to-meet-paul-mccartney-without.html

Here is part 2 of the story as taken from the December 1973 issue of With a Little Help from my Friends 


The Last Chapter (Thank God) in the exciting adventures of Morgan Studios
Written by Kris S.
With a Little Help from my Friends
December 1973

Date:  September 3, 1972

Needless to say, it didn't take long for the four of us to grow sufficiently board and decide to return to Morgan.  So it was back to the tubes and trains again.  At Morgan, Mr. Mac and Co were still present, so after a quick meal, we settled down to what was to be probably the coldest night of our lives.   We waited...and waited..passing time, chatting with studio personnel. We were treated very kindly by Sid, the weekend security guard, who has since become one of the dearest friends we've ever had and probably the kindest man I've ever known.  He brought the freezing Americans tea, and at one point, as it grew later and later, even asked Paul to come out and say hello to us!  Paul was quite agreeable -- but no sooner reached the door when Mrs. Mac seized upon him because "We only have 5 minutes for a tea break!"  Ah well--thanks anyway Sid; you tried!  As it turned out, so did we; we really did!  in the time between 8pm and 2:30am, we encountered a number of people, among them Lulu and Maurice Gibb.  Lulu was very sweet and kept telling us, "He'll be out soon!"   Near 10, a white Corvette pulled up and out popped two long-haired gents, who settled down for a chat with "the waiters," who quite amiably gabbed away with them.  Then at one point, we were asked had we ever seen Led Zepplin.  "Oh yeah," says Marla, "We saw them in Cleveland,"  "Ah, yes," says our friend.  "I remember Cleveland!"  Says me, "Oh yes, they were with Grand Funk!"  And sternly, from our friend:  "Grand Funk were with US!"  Kris:  "Do you mean you're you?"  And Patti:  "Gee, are you Led Zepplin?"  It was indeed embarrassment!  But I'll never forget reading a Melody Maker interview with Paul last December in which he spoke of that night at Morgan:  "It was a crazy night! John Bonham was there....we did C'Moon."  He should only know how crazy it was!

It was not only musical people who approached us innocent by-standers; one crew cut fellow asked Kathy and Marla if they had any hash!  Then there was the drunk little Polish man who told his life story, kissed Patti's "beautiful blonde hair," flung his hat to the ground in a grand emphatic gesture and declared, "Don't worry!  I get another one tomorrow!"  When local young people stopped to chat, they were kindly requested ot leave while we were left alone. 

We really had a good time but it got colder and colder.  Poor Kathy had her frozen sandaled feet in her purse and I can honestly say I don't think I've ever been so cold.  At 2:30, our stamina gave way; we just couldn't endure another minute!  If we had, McCartney would've stumbled over our frozen bodies and I'm sure he wouldn't have appreciated that!  The taxi was a very welcome sight that night!

Sunday, September 4, 1972

This day, our last full day in London, and Wings' last day at Morgan, was, typically, "one of those days."   As usual, we were late because of feeding our faces, but who would've thought Mr. Mac would turn up on time?  He got there at 2:30 and we arrived at 3.  Ah well, all was not lost; even if we missed him, our little friend, Jane, hadn't, though after what she told us we'd missed, it's a good thin the River Thames was immediately handy!  Apparently, Paul and run down the street and jumped over her little brother who was riding his tricycle.  He then patted them both on the head, and said "Good Morning."  Jane did an imitation of the famous McCartney run which was priceless and made us just sick!  The one thing we'd wanted to see -- McCartney run -- and we'd missed it!

We settled ourselves down by the "left side" to wait, giggling as Jane "ran" up and down the street munching disconsolately on potato chips which "Right" kept helping himself to between trips to the truck.  About 5, we were given advance warning that their dinner was ready and out they popped.  Pau greeted as with his cheery, "Hi group!" and bopped on across the street.  He was wearing tan pants and a red and white striped t-shirt, looking, as usual, very well!!   They were gone only half an hour or so, but when they came back, our attention was focused on Patti who was tumbling all over the sidewalk trying on Jane's clogs, since Jane had taken off with her shoes!  We laughed even harder when we saw McCartney and Patti narrowly missed knocking into him (he was carrying a Coke and a glass of milk).  Poor girl!  I don't' think she's recovered yet from that embarrassing moment!  However, at the time, Paul was more concerned with a problem of his own, which really broke us up -- they were locked out of the studio!  We couldn't get over it:  Paul McCartney locked out of his own studio!  He just stood there, milk and Coke in hand, looking as though he were thinking, "Oh God, why is this happening to me?"  While someone ran off to hunt up the key, we assured them that WE hadn't done it!  At one point, I looked at McCartney, realizing, I guess, that it'd be the last time I'd see him, and for just a second, his glance met mine.  That gives you the weirdest feeling...

At this time we noticed that there seemed to be a funny kind of atmosphere; no one was talking to each other and the other members of the group appeared to be a bit uncomfortable.  Then someone returned with the key and they went on it.

It was a tough decision to make, but we decided if things weren't going too well, it might be better for us to leave.  Neither Paul nor Linda had looked too happy when they'd gone in, though we were just guessing as far as that went.  But, as I would always say, better safe than sorry, and we big good ole Morgan a fond adieu, after taking the last batch of pictures by the Lamborghini.  Gee, Paul, you'll never forget the picture you took of the five of us by your car!  Neither will we!

Denny's Sgt. Pepper mustache

...I mean the one he got out of the Sgt. Pepper album!  LOL!

How to meet Paul McCartney (without really trying)

How to Meet Paul McCartney (without really trying!)

By Kris S.

With a Little Help From My Friends  Issue #4 April 1973

                It appears that Morgan Studios has been one of the better-kept  However, secrets have a way of seeking us out, with no effort on our part at all; and so it was this past summer with Morgan.

secrets in the recording life of one Paul McCartney and his merry band of Wings.

On a sunny day in late August, Marla, Leslie and I were strolling “inconspicuously” down Cavendish, where we came upon two other “quite inconspicuous strollers,”  Pattie and Kathy from New York State.  An hour’s rap session led to a lifetime friendship among us (even though we found it hard to believe there as actually anyone around as much fun as we are!). 

Anyway, in the midst of our conversation, Pattie and Kathy came to inform us that the previous day, they’d helped a couple guys push a stalled car down Circus Road.  When they passed Cavendish, one of the guys happened to mention that one Paul McCartney “lives on that very street!” (No!!!) And, that they’d seen one P.M., wife Linda, and their band of Wings at “Morgan Studio.”  Decided that fate had dropped this precious bit of information into our laps, we decided to join forces the following day, and seek this place out.

So bring and early (about 1pm) on Friday, September 1 (1972), the five of us met on the corner of Cavendish to begin our search.  Luck apparently decided to accompany us, for we managed to find the right Tube stop (thanks to Marla!), and there, a guy who knew where the studio was and put us on a bus; after which a kindly little old lady lead us through a maze of residential streets and right to the door.

And there was Morgan Studios --- home base for an impressive list of rock stars, which includes Rod Stewart, Cat Stevens, Led Zeppelin, Lulu, the Bee Gees and the Kinks (not to mention the occasional Wings’ session), located in the middle of a residential neighborhood and on two sides of the streets.  Quite casually, Marla and Kathy strolled inside and inquired if McCartney or George were booked to record and staggered out seconds later:  Yes indeed, McCartney and Co. were to record that very day!  Wings were already there and the Macs due shortly!!

We crossed over to the left side to wait-  in time to see the Wings emerge from the building.  “Left”  (or Henry!  These Wings get very confusing when you get them all together!  So we designated them as “Left,”  “Right” and “Other Right.) wearing the very overalls they wore on Flip Wilson and a strange-looking four=cornered hat, which quite reminded one of a jester’s cap!  They seemed a bit surprised to see us, but we remained “coolly unimpressed” as they started across the street and went on the other side.

Meanwhile, we were “discovered” by some of the neighborhood kids (three little girls named Sharon, Diane, and Jane), who were more excited over the “American girls” than the fact that McCartney was coming.  They didn’t even know who he was until we put “Beatle” in front of his name!  (they informed us they were “ardent” Donny Osmond admires!)

So we passed the time talking to them, and bustin’ up over that accent coming out of such little kids.  It was nearly 4pm when Pattie cried, “There he goes!”   Sure, Pattie.  “No..really he did, down the main road!”  And minutes later, there he was flashing by in that gorgeous fire-engine red Lamborghini, smiling when he saw us.  He marked up the street (he parked a $15,000 car on the street?!) and Linda went over and said something to him before they started down towards us.  We were determined not to react, and “ignored” them and kept talking to the kids, watching him out of the corners of our eyes.  He looked fantastic in a green jacket and pants, and a yellow shirt with his hair combed back.  He kept looking at us like, “Well, I’m here!  Aren’t you going to do anything?”  Linda was dressed neatly, all in white, with a feathery orange cape (and she wasn’t hanging on him!).   I think the fact that we barely even looked their way both puzzled and amused them and when they finally did get close enough, McCartney, with a big smile said, “Hello,” to us first, then added a “How are you?”  Linda smiled and gave us a friendly “Good morning,” and we greeted them just as cheerily back as they went on into the studio.  As soon as the door closed behind them, Marla let out a cry of triumph and declared, “Chips and Cokes for everybody!” while the kids innocently inquired as to “who that man was?”

And so we spent the afternoon parked out on the sidewalk, while “our” kids increased in number from the original three to at least a dozen.  Every once in a while,  “Right” would wander out and cross the street, casting curious glances in our direction.  We played games with the kids, told them stories, let them take turns singing songs and reciting, and put Kathy’s eyeshadow on them.  

We’d just finished a rousing chorus of  “Ring Around The Rosie” when I encouraged Marla to teach everyone a song she’d learned that summer from the co-director of the city preschool program, she’d supervised.  It was called “Little Rabbit Foo Foo.”  The kids and Pattie and Kathy loved it and we sang it over and over again.  So here we all were, in a big circle on the sidewalk; I was facing the studio, Marla on my right sitting sideways to it; Pattie on my left across from Mar, and Kath and Leslie with their backs to the wall, kids on top of us and between us, all of us singing lustily away.  And then the studio door opened.  Out came 1 Wing --- 2 Wings --- 3 Wings – and then behind them McCartney and Linda!  It was a moment before we all realized they were there, and then all five of our voices cracked simultaneously.  The kids, oblivious as ever, kept right on singing and we kept right on singing with them with a supreme effort of will not to laugh – which Paul did!!  He took one look at us all and busted up while Linda stood and directed us.  All I remember thinking is “Dear God, please let me remember the words.”  It was right at the pact that goes “turn you into a goon” accompanied by a horrible face.  They finally tore themselves away and went on across the street for dinner, looking back once or twice to make sure we were for real!  We collapsed in hysterics.

When they came back half an hour later, he paused on the step, grinning, and inquired, “What’s the lot of you doing?”  Then Linda asked, “Is this a school?”  “Yea!  It’s the Morgan Studio Day Nursey,” we told them.

After they’d gone in, we figured they’d be good for a few hours at least, so we went to grab a fast bite to eat at a nearby Ham and Egg restaurant.  to our collective amusement, we found when we came out, that a couple of the older kids had followed us and were waiting for us outside  We went back to the studio, whereby this time, most of the younger kids had been claimed by their mums or gone home for dinner.  We sat exchanged spooky stories about UFOs and time warps and such until the Macs snuck up on us again about 10:30pm.  They came out, arm in arm, and said, “Watch out, they’re still here.   You’re gonna get cold.”  (We thought that was very sweet).

Laughing, we called our goodnights as they started up the street; and the next thing I heard was Marla’s voice,   “Hey! how about a lift to the Tube station?”  When he half turned, we all froze, but they kept on going and we busted up (After all, where would you put 7 people in a 4 seater car?)  Just to bust him, we decided to cross over the main road, and stick out our thumbs when he came by.  Minutes went by, but no McCartney, which we couldn’t figure out as we hadn’t even seen him pull out of his parking space.  One of the older kids who lived on the street was still with us, so we courageously sent her to check it out, only to find he was gone!

This didn’t diminish our enthusiasm however, for it had still been the most unforgettable day of our lives.  As we started towards the bus stop, we saw “Left” emerge from the studio across the street, and get into his van.  Unlike the Macs, he turned around and pulled out onto the main street.  So we stuck out our thumbs as he came by and nearly fell over with shock when he stopped and picked us up!  Nevertheless, we clambered gracefully aboard, voicing our thanks; Kath, Marla, and I slid into the front beside him.  He started off with a jolt that threw the three of us for a tumbling backward with broke us all up.  Once we got ourselves back together, we politely inquired if he were “A Left Wing or  A Right Wing” which served to amuse him anyway.  (I’m sure he was already convinced we were crazy!) He was sweet as could be, and even a little shy.  He told us they hoped the album would be ready by Christmas, and that the sessions were going very well.

He took us as far as Kilburn, holding up traffic for half a block as we all piled out as gracefully as we’d gotten in; then yours truly (Miss Coordination Plus of ’73) was embarrassed to death when my purse dumped in the front seat!  I grabbed frantically at things while Henry patiently assured me he’d save anything I left behind.  Then he was gone….

Wings Forever!

The Fat Man Tour

Bruce McMouse

What are they all looking at in Paul's hand?

Oh!  It is Bruce McMouse!

The long lost Bruce McMouse animated film is coming to limited places around on the Globe on January 21.   St. Louis is not one of them.