Backstage with Wings

 

Thanks for the music, Jimmy

 

Italian life

 

Wings on Ice

 June 8, 1976 - Detroit

Wings plus 1

 

Silly Love Songs in Berlin

 

March 22, 1976 in Berlin, Germany 

Wings over the green room

 

Jimmy and Paul

 

Water Wings

 

Wings over (or under) Uniroyal Tires

 May 7, 1976 - Detroit, Michigan

Hey Hey Hey -- Wings in Kansas City

 

I didn't see another concert until Kansas City which was really decided at the last minute when my mom (who lives in Kansas) offered me a ticket!  Somehow she'd managed to get a couple of 2nd row loge seats (which were actually sitting on the floor - they were added rows) equal with 7th-row seats so I couldn' stay no to that!  I arrived in K.C. early on the morning of the 29th after having taken another night flight and was met at the airport by my parents.  After catching a few hours of sleep once again, we drove into downtown K.C. in search of Kemper Arena.  We found it without much trouble but never did find the airport Paul was supposed to be arriving at. 

The concert in my opinion was the best of the 8 I saw so I'm not going to complain much anyway!  My mom went with me and came out wishing she could make Denver, too.  So goes the power of McCartney charisma.  It brought to mind the poem I've often read with the lines "Tossing his hair, grinning his grin, waving his hand, moving his guitar, until you couldn't breathe, right .... and your mother looked strained and never again asked you what you saw in him."  From the minute Paul walked onto stage everyone, at least in our area, stood and so we remained standing for the entire show.  The crowd absolutely loved him and wasn't shy in letting him know, which is what he really picks up on, so I think that's why he put on such an exceptional performance.  He had on the same outfit as in Houston, only minus the necklaces and with blue satin lapels instead of pink.   Linda had on a blue jersey dress which had gathered around the hips, a scarf around her neck, and knee-hi boots.  At one point during the first part of the concert, Paul started singing "Kansas City" which, of course, got a big rise out of the crowd.  Just before "I've Just Seen a face" started Paul reverted to his English introduction of the song by saying "does anybody like a bit of skiffle?"  Then catching himself and observing the crowd's perplexity, he added, "Don't' know what it is, do you? Well, it's country style."  

Then after the song, he kicked his foot high in the air which he also did after several of the rockers.  As the concert progressed, I kept noticing the sweat on his face -- his hair which was all fluffy on top and parted -- his knees and the Beatles smile he kept flashing to the audience.  At moments like that it was like having a '66 Beatles film superimposed over this live '76 concert  After another song, "Lady Madonna" I believe Paul especially hyper -- saluting, giving the peace sign, the thumbs-up sign, thrusting his fist in the air, and scratching his head.  Then whenever he'd switch from piano to bass or vice versa he'd turn around and say "Hi" to the audience in the back of the stage.  He also had a habit that night of pulling his pants up and tucking his shirt in which wasn't exactly a repulsive sight.  By the time the concert was nearing it's end, his air was absolutely soaking wet.  what a performance he had given and how the crowd had appreciated it!  It was like a mutual love affair Paul's love of performing versus the crowd's love of him as a performer.  Paul and Linda walked off stage with their arms around each other after the first encore and then after the 2nd encore someone threw a little whit heat on stage which he proceeded to put on and it was just too cute for words!  

After the concert as I waited for some of the crowd to clear out I saw Madeleine and a few minutes later Barb, Joanne, and Richie so we talked for a while and then we went outside to wait for Paul to leave.  Shortly before Paul came out, Barb pointed out Robert Ellis to me so I went over to say hi to him and was greeted with a kiss, which sort of took me by surprise.  IT was nice talking to him and having at least someone acknowledge that I was remembered.  It was more than I could say for the rest of Paul's entourage!  Soon after I returned, Paul's limo drove out and as flashbulbs went off, I was able to catch a clear view of him smiling and waving as he tried to look in all directions.  After he'd gone I never saw people clear out so quickly.  

Seeing Wings in Houston

 

The continued story of Doylene following Wings on the Over America Tour of 1976 from the May/June 1976 issue of McCartney Ltd. 

Luckily, the next morning, Cindy was able to find a late flight out of Houston for us with the help of a travel agent, but we had to change planes and couldn't get one later at 11:00 which meant we'd have to leave the concert early, but that would certainly be better than missing it altogether, so we were on our way.  We arrived in Houston just shortly before the concert was to began so we grabbed a bite to eat and some film and then made our way to the Summit.  the three of us were among the last in but somehow we ended up in front of the center stage anyway, so for a while at least after the concert started it was absolute heaven.  I was separated from Mary Ann and Cindy almost immediately by the pushing crowd but luckily the direction I was pushed was close and closer to the stage, so I ended up with my position during the first set with PAul on bass but then things started getting crazy and I was nearly killed but those first few songs were worth death.  

This is where I really noticed how slim he'd gotten and how good his hair looked -- longer on top with it cut just above his ears on the side and touching his shoulders in the back.  He was wearing another new outfit, same pants, but this time with a long-sleeved suit length black jacket which had gold (and silver) sequins across the shoulders, pink satin lapels in the front, and a black knit top underneath.  Plus around his neck was a were a Sings and a Speed of Sound necklace.  I only had the opportunity to take about 18 photos before my arms were pinned down by the very enthusiastic crowd but what I got for fantastically close including a couple of him looking right in my direction. 

Then it was mayhem!  Paul asked if we were having a good time once and I gave him a dirty look!  Then Denny and Jimmy finally asked the crowd to move back, but of course, no one paid any attention; not even when Paul later repeated the request himself.  I also remember yelling "YES" when Paul came to his "does anybody know what a rhythm box is" line but if I'm lucky that was lost in the roar of the crowd.  I really remember visual things from the concert much more than audio, probably because I was lucky enough to get so close for once.  So forgive me if that's what I've tended to dwell on here.  I had to start making my way out of the crowd during "Magneto" or "My Love" bu that was a long tedious process so it wasn't until during "Time to Hide" that we actually went walking out of the building.  I finally got to the lobby and walked the length of it a few times before Mary Ann and Cindy and I finally found each other!  It was so hard to walk out just before "Beware my Love" but at least we'd gotten to come and see most of the show.  Finding the car (where our suitcases were) in that maze of a parking lot was another nightmare though nothing compared to what lay in store for us at the airport.  Between having to go thru security 100 times and fighting with people and forgetting my suitcase on the first plane after it was already locked up, the trip home was a real barrel of laughs.  We couldn't believe all this crap actually happened to us in one night, but as always, looking back, it was worth it...but never would I have gone through it for anyone else!

Wings in Fort Worth (1976)

This story written by the sweet Doylene was from the May/June issue of McCartney Ltd. 

Paul's long-awaited American tour, finally got underway May 3rd in Ft. Worth, Texas, and I'm sure that everyone who caught any of his shows will agree with me that it was well worth the wait.  It had been a long time (10 years!) since any tour had created such excitement or received so much coverage from the press and it must've been a very sweet success to Paul after the long, hard battle he'd fought to have Wings accepted. 

We (Cindy, Marry Ann, and I) arrive din Ft Worth at 2am on the morning of the 3rd and were met at the airport by George, Barb, and Joanna who took us by the hotel where the band was staying (in Dallas) and then drove us back to our motel in Ft. Worth.  After a few hours of sleep, we were off to the Community Center and were later joined there by Madeline (fresh back from the European tour!) and a group of girls from Ohio and Indiana.  As time passed the anticipation of seeing him again began to build steadily so that by the time he arrived with Linda and the kids in a large red car (yes, he was driving!) the knees were more than a little ready to tremble!  My first thought was that I'd never seen him look so good.  He was wearing the same shirt he had on when he posed for the photo with me in Glasgow and his faced was so tan.  He also looked thinner (not that he was at all heavy before) which became even more apparent when we saw him in concert and his hair was neatly layered and shiny.  As I said, he'd never looked better.  He looked so happy, too and I honestly think he went slowly on purpose so that people could take photos which I proceeded to do when he was right in front of me.  

After he pulled in, everyone was having the typical reaction -- ear to ear grins that couldn't be wiped away and knees that had forgotten how to hold themselves steady.   It is absolutely incredible what that man can do to people by just being in their presence. A girl later said in Kansas City that he was one of God's chose people and I truly believe that.  We passed the time until the concert by trying to eat and then made our way back to the TCCC.  Luckily, Cindy, Mary Ann, and I were able to swap our original $8.75 tickets for $9.75 ones in the loge so after the doors were opened we were all set to enjoy Paul's triumphant opening night.  I really had no idea how much more exciting his U.S. shows were going to be, as compared to his British ones.  I wouldn't have thought it was possible but I guess maybe it had a lot to do with this being the first time Paul and the American audience had had to get off on each other in 10 years!  The anticipation was incredible!  Paul played that hand tot he fullest, too by walking out onto a darkened stage so that it was just that much longer before people could see him.  

Then a dim light, smoke, and bubbles encircled him as he began the opening cars of "Venus and Mars" but it wasn't until "Rock Show" that the bright stage lights came on so that he could be clearly seen.  But once again, it was worth the wait.  He had on black satin pants with a matching black and white satin waist-length jacket which was definitely a vast improvement over the British tour outfit.  The lighting for several songs also proved to be a lot classier.  The first he spoke to the audience was after "Jet" where he came out with a hearty "Howdy Texas!" in his best Texan accent.  Then he went directly into "Let me Roll it" which he needed with two consecutive "Oh yeah's" said in the distinctive McCartney style, of course.

Then he continued on with "Now I'll hand you over to, ah, this is Denny Laine here"  (at which point Denny chimed in with "Hi, how are you Dallas?) "and this is Spirits of Ancient Egypt."  The end bit on this song was particularly good with Paul really getting into his bass.  Next Pau;l turned introductions over to Jimmy with "This is Jimmy" and Jimmy finished it with "Howdy! Nice to be here after the delay.  We're gonna carry on with a song I wrote off Venus and Mars, It's Medicine Jar."  This number went down really well with the crowd as always and after it as over Jimmy announced, "We're going to switch here.  Paul's gonna go on piano."  and then he said hello to the people up back.  Settled at the piano Paul went into a beautiful rendition of "Maybe I'm Amazed" with the painting of a candle used as a backdrop.  He received tremendous applause for that one and then announced his next song "Call me BAck Again" as being off the Venus and Mars LP (at later concerts he usually added that it had been recorded in New Orleans).  It was usually around this song that he threw in a lot of "alright, alright" said in that same voice used as the intro to "Listen to what the man said" on the LP.  

The first Beatles song of the evening was introduced by Paul with, "Listen if anyone feels like having a stomp around or urge to surge...I'd like to hear you clapping your hands or doing something similar.  It's an old tune, this one."  Not unexpectedly the familiar opening bars of "Lady Madonna" brought a great round of applause from the crowd who continued clap along throughout the song -- which finished once, then went into again to the delight of everyone there.  Then he slowed down the tempo and went into the hauntingly beautiful "Long and Winding Road."  (which he usually introduced "Now that we've speeded you up, we'll slow you down" but he let it go without intro on this first night.  I don't think the flawless voice he displays on this song could ever be equaled by any other performer.  Next, Paul turned us over to Linda with "I'll turn you over to my Mrs. now."  (later in the tour adding "and friend.") to introduce the next song -- take it, girl."   Linda carried on with "This next one was written for a British citizen #007, it's called 'Live and Let Die.'.  As everyone knows who read any of the press clippings or been to any shows this song was the show stopper as far as stage theatrics were concerned.  The end of the first verse was met by explosions which were followed by strobe lights and climaxed again with explosions.  This was the thing the American audience, in particular, seemed to really go for.  So with this song, he managed to satisfy that taste without ever having to sacrifice the music because of it. yes, for this tour had thought of everything. 

After the excitement of the last number, there had to be a change of pace so it was here Paul announced, "This is where we have a sit-down and play our acoustic guitars awhile."    "Picasso's Last Words" and "Richard Cory" passed without introduction, then for "Blue Bird" came the so familiar "Does anybody know what a rhythm box is?"  (by now it's a household word) to which he added, "Well, this is it" as the rhythms began.  Next "I've Just Seen a Face" which he   brought  on with "Anyone fancy a stomp?"  Then finally there was "Blackbird" and "Yesterday"-- always the sentimental moments of the evening.  As "Yesterday" was ending I heard a guy behind me exclaiming "Oh God that was beautiful" which pretty much summed up the feelings of everyone as they stood to give him a ten-minute ovation.  If I remember right he held the guitar above his head and flowers were thrown to him -- if not the first night it certainly occurred on most following nights.  The next song was "You Gave Me The Answer" which Paul almost always dedicated to Fred Astaire (or Gene Autrey as in Atlanta and Tucson) but he went straight into it without intros in Ft. Worth.  This is one song where the new lighting was really dramatic, the whole area below the piano, and Paul flashed on like a red theatre marque with yellow lights outlining.  

Denny introduced the following song "Magneto" by saying "This next one is from Venus and Mars and it's all about some comic book characters you grew up with" and alikeness of them was used as a backdrop.  "Magneto" was followed by "My Love" with Paul, "Listen, we want to do a song for all the lovers in the audience -- I've think we've got a few here tonight!"  with him added a "Wo! Let me hear you say Wo."  Listen to What the Man Said with Paul saying, "Let me hear you clapping and stomping to this one."  He usually introduced the latter by saying it was one you could shake your bums to but he was a bit subdued this first night I guess.  After the song was over Paul paused to say, "As a lot of you probably know this is the first night of our tour."  (mucho applause) so listen I wanna tell you were just having a good time, you know?  So we hope you are too!"  "Let 'em in" was next with Paul saying,  "A tune from our new album "Speed of Sound."  It was almost unbelievable the way the sound of the record was duplicated on stage for this one -- from door chimes to the marching snare drum that Denny carried onto the stage.  ?At this point, Paul took up the bass again and Denny introduced "Time to Hid" by saying, "This is another one from the sam record -- whatever you call it -- it's s song which I wrote."  I really, really loved this one in concert.  It was exhilarating and it was a real joy to watch and listen to Paul's bass playing on it.  He was into it all the way.  Next came "Silly Love Songs" with Jimmy introducing it as "another one from the new album" to which Paul usually added "and our current single."  This turned out to be another real treat.  I'd always thought it was a nice song but I had no idea how exciting it could be in concert.  But, I'll tell you when he started strutting back and forth across the stage whenever there was an instrumental bar the old blood pressure rose another couple degrees!  IT was incredible! now all I needed to totally drive me pas the point of no return was for Paul to launch into "Beware my love" which I decided was my all-time favorite song the first time I heard it.  That's exactly what he proceeded to do, with a "Listen, if any of you feel like getting on your feet and bopping that's okay by us."  Then leave out the first few bars he started right off with the "Wo, wo, wo, no-no, NO!" and I was gone.  I couldn't believe it--one my 30th concert and I still couldn't get used to him or stop the tears from coming to my eyes.  The song kept building, through, too -- it's one of the most climactic songs I've ever heard until, by the end, Paul was just letting out one scream after another.  

Then finally it was over and I could almost breathe again.  It was here that Paul paused to say, "alight, alight, alight, tonight" several times and then went on to say, "I suppose you've noticed these fellas standing in back of us, well, I'd like to introduce them to you," which he proceeded to do starting with Thadeous (when the audience applauded Paul asked for more because Thadeous loved it!), then Howie, Steve (introducing him as the hometown boy) and Tony ("last and sometimes least!").  Then Paul added "They're going to help us do the next song, "Letting Go!"  I still don't mind that song in concert at all, either!  Really so much more dynamic on stage than on record, which is what can be said about ALL Paul's material actually.  Finally, or should I say before we knew it, Paul was saying, "Listen, we're getting near the end of our show, here, so listen, you've been a lovely audience, that's for sure.  It's been a pleasure to play here in Texas, let me tell you."  And with that, they began "Band on the Run" accompanied by the film of them making the cover of the album.  Then they left the stage to thunderous applause which seemed to go on forever.  Finally, they returned for the first encore which was "Hi Hi Hi" and was introduced by Paul with a "Feel like rocking a bit?"  Then they were gone again for another round of seemingly endless applause.  But everyone knew they ere going to return one more time as the house lights were still down and there was eerie green smoke beginning to rise from behind the stage.  The final encore turned out to be "Soily" and the new lighting for it was another addition which was most striking.  After the group returned to the stage, they played a long instrumental intro, and then as the vocals began a beam of light was projected across the total length of the stadium's ceiling and smoke came oozing out over it, making all kinds of marble patterns as it went.  All the lighting was still green except for a red spotlight on Paul.  It was a fantastic concert!  Then the band left the stage for the last time with Paul and Linda being the last to leave as they walked off stage with their arms around each other. 

A couple other points of interest that happened during this concert but that I've forgotten in just with sequence include a guy running up on stage to shake hands with Paul ( I have a movie film of them).  also, there are a lot of sound effects used off and on during the show -- a voice saying "everyone is so suspicious" and a pig grunting!  

After the show, we hung around the theater a bit and finally ran into Sarah, but still being a bit "hungover" from the concert we didn't have much opportunity to communicate intelligently!  We hadn't planned to see the Houston concert, only Ft. Worth.  But after that performance, we KNEW we had to do it.  So I looked up Kay, who had told me she had one extra ticket earlier, bought it, and vowed that we'd find two more tickets and a late flight out of Houston the next day.  With that decided, George took us to the band's hotel again and this time we had something to eat in the restaurant where Joe English, Robert Ellis, and others were dining.  Then it was back to the motel, supposedly to sleep, but someone Mary Ann, Cindy, and I ended up listening to almost the entire tape of the concert so it was quite late before we finally did! 

Not Social Distancing here either

With much thanks to Benoit! 

EMI Welcomes Wings

Venus and Mars in New Orleans

45 years ago Paul and the rest of Wings were in New Orleans working on the Venus and Mars album. 

Food for Thought

Leaving Paul's House

Wings Sing-a-long

Down on the Farm