The Wings of Man

 

Photos of Paul in Finland can be found in the book Wings Live: On tour in the 70s by Adrian Allen.  You can order the book here https://paulmccartneyafterthebeatles.com/wings-live-whats-inside-a-sneak-preview/

The Wings of Man

By Bea Wilkstorm

McCartney Ltd

December 1972 issue

The whole thing started on June 29th when there was an enormous headline on the front page of Finland's largest newspaper saying, "Beatle Paul to play Finland."  I simply couldn't believe my eyes.  I've been a Beatle fan all my life but never seen any of them in person.  It just seemed too good to be true (although I knew Paul wouldn't approve of the Beatle reference).

The first thing I did the next morning was to telephone the box office, but they had never heard of a Wings concert.  I thought this is the same as before -- only rumors.  I called regularly and lost heart a hundred times before finally getting a ticket. 

The 4th of August, the concert day, finally arrived.  I felt so strange and could not believe that I was actually going to see James Paul McCartney for the first time in person.  The seats were unnumbered, so my friend and I arrived quite early, and yet when we arrived, there were already a lot of people, and we got seats in the 12th row.  In the end, there were about 5000 people there, and that's a lot for Helsinki!  

At last, it was 8:00, the light dimmed, and there he was (I know I should say "they were," but it was a while before I could take my eyes off Paul).  He looked so gorgeous.  I just sat there staring with that funny feeling in my stomach.  It was not until I was able to get right up in front of the stage to take some photos that I really grasped who he was.  When I saw him close and saw those fabulous eyes of his, I about died.  At one time, I know he looked straight at me.  I was the only one up front.  I'm sorry I wasn't able to take a photo of him standing with his left hand behind his head, as that's what he did all the time he was talking. 

I won't give you many details about the songs they sang or how the concert was planned.  I'm sure you have heard everything about the Frankfurt concert.  They sang 14 songs in all.  Wings got warm applause after every song, but still, Paul wasn't really satisfied.  He tried to get us going by saying, "we don't want to be the only one working up here."  After a while, he succeeded, but not until he said, "this is our last number now - GET UP! Let's rock this hall!"  Everyone stood up and began to dance.  The feeling was just too much.  I think I'll never get over it.  By then, I was right up front and was able to get a good close look at him.  Everybody loved it -- even Wings.  Paul even made up a small improvised dance with Linda.  Most of the reviewers were impressed with his voice and the piano playing, though they did get some unfavorable reviews, mainly I think, because Paul refused to give any interviews.  I could go on telling you about the concert forever, but I'll sum it all up by saying that Paul looked fabulous, sang very well (his voice was much stronger than I had expected) and the whole group was really good.  In short a super concert!

Meeting Paul and Linda in 1974

 From McCartney Ltd 

September/October/November 1974 

 

For the first 3 ½ weeks of our trip which started on September 1st, it seemed that we weren’t going to get to see Paul at all to speak of.  We’d seen him once very briefly as he went by in his car, but that was hardly enough to satisfy us.  However, we had vowed that we were not going to bother him at his house so we kept waiting for a better time and place to come along and hoping that in the end there would be something to the old adage that all things come to those who wait.  

 

As it turned out our patience was to be rewarded, but the ironic thing about our first encounter with him was that it came completely unexpectedly.  That, by the way, is the key to success.  Never expect anything because when you do it usually never happens.   

In my case, after much thought, we finally decided to go to the house on the 24th just to leave some things for Linda’s birthday.  We fully expected Rosey to come out and fetch the gifts, nothing more.  Who should come driving up just after Marie had rung the bell and Rosey had answered?  None other than Paul himself of course, and when we saw that call pulling up, I think we all wanted to turn and run the other way!  But, luckily, we didn’t and Paul immediately bopped over to us thinking the gifts were for him!  But after Maire had explained that they were for Linda’s birthday (Paul: “Oh, you’re waiting for Linda?!?!”) he then offered to go in and get her for us.  However, Marie told him that someone was already on the way out for the gifts and just then Rosey appeared to prove our point!  We had him so confused!   

 

So anyway, he then asked Rosey if he could come in and told us that he’d see if Linda could come out “if we didn’t mind waiting” (sure Paul).  But as it turned out Linda was napping at the time so he asked us if it’d be alright if he took things to her.  Marie told him that “Yes, he’d do” so he took the flowers from her (asking if she’d come over from New York again!) and then he asked me if I wanted him to take the cake, I was holding onto her as well – at which point Marie told me to “go ahead and give it to him – that I could trust him!”  So, I did while saying something like that would be just fine with me.  Then just before he went in, he told us that we could come back the next day to see Linda and for photos of both of them if we like – first asking if 6:00 would be okay with us and then changing it to between 12 and 1 when he remembered that they were going to be mixing tapes later one.  So naturally, we did come back on the following day and in some respects, that day was even better! 

I say that mostly because of the fact that they posed for photos with us – which was especially nice for me since somehow ended up standing by Paul, with him having his arm around me, while Marie ended up standing by Linda (with no offense to Linda!).  I’m still not quite sure how that happened or how I ever got so lucky for once in my life, but in any case, I certainly enjoyed it.  It was probably thanks to the fact that Linda loves Marie and monopolized her every time we saw them!  But, still, I think that Paul and Linda enjoyed being photographed as well – especially Paul when he noticed that Barbara had a movie camera – started doing this little dance for her that was just so cute! 

The next two times we saw Paul were again from a distance –first from across the street at E.M.I. when he was mixing tapes there and then a few days later at a hotel.  We had big plans for that night - like already being in the hotel restaurant when he walked in, but too late we found out that we had to have reservations well in advance for that so we had to settle for watching him walk by from the lobby. 

 

Then finally the 2nd week of October he started work on the new LP at E.M.I., so we got to see him several more times there and he stopped to talk with us at least briefly each time.  One night in particular Marie even had to help direct him out of his parking place – he almost hit the car next to him---twice!  But I guess the most memorable night at E.M.I. was the last time we saw him.  Marie told him that we’d come to say goodbye since we’d be leaving England in a couple days so he stopped and talked for a while. He asked us about our trip – what we’d done and if we’d enjoyed ourselves this time.  Linda told us that they’d gotten the card we sent them in Scotland.  Then Marie told Paul that Mimi had asked him when he saw her Paul said, “Oh?  How is Mimi?”   We told him just fine and about how nice she’d been to us.  And then Marie added that Mimi did miss John, though and Paul said, thoughtfully, that he imagined she would.  Then somewhere along the line, Paul noticed that there were two guys “with” us – one a pen friend of Marie (Hi Dave!) and the other a stranger to us.  So, he asked us if they were friends of ours, to which Marie very enthusiastically replied, “Yes!”  But that didn’t seem to satisfy Paul because then he had to add “How long have you known them?” Well, as you can imagine, we were quite enjoying the whole course this conversation had taken and would have let him think whatever he wanted – but then the one guy had to go and spoil things by saying he’d only met us a few minutes ago (darn).  However, not to be completely discredited Marie piped in that we had known Dave for a while.  It really was cute to see Paul’s reaction, though – his ego just couldn’t take the thought of us looking at anyone but him.  Then Dave asked him about his touring plans and the other guy asked him about his new LP.  So, we stood talking for a few minutes about that, and then Paul told us goodbye and to have a safe trip home.  That was a great way to end what had been a very special trip for us but on the other hand, it also made it even harder than it already was for us to leave.  He had been so nice to us and so natural, throughout our trip – but then we hadn’t made a nuisance of ourselves at his house like we could have very easily done.  The temptation to see him and talk with him every single day was great but, in the end, it was worth a lot more to have had just a few very special encounters with him than to have had many encounters with him but some of them having been unpleasant.  Paul really has a tremendous amount of patience and tolerance where fans are concerned – but he is human and can only take so much, so please, whenever anyone is planning to see him – remember that, consider his feelings and let’s not blow this special thing we have with him! 

London '73

This story really highlights how kind and patient Paul and Linda could be with the fans.   The fan telling this story here, Jan is quite immature at the time of the story and overstepped her bounds a few times.   I do not know Jan, but if she reads this, I hope she understands that I am not making fun of her or putting her down.   I think she is very cute and sweet but did not seem to comprehend at that time just how famous Paul and Linda really were.    However -- Paul and Linda both went out of their way to show her such kindness and that kindness is something that she never forgot. (By the way -- she "dies" at least 4 times during this story!  haha!)

 London ‘73

Jan Combs

McCartney Ltd

March/April 1975

 

Hi!  Jan Combs here.  As most of you know I went to London on November 19, 1973, and met Paul and Linda on November 22, 1973, which is a day I will never forget.

Anyway, this is what happened.  I decided to try and find Paul’s house so I took a bus to St. John’s Wood.  Which is very near to Abbey Road and E.M.I. Studios.  I couldn’t get over the fact I was actually there.  Well, as I walked down Circus Road.  I found Cavendish Avenue.  Die!  I turned right and there was Paul’s house a few steps away.  Oh God.  I couldn’t help but stare at his enormous house.  So beautiful and colorful.  I noticed some men were working next door to Paul’s, so I asked if they know Paul was home. One man said, “Oh, Paul is in the backyard.”  I about panicked but then he told me Paul was gone but would be back around half-past four.  I got there at 2:00 so I figured heck, I’d wait forever to see Paul.  I rang his bell on the gate to see if anyone would answer.  Sure enough, someone did.  She replied, “Yes?”  I said, “Is Paul home?”  She answered, “No sorry no one is home.” Click.  I thought, "Could that have been Linda?"  I waited a while and rang again.  This time I said, “Is his Linda?”  She replied, “Yes, speaking. “I was totally stunned at that moment.  (Note:  It really wasn’t Linda.  It was their maid.  I think she likes to fool a lot of their fans.)

I said, “Do you know when Paul will be home?”  She said, “Oh ‘they’ should be here very shortly.”  I had to say I traveled 3,000 miles to see Paul and she said, “Oh really?  How nice.”  And hung up.

Well, I stood by his gate hoping he would show up.  Man, I about froze.  A cop drove up and rang Paul’s bell.  The maid had called the cops.  He went in for a few moments and came back out to the car.  I walked up to the policeman and said “Is it alright if I wait for Paul?”  He said, “Well, it’s ok as long as you don’t climb over the wall.  Actually, they don’t like to be bothered.  I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he told you to get lost.”  I said, “Oh, that would break my heart.”  He told me it was ok and drove off.  I gave him the peace sign and he smiled.

 

At about 4:40PM a yellow car drove up.  I didn’t look to see who it was until I noticed a tall handsome dude come out behind the car.  I looked at him – once was enough.  It was Paul!  Oh God.  I about died.  Here was our conversation:

Jan:  Oh Paul?

Paul:  Yes? (He came right over to me)

Jan:  I have something for you.

Paul:  Really?

Jan:  This picture was taken by my friend Brenda from your special.

Paul:  Ah yes!

Right then Linda came by my side.

Jan:  Oh Paul, can I have your autograph?

Paul:  Sure.

AS he signed my book I couldn’t help but cry.  When I did, Linda patted my shoulder and said,

Linda: “Oh, it’s alright.”

Jan:  Oh God, I can’t believe this.  

Paul looked at me so sad.  Linda said to Paul, “Ah, everybody is happy because it’s almost Christmas, ya know?”

Paul:  Yeah.

Linda:  Are you from America?

I shook my head yes.

Linda:  What part?

Jan:  Washington

Linda:  you mean, Washington D.C.?

Jan:  No, the state of Washington.

Linda:  Where are you staying?

Jan:  In Hampstead.

Linda:  How long will you stay?

Jan:  A month

Paul got done signing his autograph and handed my book to Linda.  Paul then picked Stella up into his arms.  I had to kiss her on the cheek.  Paul said, “Uh—lots of kisses.”  Mary ran back to the car and Paul halfway yelled, “Mary, you little runt!”  I started to cry again and I said, “Oh I love you both.”  Paul and Linda put their arms around me.  I died.

Paul took hold of my left hand and said, “Ooo you’ve got cold hands!”

Jan:  God, I’m so cold.  I’m about ready to die.

Paul:  Well, now you can get out of the cold. 

This meant they were going in.

Jan:  Paul, can I come inside?

Paul:  Oh, no.  We’ve been gone all day and the kids need to be taken care of.

Linda gave me hug and kissed my cheek.  She wished me a Merry Christmas and went inside the house.  Paul then gave me a hug and kissed my neck!  Oh – I cried all the way back to Hampstead!

Paul went to the gate and called the kids to come with him.  I waved and said, “Bye Paul!”  He said “Bye!”

Well, that’s what happened. I still can’t believe it.  Paul and Linda are such beautiful people.  You have to love them both.  Really!  My dream finally came true.  I am so very happy it did. 

Howdy from Europe

 

A Big Howdy from Europe!

By Patti from Texas

McCartney Ltd

January/February 1974

 

We arrived on Christmas Day (1973).  I was the instigator to find Paul as Sandy was after the chap who hides in Henley.  As it was Christmas Day we decided to definitely respect that and not go to St. John’s Wood.  So much for that!  We went with the idea of just seeing the colors of the house.  I took the presents along all the same.  After watching the colors.  I rang the bell.  It was about 4:30pm and getting dusk.

“Hello!?”  It was such a funny voice that answered that I thought it was Rosie.  As I was explaining that we were from Texas and had presents to leave I realized it was not Rosie.  “Wait just a minute!”  The door opened and feet stomped out at a run.  The gates opened and I was expecting to see one of his cousins or someone.  Wrong!  It was Paul standing in front of us, all smiles and huge eyes with an ‘ok, where’s my presents?’  I checked twice at his face because   I wasn’t sure it was him!  He smiled and said, “Where are you from?”  I said “Texas” again and said I was really sorry to bother him at Christmas.  Paul said, “You’re not bothering me.  Well, it’s Christmas Day!”  He then asked us how we got there.  I wasn’t sure which he meant – to England or to Cavendish Avenue.  “How’d you get here?  By car?”  He looked up the street.  I answered no and Sandy answered, “walked.”  That must have been jumbled as we said it together.  I handed him the presents and said “Now you’ve got to be sure to give them to the right people.”  I found myself saying this in a tone – sort of joking.  “Ok!” said Paul.  I was disappointed Linda didn’t come out.  I read in the English paper that her family from New York was there for Christmas so I assumed they were all inside.  I asked him if Linda was there inside and he said “Yes, we’re all home.”  I explained the Horseman’s Bible was for Heather and he began flipping through the pages.  I gave him Why Kill To Eat (a vegetarian cookbook) for Linda.  “Good, she’ll like that.”  That made me feel good.  I must say here that I thought then I didn’t see how he took it all really and remains so happy and sincere.  He was so warm.  It was calming.  I was quite nervous but wanted to show him the respect he deserved.  I gave him the Christmas stockings of candy for the babies.  I didn’t know if they could have candy.  “Sure they can!”  That was another very warm statement.  Then we handed him the black western hat with a few feathers in the band.  “Oh, a Stetson!”  Clever lad.  I said, “No, not quite,” as it was slightly less expensive.  He put it on to model. 

I asked him if I could take a photo.  “Sure you can!”   I asked if he thought they would come out as it was getting darker.  “Yes of course!”  Quite confident.  I don’t know what I was expecting – like him to say “would you rather come inside and take them?”  I also said, “Do you know what we did today?”  Why I said that only shows nervousness.  I Was rather proud of our walking 4 miles to Buckingham Palace from our hotel at Kensington Gardens.  Paul said, “No, what?”  I noticed the dogs pouring out of the front door.  I said, “Oh! You’ve got more than Martha!”  Anything for conversation.  He said, “I’ve got four!” He was very proud.  He then introduced a few.  “This is Martha and this is her husband Lucky!”  I asked if I could photograph Martha and he said something about being careful.  I didn’t understand.  I asked him if she was afraid.  He said “No.”  I reached down to pet her and he began rubbing his arms with both hands.  He was cold.  He said, “Okay, one more now because it’s cold.”  So he posed again.  He still looks about 21.  By coincidence, he had on a silk western shirt that was really fantastic!  Huge flowers and black.

I told him to tell Linda hello.  He said he would.  “Ok then, it’s Howdy from Europe!”  The typical McCartney!  We laughed.  He told us “tarrah” and closed the gate and we heard him run back to the door.  He was marvelous.  I talked to Linda later on the intercome as Poppy (the Lab) followed us one day.  She was very nice and thanked us for returning her.  I talked to Heather on her birthday and gave her daffodils.  She said she remembered me from last year so that made me feel great.  That day Sandy and I were with two pals from San Diego.  We met by chance, Cindy and Maryann.  We were quite relieved to meet two friends and not two who were going to have to debate with.  Paul and Linda are loved and respected in England.  They seem to be everywhere!  And so on that note, it’s a big “Howdy from Europe!”  

New York or Bust

From time to time people ask me to post a story where Paul is not his usual happy self toward fans.   It is well known that Paul and Linda were pretty rude toward a lot of people in 1970-1971.    I do not post a lot of these stories, not because I am trying to protect Paul, but because a lot of the fans that are in the stories are visitors of this site and I do not want to make them uncomfortable or remind them of unhappy things.  

Yes, Paul and Linda were both unkind toward fans and really could have handled some of their interactions with fans differently.   However -- knowing what we know now,  Paul and Linda's reactions are understandable.

This story isn't too terrible and the girl that Paul says rude things to isn't named, so I thought I would share this one for those of you who wanted to read this type of story.  

 New York or Bust…???

By Sarah

McCartney Ltd.

December 1972

 

It all began on October 24, 1970, the day Sher and I returned from our 6-week stay in London’s Sloane Square.  On October 8^th we see on the front page of a paper – a smiling crewcut shorn man with sunglasses, alias Paul “Martin” McCartney in all places by NEW YORK!  WE fell apart inside and decided that someone up there was against us --- what rotten timing was it for real???

So we stayed out in London until the planned day and went to New York to find no one had found him yet.  Of course, I just got back to Indiana when Sher found out where he was recording by making a lot of phone calls!

Believe me, you haven’t lived until you’ve gotten up at the crack of dawn, gone to the airport, jumped on a flight to NY, and suddenly found yourself at Columbia Recording Studios (via Sher’s apartment) in all of three hours – phew!  But Pamela and myself made it but only after scrapping her up off the sidewalk after seeing a very George looking soul leaning against a car.

 

Once we got there we were told we had just missed him – just what we didn’t need to hear, so we went across the street to attempt to eat but one finds it hard when you know he’s in that building over there.  At 2:30 Paul, Linda, Heather, and Mary being carried by Paul stepped out of the doors and posed for pics.  Most people bunched up around them and Heather got separated and looked petrified.  Paul wore his navy blue suit, Linda beige midi, and shawl, Linda stepped out to hail a cab as Paul turned around and said, “Please don’t’ follow us.”  Then they got in the cab and left I just stood in a happy daze after not having seen him since August 1969.  This one girl was screaming and went off to tell her mother.  Half an hour later from around the corner came Paul with Linda on his right, arms around each other.  Once they got closer, he pulled her nearer.  Two girls gave him gifts for May and Heather and he said “thank you” and then handed them to Linda.  As they got to the door, Paul let Linda go in first and as he went through, he took off his ever-present sunglasses.  Just then some girls yelled out “PAWL!” (and no I didn’t misspell it).  “Do you love me?”  Paul about killed himself laughing, though everyone outside seemed a bit embarrassed for her comment as this was 1970 and not 1964. 

 

At 6:40 Paul stepped out of the elevator and talked to the doorman, occasionally looking out but then stepped back out of sight.  The cab finally arrived and everyone surged the door.  He stepped out then almost backed off, by they walked straight through as the flashcubes went off like bombs.  Some more gifts were given to him and he took them quickly as Linda was trying to open the cab door which was locked for some idiotic reason.  They banged on the window and still, the driver didn’t catch on as they were getting crushed outside.  Paul finally reached his hand through and opened it himself and they jumped into the cab and took look.  Linda looked relieved but they got caught in traffic not far off the block.  We left then and went back to Sher’s after eating what seemed like a 50lb pizza.

 

We trooped off for Columbia at 8am and had a great ride on NY subways.  I bought Paul flowers – the time was 9:20am.  Bessie came rushing over from across the street staying she was glad to not be the only one waiting.  The fingernails really took a beating that hour as we waited and talked about which way to look and on a one-way street that’s not too difficult.  His cab pulled up at 9:58, I saw him first and said “He’s in the cab.”  Sher said, “What?”  I repeated it and she said “Oh, I’m not going to look (jokingly).  He got out first as Linda paid the taxi.  He was wearing the same suit with a red shirt and cowboy boots (and looking quite gorgeous but with those sunglasses again!)  Sher went up to him and said, “These are for you,” and then handed him the flowers.  He said “Um, oh thank you.  Hey, do me a favor and don’t hang around in the morning.” And walked over to where Pamela, Bessie, and I were standing.  “Hey, look please don’t come around in the morning.  It’s a bit much.”  He gestured with his left hand for that.  It sounds odd but it killed us.  Bessie and I said “ok,” though I remember nothing – it’s that face y’know?

He and Linda went in the studio and we collapsed.  Pamela got a picture of Sher handing him the flowers but just as she took it Linda walked through and hides Sher.  The cab driver had been watching and came over and said “who is that?”  We all said in unison, “You didn’t know???  Paul McCartney!”  His comment was “Are you shitting me?”  He couldn’t believe it.  We asked where he picked them up etc and swapped Paul’s dollar for another from him and split it in hours.  HE said they had been talking nonsense stuff and he didn’t pay much attention to them.  It sounds odd but that dollar had such a clean smell to it – later we found out to be British Sterling Powder.

 

Later when the numbers had increased considerably, while we were waiting a few businessmen stopped and one said: “These girls stand here day after day their sexual frustration must be phenomenal.”    Paul and Linda came out about 2:00 and a Hells Angel reject (ha!) ran up and flashed a cube right in his eyes which he wasn’t happy about.  They got in the can and someone yelled “Turn around Paulie Baby” he glared and said “Don’t you call me that, you_______ (Sara's note - not comfortable putting the unkind word he said here) then the cab left.  The girl was upset and kept saying that he’d said “schmuck” but we all knew that wasn’t it.   Peter, a guy waiting there, said he liked the way Paul walked – like he was walking on air.

 

The cab returned at 4 and they sat there a minute before getting out.  Then Heather went in alone Paul was carrying Mary and then Linda got out.  The girl ran up and said, “I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to offend you,” to which Paul said, “I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”   Then she said, “I don’t want you to hate me.”  Paul’s answer as he passed through the doors was under his breath but, “I don’t even know you.”   There is more that happened but space is limited so I’ll end here.  It was great seeing him though depressing too because you realize how distant you are from him even though space-wise you’re so close.

 

Paul & Linda in NYC

 This story is from the Feb/March 1972 issue of McCartney Ltd. It was written by Sher Miller.   I know the photos I included are from Paul and Linda Honeymoon trip to NYC in March of 1969.  I do not know if these photographs go with the exact date of this story. 

March 18, 1969

On a very cold, windy Tuesday afternoon in New York a group of us stood patiently (not really) waiting for Paul and family to arrive in front of Linda's former apartment house in upper Manhatten.  I remember standing staring down the street as a taxi came towards us.  Everyone else was busy talking but something told me to keep an eye on that cab.  When it was nearly at the corner I could see Paul's beautiful face in the light of the cab.  I grabbed my friend's arm and the rest of them group stood up.  Two girls rushed to the cab as it stopped and stood there as Paul, Linda and Heather got out.  I was a few feet from them.  Paul grabbed his suitcase (a safari bag) and he walked towards us.  I never noticed Linda at that time (or any other time) during their stay here.  In those days she would stand behind him, or walk away while he spoke to us.  IT was almost as if he wasn't married -- he still cared a lot about us then.  

Anyway, as he passed me he smiled and said, "Hello.  How are you?"  I about fell over with surprise as I thought he must have remembered me from London just a few months before.  I said, "Congratulations" and he smiled again and thanked me, and proceeded to say "Hello" to just about everyone individually.  When he got to the apartment house door he stopped and accepted all our gifts.  Then all of a sudden a girl kissed him on the cheek, and since he didn't seem to mind we all kissed him too.  I remember holding his arm as I leaned over to kiss him on the cheek and how soft it was.  He was wearing a beautiful navy blue bell-bottom suit and white shirt.  His hair was shoulder length and shiny.   Then they went upstairs and my friend ran to buy 3 roses from nearby for him from us -- one for each of them.  She handed me the flowers and we waited for them to come out again.  It couldn't have been longer than one hour when Paul and Linda appeared at the door.  He gave us all a big smile and I handed him the roses.  (I really amazed myself at how calm I was acting-- on the outside that is).  He took the roses in one hand and looked straight at me and said, "They're for all three of you."  Then he said to me, "Would I mind if he gave them to the doorman to hold as he was going out."  I shook my head that I didn't' mind and he gave them to the doorman.  Then everyone crowded around and he posed for pictures for a while.  Linda would complain about the flashes and Paul would make jokes about it to her.  We began following them to the corner when he turned around to us (with his arm around Linda) and said, "Please don't follow us.  Give us a break."  It was said so sincerely that most of us decided to wait behind at the apartment.  

We found out later that he had gone to his father in law's house for dinner.  By about midnight our numbers had dwindled down to just about four of us and we were quite frozen.  Suddenly around the corner Paul and Linda came, he quite red-nosed and leaning all over her -- obviously he had indulged in some wine (his favorite drink).  My friend asked him to pose and I watch this from about four feet away.  Then I said (don't ask me why I did it).  "Hurry up Paul, it's cold."  He turned dot look at me and made a face like "Awww" and then he grinned.  Finally, they finished with the picture taking, and as he walked not more than three inches past me into the building I said, "Can I ask you a question?"  and without stopped he said "Yes."  I replied, "Will you be doing any more films like the Jude film"  And just as he disappeared into the lobby he said, "Yesssss."  Just like that holding out the last letter.  Then they got into the elevator and he held up the roses he had just taken back from the doorman and he waved goodnight to us. 

The First Time

This photograph SEEMS to fit with this story, but I am not certain that it was taken at that time. 

 This story is from the February / March 1972 issue of McCartney Ltd  (which happens to be the very first issues -- I have discovered that McCartney Ltd took over the Official Paul McCartney Fan Club once the Official Fan Club ended, but that is a totally different story).

The First Time

Remember the very first time you set eyes upon Mr. Paul McCartney?  It seems to be very common for people who happen to love the man to literally crack up that first time.  You always tell yourself "I'm going to do this and I'm going to say that..."   Well, when the time comes, you're so shocked you don't' know what you're doing.   Remember???

Well, Shar has convinced me into writing a story about the first time I saw Paul.  It was a typical cold, windy day in New York.   Ann and I were getting the first taste of "how to freeze for ten hours while waiting for a Beatles."   It was March 30, 1969, a Sunday, 18 days since "Black Wednesday."  Paul's usually luxury yellow limo (namely a cab) pulled up and the excitement across our cold little bodies suddenly became hot.  HE WAS COMING OUT!  Everyone nervously gasped every time the elevator door opened, expecting him to emerge.  He surprised us all and came from the door leading from a flight of stairs.  There was the usual screams and squeals, and as he came out, he said, "I love you all."  He was tan and beautiful.  All I could say was, "Oh my God...Paul...."   and followed like a puppy after his footsteps.  I didn't know what I was doing.  As he was going toward the taxi he turned and looked straight at me.  The only reason I know he did this is because I took a photo.  I don't remember it happening  

Someone had given him cards and books and hew as looking over them in the taxi.  We all scurried down the street and followed the taxi.  I got right at his window and studied that beautiful face -- his lips are always so cherry red, his face so perfectly shaped with that five o'clock shadow. I even noticed the little hairs in his nose, and those eyes and eyelashes.  His hand was one inch from me, resting on the ledge, and I wanted to put my hand through the window to reach out to his.  For some unknown reason, I started saying "I love you" to him.  He looked up at me and smiled with that sexy "look of love" expression.  Then the car pulled away and he left us.   So many times we wish we could relive those days when Paul would say his most prized possession was his fans:  and he meant it. 

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.  

3 Days in the Lives of Five Desparate Paul People

 Story from the June/July 1972 issue of McCartney Ltd.

July 1, 1972 -  Happy Belated Birthday!

We met Paul on this glorious day in 1972, but to me, it was 1968 all over again.  1968 -- the year I spent many treasured days in the company of a very beautiful Paul.   Days in which I saw him smile, laugh, flirt, get angry, and just be very, very human.  Days of loneliness for him because Jane was gone.  He shared those days with us - his people- outside those 7-foot gates (at times they might as well be 7000 feet).  I think those of us who were in London the summer of '68 will agree we got our closest to him then.  It was great and we got spoiled.  But the last three years had left me living most of my life in the past.  Reliving things I thought would have never happen again.  The way Paul used to laugh at our nervousness with him or smile encouragingly when our words were caught in our throat.  I found myself now loving a person I thought didn't exist anymore. the abrupt (to me) changes in Paul almost had me believing it WAS William Campbell playing that bass.  I've been telling you all this now because on July 1st the past caught up with me. 

Earlier that day Kris, Marie, and Char had seen Paul leave for some unknown destination.  Kris called Sarah and I, and we rushed down to his house with the wine and cards we had.  We'd been dragging around that wine for a week looking for the opportunity to give it to him.   When we tried to do that a few days before we ended up fighting with Heather!  Anyway, Sarah and I got to Paul;'s at about 3:30pm.  The five of us sat nervously in Sarah's car waiting for his return.  I wasn't sure what his new car looked like except that we'd been told it was red and low to the ground.  At about 6 o'clock a car that looked - like something from the Grand Prix came around the opposite corner.  I saw it and said to Kris excitedly, "Is that it??"  She said, "YES!  THAT's IT!!"  I promptly got out of the car as he pulled into the driveway.  I kept saying, "come on" not wanting to end up at the gate by myself.  Marie was close by as I approached the car.  By now Paul had stepped from the car and was opening the gate.  Linda was on our side and she gave us al ook like "don't you dare talk to him."  We ignored her and Marie got Paul's attention.  Just before this, he hadn't looked at us and we really thought he was going to ignore us.  But Marie called him and held up her birthday card.  He raised an eyebrow and lifted his head.  He started approaching us as Linda drove the car in quickly, nearly hitting him.  He pushed back his mid-section and with a surprised look and smile said, "Whoops!"   Then Marie said, "Can we give you some gifts for your birthday?"  Paul was beaming with a grin from ear to ear!  He replied, "For me birthday?"    "Yeah, sure!" His eyes lit up.  We handed him our cards (Sarah and I had selected a rather obscene card which we hoped he found amusing).  Then Marie and I both thought of the missing item -- the wine!  That was still someone in the back seat of our car.  We almost in unison, "Wait, we have some wine for you too."  Paul said, "Wine, you do swell."   Luckily for us, Kris grabbed the wine and ran up to the gate and handed it to him.  Paul almost shouted out "Wonderful, Thank you!!"  Sarah and Char heard him from where they were away from the gate.  He was still smiling this incredibly beautiful smile as we said our goodbyes.  All I could remember afterward were those huge hypnotic eyes.  I couldn't get my eyes of his face.  He wore a white suit jacket, a flowered shirt, and green pants.  His hair was clean and shiny brown.  I'll never forget that smile.  It just lit up everyone around.  We had been depressed for various reasons over there, but two minutes of seeing that man makes you forget all the other empty hours of your life.  A few days earlier we had written Paul and Linda a letter explaining that we didn't want to bother him at the house.  We just wanted to give him his belated gifts.  Perhaps this was why he was so nice to us.  He hadn't been that fantastic to fans for many years, as he was to us. 

July 3, 1972

Well, it only took us two days to break our promise to not go to the house again.  It is just about impossible staying away when you know he's home.  We parked the car farther down the street than it has been before.  We wanted to see him, but we didn't want him to see us.   At 6 o'clock he zoomed right by us in the red.  We sat quietly (movie camera going) and merely watched him emerge from the car.  He walked to the gate, got out the keys, and promptly spread his legs as he opened the gate.  It was exactly the same kind of thing he did on the roof during "Let it Be" (all McCartney people will know which scene I'm speaking of).   Also as he stepped from the car he looked in our direction so we assume he saw us as he stepped from the car.  Then Linda slipped into the driver seat and drove the car in.  Paul closed the gate and we went back to the flat.  Marie was leaving the next day and what a perfect ending. 

July 5, 1972 

You know the old saying that goes "Don't press your luck?"  We should have listened to it.  that day Sarah, Kris, and I saw Heather and Mary when they came out to tell some girls to move from the gate. Rosie had left Heather alone with the two younger children.  This is a common thing for Heather by the way.  Anyway, she came out of the gates closely followed by Mary and two of their three dogs.  After awhile Heather rounded the troops up and went back in the house.  At this point, there were two German fans, four girls at the gate, and a middle aged woman her and husband with an Instamatic.  With that kind of menagerie, we felt sure that Paul wouldn't notice us in the car.  At 9pm we had been deserted by everyone including most of the cars parked on either side of the street.  We stuck out like a sore thumb.  Before we could park elsewhere the famous red car was coming up the road.  In our car was one of our English friends who was part of the former "baddies" of Cavendish Avenue.   We felt safe for a while before he had driven right by us and didn't scream.  I picked up my movie camera and began to film.  He bopped from the car and almost got to the gate when someone called him back to the car.  We're not sure who was the stool pigeon because ALL of Wings were in the car.  He leaned into the car and turned a split second later to face us.  IT was at this point I unceremoniously dropped my camera.  He stared furiously for a minute (seemed like forever) and we all felt sure he was coming over to yell.  Instead, he flung out his left arm and shouted "Get out...Get out...Piss off!" Well, we didn't have to be told twice!  I don't' know how Sarah even drove that car with Paul staring at us till we disappeared around the corner.  It was awful!  After talking about it later we decided he must have seen us when he got out of the car but we weren't going to bother about us until someone in the car forced him to react to us.  We knew by that time not to Irish being on that street again -- especially in that car.   A few days later we just barely missed getting another yelling when we met some German friends on his street and then left.  He had come tearing out of the house after warning them and lectured them about not hanging around the house.  We were thankful we missed that. 

Paul was only in London two weeks rehearsing for his European tour, so we were grateful to have seen him as much as we did!  At that time we had hardly dare believe that some stranger in Germany would hold tickets for us to see Wings.  More about that later. 

During Paul's stay in London, some friends of ours went to the park (Regents) with Heather and Mary.  They are selling some lovely color pictures of Mary -- sets of ten for $3.00 are available.  (Note from Sara -- the photos and story can be found on this site).  

We really had a great time although when Paul isn't around it's hard to be happy anywhere.