I'd like a Farm in Australia (Wings Australia Tour 1975)

Paul sings "Yesterday" in Melbourne on November 13. 
Photo by John Krutop 

I'd Like a Farm in Australia

The Age

November 20, 1975

    Paul McCartney, who had the audience dancing in the aisles at his two Melbourne concerts last week, would like to eventually settle on an Australian farm. The musical superstar said this in an interview with Mike Walsh to be screened on ATV-0 in his show at 1:30pm Monday, November 24. Walsh was the only TV personality to secure a Melbourne interview with the singer.

     He flew from Sydney to talk to McCartney after the first Wings concert last Thursday night. McCartney, who owns a secluded farm in Scotland, said he would like to make a similar investment in Australia and live here during tour breaks. But he said that this would "not be likely in the near future."

 The singer, his wife, and children lived on a Kilmore property while they were in Melbourne. ATV-0 recorded the Wings concert at the Meyer Music Bowl. This is expected to be screened early next year to coincide with the start of the rating season. 

 

Soundcheck in Melbourne

 November 13, 1975 - Melbourne, Australia 

Paul Flies High on Dazzling Set of Wings (Wings 1975 Australia Tour)

 Paul Flies High on Dazzling Set of Wings

By Bryan Patterson

The Age

November 14, 1975

    Paul McCartney and his group, Wings, gave a dazzling display of high-decibel rock at the Meyer Music Bowl last night, and didn't have to push too hard for the approval of a capacity crowd.

    The band had the amplifier switches full out, and although some of the vocals were warped by the wattage, the four musicians, plus a brass quartet, held the audience with impeccable musicianship.

     McCartney has been hailed as one of the greats in contemporary music. His performance confirmed the description, shifting effortlessly from bass to piano, 12-string guitar, and organ. He had the audience dancing in the aisles with a spirited set of songs from his latest album and old Beatles favorites like "Lady Madonna" and "Yesterday." The old songs revealed that time and his experience of playing with HIS group have sharpened the already vast McCarthy [sic] technique.

     The highlight was when he took over the keyboard from his capable wife Linda, and sang, "My Love," "The Long and Winding Road" and a few rockers from his Venus and Mars album, recently released in Australia. 

    He was aided by spectacular stage effects, smoke and pink bubbles rising from behind, and crystalline harmonies from his tight combo. Denny Laine, a former member of the British group Moody Blues, had some particularly good segments on electric and acoustic guitars, piano, and vocals. He sang a number recorded by his old group, and the audience, composed of people old enough to remember the past era, gave him the reaction he deserved.

     Henry McCulloch [sic] also held the group together with some fine guitar breaks, although he seemed out of his depth when playing bass guitar.

Paul Upset Over Jap Ban (Wings 1975 Australia Tour)

Paul sends his apology to Japanese fans.

 

Paul Upset Over Jap Ban

Aberdeen Evening Express

November 12, 1975

    A ban by the Japanese government on former Beatle Paul McCartney and his pop group Wings has thrown the group's plans into disarray. A Wings spokesman said in Brisbane today, "The whole thing is disappointing, not only from a performance point of view, but also from a personal one. Paul and his family wanted to see the country," The spokesman told newsmen, McCartney and Wings are currently on a tour of Australia, and we're due to travel to Japan next Sunday. 

    The spokesman said no appeal would be made to Japanese authorities over the ban, and that another attempt to get the group to Japan would be made in the future. The ban on McCartney entering Japan arises from a conviction in Britain in 1973 over a charge of possession of cannabis. Japan's immigration control law prohibits entry to anyone who has been convicted of a drug charge. 

Ode to a Koala Bear

 November 11, 1975 -  Brisbane 

Wings over Brisbane

 

November 10, 1975 

Playing in Sydney

November 9, 1975

Paul and his family relax by playing drums at Palm Beach in Sydney during a day off from the Wings tour. 
 

Welcome to Sydney

 November 6, 1975 - Sydney, Australia 

Paul McCartney Get a Quieter Reception (Australia 1975 Tour)

Paul McCartney Gets a Quieter Reception

No writer listed

Sydney Morning Herald

November 7, 1975

    Paul McCartney and the Wings pop group had a quiet reception when they arrived in Sydney from Melbourne yesterday afternoon. The former member of The Beatles, his wife Linda, and other members of Wings were greeted on the tarmac by about 15 press, radio, and television representatives and a few airport staff.

     Paul McCartney, sporting a healthy growth of stubble and wearing a black leather jacket, seemed relieved at the lack of public attention. He said he was glad to be back in Sydney, 10 years after the arrival of the Beatles drew crowds to the airport. "This time we'll see a lot more of Australia," he said.

     As for the Beatles, had their struggle to the top of the pop world been worthwhile? He paused a moment, grinned, and replied, "No."

 Wings will appear at sold-out concerts at the Horden Pavilion tonight and tomorrow.
 

Gearing up for Japan

 November 5, 1975 -  Backstage at Adelaide talking about Wings upcoming concerts in Japan. 

A Day on a farm

 

November 5, 1975 - Adelaide, Australia 

Wings at Close Range (Wings Australia 1975)

 

Ian Walker proudly displays his autographs 

Photo taken November 2, 1975, in Perth -- shortly after Ian met Wings

Wings at Close Range

By Ian Walker

Hamersley News

November 20, 1975

The following article was written by Ian Walker of Hammersley Iron's mail room in the Dampier Administration block, and describes an incident which pop music fans the world over would hope for only in their wildest dreams.

 He flew down to Perth to see Wings perform, and begins a story after the concert:

     Content to have having seen Paul McCartney and Wings at their concert from a distance of no more than 10 or 15 feet. I never expected to see more of them at such close quarters. When I went for a walk the next day, I had heard the rumors that they were renting the top floor of the Sheraton Hotel. As it was a nice, sunny Sunday, I decided to go for a walk that way from my hotel and see if there was any truth in the matter. 

    Maybe I'd get a peek at them opening the curtains or something. I stood on the corner opposite of the Sheraton for several minutes looking up at the top-floor windows.

    Well, after deciding that I wouldn't recognize any elephant from that distance, and feeling unnerved by the stress of passing motorists. I was about to head back to my hotel, but I noticed several roadies in Venus and Mars T shirts talking to the drivers of several large black cars outside the hotel. 

    "It couldn't be", I thought, but wandered across anyway to find several other young people there with autograph books. I found that they were waiting for Wings, so I waited with them for about 20 minutes. 

We were  looking into the Sheridan lounge through its large glass doors when two large Negroes dressed in mauve woolen suits with Wings badges on the lapels sat down on one of the plush sofas in the center of the lounge. They were two of Wings accompanying brass quartet.

     A group of four boys, about 12 or 13, split from the rest of us waiting outside and went in to get their autographs. The rest of us followed. They were drinking Bloody Marys and talking Jive talk —"Hey, man, playing with Paul is cool, like, far out." We hung on to every word, crouching behind the thick marble pillars and the huge lounge, all too afraid, except for the young boys, to strike up a conversation.

     I waited and listened as the Negroes talked about the tour while the other brass players joined them. The place began filling with the Wings entourage. Suddenly, I noticed someone I hadn't spotted before sitting on a sofa at the right angle to the Negroes. It was Denny Laine, ex-Moody Blues, now Paul's right-hand man. His face looked the same, but he was very small and had on a black velvet suit.

    Having come unprepared for a chance to meet the band, I wondered what my chances were of finding a pen and paper for autographs. With no news agents in sight, I walked over to the reception desk and borrowed a Brio and paper. Stealing my courage together, I quietly approached Denny Laine from behind the large, plush sofa and, crouching at his side, mumbled, "Excuse me, Denny." "Yeah?" "I've come over 1000 miles from the northwest to see the concert, and I wondered if you'd mind an autograph?"  "Oh yeah, sure," putting down his drink and taking the pen and paper. "I really liked the concert,"I said a bit nervously. "You did?"  he said, with humorous mock surprise. "What part of the North did you come from?" I told him, Dampier, and gave a brief outline of what the place is like. And we exchanged a bit of small talk. "Is Paul still here?" I asked. "Oh yeah, he won't be long. Just putting his pants on,, hang around, you'll catch him." "Thank you very much. Denny, his girlfriend, nodded and smiled. So I nodded and smiled back.

     Head guitar. Jimmy McCullough joined them, the youngest member of the group, and was surrounded by a group of girls winning autographs (whose names he seemed to have trouble remembering).

     Young Englishman, Paul Dainty, millionaire promoter, entered the scene, and as he walked by me, I asked for an autograph. He said he couldn't, as he didn't sign, but told me Paul would be down in a minute. "It's just that I came over 1000 miles to see the concert, and I thought it was great," I said. Paul Dainty was very interested in the fact that I had come from the northwest to see the show and asked me questions about where I sat at the concert. Was the lighting good, and was the sound coming over? "Well, tell him you've come over 1000 miles, and I'm sure Paul will give you an autograph," he said.

     Half an hour more passed with everyone but Paul and Linda assembled. Paul Dainty entered the lift and came out again every few minutes to say Paul McCartney wouldn't be long.

    Eventually, they did arrive. The group of waiting fans, no more than 15 in all, moved toward Paul as he, half bouncing, walked toward Paul. Dainty. A heavily built man, accompanied by friends and family, stepped forward. He slapped Paul on the shoulders with open arms and asked if he remembered him from Liverpool. He didn't. But they talked about Liverpool. The rest of us stood humbly around like a king's subjects for a chance to get a word or an autograph. 

    Linda, who looks much better off camera than on, joined Paul with Heather (McCartney's daughter). Paul looked around 10 years younger than 33, but didn't seem altogether happy that we found him. I managed to say, "Excuse me, Paul, I've come 1000 miles to catch the concert," between everyone else's efforts to get words with him, and handed him my pen and paper. "1000 miles?" he said, looking up from the paper. "That's a long way, almost as far as this fellow," pointing to the man from Liverpool.

     People started taking photos. "There you are,"he said, handing me the autograph. "Thanks very much," I said in my most grateful voice. I felt a bit of a twit in the company of a superstar, sort of pestering him for an autograph, and equally humbly, I asked Linda during the cross conversation if she minded signing. "Sure thing. No trouble," she said about autographing. She put on a little drawing underneath her signature.

     I stood back as Paul and Linda politely explained they had to go, and headed for the door with the small group keeping out of their way. Outside, the black cars were waiting. Denny, Jimmy, Joe, and the brass players got into them, but Paul and Linda kept walking. The group of us followed, and Paul hopped into a green Toyota Land Cruiser in front of the black cars. He tried several times to maneuver out of the drive. "Watch out for the curb!"a young lad shouted.  "Shut up, you're putting me off," joked Paul. Eventually, they were away to a press conference, though we didn't know that at the time, with press from all over the world, and the one at which Norman Gunson was present.

Dog Breath (Wings in Australia 1975)

Paul performing in Perth 

 Dog Breath

By Brandon Stewart

Hamersely News

November 20, 1975

    Much to the disappointment of Perth office girl Karen Tippett, I did not interview Paul McCartney on the night of his arrival in Perth, nor was I present at his only Australian press conference at the Cottesloe Civic Center. 

    However, by God's grace and Karen's, I did manage to get a ticket to the Wings concert on Saturday, November 1, at the Entertainment Centre. The concert was a sellout. In fact, all 8,000 seats were sold in a matter of three and three-quarters hours, which we calculated to be about 35 and a half tickets sold per minute. The Wings tour is probably the most publicized since Frank Sinatra's only Paul seems to get on with the press a bit better. 

    Paul McCartney's arrival at Perth airport had no reflection on that of the Beatles when they were greeted by an estimated 300,000 people at Adelaide in 1964. This time around there were more security men than fans, strange, considering the eagerness to buy tickets as Perth.

     Awaiting the concert of concerts, the Wings entourage were taking in the sights and rehearsing. At last, the magic night arrived, and Wings took to the stage to a roaring applause. A shower of glitter fell down in the spotlight as the opening number, "Venus and Mars", began, and there he was --Paul McCartney in living colour!

     The whole show broke open as the band followed into "Rock Show". And it was then that I realized what was happening, but still refused to believe it. The initial impact was carried on with "Let Me Roll It," and "Spirits of Ancient Egypt" before bouncing into a lively "Little Woman. Love." The lights and sounds were excellent, but above all, the performance was very, very professional.

     At this stage, I was wrapped, but little did I realize the best was yet to come. 

    McCartney had put down his bass guitar and was sitting at the piano, and after a very emotional "Maybe, I'm amazed", we were hit with "Lady Madonna" and "The Long and Winding Road". I closed my eyes for the first time and just listened. This wasn't Wings, it was the Beatles all over again!

     With "Live and Let Die", Wings stole back the show, complete with smoke bomb theatrics, only to drop the tone down with "Picasso's Last Words (Drink to me)", where Paul sat down with an acoustic guitar. The mood continued through a Simon and Garfunkel style, "Richard Corey", a Wing style, "Bluebird" and a Beatles style, "Blackbird". How versatile can you get? With "Yesterday", the concert reached a climax, although it was far from finished. Following "You Gave me the Answer", and "Magento and Titanium Man" came, with the quote of the night from guitarist Denny Laine, "This was when I was with a better band," and led Wings into his old Moody Blues hit, "Go Now". 

    Then we were burst into a barrage of lights for "Call Me Back Again", "My Love," "Listen to What the Man Said" and "Letting Go." Jimmy McCulloch was featured as the vocalist on his composition "Medicine Jar". And by this time a great number of the audience were out of their seats and moving dangerously close to the stage. Following a rocking "Junior's farm", another ace up the sleeve was brought out with "Band on the Run." Behind the group was a film of the picture from the album cover.

     The crowd that had been milling around the front of the stage had become more hysterical, almost dragging Paul off the stage at one point. A couple of girls got up on the stage, but were quickly removed by security men. It was like Beatlemania all over again, but on a smaller scale. Wings led the stage to a thunderous applause, only to return for two encores. The first was their controversial "High, High, High." The second I failed to catch because my ears were so wiped out.

     The entire performance was quite an emotional experience for many, bringing some almost to tears, and I think that next time they come, it's going to be just the same.

Civic Center Garden

 

November 2, 1975 - Perth, Australia 

Australian Rehearsal

 October 31, 1975

Wings over Australia

 

October 28, 1975 - Perth 

Super Wings Competition (1975)

 Super Wings Competition 

No Writer Listed

September 25, 1975

Lennox Herald

 While the ovation from 1000s of fans was still ringing in their ears, Paul McCartney and Wings signed five photographs, which we are now offering in our latest free competition.

     The band had just given one of the best ever concerts, and over 20 minutes after they had finally quit the stage, a hard core of fans were still standing in the theater shouting for more. Wings played for two hours with Paul fronting the band on either bass guitar or piano. He sang all the well-known songs from his Wings period, plus "Long and Winding Road," "Yesterday," and "Lady Madonna" from the old days. The audience was on its feet for the last 45 minutes of the concert, but the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Paul's version of "Yesterday", which he sang alone on stage, accompanied himself on acoustic guitar.

     Afterwards, Paul told me about the pre-tour anxiety about the band had departed, and that Wings are now getting "a really good feeling at the theaters.

     "Just before we went on the road, people were getting a little uptight, and there was talk of us being over-rehearsed, but we are all enjoying the tour now," he said. The band and entourage are traveling around the country in a coach with an accompanying limousine for an extra touch of luxury. Paul has taken his children on the road with him, and they are taught by a private tutor. Within the crazy world of touring rock bands, he attempts to create a cocoon of sanity around his youngsters and emphasizes that "we are really a fairly normal family."

     He and Linda still go to their farm in Campbelltown when they want to escape from it all, but in case anyone is thinking of going to see him at his retreat, Paul points out that "visitors are not really welcome."

Paul on tour '75

 September 23, 1975 

Top Gear As Supergroup Runs On (Wings 1975)

 

Top Gear As Supergroup Runs On

By Norman Dunn

Aberdeen Evening Express

September 25, 1975

    A final crash of chords and Wings are off stage after two hours full steam in the Aberdeen Capital. The last wave to the howling fans massed around the stage front. "See you next time!" shouts Paul. The lights dim and go out.

     Backstage, the group rushes for the steep stairs up to the tiny dressing rooms. As they climb, the ear-shattering din from 1000 fans fades to a dull roar. Sweat running down his face, Paul grabs a towel, dabs his face, and then winds the cloth around his neck. He and Linda pick up cool drinks and slump into chairs. The rest of the group, Jimmy McCulloch, Denny Laine, and Joe English, file in. A French camera crew troops in next, loaded with equipment, and immediately turns the room into chaos.

    Jimmy McCulloch, glass in hand, tries out his French as the bewildered crew stumbles about, tripping over cables and bumping into publicity men, "Tres bien? Tres bien?" he keeps asking. The Frenchmen scurrying about with cameras, lights, and mics, smiles absently at him and nods. Over in a corner, drummer Joe English and the guitar man Denny Laine are talking earnestly. Outside, the noise has died down. 

    Two years have passed since Wings last toured in this country. Will there be a next time? "I want to go on tour as often as I can-- until I get bored with it all, that is," says Paul. Wife Linda sits quietly beside him, long legs tucked under her on the chair, and passively watching the turmoil in the little room.

     "I remember coming up here with The Beatles," said Paul, "We did Elgin, Dingwall... I don't recall all the gigs, but wow, I remember Fraserburg, wow. That was really wild!"

     Everyone's relaxed, even the camera crews are still smiling, and the whole tour has just been as easy-going and amazing sort of family progress. Three weeks on the road, 12 gigs passed, and one to go, two coaches, two limousines, two lorries, and a van transport. The 50-strong Wings entourage around the country between gigs, all at the easy-going pace befitting such a good-natured gathering. 

    "We usually stop at some roadside cafe for tea in the afternoon", explains Barry Humphreys, one of the publicity managers on the tour.

     "I really like this," Paul adds. "I enjoy taking Wings out to meet the people. And I like the family thing of touring ."

    "Family thing", it certainly is. There's Paul and Linda with their three daughters, Heather, Mary, and Stella, looked after by the McCartneys' housekeeper, Rose. Remember Red Rose Speedway? Paul wrote this and dedicated the song to her.And while the tour was in England, it included Denny Laine's wife and their boy, Laine, plus a tutor. 

    "It sure doesn't make money," admits Paul, "but we've got a world tour coming up in four months, Australia, and then Japan, and finally America. I reckon America will pay for the present tour. "

    The tour also means they're playing together all the time. "The present LP Venus and Mars is going well, but we'll be working on another one in about four months' time."

     Only 24 hours before, Paul, Linda, Jimmy Denny, and Joe were taking their bows after a fantastic session at the Glasgow Apollo. This was one concert that had really impressed the band. "Terrific! Really something else!"  agreed Linda as Paul described their tumultuous reception. "Aberdeen was just as good, but the stage was a bit small for all that equipment."

     According to the band back in Glasgow, Wings had gone offstage, but the fans kept up the chant, and eventually, they came out again, wearing kilts. It had been a hurried change, and there was one member of the group who had to take things a bit easy during the encore due to the absence of a very important article of clothing. Important if you're wearing a kilt and prancing about the stage, that is!

    The formula, once back at the hotel,  is to relax by watching a film. In Glasgow, they watched American Graffiti. The band carries their own films along with two lorry loads of stage equipment and instruments, and they reckon it's the best way to unwind after a heavy gig. Two or three in the morning, the group was in bed, and by one o'clock on Monday afternoon, the Wings family traveling show was on the road to Aberdeen.

     Publicity men, bodyguards, and the four-man brass section, headed by Tommy Dorsey, and even he's got his wife and kid with him, all this, plus the band and their families on one bus. But a very special one, there's a kitchen on board, toilets, a television, and even a bar. The road crew, with their own coach, had gone on ahead to Aberdeen the night before. What a progress and a welcome one. 

    Barry Humphreys leans over and says, "Paul likes being on the road. Originally, the tour was just planned for England, but Wings wanted it to be an English, Welsh, and Scottish tour. Paul has a farm in Scotland, the country means a lot to him."  He adds, "Wings are different. They are a free animals. World-class band, moving around so easily." He adds. "High-pressure touring is out the window as far as this band is concerned."

     Picture the scene in the coach on its way up from Glasgow this week as the bus powered along: Paul and Linda sat by a window holding hands with Stella, their youngest daughter, lying sleeping on their laps. And it's more than just a country progress. The tour is sharpening up before the World Tour, starting in November. "We have this tour to get ready for Australia. Australia to get ready for Japan, and when we hit America, we'll be in overdrive," one publicity man comments.

     Before the rush back to the hotel, there's an interview to be done with the French TV crew. They see Paul and Linda together and surround them with lights, mics, continuity girls, and cameramen. They're still relaxed and smiling. "Why Wings?" the interviewer, in a heavy accent, says. Paul, "Why Wings? Because we're flying," he answered.  Linda: "Flying high like les oiseaux."

     Persevering, the French man switches topics, "Usually British rock and roll is sad, but the Wings make it happy. Why?" Paul: "I always thought rock and roll was happy. We enjoy playing. If you think our music is happy, it's because we enjoy doing it."

     Paul is asked with brave disregard for previous stories about his reaction to being questioned on Beatles, why he sang Beatles songs. "Why? he asked.  "Why not? I haven't gone away from the songs, because they're my songs. If I didn't sing them, they would just vanish. The people like them," he continues. "They make them happy, and that's what they are there to do."

     Paul says that he is just as happy with Wings as with the Beatles-- a different type of happiness, because he's a married man with a family. Now, the band is up on their feet. The crowd's roar grows as successive doors are opened to set them out into their car, out into the cold night. There are plenty of bouncers in attendance, but there's not the usual scrum. The people watch and wave. They're smiling as much as Paul and Linda. Could it be that Wing's attitude to pop is infectious?

Vintage Music From Wings (Aberdeen 1975)

Vintage Music By Wings

By H.M.

Aberdeen Press and Journal

September 23, 1975

    One time Beatle, Paul McCartney and his band Wings hit Aberdeen's Capitol Cinema last night with vintage music almost reaching the caliber of that famous Four--- but with none of the attendant fan hysteria. 

    In fact, anybody expecting screams and tears must have thought the audience distinctly low-key, but so much the better, as this was very much music to listen to. Save for a slight delay in starting because of sound problems, the concert was strictly a non-news event.

     Mind you, the uninitiated couldn't fail to have been impressed by a massive array of instrumental lighting and sound equipment. But all the honors go to a band of immense stature, whether knocking out heavy rock or quietly reflective material. 

    The five-piece band, which includes McCartney's wife Linda, revolves around McCartney, who amply proves that they do come back, switching brilliantly from guitar to piano. He dominated the proceedings, singing better than ever with material ranging from the heavy sounds of "Letting Go" to the subtlety of "Yesterday." The other band members all do their share and more, and the act was enhanced by an excellent horn section. 

    One outstanding feature of Wings is their energy. They worked their way nonstop through a two-hour program, which would have left lesser musicians gasping, but they still came back on stage to answer the deafening clamor for an encore. Then the audience quickly and quietly filed out. There hadn't been a single incident that evening.

    Wings are welcome back to Aberdeen as soon as they like. It was a pleasure having them, and it was equally a pleasure to be a member of such a discerning and appreciative audience. What more could one want from a pop concert?