Paul McCartney’s Wings Takes Flight Again: New Book Explores the Band on the Run Era
Paul McCartney's post-Beatles era with Wings is set to be immortalized in a new book, promising an in-depth look at the band's formation, rise to fame, and impact on the music scene. Titled "Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run," this oral history offers exclusive insights from McCartney himself, band members, and other influential figures. Why is this book generating so much buzz? Because it promises a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in McCartney's career, revealing the challenges and triumphs of forming a new musical identity after the Beatles.
The upcoming book dives deep into the history of Wings, McCartney's band formed with his wife Linda in 1971. Formed after the tumultuous breakup of the Beatles, Wings became a commercial success, selling over 22 million albums and producing several #1 hits, including "Band on the Run," "My Love", and the James Bond theme "Live and Let Die."
Edited by Ted Widmer, "Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run" culls from over 40 hours of new and archival interviews with Paul and Linda McCartney, as well as former Wings members like Denny Laine, Denny Seiwell, and Laurence Juber. Notably, the book also includes perspectives from John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and other prominent figures, offering a multifaceted view of the band's dynamics and influence.
McCartney himself provides a foreword to the book, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of starting anew after The Beatles. "Starting from scratch after The Beatles felt crazy at times," McCartney stated. "There were some very difficult moments, and I often questioned my decision. But as we got better, I thought, 'OK this is really good.' We proved Wings could be a really good band, to play to huge audiences in the same way the Beatles had and have an impact in a different way. It was a huge buzz."
In addition to the interviews, the book features over 150 photographs, unseen material from Linda McCartney, Henry Diltz, and Paul himself that capture intimate moments from the Wings era. Readers can also expect to see handwritten lyrics and diary entries offering a glimpse into McCartney's creative process.
"Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run" is set to be published on November 4th, 2025, by Liveright Publishing. The cover art features a black and white photo taken by Linda McCartney in 1972, teasing even more untold insights into the band's remarkable journey.
Will this book finally give Wings the recognition they deserve? Will it change the perception of this era in McCartney's career? Share your thoughts and expectations in the comments below!