Paul McCartney founded Wings after The Beatles
After The Beatles disbanded, Paul McCartney formed the band Wings in 1971. He served as lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and brought his wife Linda McCartney and guitarist Denny Laine into the core lineup. Wings became a distinct commercial entity with a different sound and touring band from The Beatles, marking McCartney’s first major creative project outside the Fab Four. This move reshaped his public identity and established a new phase of recording and touring under the Wings name.
Key members and lineup changes
Wings had a fluid lineup across its seven-album history, but certain members defined its classic periods. Paul and Linda McCartney were constant, while Denny Laine, Jimmy McCulloch, and Geoff Britton joined at different points. A table of notable members, roles, and tenure is provided below.
Notable members and tenure in Wings
| Member | Role | Active years in Wings |
|---|---|---|
| Paul McCartney | Vocals, guitar, keyboards | 1971–1981, 1989–1990 |
| Linda McCartney | Vocals, keyboards | 1971–1981, 1989–1990 |
| Denny Laine | Guitar, vocals | 1971–1981 |
| Jimmy McCulloch | Guitar | 1974–1977 |
| Geoff Britton | Drums | 1974–1975 |
| Joe English | Drums, vocals | 1977–1981 |
Wings discography highlights
Wings released seven studio albums between 1973 and 1980, along with a 1989 live set. Their most celebrated album remains Band on the Run (1973), which features the hit singles "Jet" and the title track. Below are their studio albums in sequence, with release years and primary hit singles.
Albums and notable singles
| Album | Year | Notable singles |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Life | 1971 | "Give Ireland Back to the Irish", "Hello, Goodbye" (live) |
| Red Rose Speedway | 1973 | "My Love", "Live and Let Die" |
| Band on the Run | 1973 | "Jet", "Band on the Run" |
| Venus and Mars | 1975 | "Listen to What the Man Said", "Silly Love Songs" |
| Wings at the Speed of Sound | 1976 | "Silly Love Songs", "Let 'Em In" |
| London Town | 1978 | "With a Little Luck", "I've Had Enough" |
| Back to the Egg | 1979 | "Old Siam, Sir", "Getting Closer" |
| Flowers in the Dirt | 1989 | "My Brave Face", "This One Wants to Fly Again" |
Commercial performance and legacy
Wings achieved several million-selling singles and multi-platinum albums, with their peak commercial period from 1973 to 1977. Although critics were divided, songs like "Live and Let Die" and "Silly Love Songs" became staples of 1970s pop radio. The band is remembered for its melodic craftsmanship and for giving Paul McCartney a venue distinct from The Beatles catalog. Their legacy persists on streaming platforms and in retrospective compilations that highlight McCartney’s continued songcraft beyond the Fab Four.
Common questions about Wings
- Which Beatle formed Wings? Paul McCartney created Wings after The Beatles, initially with Linda McCartney and Denny Laine.
- Did any other Beatles join Wings? No. Wings was not a Beatles project; it was Paul’s independent band outside the group.
- When did Wings break up? Wings formally disbanded in 1981, reunited briefly in 1989–1990 for concerts and a live album.
- Did Wings include all four Beatles? No. Only Paul McCartney was a founding member; the other Beatles never performed or recorded as part of Wings.