McCartney and ‘Wings’

Press, 3 August 1976, Page 19

McCartney and ‘Wings’

A man called Brian Epstein once arranged for a record company to release a song called “Love Me Do.” Successful sales prompted the release of “Please, Please Me,” “She Loves You” and “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.” A revolution had started. The arrival of a group called, of all things The Beatles can only be described as a startling emergence — as startling as an earthquake — and as the most celebrated phenomenon show business had seen since the war.

Over a decade later John, Paul, Ringo and George are still headliners — both as the Beatles (will they reform this year?) and as individuals. Their fans range from kids, who were not even born when “Love Me Do” was released, to their parents. A concert, tour or record by any one of the four is sold out almost as soon as the public hears about the event. The Beatles are still very much alive.

In 1975 Paul McCartney toured Australia with his new band — “Wings.” Press coverage, fan fervour and reviews for the tour reached a level that was greater than in 1964 when the Beatles fame was peaking. Within hours of going on sale, all tickets were sold. The situation became so bad that tickets were exchanging owners for more than $lOO, although the maximum price for any ticket w’as officially $7.50.

In a gesture designed to appease the fans and also to stop the profiteers, Wings agreed to one of the concerts being recorded for TV. The show was not all McCartney, as he insists that “Wings”

are as important as the “Beatles” ever were. Together they sing new songs, their own hits and also back Paul on some of the favourites from the past. If the audience reac-

tion in Australia is anything to go by- then this concert is special and should not be missed. It is on TV2’s programmes next Wednesday evening.