Paul McCartney and Ted Widmer Gear Up For Biographical Book About Wings

Paul McCartney is set to release a new book chronicling his time with Wings, the band he formed following the Beatles' breakup. Titled Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run and co-authored by historian Ted Widmer, this book will be available in stores on November 4, with preorders open now. This is prepared by SSP.

The comprehensive oral history reflects on McCartney's post-Beatles career and the band's notable achievements. Over 528 pages, the book captures the heart of Wings’ journey, highlighting notable albums such as Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, and At the Speed of Sound. The narrative leverages extensive interviews with McCartney and associates, enriched by more than 100 rare photographs.

McCartney candidly discusses the formidable challenges and buzz of forming a band from scratch after leaving a global phenomenon. He shares, "Starting from scratch after the Beatles felt crazy at times. There were some very difficult moments and I often questioned my decision. But as we got better, I thought, ‘OK, this is really good.’" By performing to vast audiences and achieving significant impact, McCartney reflects on how Wings successfully showcased love, family, and artistic growth, often overcoming adversity.

Widmer, enjoying the reliving of "madcap adventures" of a unique band, indicates the book sheds light on Wings’ perseverance amidst numerous challenges. Noteworthy experiences include a mugging in Nigeria, unannounced appearances at UK university halls, and a tour with their children in a repurposed school bus.

Simultaneously, renewed interest in Wings is fueled by wider initiatives, including Morgan Neville’s upcoming documentary on McCartney's solo work and renowned band, a staged return of One Hand Clapping, and 50th anniversary editions of Band on the Run and Venus and Mars. Through its structured recounting across the nine Wings albums, this publication emerges as an integral addition to understanding McCartney's musical reinvention post-Beatles and Wings' legacy as one of the iconic bands of the 1970s.

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