In the summer of 1974, as Paul McCartney and Wings soared to the top of the charts with their breakthrough smash hit album Band On The Run, the band found themselves back at Abbey Road Studios for a groundbreaking project that would ultimately be shelved for close to fifty years.
One Hand Clapping, a live studio album and video documentary, captured the raw energy and youthful vibrancy of McCartney, his wife Linda, and bandmate Denny Laine as they were joined by new members Jimmy McCulloch and Geoff Britton. The departure of Denny Seiwell and Henry McCullough immediately before the band was scheduled to fly to Lagos, Nigeria to begin recording Band On The Run had left the band in a state of flux, but with the addition of these fresh faces, Wings was ready to take flight once again.
Recorded over four days in London, One Hand Clapping showcased the band performing a mix of McCartney, Wings, and Beatles classics, along with some surprising covers. The studio was buzzing with creativity, as orchestral arranger Del Newman and saxophonist Howie Casey added their own magic to the mix.
Despite plans for a live album and film, the project was put on hold and seemingly forgotten. But in 2010, fans were finally treated to the long-lost footage and recordings as part of a special reissue of Band On The Run.
Now, nearly five decades later, the music of Wings from that era is alive and well, a testament to the enduring talent and spirit of Paul McCartney and his bandmates. It may have taken a while, but as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. And in this case, it was definitely worth the wait.