In his fifth album since the breakup of The Beatles in 1970 and his third album with Wings, Band on the Run is Paul McCartney firing on all cylinders in what is widely considered one of his best albums.
However, the rise to success was fraught with complications. Wings was originally a five person group but with departures of two of the band members, Wings was left as a trio prior to recording Band on the Run and McCartney took on the roles of the departed musicians AND produced the album (not to mention wrote it with his wife, Linda).
Wanting to be in an exotic location to record, Lagos, Nigeria was chosen but upon arrival they discovered a militant and corrupt nation. Paul and Linda were robbed at knifepoint, they were accused of exploitation, AND Paul suffered a serious medical spasm.
Despite all of this, the album was made on time and is one of McCartney’s finest accomplishments. It truly showcases just how spectacular his arrangements are as an individual in his post-Beatles output. Melodic, inventive, and to this day – timeless.
Join Robin LaRose on Sunday, December 5th @ 6 p.m. as he takes you back to 1973 with Paul McCartney and Wings Band on the Run. Only on Rock 101 – Vancouver’s Greatest Hits!
Band on the Run Track Listing
Side One
- “Band on the Run” 5:12
- “Jet” 4:09
- “Bluebird” 3:23
- “Mrs. Vandebilt” 4:40
- “Let Me Roll It” 4:51
Side Two
- “Mamunia” 4:51
- “No Words” 2:35
- “Helen Wheels” (Additional track only on the US release) 3:44
- “Picasso’s Last Words (Drink to Me)” 5:49
- “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five” 5:28
Ad Choices