Here’s Why Paul McCartney Refused to Play Beatles Songs With Wings

Trying to forge a solo career after being in one of (if not the) biggest band in the world is a tough task. It becomes even more so when you’ve accidentally built anticipation for it by not touring during the final years of that band. Paul McCartney can speak to both of those statements.

The Beatles stopped touring long before they broke the hearts of many around the world by breaking up. They didn’t feel their live sound was up to snuff. Rather than continue to disappoint (at least by their standards) they decided to take an early retirement from the live circuit.

Because of that, McCartney’s stint with Wings saw the former Beatle step back on the stage for the first time in a while. According to Macca, he found that moment daunting. Find out why, below.

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Here’s Why Paul McCartney Refused to Play Beatles Songs With Wings

McCartney has proven himself to be an enduring live performer. He’s a must-see act, decades after his debut with the Beatles. But, as he faced the daunting task of stepping back on the stage for the first time post-Beatles, he had specific stipulations to ensure success.

“The main thing I didn’t want to face was the torment of five rows of press people with little pads all looking and saying, ‘Oh, well, he’s not as good as he was,’” McCartney once said.

The hits he made with Wings were enough to earn McCartney a second leg of his career. But, before time proved that to be true, he felt like he didn’t have enough material to fill out a set. Nevertheless, he opted not to round out the show with Beatles songs.

“We decided not to do any Beatle material, which was a killer, of course, because it meant we had to do an hour of other material, and we didn’t have it, then,” he added. “I didn’t have something like ‘My Love’ that was sort of mine. I felt like everyone wanted Beatles stuff, so I was pretty nervous on that.”

As the tour went on, McCartney’s confidence in his new live show grew. Clearly, given his robust touring history, he found his footing.

“By the time we did the British tour I knew we could get it easily and that I could get it going,” he continued. “Everyone digs it, and there’s enough stuff not to be nervous.”

(Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage)