The 50th anniversary vinyl reissue of Paul McCartney and Wings’ chart-topping Venus and Mars album was released today (March 21). To celebrate the arrival of the special LP package, a video featuring remastered 4K footage of Paul and the band performing a medley of Venus and Mars’ title track and “Rock Show” during their Wings over the World Tour has debuted at McCartney’s official YouTube channel.
Videos by American Songwriter
The songs celebrate the anticipation and then the thrill of experiencing a live rock concert. The performance finds McCartney and Wings at the height of their popularity and musical powers. McCartney belts out the tune while playing fluid bass, accompanied by wife Linda on keyboards and backing vocals, Denny Laine and Jimmy McCulloch on guitars, and Joe English on drums.
The upgraded video caught the eye of ex-Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, who posted a note in the comments section of McCartney’s Instagram page. “Rockin’!!” Anthony wrote, along with five fire emojis.
A bunch of other fans also shared their reactions to the clip.
“Listening to this song live is something I will remember until the day I die,” one wrote.
Another commented, “You’re the shiniest star in the universe.”
A restored 1975 video of McCartney and Wings performing the Venus and Mars single “Letting Go” also debuted recently on Paul’s YouTube channel to promote the album’s vinyl reissue.
More About the Venus and Mars Vinyl Reissue
The 50th anniversary vinyl edition of Venus and Mars features a high-resolution audio transfer of the original 1975 master tapes by engineer Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios in London. The reissue features a recreation of the original album’s U.K. packaging, including a gatefold sleeve, with artwork by Hipgnosis. The LP comes packaged with collectible stickers and two posters featuring photography by Aubrey Powell and Sylvia de Swaan.
A Dolby Atmos version of Venus and Mars is being made available via streaming services. The Atmos mix was created by Giles Martin and Steve Orchard.
More About the Venus and Mars Album
Released in May 1975, Venus and Mars was McCartney’s fourth studio album with his post-Beatles band Wings.
The album yielded three Top-40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including the chart-topping “Listen to What the Man Said.” The other hit singles were “Letting Go” and “Venus and Mars/Rock Show,” which reached No. 39 and No. 12, respectively.
“Listen to What the Man Said” featured guest guitar work by former Traffic member Dave Mason. Acclaimed session saxophonist Tom Scott also played on the track. Legendary New Orleans musician, songwriter, and producer Allen Toussaint played piano on “Rock Show.”
Venus and Mars topped the Billboard 200 for one week in July of 1975. It became Wings’ third consecutive No. 1 album in the U.S., following Red Rose Speedway in 1973 and Band on the Run in 1974.
In 1991, Venus and Mars was certified platinum by the RIAA for sales of 1 million copies in the U.S.
Venus and Mars Track List:
Side One
- “Venus and Mars”
- “Rock Show”
- “Love in Song”
- “You Gave Me the Answer”
- “Magneto and Titanium Man”
- “Letting Go”
Side Two
- “Venus and Mars (Reprise)”
- “Spirits of Ancient Egypt”
- “Medicine Jar”
- “Call Me Back Again”
- “Listen to What the Man Said”
- “Treat Her Gently – Lonely Old People”
- “Crossroads”












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