Everything you need to know about Paul McCartney and Wings: One Hand Clapping
In an intimate look into an iconic recording session, Sky Arts cordially invites you to Paul McCartney and Wings: One Hand Clapping.
The film, first made in 1974, takes a step back in time to see the band in the recording studio.
Something a little different this Christmas, this special film is a must-watch for any Paul McCartney fan.
Phil Edgar-Jones, Executive Director of Unscripted Originals at Sky, says of the film: “Paul McCartney’s Wings never really get the credit they deserve… so we’re excited to bring you this brilliant, filmed insight into the band’s creative process. Another treat for the Sky Arts audience this Christmas.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the new documentary…
What is Paul McCartney and Wings: One Hand Clapping about?
An intimate behind-the-scenes look at the 1974 Abbey Road recording sessions, Paul McCartney and Wings: One Hand Clapping features footage of solo acoustic performance by Paul McCartney previously unreleased in full.
One Hand Clapping was recorded on video tape, capturing the look and feel of the time, and features rare footage, interviews with the band, and insights from the creative team.
Audiences can re-live iconic Wings hits, a reimagined Beatles classic, and captivating performances.
Speaking on the film’s release, Paul McCartney said: "It’s so great to look back on that period and see the little live show we did. We made a pretty good noise actually!
“It was a great time for the band, we started to have success with Wings, which had been a long time coming.”
One Hand Clapping showcased Wings’ new line-up, fresh off their return from Nashville where they recorded the classic single, Junior’s Farm.
Who was in Wings?
The main members of Wings during this recording session were:
Sir Paul McCartney (vocals, bass, piano, electric piano, Hammond organ, celeste, harmonium, acoustic guitar)
Linda McCartney (Moog, electric piano, Mellotron, tambourine, backing vocals)
Denny Laine (vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass)
Jimmy McCulloch (guitar)
Geoff Britton (drummer)
Additionally joining the band in the studio were orchestral arranger Del Newman and saxophonist Howie Casey, who had previously played with Paul in Hamburg and would go on to join the Wings touring band.
Who is Paul McCartney?
Sir Paul McCartney, born in Liverpool in 1942, is best known for being a founding member of The Beatles alongside John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
He first teamed up with Lennon for skiffle group The Quarrymen in 1957, when he was just 15 years old. The Beatles were formed three years later.
The group became one of the biggest bands throughout the 1960s, and remain as one of the most influential musicians in the world to this day.
In the 1970s, once The Beatles disbanded, he formed the group Wings, which were also massively successful, with hits including Band on the Run, Silly Love Songs and My Love.
He later progressed into a solo career, collaborating with stars including Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Kanye West. He continues to tour across the world to this day.
Across his career he’s won 18 Grammys, an Academy Award, and has been inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame twice (once as a solo artist, and once as a member of The Beatles).
He was Knighted in 1997 for his services to music.
Where and when can I watch Paul McCartney and Wings: One Hand Clapping?
Paul McCartney and Wings: One Hand Clapping premieres 26 December at 9pm on Sky Arts and NOW.
It will also be available to stream on NOW.