Biography
This band was a successful endeavour for ex-Beatle Paul McCartney. From its inception in late 1971 the line-up of “Wings” often changed over the years, but retained its core members:
• Denny Laine (formerly of The Moody Blues) on guitar and vocals
• Linda McCartney on keyboards and vocals
• Paul McCartney on guitar and vocals.
Other members of the band included drummer Denny Seiwell (1971-1973), ex-Spooky Tooth guitarist Henry McCullough (1972-1973), blues guitarist Jimmy McCulloch (1974-1977), drummer Geoff Britton (1974), drummer Joe English (1975-1977), guitarist Laurence Juber and drummer Steve Holly (both 1978-1979). Whilst “Wings” was primarily McCartney’s band (for a while playing under the moniker “Paul McCartney & Wings”), it was truly a collaborative effort, with all members of the band sharing a hand in songwriting and vocals – with Laine even taking lead vocals from time to time. “Wings” enjoyed consistent critical and commercial success with almost every release, most notably with 1977’s “Mull of Kintyre” which still is nestled comfortably in the top 10 list of the U.K.’s all time best selling singles.
Album & Cover
Richard Manning explains: Not a lot on this one. A Dye Transfer print I removed a couple of unwanted reflections with the Sable brush and Photo Dye and strengthened the highlights with a weak solution of bleach.
http://www.richardmanning.co.uk/hipgnosis-album-cover-art/wings-venus-and-mars–1975/16
Cover Location: Las Vegas and Death Valley, US
Who Did What: Cover Design – P&L McCartney, Cover Photography – L. McCartney with A. Powell, Centrefold Photography – A. Powell, Photography Black & White Poster – Sylvia De Swaan, Graphics – G. Hardie, Tinting – R. Manning, Art Direction – Hipgnosis.
Label: Capitol SMAS-11419(US), Capitol PCTC254(UK)
Source: Vinyl. Album. Cover. Art, The Complete Hipgnosis Catalogue: Aubrey Powell
Tracklist
| 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 Theme |
Credits
Arranged By – Paul McCartney, Tony Dorsey
Drums – Geoff Britton (tracks: A3, A6, B3)
Engineer – Alan O’Duffy, Geoff Emerick (tracks: A3, A6, B3)
Mastered By – Porky
Performer – Denny Laine, Jimmy McCulloch, Joe English, Linda McCartney, Paul McCartney
Producer – Paul McCartney
Written-By – Paul McCartney (tracks: A1 to B2, B4 to B6)
Notes
Released in matt gatefold sleeve with a coloured die-cut card inner, two fold out posters, a ‘Venus And Mars Are Alright Tonight’ round sticker and a ‘Planets’ strip sticker.
