The Paul McCartney doc was everything I hoped for. As expected, it was Wings-focused. For me, it was a reunion with the music of my youth. And it clearly showed Beatlemania was still alive and well in the 70s!
The film highlighted the difficulties and bravery it took for McCartney to push through the post-Beatle years and develop his own identity, against steep odds and mixed reviews. Narrated by Paul, with commentary from devoted wife Linda, daughters Mary and Stella, John’s son Sean, Mick Jagger, and friend Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, the near two-hour movie even features Ringo in a cameo appearance!
The Beatles broke up in 1970. Wings formed in 1971 and ended in 1980, the same year John was murdered. In that decade Paul struggled through the demise of the world’s greatest band ever, then started over from scratch. He built Wings around himself, Linda, and Denny Laine. With a revolving door of musicians every couple years, each version of Wings had its own strengths, foibles, and identity. The lineup in the mid 70s was arguably the best, as the stellar “Wings Over America” tour group. After nine years, and proving he could reach the top on his own, the rugged tour life, cultural changes, and legal hassles led to Wings’ dissolution.
The love was palatable in the crowded Mesquite theater as we sang along and laughed at funny moments. Everybody knows the Beatles. But not everybody “gets” them. Most people enjoy the hits. But some know every record, every movie, and every time a compilation releases. You’re sucked in!
I’m so grateful I grew up in the Beatles/Wings era! If you didn’t, there’s still plenty of music to catch up! This movie was a joy. It was my childhood.
It was Beatlemania!