Laurence Juber auditions for Wings (28 April 1978)

April 26, 2026

Laurence Juber auditions for Wings

Friday 28 April 1978 | Paul McCartney | Wings | People

Overview

On 28 April 1978, guitarist Laurence Juber auditioned for Wings at MPL Communications in central London, in a session attended by Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine, and drummer Steve Holley.

The audition was part of Wings' ongoing line-up reshaping during the late 1970s, as the band prepared for its next recording phase following the departure of Jimmy McCulloch and Joe English in 1977.

Background

Juber had previously met Denny Laine through BBC television work in 1977, where both were performing as session musicians. He was later introduced to Wings during a mixing session at AIR Studios in February 1978, which led to the formal audition invitation.

Juber was a classically trained guitarist with extensive session experience, having worked across television, film, and recording projects in London. His versatility was a key factor in his selection.

The Audition

The session took place in the basement studio at MPL, where the group played a mix of reggae tracks and rock 'n' roll standards to assess musical compatibility and versatility. The informal, jam-based format was typical of McCartney's approach to band selection.

After the performance, Paul McCartney discussed availability with Juber and extended an invitation to join Wings on the spot.

Joining Wings

Juber accepted the offer, citing both the creative opportunity and the scope of working with McCartney. He joined alongside drummer Steve Holley, forming the final line-up of Wings.

This line-up recorded the album Back to the Egg (1979) and undertook the UK Wings Over the World Tour in 1979 — Wings' final tour before the band effectively dissolved following McCartney's arrest in Japan in January 1980.

Laurence Juber's Career

After Wings, Juber pursued a successful solo career as an acoustic guitarist, becoming one of the most respected fingerstyle guitarists in the world. He has released numerous solo albums and continues to perform and record internationally.

Location

FAQs

Who is Laurence Juber?

A classically trained guitarist who joined Wings in 1978 as part of the band's final line-up. After Wings, he became one of the world's leading fingerstyle acoustic guitarists.

What album did Juber record with Wings?

Back to the Egg (1979), Wings' final studio album.

Why did Wings need a new guitarist in 1978?

Jimmy McCulloch left Wings in September 1977, leaving a vacancy that Juber filled following his April 1978 audition.

What ended Wings?

Paul McCartney's arrest for cannabis possession at Tokyo's Narita Airport in January 1980 forced the cancellation of a Japan tour. Wings never formally toured or recorded together again.

Editorial Note

Laurence Juber's audition marks the formation of Wings' final line-up — a chapter that produced one more studio album and one more major tour before the band's quiet dissolution in 1981.

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