Thursday 10 August 1972 | Drugs, Paul McCartney, Wings
On 10 August 1972, following a Wings performance at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden, armed police appeared in the auditorium. As Wings made their way into their dressing room the way was blocked, and Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney and Denny Seiwell were arrested for possession of cannabis.
The arrest
Earlier that day the McCartneys had collected a package addressed to Seiwell from their hotel. The package contained marijuana, and the Swedish authorities had been surveilling the McCartneys ever since their arrival in the country. They had recorded a telephone call placed by Linda to MPL in London, arranging for two cassette cases filled with cannabis to be sent to the band in Gothenburg.
The trio eventually admitted the seven ounces of marijuana were theirs, and managed to convince the police it was for their own personal use. They were given fines totalling around £1,000 and the Wings Over Europe Tour was allowed to continue.
Wings — officially licensed merch
Paul McCartney: Wings Band on the Run Unisex T-Shirt (Black).
The aftermath
The case brought considerable publicity to Wings. The McCartneys became outspoken advocates of cannabis legalisation in the wake of the arrest.
Five weeks later, a police constable in Scotland decided to pay a visit to the couple’s High Park Farm in Campbeltown. Five cannabis plants were discovered, and Paul was charged on two counts of possession and one count of growing the drug. He was later given a £100 fine.
The two drug busts, although with potentially disastrous consequences for McCartney’s freedom and ability to tour, brought some welcome publicity to Wings and helped improve Paul’s reputation after the widely criticised release of the ‘Mary Had A Little Lamb’ single. As one unnamed member of Wings was quoted as saying: “The police action against us was an excellent advertisement. Our name flies now all over the world.”
Wings — officially licensed merch
Paul McCartney: Wings Over America ’76 Unisex T-Shirt (Charcoal Grey).
Key Facts
| Date | Thursday 10 August 1972 |
| Location | Scandinavium, Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Those arrested | Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Seiwell |
| Quantity | Seven ounces of marijuana |
| Fines | Totalling approximately £1,000 |
| Subsequent arrest | High Park Farm, Campbeltown, Scotland (five weeks later); £100 fine |
The Scandinavium, Gothenburg, Sweden — where Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney and Denny Seiwell were arrested on 10 August 1972.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney and Denny Seiwell arrested in Sweden in 1972?
They were arrested for cannabis possession after a Wings concert at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg on 10 August 1972. Swedish police had been surveilling the group after intercepting a phone call arranging for cannabis to be sent from London.
How much cannabis was found?
Seven ounces of marijuana. The trio admitted it was theirs and convinced police it was for personal use. They were fined a total of approximately £1,000.
Did the arrest stop the Wings Over Europe Tour?
No. The tour was allowed to continue after the fines were paid. Wings performed the following night in Lund, Sweden.
Was Paul McCartney arrested again after the Gothenburg incident?
Yes. Five weeks later, police visited the McCartneys' High Park Farm in Campbeltown, Scotland, and found five cannabis plants. Paul was charged with possession and cultivation and fined £100.
What effect did the arrests have on Wings?
The arrests brought significant publicity to Wings. One unnamed Wings member was quoted as saying: "The police action against us was an excellent advertisement. Our name flies now all over the world."
→ Wings live: Scandinavium, Gothenburg – 10 August 1972
→ Wings live: Circus-Krone-Bau, Munich – 18 July 1972
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