Monday 9 August 1971 | High Park Farm, Kintyre, Scotland
On 9 August 1971, the future members of Wings — Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine and Denny Seiwell — agreed the business terms for their new band following a rehearsal at the McCartneys’ Rude Studio at High Park Farm in Kintyre, Scotland. With the bulk of the Wild Life album already recorded, the group had returned to Scotland to discuss how a band model might work.
The Arrangement
Paul McCartney was keen to be part of a genuine band rather than operate as a solo artist, while acknowledging that he would inevitably be the main draw for audiences. His solution was straightforward: Denny Laine and Denny Seiwell would each be paid £70 per week, and would be treated as part-owners of the band.
“Paul said, ‘You guys are gonna be part owners of this band.’ Now, anytime you get a chance to be in a band with Paul McCartney and be a shareholder of the situation, I don’t think money’s gonna be an object.”
— Denny Seiwell, 6 June 2016, quoted in The McCartney Legacy: Volume 1: 1969–73 by Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair
No contracts were signed, but all parties were happy with the arrangement. Following the rehearsal and final discussions, an impromptu party was held outside Rude Studios. The musicians raised tumblers and mugs filled with scotch and Coke — a moment captured in photographs by Monique Seiwell, Denny’s wife.
The Formation of Wings
Wings were formally announced to the public in August 1971, with the Wild Life album released on 7 December 1971. The original line-up — Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine and Denny Seiwell — was later joined by guitarist Henry McCullough before the band began touring in February 1972.
The informal, handshake nature of the arrangement agreed on 9 August 1971 reflected McCartney’s desire to recreate the camaraderie of a band rather than the more formal structures of his post-Beatles solo career. Wings would go on to become one of the most successful acts of the 1970s, with albums including Band on the Run (1973) and Wings at the Speed of Sound (1976).
Wings — officially licensed merch
Paul McCartney Wings Logo Baseball Cap in red and black.
Key Facts
| Date | Monday 9 August 1971 |
| Location | Rude Studio, High Park Farm, Kintyre, Scotland |
| Present | Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine, Denny Seiwell |
| Terms agreed | £70 per week each for Denny Laine and Denny Seiwell; part-ownership of the band |
| Contracts | None signed — informal agreement only |
| Album in progress | Wild Life (released 7 December 1971) |
| Party photographer | Monique Seiwell |
High Park Farm, Kintyre, Scotland — where Wings agreed their business arrangement on 9 August 1971.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wings formed?
Wings were formed in 1971. The business arrangement between Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine and Denny Seiwell was agreed on 9 August 1971 at High Park Farm in Scotland. The band was publicly announced in August 1971 and released their debut album Wild Life in December 1971.
Who were the original members of Wings?
The original members of Wings were Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine and Denny Seiwell. Guitarist Henry McCullough joined before the band began touring in February 1972.
How much were Denny Laine and Denny Seiwell paid in Wings?
Under the arrangement agreed on 9 August 1971, Denny Laine and Denny Seiwell were each paid £70 per week, with part-ownership of the band. No formal contracts were signed.
What was Rude Studio?
Rude Studio was Paul McCartney’s home recording facility at High Park Farm in Kintyre, Scotland, where Wings rehearsed and recorded in the early 1970s.
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