On Thursday 5 July 1973, Wings attended the Royal World Premiere of Live And Let Die at the Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square, London. The band had recorded the theme tune for the eighth James Bond film, which had been released in the USA on 27 June and would go on general release in the UK on 12 July 1973.
The premiere
The screening was billed as the Royal World Premiere. All five members of Wings attended with their partners. The celebrity guest list was exceptional even by Bond premiere standards: the film's stars Roger Moore and Jane Seymour were present, as were Princess Anne, David Bowie, Lulu, Michael Caine, Liza Minnelli, and Peter Sellers, among many others.
The Live And Let Die soundtrack LP was released in the UK the following day, 6 July 1973.
The Live And Let Die theme
'Live And Let Die' was written by Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney and recorded by Wings. It was the first James Bond theme not to be performed by a solo vocalist in the traditional mould, and its dramatic shifts in tempo and style ā from orchestral ballad to hard rock ā made it one of the most distinctive entries in the Bond canon. The song was arranged by George Martin, who had produced The Beatles throughout their career and whose orchestral work gave the track its cinematic sweep.
'Live And Let Die' was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 1974 ceremony ā the first Bond theme to receive an Oscar nomination. It reached number two in the US Billboard Hot 100 and number nine in the UK Singles Chart. McCartney has performed it as a concert staple ever since, typically accompanied by pyrotechnics that have become one of the most spectacular moments in live rock performance.
Wings in 1973
By July 1973, Wings had established themselves as a credible and commercially successful act in their own right. The lineup attending the premiere comprised Paul McCartney (vocals, bass), Linda McCartney (keyboards, vocals), Denny Laine (guitar, vocals), Henry McCullough (guitar), and Denny Seiwell (drums). It was, however, a lineup on the verge of change: McCullough and Seiwell both left the group in August 1973, just weeks after the premiere, during the recording sessions for Band on the Run in Lagos, Nigeria.
The 1973 UK Tour, which had included the Sheffield City Hall date on 4 July, had concluded just days before the premiere. The group were at the height of their live activity before the Lagos sessions would reshape the band's lineup and, ultimately, their fortunes.
The Odeon Leicester Square
The Odeon Leicester Square has been the traditional home of major film premieres in London since the 1930s. Its position at the heart of London's West End entertainment district and its large auditorium have made it the venue of choice for Royal and World premieres. The Live And Let Die premiere on 5 July 1973 was one of the most star-studded events the cinema had hosted.
Summary
| Date | Thursday 5 July 1973 |
|---|---|
| Event | Royal World Premiere of Live And Let Die |
| Venue | Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square, London |
| UK general release | 12 July 1973 |
| US release | 27 June 1973 |
| Soundtrack LP (UK) | Released 6 July 1973 |
| Notable guests | Roger Moore, Jane Seymour, Princess Anne, David Bowie, Lulu, Michael Caine, Liza Minnelli, Peter Sellers |
Frequently asked questions
Did Wings attend the Live And Let Die premiere?
Yes. All five members of Wings attended the Royal World Premiere of Live And Let Die at the Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square, London on 5 July 1973. The band had recorded the film's theme tune, written by Paul and Linda McCartney.
Who wrote the Live And Let Die theme?
'Live And Let Die' was written by Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney and recorded by Wings. It was arranged by George Martin and was the first Bond theme to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Who attended the Live And Let Die premiere in 1973?
In addition to Wings and their partners, the premiere was attended by Roger Moore, Jane Seymour, Princess Anne, David Bowie, Lulu, Michael Caine, Liza Minnelli, and Peter Sellers, among many others.
What happened to Wings after the Live And Let Die premiere?
Just weeks after the premiere, guitarist Henry McCullough and drummer Denny Seiwell both left Wings in August 1973 during the recording sessions for Band on the Run in Lagos, Nigeria. McCartney, Linda McCartney, and Denny Laine completed the album as a trio.
Was Live And Let Die nominated for an Oscar?
Yes. 'Live And Let Die' was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 1974 ceremony ā the first James Bond theme to receive an Oscar nomination.
When was the Live And Let Die soundtrack released in the UK?
The Live And Let Die soundtrack LP was released in the UK on 6 July 1973, the day after the Royal World Premiere.
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