Wings Live at the Hardrock Concert Theatre, Manchester – 17 May 1973

May 16, 2026

Wings Live at the Hardrock Concert Theatre, Manchester – 17 May 1973

Thursday 17 May 1973 | Live, Paul McCartney, Wings
Hardrock Concert Theatre, Withy Grove, Manchester, England

On 17 May 1973, Wings performed at the Hardrock Concert Theatre on Withy Grove in Manchester — the sixth night of their 18-date 1973 UK Tour and the second of two consecutive nights at the venue. The support act was Brinsley Schwarz. The building later became part of the Printworks entertainment complex.

The Wings 1973 UK Tour

The 1973 UK Tour was Wings' most ambitious live undertaking to date, opening on 11 May at the Hippodrome in Bristol and running through 18 dates across England, Wales, and Scotland. The tour supported Red Rose Speedway, released on 4 May 1973 — one week before the tour opened. The support act throughout was Brinsley Schwarz, the pub rock group whose members included Nick Lowe and Ian Gomm.

The Wings Lineup

Wings in May 1973 were a five-piece: Paul McCartney on vocals, guitar, and bass guitar; Linda McCartney on vocals and keyboards; Denny Laine on vocals, guitar, and bass guitar; Henry McCullough on guitar and vocals; and Denny Seiwell on drums. McCullough and Seiwell would both leave Wings abruptly in August 1973, just before the Band on the Run sessions in Lagos.

A Fan's Account

The Wings Fun Club newsletter published an account from fan Alan Fielding, who attended the 17 May show:

"I was lucky enough to see Wings at the Hardrock on the 17th, what a fantastic group they are! I find it hard to explain the terrific atmosphere which was created. Wings rocked all the way and it was really great. All the numbers sounded superb, 'Maybe I'm Amazed' was really amazing. When everyone had 'Hi, Hi, Hi' blasting out the roof nearly came off! Everyone was stamping all the way. 'Hope you come back soon, 'cos we're waiting for more, thanks for a really great time.'"

— Alan Fielding, Wings Fun Club newsletter

The Setlist

'Soily'
'Big Barn Bed'
'When the Night'
'Wild Life'
'Seaside Woman'
'Little Woman Love'
'C Moon'
'Live and Let Die'
'Maybe I'm Amazed'
'My Love'
'Go Now'
'Say You Don't Mind'
'The Mess'
'Hi, Hi, Hi'
'Long Tall Sally'

Wings 1973 UK Tour Dates

11 May 1973: Hippodrome, Bristol
12 May 1973: New Theatre, Oxford
13 May 1973: Capitol Theatre, Cardiff
15 May 1973: Winter Gardens, Bournemouth
16 May 1973: Hardrock Concert Theatre, Manchester
17 May 1973: Hardrock Concert Theatre, Manchester
18 May 1973: Empire Theatre, Liverpool
19 May 1973: University of Leeds
21 May 1973: Guild Hall, Preston
23 May 1973: Odeon, Edinburgh
24 May 1973: Green's Playhouse, Glasgow
25 May 1973: Hammersmith Odeon, London
26 May 1973: Hammersmith Odeon, London
27 May 1973: Hammersmith Odeon, London
4 Jul 1973: City Hall, Sheffield
6 Jul 1973: Odeon, Birmingham
9 Jul 1973: Odeon, Leicester
10 Jul 1973: City Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne

Key Facts: 17 May 1973

Venue: Hardrock Concert Theatre, Withy Grove, Manchester
Later became: Part of the Printworks entertainment complex
Tour night: 6 of 18
Support: Brinsley Schwarz
Songs performed: 15
Lineup: Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine, Henry McCullough, Denny Seiwell
Album just released: Red Rose Speedway (4 May 1973)
McCullough & Seiwell departure: August 1973

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the Hardrock Concert Theatre in Manchester?

On Withy Grove in Manchester city centre. The building later became part of the Printworks entertainment complex.

What did Wings play in Manchester on 17 May 1973?

A 15-song set including 'Live and Let Die', 'Maybe I'm Amazed', 'My Love', 'Hi, Hi, Hi', and 'Long Tall Sally'.

Who supported Wings on the 1973 UK Tour?

Brinsley Schwarz, the British pub rock group whose members included Nick Lowe and Ian Gomm.

Was this the only Wings show in Manchester on the 1973 tour?

No — Wings played two consecutive nights at the Hardrock Concert Theatre: 16 and 17 May 1973.

What happened to the Wings lineup after the 1973 UK Tour?

Henry McCullough and Denny Seiwell both left Wings in August 1973, just before the Band on the Run sessions in Lagos. McCartney, Linda, and Denny Laine recorded the album as a trio.