Wings live: University of Leeds – 19 May 1973
Sunday 19 May 1973 | Live
University of Leeds Refectory, Leeds, Yorkshire, England
Wings performed at the University of Leeds refectory — night 8 of 18 on the Wings 1973 UK Tour, and the second of two consecutive nights in Yorkshire. The support act was Brinsley Schwarz. The 15-song set included 'Live And Let Die', performed ahead of its single release.
The Wings 1973 UK Tour
The 1973 UK Tour was Wings' first major British tour. McCartney had deliberately chosen university venues — smaller, more intimate than the arenas he could have filled — as a way of rebuilding his live performance confidence after years away from the stage. The Beatles had last performed live in 1966; McCartney had not played a proper concert tour since then. The university circuit allowed Wings to develop their set and their chemistry as a live band without the pressure of stadium-scale expectations.
The tour had opened on 11 May 1973 at the Bristol University refectory and would close on 4 June 1973 at the Hammersmith Odeon in London. The Hammersmith shows were recorded and broadcast by the BBC.
Wings in May 1973
The Wings line-up at this point consisted of Paul McCartney (vocals, bass, guitar), Linda McCartney (keyboards, vocals), Denny Laine (guitar, vocals), Henry McCullough (guitar), and Denny Seiwell (drums). McCullough and Seiwell would both leave the group abruptly in August 1973, just before the recording of Band on the Run in Lagos.
Brinsley Schwarz
The support act was Brinsley Schwarz, a pub rock band from Hertfordshire who were one of the most respected acts on the British circuit in the early 1970s. Their guitarist Nick Lowe would go on to become one of the most influential figures in British rock and new wave, producing Elvis Costello's debut album My Aim Is True (1977) and writing 'Cruel to Be Kind' (1979). Brinsley Schwarz disbanded in 1975.
Live And Let Die
'Live And Let Die' had been recorded by Wings for the James Bond film of the same name, released in June 1973. The single was released on 1 June 1973 in the UK and reached number 9; in the US it reached number 2. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Performing it live on the 1973 tour — ahead of the single's release — gave audiences a preview of one of McCartney's most ambitious post-Beatles compositions.
The University of Leeds Refectory
The University of Leeds Refectory was one of the most celebrated live music venues on the British university circuit. It had hosted The Who's legendary Live at Leeds recording in February 1970 — widely regarded as one of the greatest live rock albums ever made. Wings' appearance there in 1973 placed them in distinguished company.
Key Facts: 19 May 1973
- Venue: University of Leeds Refectory, Leeds
- Tour date: 8 of 18, Wings 1973 UK Tour
- Support act: Brinsley Schwarz
- Set length: 15 songs
- Notable: 'Live And Let Die' performed ahead of single release (1 June 1973)
- Wings line-up: Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine, Henry McCullough, Denny Seiwell
- Tour opened: 11 May 1973, Bristol University
- Tour closed: 4 June 1973, Hammersmith Odeon
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Wings play university venues in 1973?
McCartney deliberately chose university venues as a way of rebuilding his live performance confidence. The Beatles had last performed live in 1966; the university circuit allowed Wings to develop as a live band without stadium-scale pressure.
Who was in Wings in 1973?
Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine, Henry McCullough, and Denny Seiwell. McCullough and Seiwell both left abruptly in August 1973, just before the recording of Band on the Run in Lagos.
Who were Brinsley Schwarz?
A pub rock band from Hertfordshire, one of the most respected acts on the British circuit in the early 1970s. Their guitarist Nick Lowe went on to produce Elvis Costello's debut album and write 'Cruel to Be Kind'. The band disbanded in 1975.
What is the University of Leeds Refectory famous for?
It hosted The Who's Live at Leeds recording in February 1970 — widely regarded as one of the greatest live rock albums ever made.
When was Live And Let Die released?
The single was released on 1 June 1973 in the UK (reaching number 9) and in the US (reaching number 2). It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
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