Recording: Famous Groupies – Wings (13 May 1977)
Friday 13 May 1977
On 13 May 1977, Wings continued sessions for the album London Town with work on the track Famous Groupies aboard the recording yacht Fair Carol.
The session took place in the US Virgin Islands, with the floating studio anchored in Waterlemon Bay on St John.
A Floating Studio In The Caribbean
The sessions were recorded aboard the 105-foot yacht Fair Carol, which had been fitted out with mobile studio equipment originally supplied by the Record Plant in New York.
The unusual recording environment reflected Paul McCartney's desire to break away from conventional studio routines during the Wings era.
Line-Up And Recording Approach
The backing track featured:
- Paul McCartney – acoustic guitar, guide vocal
- Jimmy McCulloch – electric guitar
- Denny Laine – bass guitar
- Linda McCartney – synthesizer
- Joe English – drums
The performance was recorded efficiently, with the song completed relatively quickly and requiring only a single reel of tape.
Studio Context
Engineers Geoff Emerick and Mark Vigars oversaw the technical recording process, maintaining continuity with earlier Wings sessions despite the unconventional location.
Famous Groupies would later form part of the broader London Town project, which blended studio experimentation with a more relaxed, travel-based recording approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Wings record Famous Groupies?
The track was recorded aboard the yacht Fair Carol, anchored in Waterlemon Bay, St John, US Virgin Islands.
What album did Famous Groupies appear on?
Famous Groupies appeared on Wings' 1978 album London Town.
Who engineered the London Town sessions?
Geoff Emerick and Mark Vigars served as engineers on the London Town sessions.
Why did Wings record on a yacht?
Paul McCartney wanted to break away from conventional studio routines and explore a more relaxed, travel-based recording approach.
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