Wings ‘Venus And Mars’ Launch Party – RMS Queen Mary, 24 March 1975
Monday 24 March 1975 | Paul McCartney, Wings
On the evening of 24 March 1975, Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney hosted a lavish launch party for Wings’ fourth album Venus And Mars aboard the legendary RMS Queen Mary, permanently docked in Long Beach, California.
The event became one of the most talked-about music industry gatherings of the decade — a glamorous, star-studded celebration marking Wings’ rise as one of the biggest bands in the world.
A Star-Studded Guest List
Around 200 invited guests attended, representing a cross-section of rock, soul, film and entertainment royalty.
Among those present were:
- George Harrison and Olivia Arias
- Bob Dylan
- Marvin Gaye
- Mick Jagger
- Carole King
- Joni Mitchell
- Harry Nilsson
- Linda Ronstadt
- Klaus Voormann and Mal Evans
- Members of Led Zeppelin, The Jackson Five, Chicago, The Faces, and America
Notably, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and Elvis Presley were invited but did not attend.
Aboard the Queen Mary
The RMS Queen Mary, once a transatlantic ocean liner (1936–1967), had been permanently moored at Long Beach since 1971.
The party began at 8pm, with guests welcomed aboard by members of the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps, adding a ceremonial touch to the evening.
The main event took place in the ship’s Grand Salon ballroom, transformed with:
- Candlelit round tables
- Elaborate centrepieces
- Seven buffet stations
- Ice sculptures and themed décor
Food included dishes such as gumbo pie, while drinks featured the era’s signature hurricane punch.
Live Performances and Music
The night featured live performances from:
- Professor Longhair
- The Meters
- Ev Segress and his Orchestra
There was also an impromptu appearance from Rudy Vallée, who performed classic standards including ‘Kansas City Kitty’ and ‘If You Were The Only Girl In The World’.
The entire evening’s music was recorded for the McCartneys’ private archive using Wally Heider’s mobile recording studio.
The Scale of the Event
The launch reportedly cost approximately $97,000, reflecting the scale and ambition behind the Venus And Mars campaign.
In keeping with its exclusivity, Harry Benson was the only official photographer invited to document the evening.
Wings at Their Peak
By early 1975, Wings had firmly established themselves as a major global act. The Venus And Mars album would go on to achieve significant commercial success, supported by an extensive world tour.
The Queen Mary party symbolised this moment — a celebration not just of an album, but of Wings’ position at the forefront of 1970s rock.
A Night of Rock Royalty
The event brought together artists from across genres and generations, highlighting the interconnected world of music at the time.
While some accounts noted a slightly surreal atmosphere among so many high-profile figures, the evening remains one of the most iconic album launch events in rock history.
Location
Long Beach
California
USA
The venue for Wings’ ‘Venus And Mars’ launch party on 24 March 1975.
FAQs
Where was the Venus And Mars launch party held?
It took place aboard the RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, California.
Who attended the event?
Guests included George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, Mick Jagger, Carole King, and many more major artists.
Did all Beatles attend?
No. George Harrison attended, but John Lennon and Ringo Starr did not.
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