1.15pm
1 January 2017
I remember I watched the BBC Mastertapes episode with Paul in a few months back, which is a very interesting programme if you haven’t already seen it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03w2989
I was interested in the part where Paul talks about Wings and criticism of the group, as well as what he said here (taken from Guardian article):
“It was difficult to know what to do after the Beatles. How do you follow that?” he asked presenter John Wilson. McCartney also touched on the criticism aimed at Wings, agreeing that he and his wife Linda, who died in 1998, “weren’t that good”.
He said: “We were terrible. We knew Linda couldn’t play, but she learned, and looking back on it, I’m really glad we did it … I could have just formed a supergroup, and rung up Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page and John Bonham,” McCartney said…”
What if Paul did form a supergroup after The Beatles? What albums/tours do you think they might have done?
The following people thank SgtPeppersBulldog for this post:
vonbontee"Some kind of happiness is measured out in miles... "
2017:
1.58pm
26 January 2017
Would have been unbelievable if he’d joined Page and Bonham, but Wings is good in its own right. Its too bad to see Paul discredit them in such a way.
Bonham did play with Wings in some sessions for At the Speed Of Sound.
The following people thank sir walter raleigh for this post:
SgtPeppersBulldog, WeepingAtlasCedars"The pump don't work cause the vandals took the handles!"
-Bob Dylan, Subterranean Homesick Blues
"We could ride and surf together while our love would grow"
-Brian Wilson, Surfer Girl
2.43pm
8 January 2015
The contemporary view of Wings was “Paul + others who don’t challenge him”, so it would have been very interesting to have seen a supergroup confound that conventional wisdom. My feeling is that if he had, it wouldn’t have lasted that long, maybe a few years and tours; Paul was playing in a different space to the kind of prog rock supergroups of the 70’s and can you imagine the fights over song material? It might have been great for an album or two though.
The following people thank ewe2 for this post:
SgtPeppersBulldog, sir walter raleighI'm like Necko only I'm a bassist ukulele guitar synthesizer kazoo penguin and also everyone. Or is everyone me? Now I'm a confused bassist ukulele guitar synthesizer kazoo penguin everyone who is definitely not @Joe. This has been true for 2016 & 2017 but I may have to get more specific in the future.
5.29pm
23 July 2016
I can see it now, here’s a promotional still of the band FTB:
Here’s the typical lineup:
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker)
Eric Clapton: Lead and Rhythm Guitar (Fender Stratocaster), Backing Vocals
Jimmy Page: Lead and Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul), Backing Vocals
Linda McCartney: Keyboards
John Bonham: Drums
And here’s their first album, 1973’s FTB:
FTB (AKA F*** The Beatles)
Tracklisting:
Side A:
1. Jet
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Fender Stratocaster), Backing Vocals
Jimmy Page: Lead Guitar (Gibson Les Paul), Backing Vocals
John Bonham: Drums, Backing Vocals
Linda McCartney: Hammond Organ
2. Born Under A Bad Sign (12 minute version with 4 guitar solos, a piano solo, and a drum solo)
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker), Lead Guitar on 3rd solo (Epiphone Casino)
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (rhythm on 2nd and 3rd solos) (Fender Stratocaster), Backing Vocals
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (lead on 2nd solo) (Gibson Les Paul), Backing Vocals
John Bonham: Drums, Tambourine, Gong
Linda McCartney: Piano
Ringo Starr : Tambourine
Mal Evans: Handclaps, Backing Vocals
Gary Evans: Handclaps, Backing Vocals
Heather McCartney: Handclaps, Backing Vocals
Paul McCartney : Lead and Backing Vocals, Piano
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Gibson ES-335), Bass Guitar (Fender P-Bass), Backing Vocals
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul), Backing Vocals
John Bonham: Drums, Tambourine, Timpani
Linda McCartney: Moog Synthesizer
4. Sweet Home Chicago
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28), Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker), Piano, Harmonica, Tambourine
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster), Handclaps
Jimmy Page: Lead Guitar (Fender Telecaster), Maracas
John Bonham: Drums, Cowbell
Linda McCartney: Piano, Hammond Organ
5. Crossroads
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker), Handclaps
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Gibson Les Paul), Handclaps
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul), Handclaps
John Bonham: Drums, Tambourine, Handclaps
Linda McCartney: Piano
Side B:
1. Birthday (6 1/2 minute version with multiple guitar solos and an extended drum solo)
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker), Tambourine
Eric Clapton: Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Gibson SG)
Jimmy Page: Lead Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
John Bonham: Drums, Maracas, Gong
Linda McCartney: Hammond Organ, Backing Vocals, Handclaps
Pattie Boyd: Backing Vocals, Handclaps
Heather McCartney: Backing Vocals, Handclaps
2. Blue Suede Shoes
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker), Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Gibson ES-335)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
John Bonham: Drums
Linda McCartney: Piano
3. Rock And Roll (with an additional 14 minute drum solo segueing into the next song)
Paul McCartney : Bass Guitar (Fender Jazz Bass), Piano
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Lead Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
John Bonham: Lead Vocals, Drums, Tambourine, Maracas, Bongos, Claves, Timpani, Gong
All 5 members (minus Bonham) and George Martin: Barely audible spoken dialogue during outro/drum solo
4. Band On The Run (starting after the if I ever get out of here part)
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster), Tambourine
Jimmy Page: Bass Guitar (Fender Bass VI)
John Bonham: Drums
Linda McCartney: Fender Rhodes
5. Spanish Castle Magic
Paul McCartney : Lead Guitar (Fender Esquire)
Eric Clapton: Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Lead Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
John Bonham: Drums
Linda McCartney: Hammond Organ
6. Andy Griffith
Paul McCartney : Whistling, Piano
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Handclaps
John Bonham: Tambourine
The following people thank HMBeatlesfan for this post:
SgtPeppersBulldog, vonbonteeMaybe you should try posting more.
5.47pm
26 January 2017
I don’t see many original compositions from Jimmy Page. If this group had formed we would have seen traces of Zeppelin and Slowhand to go along with McCartney’s prolific output.
"The pump don't work cause the vandals took the handles!"
-Bob Dylan, Subterranean Homesick Blues
"We could ride and surf together while our love would grow"
-Brian Wilson, Surfer Girl
7.18pm
23 July 2016
This is mostly an album consisting of covers of songs these people grew up with in addition to 3 original tracks (Jet , Live And Let Die , and Band On The Run ), credited to FTB as a whole, it isn’t supposed to be an all original album. In fact, a lot of the songs were recorded in one take and a lot of the songs lack overdubs.
Maybe you should try posting more.
8.35pm
23 July 2016
Album #2, released in 1975:
Track listing:
Side A:
1. Silly Love Songs
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Piano, Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker)
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster), Backing Vocals
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul), Backing Vocals
John Bonham: Drums
Linda McCartney: Hammond Organ
2. I Shot The Sherriff
Eric Clapton: Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Paul McCartney : Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker), Backing Vocals
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul), Backing Vocals
John Bonham: Drums, Steel Drums
Linda McCartney: Piano
3. Over The Hills And Far Away
John Bonham: Lead Vocals, Drums
Paul McCartney : Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson J-200), Lead Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
4. Purple Haze
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker)
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Tambourine
John Bonham: Drums
Linda McCartney: Piano
5. Sunshine Of Your Love (13 minute extended version)
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker)
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Gibson SG), Backing Vocals
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul), Backing Vocals
John Bonham: Drums, Tambourine
Linda McCartney: Hammond Organ
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Lead Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
John Bonham: Drums
Linda McCartney: Hammond Organ
Side B: (A tribute to Elvis, all songs segue into one another)
1. Heartbreak Hotel
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Bass Guitar (Fender Bass VI)
John Bonham: Drums
Linda McCartney: Piano
2. Hound Dog
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Bass Guitar (Fender Bass VI)
John Bonham: Drums
Linda McCartney: Piano
3. Don’t Be Cruel
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Bass Guitar (Fender Bass VI)
John Bonham: Drums
Linda McCartney: Piano
4. All Shook Up
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster), Backing Vocals
Jimmy Page: Bass Guitar (Fender Bass VI), Backing Vocals
John Bonham: Drums
Linda McCartney: Piano
5. Jailhouse Rock
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Lead Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
John Bonham: Drums
Linda McCartney: Piano, Hammond Organ
Bill Wyman: Bass Guitar (Fender Bass VI)
Ruth McCartney: Handclaps, Screaming
Gary Evans: Tambourine, Handclaps, Screaming
Heather McCartney: Handclaps, Screaming
Julian Lennon: Handclaps, Screaming
Maybe you should try posting more.
2.47am
Reviewers
Moderators
1 May 2011
They still would have been compared to the Beatles and peed on by the Press.
The following people thank meanmistermustard for this post:
SgtPeppersBulldog, William Shears Campbell, HMBeatlesfan, HMBeatlesfan, HMBeatlesfan, HMBeatlesfan"I told you everything I could about me, Told you everything I could" ('Before Believing' - Emmylou Harris)
3.07pm
26 January 2017
I agree. Unless they took it in a completely different direction and successfully made really good music.
The following people thank sir walter raleigh for this post:
SgtPeppersBulldog"The pump don't work cause the vandals took the handles!"
-Bob Dylan, Subterranean Homesick Blues
"We could ride and surf together while our love would grow"
-Brian Wilson, Surfer Girl
7.58pm
23 July 2016
Their 3rd album, released in 1978, 1 year after they fired John Bonham for alcohol problems, replacing him with Mitch Mitchell and adding Klaus Voormann on bass:
Side A:
1. Foxy Lady
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Epiphone Casino)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
Klaus Voormann: Bass Guitar (Fender P-Bass)
Mitch Mitchell: Drums
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Backing Vocals, Handclaps
Jimmy Page: Backing Vocals, Handclaps
Klaus Voormann: Backing Vocals, Handclaps
Mitch Mitchell: Tambourine, Backing Vocals
3. Cocaine
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Epiphone Casino)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
Klaus Voormann: Bass Guitar (Fender P-Bass)
Mitch Mitchell: Drums
4. Fire
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Epiphone Casino)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
Klaus Voormann: Bass Guitar (Fender P-Bass)
Mitch Mitchell: Drums
Side B:
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Piano
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson EDS-1275)
Klaus Voormann: Bass Guitar (Fender P-Bass)
Mitch Mitchell: Drums
Linda McCartney: Hammond Organ
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Piano, Lead Guitar (Epiphone Casino)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Fender Stratocaster), Backing Vocals
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson EDS-1275), Backing Vocals
Klaus Voormann: Bass Guitar (Fender P-Bass), Backing Vocals
Mitch Mitchell: Drums, Backing Vocals
Linda McCartney: Hammond Organ, Piano, Backing Vocals
Ruth McCartney: Backing Vocals, Handclaps
Gary Evans: Backing Vocals, Tambourine
Heather McCartney: Backing Vocals, Handclaps
Mary McCartney: Backing Vocals, Handclaps
Stella McCartney: Backing Vocals, Handclaps
3. The End (17 minute version with extended solo)
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Epiphone Casino)
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster), Backing Vocals
Jimmy Page: Lead Guitar (Gibson Les Paul), Backing Vocals
Klaus Voormann: Bass Guitar (Fender P-Bass), Backing Vocals
Mitch Mitchell: Drums, Backing Vocals
Linda McCartney: Piano, Backing Vocals
Ruth McCartney: Backing Vocals, Handclaps
Gary Evans: Backing Vocals, Tambourine
Heather McCartney: Backing Vocals, Handclaps
Mary McCartney: Backing Vocals, Handclaps
Stella McCartney: Backing Vocals, Handclaps
Their final album, released in 1980, they rehired John Bonham after he was released from rehab in 1979 but kept Klaus on bass, this album is dedicated to John Bonham, who died during the recording of this album due to an alcohol overdose:
Side A:
1. All Of My Love
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (Ovation 12-string)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Lead Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
Klaus Voormann: Bass Guitar (Fender P-Bass)
John Bonham: Drums
2. Rockestra Theme
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Piano
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Fender Stratocaster), Backing Vocals
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul), Backing Vocals
Klaus Voormann: Bass Guitar (Fender P-Bass), Backing Vocals
John Bonham: Drums, Backing Vocals
3. One Whiskey, One Scotch, One Beer
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Fender Telecaster)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
Klaus Voormann: Bass Guitar (Fender P-Bass)
John Bonham: Drums, Backing Vocals
4. Love Of My Life
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Piano
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
5. I’m Down
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Epiphone Casino)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Fender Stratocaster), Backing Vocals
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul), Backing Vocals
Klaus Voormann: Bass Guitar (Fender P-Bass), Backing Vocals
John Bonham: Drums, Tambourine, Timpani, Gong
Linda McCartney: Hammond Organ
Side B:
1. In A Gadda Da Vida
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead and Rhythm Guitar (Fender Telecaster)
Eric Clapton: Lead and Rhythm Guitar (Fender Stratocaster)
Jimmy Page: Lead and Rhythm Guitar (Gibson EDS-1275)
Klaus Voormann: Bass Guitar (Fender P-Bass)
John Bonham: Drums, Tambourine, Maracas, Congas, Timpani, Gong
Linda McCartney: Hammond Organ
Maybe you should try posting more.
9.03pm
14 June 2016
I cry at all the great Wings songs that would never have been created in HMB’s alternate timeline.
The following people thank William Shears Campbell for this post:
sir walter raleigh, Mademoiselle Kitty >^..^<, WeepingAtlasCedars, Starr Shine?Here | There | Everywhere
It's ya boi! The one and only Billy Shears (AKA Paul's Replacement)
"Sometimes I wish I was just George Harrison" - John Lennon
9.18pm
23 July 2016
Since there’s a distinct lack of other things to do right now on this forum, let me mention the singles I think this fictional supergroup had, as well as compilation/live/comeback albums.
The only single from FTB:
The first single from Still Got Soul: (the B-side is Birthday )
The second single from Still Got Soul:
The single from No More Bass For Paul:
Their 1981 Greatest Hits album, For The Best:
Track listing:
Side A:
1. Love Me Two Times (outtake from Still Got Soul, released as B-side to Mull Of Kintyre , 1978)
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar (Rickenbacker)
Eric Clapton: Lead Guitar (Gibson SG)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Gibson Les Paul)
John Bonham: Drums
Linda McCartney: Hammond Organ
2. Jet (FTB, 1973)
3. Silly Love Songs (Still Got Soul, 1975)
4. Heartbreak Hotel (single version, Still Got Soul, 1975)
5. Mull Of Kintyre (No More Bass For Paul, 1978)
6. All Of My Love (A Death To FTB, 1980)
Side B:
1. Golden Slumbers (No More Bass For Paul, 1978)
2. Carry That Weight (No More Bass For Paul, 1978)
3. The End (No More Bass For Paul, 1978)
And let’s not forget their 2001 comeback album:
Track listing:
1. Dance Tonight
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
James McCartney: Drums
2. Day Tripper
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28), Backing Vocals
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28), Backing Vocals
James McCartney: Drums, Tambourine
3. Tears In Heaven
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
James McCartney: Tambourine
4. The Wind Cries Mary
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
James McCartney: Drums
5. Everyday
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Jimmy Page: Tapping Guitar (Martin D-28)
James McCartney: Handclaps
6. Johnny B. Goode
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
James McCartney: Drums
7. Crossroads
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (rhythm on 2nd solo) (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (lead on 2nd solo) (Martin D-28)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
James McCartney: Drums
8. Sgt. Pepper ‘s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
Paul McCartney : Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar (Martin D-28)
Eric Clapton: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
Jimmy Page: Rhythm Guitar (Martin D-28)
James McCartney: Drums
Maybe you should try posting more.
9.43pm
23 July 2016
William Shears Campbell said
I cry at all the great Wings songs that would never have been created in HMB’s alternate timeline.
Incorrect, my animated fraudulent friend, because you don’t know the whole story. The band was formed in 1972 and broke up in 1980 after Bonham’s death, which made Paul release McCartney II December of that year (which was in this universe recorded in one weekend pretty much all by himself) and then released a triple album McCartney III in December of 1981, which featured every single one of our universe’s Wings songs on Wild Life , Red Rose Speedway , Band On The Run (except for Band On The Run and Jet ), and Venus And Mars , then in 1987 he released the triple album Back To The Egg , which included your universe’s Wings At The Speed Of Sound (except for Silly Love Songs), London Town , Back To The Egg , as well as all of the non album singles (except for Live And Let Die ) and starting off the album with the part of Band On The Run that F*** The Beatles didn’t record (AKA the intro until after the if I ever get out of here), see you soon.
Maybe you should try posting more.
11.54pm
14 June 2016
Saying that they all got released in the 80’s is almost as bad as saying that it was all a dream. Then with that, you’re not much better of a story writer than Paul himself.
Also, what about his 80’s stuff. Would much of that not be in existence?
Here | There | Everywhere
It's ya boi! The one and only Billy Shears (AKA Paul's Replacement)
"Sometimes I wish I was just George Harrison" - John Lennon
12.37am
26 January 2017
William Shears Campbell said
Saying that they all got released in the 80’s is almost as bad as saying that it was all a dream. Then with that, you’re not much better of a story writer than Paul himself.Also, what about his 80’s stuff. Would much of that not be in existence?
I assume once Macca three is released the real timeline resumes. I am more concerned that we miss out on all of Led Zeppelin with Page only doing blues covers with Paul.
Paul is as good if not a better singer in his own right, but he could never rip Over the Hills and Far Away like Robert Plant.
The following people thank sir walter raleigh for this post:
WeepingAtlasCedars, vonbontee"The pump don't work cause the vandals took the handles!"
-Bob Dylan, Subterranean Homesick Blues
"We could ride and surf together while our love would grow"
-Brian Wilson, Surfer Girl
7.09am
14 June 2016
10.16am
Reviewers
17 December 2012
There have been some great What If…?’s, some of them very plausible (there is a thread for them), but this one just seems pointless and, more importantly, without any believability.
Now, in Paul’s quote that’s used to base this on, he names three names he might’ve called in such a situation, and you’ve taken it as gospel to base this on, rather than use your imagination to actually come up with a plausible McCartney ’70s supergroup for McCartney to front.
Consider the plausibility just for a moment…
For a 1973 album, let’s have them discussing the idea from late-’72.
So, Paul rings up, a strung-out Eric answers. Paul asks hermit-phase Eric if he wants to form a band. Eric reminds him that his best friends in the Beatles are the three Paul is suing, and that his friendship is a bit… because of Patti. “I’ve heard a lot about being your sideman…” he says disdainfully, hanging up.
Eric was interested in being coaxed out at that time, as Pete Townshend showed, but not to be a sideman, and in the process feck off a whole load of friends by being seen to do something that could be seen as taking the other side… In real life Pete gave Eric a headline gig at the Rainbow, in this version, Paul gets him by offering guitar in FTB! WTF!
So, where are Page and Bonham at the same time?
Well, Zeppelin IV has been released at the end of 1971, they are in the midst of one of the biggest and most debauched tours ever seen, and are planning their follow-up, for 1973.
“Hey, Jimmy, hey John, thanks for taking the call. I’ve been talking with Eric about forming a group, and he’s thinking about it. Hasn’t said no yet. Was wondering if you two wanted to leave Zeppelin and join us?”
Hysterical laughter is heard as the phone is hung up.
It doesn’t happen, if Paul rings those three people at that time, they all would have said no.
Then there’s the name of this group, just silly.
And then we look at the invented tracklists, and they are dire. Looking at it, as said above, way too many covers. I’ll go even further, way too many covers reflecting the playing style of Clapton, Page and Bonham but the type of territory Paul rarely touches musically or vocally, always inclined to the poppier side of the charts. And then there’s Clapton looking like the Harrison of the ’70s, with Paul granting him a very few lead vocals, and Clapton and Page bashing heads over who’s the real lead guitarist.
Before Paul tells them both to shut up, that he’s the best lead guitarist, but he lets both them of show-off for him because they’re both his bitches now, and they will play what he wants them to play, or they won’t play at all…
No, sorry, to make an idea like this work, you have to have the right People – how’s about McCartney, Graham Nash (a Denny Laine-type figure), Roger McGuinn, and a tempted-out-of-retirement Dave Clark (who, in some of the outtakes, Paul is heard laughing, “That’s so Pete! Loosen your shoulders a bit, man! Try a bit of this…”). McCartney and McGuinn have four lead vocals each. Nash has two, and the Clark, rather rusty, just the one. Klaus sometimes sitting in to show he’s not taking sides. A couple of tracks from a session Al Kooper dropped in on, with his friend Bob (who insisted on only being known as Blind Boy Grunt and would only play harmonica), complete the 15-track first album.
See? There are things you could do with this, but what’s been done here so far…
The following people thank Ron Nasty for this post:
SgtPeppersBulldog, ewe2, HMBeatlesfan, WeepingAtlasCedars, vonbontee"I only said we were bigger than Rod... and now there's all this!" Ron Nasty
To @ Ron Nasty it's @ mja6758
The Beatles Bible 2020 non-Canon Poll Part One: 1958-1963 and Part Two: 1964-August 1966
11.00am
26 January 2017
Nash quit the Hollies because he didn’t feel that his songwriting was appreciated. Imagine that twit working with the great Paul. Don’t get me wrong, I love CSN, but if Paul wants to lead a group without problems, he’s getting way more ego than talent with Graham Nash.
Imagine this: After the first CSNY tour, Neil Young tells his bandmates that he must leave. He received a call from Paul to start a new transcontinental supergroup. Neil, who is a fantastic guitarist and ridiculously good songwriter would perhaps enjoy the competition of Paul rather than butting heads with another great creative mind. Also, if you’ve ever watched Neil workshop songs with others, he can be a great team player (although sometimes he is the exact opposite, but so can Paul).
I like @Ron Nasty ‘s idea of adding McGuinn to sing and play in the group and also contribute songs. The reason that I like McGuinn for this group is that he is a man with deep respect for great songwriting. He knows that it is about the material, not his own ego. That is why he is one of my favourite figures of sixties music.
Now all they need is a good drummer. I initially thought that a Don Henley/Levon Helm would bring the songwriting output up a notch, but I think McCartney/Young is plenty, especially supplemented by McGuinn. Pretend that Jim Gordon got a call to join this supergroup after D&tD. I think this would be perfect because the group would get a great drummer and a 11-year tenure, with Gordon’s murder of his mother promptly ending the band’s run from 1972-1983.
Joining with Neil would give Paul better quality control, and less pressure to write everything himself.
The following people thank sir walter raleigh for this post:
SgtPeppersBulldog"The pump don't work cause the vandals took the handles!"
-Bob Dylan, Subterranean Homesick Blues
"We could ride and surf together while our love would grow"
-Brian Wilson, Surfer Girl
12.05pm
26 January 2017
As a reference to The Beatles and Neil’s Native American interests, I name the group Squanto and the Grasshoppers.
I made their debut album as well: Big Barn Bed which features originals from Paul and Neil, as well as some Dylan covers. It featured more raw folk songwriting but doesn’t sacrifice on production.
Side One:
Big Barn Bed (McCartney)
Out On the Weekend (Young)
Bluebird (McCartney)
The Man In Me (Dylan)
Old Man (Young)
Single Pigeon (McCartney)
Till The Morning Comes (Young)
Side Two:
Heart Of Gold (Young)
Jet (McCartney)
Alabama (Young)
Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues (Dylan)
Only Love Can Break Your Heart (Young)
Nineteen-Hundred and Eighty-Five (McCartney)
Side 3:
Harvest (Young)
My Love (McCartney)
After the Gold Rush (Young)
It Ain’t Me Babe (Dylan)
When the Night (McCartney)
Cripple Creek Ferry (Young)
Side 4:
The Needle and the Damage Done (Young)
Picasso’s Last Words (Drink To Me) (McCartney)
Oh Lonesome Me (Young)
Quinn the Esquimo (The Mighty Quinn) (Dylan)
Loup (First Indian On the Moon) (McCartney)
Southern Man (Young)
Band On The Run (McCartney)
Totals:
26 songs, Paul: 10, Neil: 12, Dylan: 4
The following people thank sir walter raleigh for this post:
SgtPeppersBulldog"The pump don't work cause the vandals took the handles!"
-Bob Dylan, Subterranean Homesick Blues
"We could ride and surf together while our love would grow"
-Brian Wilson, Surfer Girl
12.17pm
26 January 2017
Second alternate timeline:
In 1970 after the Beach Boy’s album Sunflower, Carl, Dennis, Mike, Al, and Bruce realise that their critical success is more meaningful, even though the album did poorly commercially. Taking influence from Pink Floyd who saw that their visionary was losing touch and decided to take the band in a new direction. With this in mind, they decide to not only remove the former leader Brian from his role as producer and head songwriter as they did in real life, but they kick him out of the band completely. After the success of Ram which was heavily inspired by Brain, Paul jumps on this opportunity and asks Brian to join him in the new smash duo: Wilson & McCartney.
Their musical output features lyrical collaborations with Van Dyke Parks and Peter Asher on both Wilson and McCartney compositions. Produced by Brian, the two 60s competitors team up and create beautiful harmony that sets off an explosion in Brian’s soul. The validation he failed to receive fro Smile that drove him crazy was given to him by Paul. With McCartney’s help, they revisit Smile, with Paul offering much more this time around than chewing celery on Vegetables. After Brian gets his confidence and creative juices back, the two refrain from touring for the entire 70s decade, grinding out masterpiece after masterpiece in the studio.
Ron Nasty really got me going by suggesting that the Page, Clapton Bonham lineup was impossible.
"The pump don't work cause the vandals took the handles!"
-Bob Dylan, Subterranean Homesick Blues
"We could ride and surf together while our love would grow"
-Brian Wilson, Surfer Girl
1 Guest(s)