Paul McCartney has just announced a special treat for music fans—a limited series of screenings for the rare Wings documentary One Hand Clapping. Directed by David Litchfield, this film offers a unique glimpse into the iconic 1974 Abbey Road Studios recording sessions that led to the creation of the legendary live album of the same name.
Originally shot on tape, the documentary has been meticulously restored to stunning 4K quality, giving fans the chance to experience behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive interviews with the band, and rarely-seen moments from a pivotal chapter in Wings’ history.
The first screening is set for September 26th, promising not just the documentary but also the previously unreleased Backyard Sessions. This bonus content features McCartney performing acoustic renditions of both hits and hidden gems, including the never-released track “Blackpool” and a cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Twenty Flight Rock,” famously played by McCartney when he first met John Lennon.
Reflecting on the project, McCartney shared, “It’s so great to look back on that period and see the little live show we did. We made a pretty good noise actually! It was a great time for the band, we started to have success with Wings, which had been a long time coming.”
While it remains unconfirmed whether McCartney will attend the September 26th screening, he has recorded a special introductory message to kick off the event. Fans can also look forward to the unveiling of exclusive, never-before-seen Polaroid photos from the original session.
McCartney has teamed up with Trafalgar Releasing and Mercury Studios to bring One Hand Clapping back to the spotlight. Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing, expressed his excitement: “We are thrilled to bring the legendary music of Paul McCartney to the big screen and offer fans a front-row seat to his enduring legacy. This cinematic experience will transport audiences back to a golden era of rock and roll while captivating new fans with the magic of this iconic band. It’s a must-see event for music lovers of all generations.”
Amy Freshwater, VP of Acquisitions at Mercury Studios, added, “We are working closely with MPL to release a brand-new project in honor of the 50th anniversary. Mercury Studios is handling all media sales and is delighted to partner with Trafalgar Releasing for the initial theatrical release as we bring this very special treat to audiences worldwide.”
This latest Wings celebration follows the reissue of Band on the Run earlier this year in honor of its 50th anniversary. With these releases, McCartney continues to preserve the legacy of Wings, reminding us all of the incredible music they created throughout the 1970s.
