Live In New Castle 1973 (Misterclaudel mccd-036)
City Hall, New Castle – Upon – Tyne, England – July 10th, 1973
Intro., Soily, Big Barn Bed, When The Night, Seaside Woman, Wild Life, Little Woman Love/C Moon, Maybe I’m Amazed, My Love, Live And Let Die, Go Now, The Mess, Hi Hi Hi, Long Tall Sally
This title documents Wings’ final show on their first advertised tour in 1973. Far from the previous year’s university “just drive up and plug in” mentality, this was a tightly run series of concerts used to promote both Red Rose Speedway and the single “Live And Let Die” from the James Bond movie. The virtue of hearing tapes from this era are the rare live versions of “When The Night” , “Seaside Woman” and “Big Barn Red” which were dropped from the set list in subsequent tours.
The concert on this release shows a very laid back band playing with much confidence and silliness all around. Paul keeps thanking the audience in French and German (the common market he explains), Denny Laine has a small chuckling fit in “Go Now” and Paul tells the audience to “cover your ears” before “Hi Hi Hi”, since it was banned upon release.
The highlights of the set are “My Love” and “Maybe I’m Amazed”. The former was their current big hit at the time and Henry McCullough duplicates his emotional solo perfectly. “Maybe I’m Amazed” is played much more up-tempo than we’re used to, almost a rocking version. And “Live And Let Die” is actually played much slower and lighter. It’s a far cry from the arena-rock-explosion-extravaganzas from the 75-76 tours. My favorite tune in this show is the reggae flavored “Seaside Woman” which didn’t even see an official release until many years after this and under a pseudonym. It’s a fun song.
BMW previously released an audience recording from this concert under the title Get You Ready For Live-Newcastle 1973 (BMW005). This is the first release of the soundboard acetate that I’m aware of. There is evidence of some mastering, sounding a bit compressed. There is also the occasional pop. But, this is extremely enjoyable and well balanced and one of the best recordings from Wings’ early years. Also of note is the packaging.
The Misterclaudel/Wendy people have always put a lot of care into the presentation. They go the extra mile for Wings releases it seems. Newcastle 1973 comes in a fatboy jewel case with a glossy cardboard insert with many rare and previously unseen pictures from the tour and a mini duplicate of the tour program. All of this is very moderately priced so you receive a lot. Overall this is an essential release.
