Episode 61 – Beatles ’72 pt6

Paul McCartney and Wings may have had a rough time taking off, but by the summer of 1972 things were looking skyward for the band as their Wings Over Europe tour rolled on. Enthusiastic word of mouth from across Europe hailed Macca’s new band as an electric live experience, with thunderous renditions of tunes from McCartney, RAM and Wild Life, an eclectic mix of covers such as Blue Moon of Kentucky and Long Tall Sally, plus brand new material being tested on eager audiences each and every night. When the tour did finally roll to a close, Wings was in tight formation, ready to head back into the studio and deliver the goods! Meanwhile, in America, John and Yoko retreated to San Francisco to clear their heads and lick their wounds following the rough release of their Sometime in New York City double LP. It was in San Francisco where the couple met up with investigative journalist Geraldo Rivera, who was covering the Lennons struggle to uncover the whereabouts of Yoko’s daughter Kyoko. In the midst of this report, conversation between John, Yoko and Geraldo turned to a recent story the journalist had run on appalling conditions at the Willowbrook home for handicapped children in New York. John and Yoko were inspired to action, but it was Geraldo who suggested the couple use their talents to generate some real money through a charity concert at Madison Square Garden...