Video: 'Dear Friend (Home Recording I)'

(Saturday, October 16, 1971) — Former Beatle Paul McCartney and his new British-American rock band, Wings, returned to EMI Studios (Abbey Road) in London today, completing “Dear Friend” with orchestral overdubs for what would become the group’s debut album, Wild Life.

Video: 'Dear Friend (Home Recording II)'

“Dear Friend” was apparently an attempt at reconciliation with fellow ex-Beatle John Lennon. It followed Lennon’s attack on McCartney in the song “How Do You Sleep?” from the album Imagine, which had been in retaliation for McCartney’s perceived digs at Lennon in “Too Many People” on his Ram album.

Video: 'Paul McCartney & Wings - Dear Friend (Rough Mix) (2018 Remaster)'

The band, which also included McCartney’s wife, Linda, Denny Seiwell and Denny Laine, began recording the track on July 24, 1971, for the Dec. 3, 1971, release of the original album.

Video: 'Dear Friend (Remastered 2018)'

This marked the conclusion of recording sessions for the Wild Life album. “Dear Friend” was mixed at this session.

Mixing for the album would wrap up the following day with the track “Bip Bop (Link).”

Video: 'Paul McCartney & Wings - Dear Friend (Orchestra Up) (2018 Remaster)'