Video: 'Paul McCartney Letting Go Early Take 1, Nov 1974'

(Tuesday, November 5, 1974; during sessions for Venus and Mars) — Former Beatle Paul McCartney and his British-American band Wings began recording their fourth studio album today as the band tracked “Letting Go” at EMI Studios in London (take 21 was the master; overdubs would be added next year).

Released as the follow-up to Band on the Run, Venus and Mars continued Wings’ run of commercial success and provided a springboard for a year-long worldwide tour.

After recording Band on the Run as a three-piece with wife Linda McCartney and guitarist Denny Laine, McCartney recruited guitarist Jimmy McCulloch and drummer Geoff Britton to the band in 1974.

Recording sessions for the album would take place in London, New Orleans and Los Angeles in November 1974 and early 1975. During the sessions, personal tensions caused Britton to quit after six months, forcing the band to recruit American drummer Joe English to finish the album.