A new exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland showcases the largest public collection of Paul McCartney's personal artifacts, focusing on his life after The Beatles and his band Wings. Titled "Paul McCartney and Wings," the exhibit opened on Friday and explores McCartney's reinvention as a husband, father, and bandleader.
Exhibit Highlights
The display includes instruments, handwritten songwriting notes, and photographs taken by his wife, Linda McCartney, who served as keyboardist and harmony vocalist for Wings from 1971 to 1981. After The Beatles disbanded, McCartney transitioned from a global teen idol to a family man, and Wings reflected this new chapter. Andy Leach, senior director of museum and archival collections at the Rock Hall, noted that the band's embrace of domestic life—bringing children on tour, performing as a married couple, and writing songs inspired by family—was "remarkable and unusual" for the era, when rock music was largely male-dominated.
Artifacts and Design
Leach traveled to London to work with McCartney and his team to prepare and transport guitars, stage clothing, and other items. Most artifacts come from McCartney's personal collection. The exhibit also features a recreation of the McCartneys' Scottish farmhouse, where they retreated after The Beatles' breakup and set up a recording studio. Linda McCartney's photographs, which highlight her role at the center of the family and band, are prominently displayed. Linda, an acclaimed photographer, was the first female to have a photo on Rolling Stone's cover in 1968.
Other notable items include handwritten scores by Beatles producer George Martin for "Uncle Albert" and the James Bond theme "Live and Let Die," one of Wings' most enduring songs. Additional artifacts were lent by longtime Wings roadie John Hamill, former band members, and the widow of Denny Laine, co-founder of Wings and The Moody Blues.
Exhibit Duration and Context
The Rock Hall intends for the exhibit to remain open for at least a year, with hopes to extend through summer 2027. Leach described the timing as "perfect," citing a resurgence of interest in Wings following the Amazon Prime documentary "Man on the Run," a new box set, and the 2025 book "Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run" co-written by McCartney.
