PAUL McCARTNEY AND WINGS – Official cinema video trailer for the documentary “One Hand Clapping” released

Trafalgar Releasing and Mercury Studios recently announced an opportunity for audiences to step back in time to 1974 and experience the magic of Paul McCartney and Wings – One Hand Clapping. A gripping documentary film shot on videotape that captures the look and feel of the era and highlights their historic recording session at Abbey Road Studios will premiere as an exclusive cinema event from September 26th. This behind-the-scenes look at the making of the acclaimed album One Hand Clapping features rare footage, interviews with the band, insights from the creative team and more. Experience legendary Wings hits, a reimagined Beatles classic and captivating performances on the big screen.

“It's so great to look back on that time and see our little live show. We actually made quite a bit of noise! ​​It was a great time for the band, we had the success that had been brewing with Wings.” – Paul McCartney

Check out a new video trailer below.

In addition to the full David Litchfield documentary, the event will also feature the previously unreleased Backyard Sessions, featuring Paul McCartney on acoustic guitar playing popular pieces from his repertoire. Highlights include the previously unreleased song “Blackpool” and covers of personal favorites such as “Twenty Flight Rock,” the song he played for John Lennon when they first met. Screenings will also include an exclusive filmed introduction by Paul McCartney and previously unreleased Polaroid photos from the sessions.

Tickets for Paul McCartney and Wings – One Hand Clapping are available at onehandclapping.film.

“We're excited to bring the legendary music of Paul McCartney to the big screen and give fans a front row seat to his lasting legacy,” said Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing. “This cinematic experience will transport audiences back to the golden era of rock 'n' roll while captivating new fans with the magic of this iconic band. It's a must-see for music lovers of all generations.”

“We are delighted to be working with MPL on the worldwide premiere of Paul McCartney and Wings – One Hand Clapping,” said Amy Freshwater, VP of Acquisitions, who secured the film along with Will White, SVP of Content Sales for Mercury Studios. “We are working closely with MPL to release a brand new project in honor of the 50th anniversary. Mercury Studios is handling all media sales and is excited to partner with Trafalgar Releasing for the first theatrical release as we bring this very special treat to audiences worldwide.”

One Hand Clapping featured the new Wings line-up, freshly back from Nashville where they had recorded the classic single “Junior's Farm”. Following the sudden departure of Denny Seiwell and Henry McCullough the previous year on the eve of recording the Wings masterpiece Band on the Run, released the year before, Paul (vocals, bass, piano, electric piano, Hammond organ, celesta, harmonium, acoustic guitar), Linda (Moog, electric piano, Mellotron, tambourine, backing vocals) and Denny Laine (vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass) were now joined by guitarist Jimmy McCulloch and drummer Geoff Britton. Also joining the band in the studio were orchestral arranger Del Newman and saxophonist Howie Casey, who had previously played with Paul in Hamburg and would later join Wings' touring band.

The intimate film opens with an instrumental jam that would become the theme song to One Hand Clapping and features live studio renditions of Wings classics such as “Live and Let Die,” “Band on the Run,” “Jet,” and “My Love.” Throughout the film, Paul talks about how much he enjoys working in a band, his writing process, and how at 14 he thought he might have a future as a cabaret singer. We hear from band members about their experiences being part of Wings and working with Paul. Paul performs alongside Linda and there's even some impressive karate chops from drummer Geoff Britton.

One Hand Clapping is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Paul McCartney and Wings. It captures a moment when Wings found and defined their signature sound – just as Paul had shaped pop culture with the Beatles the decade before, he did so again with Wings in the '70s. This documentary gives a glimpse into the band's inner workings as they work and play together in the studio. Regarding the band, Pitchfork said in their recent album coverage, “…the version of Wings that McCartney assembled for the One Hand Clapping sessions showcased the laser focus and playful spontaneity of a tight-knit rock 'n' roll band that had seemingly put in its 10,000 hours in just a few weeks.”

The film, an intimate look at the recording originally shot on videotape in the 1970s, has been scanned and restored in 4K. The dialogue between songs has been demixed using Wingnut's MAL software and the film features a new Dolby Atmos audio mix by Steve Orchard and Giles Martin.