Classic Pop Icons

Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Live and Let Die” is Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons. “Live and Let Die” was the title track of the James Bond movie of the same name and became a hit single when released in June 1973, backed with “I Lie Around.”

“Live and Let Die” was the eighth Bond movie and the first starring Roger Moore. McCartney’s involvement came about because the Bond producers had hired former Beatles producer, George Martin, to score the movie. This was the first time the pair had worked together since the recording of the album “Abbey Road” in 1969.

In the October 2010 edition of Mojo, Paul McCartney recalled how he came to write the song:

Odd as it seems now, Bond producer, Harry Saltzman, had reservations about McCartney singing the title song. He liked the composition, but thought that it would be more appropriate for an African American female to perform it, in keeping with the blaxploitation undercurrents of the movie. McCartney stood firm and would only allow the song to be used if he performed it with his band, but a version by soul singer B.J. Arnau was also featured in the movie and on the soundtrack album.

“Live and Let Die” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song (a first for a Bond theme), but lost out to “The Way We Were.” The song won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s).

Paul McCartney and Wings – “Live and Let Die”

McCartney features “Live and Let Die” in his stage show to this day and it is always a lively performance, complete with pyrotechnics. It was among the four numbers he selected for inclusion in his Superbowl halftime performance in 2005.

Paul McCartney – “Live and Let Die” (Super Bowl XXXIX Halftime)

Authorship

“Live and Let Die” was written by Paul and Linda McCartney. Linda’s main contribution was the reggae-style bridge, which fitted in with the Caribbean location of part of the movie.

Recording date/location

“Live and Let Die” was recorded in October 1972 at AIR Studios, which was located at 214 Oxford Street, London.

Musicians

The following Wings line-up appeared on “Live and Let Die”:

George Martin arranged the orchestral break which was played by a 63-piece orchestra.

Chart performance

“Live and Let Die” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and reached number nine on the UK singles chart.

Covers

Guns N’ Roses – “Live and Let Die”

Guns N’ Roses included a hard rock cover of “Live and Let Die” on their 1991 album “Use Your Illusion I.” The band does exactly what you would expect them to do with the song, but that’s not a criticism. Slash’s guitar work is excellent and those who appreciate Axl Rose’s voice will find him in good form here.

This was also released on single, peaking at number 33 in the US, but reaching number four in the UK and going all the way to the top in New Zealand.

Duffy – “Live and Let Die”

Welsh pop singer Duffy recorded a cover of “Live and Let Die” in 2008. Her vocal delivery is subdued and the arrangement is also very laidback and missing the changes of tempo that made the original catch fire. That said, the somber approach is intentional and appropriate, given that it was recorded for inclusion on the War Child charity’s album “Heroes.”

There will be a new Song of the Week on July 18.

“Live and Let Die” is available on the original soundtrack album for the movie and on the 2-CD Wings compilation “Wingspan (Hits & History),” which tends to be pricey now.

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Live and Let Die Soundtrack Album (CD)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Wingspan (Hits & History) (2 CDs)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now