Paul McCartney reflects on the end of The Beatles and the formation of Wings

Paul McCartney has reflected on the emotional and professional turmoil following the dissolution of The Beatles, comparing the experience to being “fired” from the only job he had ever known.

In discussions surrounding the documentary “Man on the Run,” which covers his activities during the 1970s, the 84-year-old musician described the period as a time of mourning and a near mental collapse. He noted that after the band officially ended in 1970, he retreated to a farm in Scotland, struggling with isolation and increased alcohol consumption while trying to figure out his future.

McCartney eventually found a new path by returning to recording and touring, which led to the formation of the band Wings in 1971 alongside his wife, Linda McCartney. While the transition was initially a period of deep difficulty, he now views his time with Wings as a “cherished memory.”