Rock Legends Paul McCartney and Axl Rose Honor the Legacy of Denny Laine from Wings
Paul McCartney, the legendary musician, has recently paid a heartfelt tribute to his former Wings bandmate, Denny Laine, who sadly passed away on December 5 at the age of 79 after battling interstitial lung disease. McCartney took to his official website and social media platforms to express his deep condolences, accompanied by a significant archival photo of himself and Laine captured by Linda McCartney.
In the music landscape of 1971, Laine co-founded Wings alongside Paul and Linda McCartney, as well as drummer Denny Seiwell. Being the only constant band member besides the McCartneys throughout the ten-year existence of the group, Laine played a crucial role in the success of Wings. Prior to his time with Wings, Laine established himself as the original frontman of The Moody Blues, contributing immensely to the band’s early success with the hit song “Go Now,” which garnered the top spot on the U.K. singles chart and reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965. Laine’s powerful rendition of “Go Now” became a staple at Wings concerts, demonstrating his enduring talent and influence.
McCartney nostalgically reflected on the shared experiences he had with Laine, reminiscing about the days when The Beatles toured with The Moody Blues. He highlighted Laine’s exceptional skills as a vocalist and guitarist, especially noting his brilliant performance of “Go Now” and their joint songwriting success with hits like “Mull of Kintyre,” a chart-topper in the Seventies. Despite a period of drifting apart, McCartney and Laine managed to rekindle their friendship in recent years, exchanging cherished memories of their time together.
In his tribute, McCartney praised Laine’s talents, humor, and willingness to assist others, emphasizing the enduring impact Laine had on his fans and friends alike. McCartney extended his heartfelt condolences and best wishes to Laine’s wife, Elizabeth, and family, noting that Laine will be dearly missed but fondly remembered.
Guns N’ Roses frontman, Axl Rose, also paid homage to Laine, acknowledging the profound influence Wings had on his life and music. The iconic rock band famously covered Wings’ hit song “Live and Let Die” on their 1991 album, cementing the enduring legacy of Wings in the world of rock music. Axl Rose’s tribute underscored the profound impact that Laine’s music had on artists across different genres and generations.
Remarkably, Laine’s passing coincided with the 50th anniversary of the U.S. release of one of McCartney and Wing’s most successful albums, “Band on the Run,” further highlighting the significance of his contributions to the music industry. Elizabeth, Laine’s wife, shared the news of his passing on his official social media pages, revealing that he peacefully left this world while listening to his favorite Christmas songs, surrounded by the love of his family.
As the music world mourns the loss of a talented musician and cherished friend, Denny Laine’s legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. His timeless contributions to rock music, both with The Moody Blues and Wings, serve as a lasting testament to his artistry and passion for creating unforgettable musical experiences. Through his music, Denny Laine will forever remain an indelible part of the musical fabric, touching the hearts of fans and fellow musicians alike.
