On May 15, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will launch its new exhibit “Paul McCartney and Wings,” featuring the most extensive collection of items from McCartney’s personal archives to be made accessible to the public, as well as donations from former bandmembers and associates. Like the recent “Man on the Run” documentary, book and album, the exhibit focuses on McCartney’s post-Beatles career, from his self-titled 1970 debut album through the formation of Wings to the band’s dissolution in 1981. (Head here for details on the exhibit.)
Below, Variety presents an exclusive set of images from the exhibit, including handwritten lyrics, original artwork, tour memorabilia and photos. Items in the exhibit include:
George Martin’s Handwritten Orchestral Scores – Original handwritten scores by producer and arranger George Martin for “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” (1971) and the James Bond theme “Live and Let Die” (1973).
Handwritten Song Manuscripts by Paul McCartney – A collection of facsimiles of handwritten lyrics by McCartney throughout the 1970s.
Original Album Artwork and Design Proofs – A collection of original artwork and proofs created for albums by McCartney and Wings, including “McCartney,” “Ram,” “Wild Life,” “Red Rose Speedway,” “Band on the Run,” “Venus and Mars” and “London Town.”
Reconstructed Wings Over Europe Tour Bus Panels – A reconstruction of several original panels from the side of the tour bus used by Wings during their 1972 Wings Over Europe tour.