Wednesday, February 4, 1981
For Paul McCartney
Last updated on May 9, 2020
"Tug Of War" sessions at AIR Studios, Montserrat
February 2 till March 3, 1981 • Songs recorded during this session appear on Tug Of War
Recording studio: AIR Studios, Montserrat
Session Jan 21, 1981 • Recording "Tug Of War"
Session February 2 till March 3, 1981 • "Tug Of War" sessions at AIR Studios, Montserrat
Session Feb 04, 1981 • Recording "Dress Me Up As A Robber", "The Pound Is Sinking", "Average Person"
Session Feb 09, 1981 • Recording "Somebody Who Cares"
AlbumSome of the songs worked on during this session were first released on the "Tug Of War" Official album
I was surprised to get a call from Alan Crowder asking if I’d like to go to Montserrat to record with Paul and producer George Martin, who incidentally I’d just worked with on Gary Brooker’s solo album, Fear of Flying […]
The actual recording days were very easy-going.There was sometimes boating or swimming in the mornings, then into the studio, rarely before midday. We would wind up most evenings around 7 or 8pm, and always with plenty of breaks for wonderful food! Being around the combination of engineer Geoff Emerick, George Martin and Paul was occasionally daunting, but they’re all such great people and made me feel completely at ease.
The only sad memory I have from the whole Caribbean experience was having to turn down an open invite from Paul and George Martin to stay over, after the tracks I’d cut had been finished. Stevie Wonder, Stanley Clarke, Steve Gadd et al. were all due to fly in. Unfortunately. I had to return to London [because of some commitments].
Drummer Dave Mattacks, from Tug Of War Archive Collection 2015
A first take of “Average Person” has been recorded on this day with Dave Mattacks on the drum. This take remains unreleased. Paul would return to this song a few days later with Ringo Starr on the drums.
Written by Paul McCartney
Recording
Written by Paul McCartney
Recording
Written by Paul McCartney
Recording
Something That Didn’t Happen / Hear Me Lover
Written by Paul McCartney
Recording
Paul McCartney: Music Is Ideas. The Stories Behind the Songs (Vol. 1) 1970-1989
With 25 albums of pop music, 5 of classical – a total of around 500 songs – released over the course of more than half a century, Paul McCartney's career, on his own and with Wings, boasts an incredible catalogue that's always striving to free itself from the shadow of The Beatles. The stories behind the songs, demos and studio recordings, unreleased tracks, recording dates, musicians, live performances and tours, covers, events: Music Is Ideas Volume 1 traces McCartney's post-Beatles output from 1970 to 1989 in the form of 346 song sheets, filled with details of the recordings and stories behind the sessions. Accompanied by photos, and drawing on interviews and contemporary reviews, this reference book draws the portrait of a musical craftsman who has elevated popular song to an art-form.
Eight Arms to Hold You: The Solo Beatles Compendium
We owe a lot to Chip Madinger and Mark Easter for the creation of those session pages, but you really have to buy this book to get all the details!
Eight Arms To Hold You: The Solo Beatles Compendium is the ultimate look at the careers of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr beyond the Beatles. Every aspect of their professional careers as solo artists is explored, from recording sessions, record releases and tours, to television, film and music videos, including everything in between. From their early film soundtrack work to the officially released retrospectives, all solo efforts by the four men are exhaustively examined.
As the paperback version is out of print, you can buy a PDF version on the authors' website
Notice any inaccuracies on this page? Have additional insights or ideas for new content? Or just want to share your thoughts? We value your feedback! Please use the form below to get in touch with us.