The impact of a single event can shape an artist's trajectory, and for Paul McCartney, two pivotal moments stand out. The arrest of Paul McCartney in Japan for marijuana possession and the tragic murder of John Lennon were game-changers for the former Beatle.
Before his renowned career as a writer, producer, and renowned fingerstyle guitarist, Laurence Juber was a member of Wings from 1978 to 1981. His journey began as a sought-after session guitarist in London. But everything changed when he was invited to jam with Wings guitarist-bassist Denny Laine, and soon, Paul and Linda McCartney joined the session.
In a life-altering moment, Paul turned to Juber and asked about his plans for the next few years. Juber, having spent his teenage years as a studio musician, couldn't resist the offer. He joined Wings, contributing to their 1979 album, 'Back to the Egg,' with a standout solo on 'Spin It On.'
But here's where fate intervened. McCartney's pot bust in Japan on January 16, 1980, put a halt to the band's touring plans. This incident, along with the featured track 'Getting Closer' on the upcoming 'WINGS' compilation, showcases Juber's talent.
Juber recalls the creative process behind his memorable solo, emphasizing the importance of collaborating with other guitarists. He also reveals his transition from studio work to playing arenas with Wings, and how he adapted to the spotlight.
The band had ambitions to tour the States, but McCartney's bust put a damper on those plans. Juber was standing right next to McCartney when the bust occurred, witnessing the discovery of the weed in a suitcase. Despite their hopes, the tour never resumed.
The aftermath of the bust led to a period of uncertainty. Paul returned to the studio, working on mixes with Geoff Emerick and Chris Thomas. Juber, meanwhile, explored composing and production, scoring an animated commercial and writing fingerstyle acoustic guitar pieces.
And this is where the story takes a turn. The end of 1980 brought the devastating news of John Lennon's murder. This, combined with the Japan bust, influenced McCartney's decision to end Wings. The band's run was coming to a close, with various factors at play, including the move to Peasmarch and the challenges of studio work.
Juber's recent projects include scoring a documentary about Peter Asher, titled 'Everywhere Man: The Lives and Times of Peter Asher.' He reflects on the evolution of technology in the scoring process and his journey from using a PortaStudio to the advancements of today.
What do you think about these pivotal moments in music history? Do you believe the Japan bust and Lennon's murder significantly influenced McCartney's career path? Share your thoughts and let's spark a conversation about the impact of these events on the music industry.
