Letting Go

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Letting Go" by Paul McCartney & Wings from the 1975 album Venus and Mars. This track, a slick blend of bluesy rock and jazzy horns, was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in late 1974, with overdubs added later in New Orleans at Sea-Saint Studios. It’s one of only three songs featuring drummer Geoff Britton before he left Wings, alongside "Love in Song" and "Medicine Jar." Authors Chip Madinger and Mark Easter called it “one of the best songs on the LP,” praising its “full slab of brass,” while Robert Rodriguez noted it as a live highlight for Wings. In 2014, McCartney released an extended, remastered version of "Letting Go" exclusively on his website, stretching a minute longer with extra guitar solos and a beefier bassline, but notably lighter on horns. This remix was a treat for fans, debuting on BBC 6 Music and offered as a free download.

The song’s lyrics, credited to Paul and Linda McCartney, shimmer with vivid imagery—she “tastes like wine,” “looks like snow,” and shines “like a lucifer.” McCartney’s playful energy comes through, with lines about putting her on a “Broadway show” or “on the radio.” In a 2025 interview on his website, Paul reflected on the Venus and Mars sessions, mentioning the New Orleans vibe and Mardi Gras energy that shaped the album. Fans on Reddit’s Paul McCartney community often rave about “Letting Go,” with one user calling it “top tier Macca” and praising its live power on the Wings Over America album, though some critique the studio mix for feeling disjointed. A restored 1975 performance video from the Wings Over the World tour, shared on McCartney’s YouTube channel, captures the song’s raw energy, earning praise from fans and even a “Rockin’!!” comment with fire emojis from ex-Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony on McCartney’s Instagram.

Paul McCartney, born June 18, 1942, in Liverpool, England, kicked off his musical journey as a teenager, teaching himself piano, guitar, and songwriting. By 15, he met John Lennon and joined his skiffle group, The Quarrymen, which evolved into The Beatles. With Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, McCartney reshaped music history, blending pop, rock, and experimentation in a songwriting partnership with Lennon that’s among the most celebrated of the 20th century. After The Beatles’ 1970 breakup, McCartney launched a solo career with his 1970 album McCartney, recorded at home with him playing nearly every instrument. In 1971, he formed Wings with his wife Linda, Denny Laine, and Denny Seiwell, aiming for a raw, back-to-basics sound. Despite early criticism, Wings hit their stride with 1973’s Band on the Run, and Venus and Mars cemented their arena-rock dominance, with “Letting Go” as a live staple.

McCartney’s official channels keep the Zoo Freaks connected: visit paulmccartney.com for tour dates, news, and exclusive content like that 2014 “Letting Go” remix. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, throwback photos, and fan interactions. Fans can dive deeper on The Paul McCartney Project, a detailed archive of his post-Beatles work, or join discussions on the r/PaulMcCartney Reddit community. The Paul McCartney Fans Facebook group is another hub for Zoo Freaks to share their love for tracks like “Letting Go” and debate the merits of Wings’ discography. Keep spinning those records, and let the good vibes flow!