Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your groovy Zoo Crew spinning the vinyl vibes at THE ZOO radio station, and we’re cranking up “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five” by Paul McCartney & Wings from their killer album Band on the Run. This track’s got a funky groove and a futuristic twist, but did you know it started with just one line rattling around in Paul’s head? In his book The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, McCartney shared that the opening line, “No one ever left alive in nineteen hundred and eighty-five,” was all he had for months. He eventually spun it into a love song about a timeless relationship, set in a sci-fi-tinged future that, back in 1973, was only 12 years away. Paul explained, “The idea behind the song is that this is a relationship that was always meant to be. No one in the distant future is ever going to get my attention, because I’ve got you.” That’s some cosmic devotion right there!

Here’s a wild story: when Paul McCartney & Wings recorded Band on the Run in Lagos, Nigeria, they were down to just Paul, Linda, and Denny Laine after two band members bailed before the sessions. Despite the chaos— including a knifepoint robbery where demo tapes were stolen— they crafted this epic track. The song’s grandiose ending, complete with a full orchestra, mellotron, organ, and horns, was stitched together in London’s AIR Studios. Fun fact: it was originally called “Piano Thing” in its early days, and it’s never been performed live by Wings, though Paul added it to his setlist in the 21st century. Fans on Reddit’s r/PaulMcCartney call it a “great stomper” and love how it ties back to the album’s title track with a reprise, giving Band on the Run a cohesive, almost concept-album feel.

Let’s rewind to how Paul McCartney got his start. Born in Liverpool, England, on June 18, 1942, Sir James Paul McCartney first picked up music as a kid, inspired by his father, a jazz musician. After losing his mother at 14, he channeled his emotions into songwriting, a path that led him to meet John Lennon in 1957. Together, they formed The Beatles, the band that changed music forever with hits like “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be.” Paul’s songwriting partnership with Lennon is legendary, but after The Beatles split in 1970, he didn’t slow down. He released his solo debut, McCartney, and then formed Wings in 1971 with his wife, Linda, Denny Laine, and Denny Seiwell. Wings became a powerhouse, racking up 27 U.S. Top 40 hits and five number-one albums, with Band on the Run as their crown jewel.

Wanna dive deeper into Paul’s world? Check out his official website at paulmccartney.com for music, tour dates, and more. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates and throwback gems. Fans gather at the r/PaulMcCartney subreddit to geek out over his catalog, and you can find awesome fan content at mccartneyandwings.tumblr.com, a blog packed with Wings-era photos, interviews, and videos. For live vibes, Seattle’s WingsNThings band recreates Paul’s hits note-for-note— not a tribute band, but a celebration of the music. So, Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep the McCartney magic flowing!