Coming Up

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Coming Up" by Paul McCartney from his 1980 album McCartney II, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this quirky, upbeat track! One fascinating story about "Coming Up" is how it inspired John Lennon to return to recording after a five-year hiatus. In a 1980 interview, Lennon praised the song, calling it a "good piece of work," and McCartney later shared that a New York recording colleague told him Lennon felt spurred to get back to work after hearing it, thinking, "Uh oh, I had better get working, too." This led to Lennon’s Double Fantasy album, making "Coming Up" a pivotal moment in music history.

Another cool tidbit about "Coming Up" is its experimental creation process. McCartney recorded it at his farm in Scotland in 1979, starting with a drum track and layering instruments bit by bit without a clear plan. He used a vari-speed tape machine to speed up his vocals, giving the song its distinctive, playful sound. In the "Coming Up" music video, directed by Keith McMillan, McCartney plays multiple roles as members of a fictional band called "The Plastic Macs," a nod to Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band. The video features McCartney mimicking real musicians like Frank Zappa and Ron Mael of Sparks, showcasing his humor and versatility.

The song also has a unique chart history. While the studio version of "Coming Up" hit number two in the UK, the live version, recorded by Wings in Glasgow in 1979, topped the US charts. McCartney resisted his label’s push to include the live version on McCartney II, wanting to keep the album a solo project, but the live version’s success led to a special one-sided single release in North America. Fans on X have celebrated the song’s influence, with posts noting its "freaky" studio vibe and its role in Lennon’s comeback.

Paul McCartney’s journey to becoming a music legend began in Liverpool, England, where he was born on June 18, 1942. Raised in a musical family, his father, Jim McCartney, played the E-flat tuba and introduced him to bass parts in songs on the radio, fostering his early love for music. A largely self-taught musician, McCartney relied on his perfect pitch and keen ear to craft melodies. His career took off when he joined The Beatles in 1957, initially called The Quarrymen, after meeting John Lennon at a church fete. The band’s evolution into The Beatles, with George Harrison and later Ringo Starr, led to global fame with albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, where McCartney’s innovative ideas, like creating a fictional band persona, pushed musical boundaries.

After The Beatles’ breakup in 1970, McCartney launched his solo career with his debut album, McCartney, and formed Wings with his wife, Linda McCartney. His prolific career spans over 500 songs, including pop, classical, and avant-garde works, cementing his status as a musical craftsman. Fans can connect with him through his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates on tours and projects. For deeper dives into his legacy, check out The Paul McCartney Project, a comprehensive fan site, or join discussions on the r/PaulMcCartney Reddit community.