Paul McCartney leads tributes to Wings bandmate Denny Laine

6 December 2023, 11:42

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Paul McCartney and Denny Laine were bandmates for ten glorious years together in Wings.

Paul McCartney has led the tributes to Denny Laine, following the death of his former Wings bandmate at the age of 79.

Laine and McCartney were in the same band for a full decade between 1971 and 1981 – as long as McCartney was in The Beatles.

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"I am very saddened to hear that my ex-bandmate, Denny Laine, has died," said McCartney on Instagram.

"I have many fond memories of my time with Denny: from the early days when The Beatles toured with the Moody Blues. Our two bands had a lot of respect for each other and a lot of fun together.

"Denny joined Wings at the outset. He was an outstanding vocalist and guitar player. His most famous performance is probably 'Go Now' an old Bessie Banks song which he would sing brilliantly."

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He continued: "He and I wrote some songs together the most successful being 'Mull of Kintyre' which was a big hit in the Seventies.

"We had drifted apart but in recent years managed to reestablish our friendship and share memories of our times together. Denny was a great talent with a fine sense of humour and was always ready to help other people.

"He will be missed by all his fans and remembered with great fondness by his friends. I send my condolences and best wishes to his wife, Elizabeth and family.

"Peace and love Denny. It was a pleasure to know you. We are all going to miss you. Love, Paul."

Among the many other stars who have paid tribute to Laine are Dave Davies of The Kinks, Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses – who memorably covered Wings' 'Live and Let Die' – and Micky Dolenz of The Monkees

Writing on Instagram, Laine's wife Elizabeth Hines wrote: "My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning. I was at his bedside, holding his hand as I played his favourite Christmas songs for him.

"He’s been singing Christmas songs the past few weeks and I continued to play Christmas songs while he’s been in ICU on a ventilator this past week.

She continued: "He and I both believed he would overcome his health setbacks and return to the rehabilitation centre and eventually home.

"Unfortunately, his lung disease, Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), is unpredictable and aggressive; each infection weakened and damaged his lungs. He fought everyday. He was so strong and brave, never complained.

"All he wanted was to be home with me and his pet kitty, Charley, playing his gypsy guitar."

Elizabeth thanked the medical staff who cared for him and fans for their recent shows of support, and added: "It was my absolute honour and privilege to not only be his wife, but to care for him during his illness and vulnerability.

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"My world will never be the same. Denny was an amazingly wonderful person, so loving and sweet to me. He made my days colourful, fun and full of life just like him.

"Thank you sweetie for loving me, for all the laughter, friendship, fun and for asking me to be your wife. I will love you forever ❤️"