The Horrific 1972 Incident That Led Paul McCartney to Write Wings Debut Single [Video]

In February 1972, Paul McCartney‘s band Wings debuted with the single “Give Ireland Back To The Irish.” Written by McCartney and his wife, Linda, the song was a rare political statement from the ex-Beatle, and he was condemned in the U.K. upon its release for seemingly expressing support for the Irish Republican Army during the height of the Troubles.

Supporting the IRA at the time, especially as a citizen of the U.K., was a bold move. While the song was more of a general statement supporting the Irish people as a whole in their fight for independence, the press took it in a different direction. The single was banned from U.K. radio stations and largely ignored in the U.S. In addition to being condemned for the apparent IRA support, McCartney was also accused of leeching off of the Bogside Massacre in order to announce his new band.

However, “Give Ireland Back To The Irish” hit No. 1 on the Irish Singles …