Paul McCartney's iconic Wings bus back on the road and heading to auction
Paul McCartney's iconic 1972 Wings tour double-decker bus will hit the road and be on show in London and Nashville ahead of hitting the auction block.
Julien’s Auctions have included the bus in their 20th-anniversary celebration of rock and roll memorabilia, which will take place from 16 to 18 November at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville and online through Julien’s Live.
This historic artefact, known as WNO 481, is an original 1953 Bristol KSW double-decker bus, and it holds a special place in rock 'n' roll history. Paul and Linda McCartney purchased it in 1972 and used it as their primary tour bus for their band Wings.
It represents a significant chapter in McCartney's career, as he transitioned from being part of the legendary Beatles to leading Wings.
The bus, painted with psychedelic artwork by renowned artist Geoffrey Cleghorn, features designs inspired by The Beatles' Yellow Submarine album cover. It played a crucial role in the image of Paul's new band, and it was unique in that it became a family affair, with band members' wives and children joining them on the tour.
The open-top deck of the bus was equipped with a children's playpen, mattresses, beanbags, and blankets for band members and their families to relax during the warm summer days. During the 1972 Wings tour, the bus travelled over 7,500 miles through nine European countries, making the Paul McCartney & Wings Over Europe Tour a resounding success.
The estimated value of the bus is between $200,000 and $300,000.
