Rock Hall to Showcase Paul McCartney's Wings Era

Upcoming exhibit will feature rare memorabilia and archival materials from the band's 1970s heyday.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio is set to open a new exhibit focused on Paul McCartney's post-Beatles band Wings. The collection will feature a wide range of memorabilia and archival materials from the group's decade-long run in the 1970s, including instruments, handwritten lyrics, and never-before-seen personal photos and videos. The exhibit coincides with the release of a new book and documentary chronicling McCartney's creative journey after the breakup of The Beatles.

Why it matters

The Wings era represents an important and often overlooked chapter in Paul McCartney's legendary career. This exhibit provides a rare, in-depth look at how McCartney rebuilt his musical identity and found commercial success in the years after The Beatles' dissolution. It also sheds light on the challenges he faced in establishing a new band and carving out his own path forward.

The details

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exhibit will feature a vast array of items from McCartney's personal archives, ranging from instruments used during Wings' recording sessions to handwritten lyrics and behind-the-scenes footage. Many of these materials have never been displayed publicly before. The collection aims to immerse visitors in the story of how McCartney, along with his wife Linda and other collaborators, created seven studio albums with Wings between 1971 and 1980.

  • The exhibit is set to open on May 15, 2026.
  • In February 2025, McCartney released a book titled "Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run" that chronicled the band's history.
  • A new documentary film called "Paul McCartney: Man on the Run" is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026 via Prime Video.

The players

Paul McCartney

The legendary singer-songwriter and former member of The Beatles, who formed the band Wings in 1971 and released seven studio albums with the group over the next decade.

Linda McCartney

Paul McCartney's wife, who was a member of Wings and played a key role in the band's creative direction and live performances.

Denny Laine

The former Moody Blues singer who was a co-founder and integral member of Wings throughout the band's existence.

Denny Seiwell

The drummer who was part of the original Wings lineup and played on the band's early albums.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum

The museum in Cleveland, Ohio that is hosting the upcoming exhibit focused on Paul McCartney's post-Beatles band Wings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm so very happy to be transported back to the time that was Wings and relive some of our madcap adventures through this book. Starting from scratch after The Beatles felt crazy at times. There were some very difficult moments, and I often questioned my decision. But as we got better I thought, 'OK this is really good.' We proved Wings could be a really good band. To play to huge audiences in the same way The Beatles had and have an impact in a different way. It was a huge buzz.”

— Paul McCartney (rollingstone.com)

What’s next

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will host an early screening of the new Paul McCartney documentary "Man on the Run" on February 21, 2026, ahead of the film's wider release on February 27.

The takeaway

This upcoming Wings exhibit at the Rock Hall provides a rare, in-depth look at a pivotal yet often overlooked chapter in Paul McCartney's storied career. By delving into the personal archives and creative journey of Wings, the exhibit sheds new light on how McCartney rebuilt his musical identity and found renewed success in the years after The Beatles' breakup.