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Jimmy McCulloch
Jimmy McCulloch
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Key Information

James McCulloch (4 June 1953 – 27 September 1979) was a Scottish musician best known for playing lead guitar and bass as a member of Paul McCartney's band Wings from 1974 to 1977. McCulloch was a member of the Glasgow psychedelic band One in a Million (formerly known as the Jaygars), Thunderclap Newman, and Stone the Crows.[1]

McCulloch also made appearances on many albums, including John Entwistle's Whistle Rymes in 1972, as lead guitarist playing alongside Peter Frampton on "Apron Strings" and "I Feel Better". McCulloch also played guitar on Roger Daltrey's album One of the Boys which was released in 1977.

McCulloch was a friend of the Who and a member of the band Thunderclap Newman, which was created and produced by his mentor Pete Townshend. His brother is drummer Jack McCulloch.

Biography

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McCulloch was born in Dumbarton and raised in Clydebank and Cumbernauld, Scotland. The McCulloch family relocated to London when Jimmy was 13. He was inspired by Django Reinhardt and began to play the guitar aged 11.

He made his performance debut as the guitarist for the Jaygars, which was later known as One in a Million. One in a Million performed live in support of The Who during their tour of Scotland in 1967. That year, One in a Million released their "Fredereek Hernando"/"Double Sight" single on MGM. The single is now highly collectable, and an expensive purchase, now classed as a classic and obscure UK psychedelic release. Double Sight, a CD compilation of these and other songs written and recorded by the band, was released in 2009.

In April 1967, McCulloch played lead guitar for the Utterly Incredible, Too Long Ago to Remember, Sometimes Shouting at People during The 14 Hour Technicolour Dream event, which was held on the grounds of the Alexandra Palace in London.[2] That year, he played guitar for One in a Million, which performed live at The Upper Cut and other London venues.[3]

McCulloch first rose to fame in 1969 when he joined Pete Townshend's friends, Andy 'Thunderclap' Newman (piano) and songwriter John 'Speedy' Keen (vocals, drums), to form the band Thunderclap Newman. The band enjoyed a UK No. 1 hit with "Something in the Air" that year. Thunderclap Newman's album, Hollywood Dream, on which the title instrumental, written by McCulloch and his brother, sold well but was not as successful as their hit single. (Reissues of the album include another McCulloch brothers song, "I See It All".) From January to mid-April 1971, the band toured England, Scotland, The Netherlands, and Scandinavia and disbanded shortly thereafter.

In October 1971, McCulloch played guitar in concert with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers in England, Scotland and Germany. On 31 October 1971 McCulloch's band Bent Frame made its performance debut in London. The band subsequently renamed itself the Jimmy McCulloch Band and toured England and Scotland in support of Leslie West's Mountain in February 1972. By then, McCulloch had done session work for Klaus Voormann, Harry Nilsson, Steve Ellis, John Entwistle, and others.[3]

In June 1972, McCulloch joined the blues rock band (and fellow Mayall-school alumni) Stone the Crows to replace guitarist Les Harvey, who had been electrocuted on stage.[4] McCulloch helped Stone the Crows to complete their Ontinuous Performance album by playing on the tracks "Sunset Cowboy" and "Good Time Girl". Stone the Crows disbanded in June 1973.

In 1973, McCulloch played guitar on John Keen's album, Previous Convictions, had a brief stint in Blue and played guitar on Brian Joseph Friel's debut album under the pseudonym 'The Phantom'.[5]

Paul McCartney & Wings and after

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McCulloch and McCartney in 1976

McCulloch first met Paul McCartney in August 1973, after the departure of Henry McCullough from Wings.[6] McCulloch joined Wings in May 1974. His debut track with them was "Junior's Farm." McCulloch composed the music for the anti-drug song "Medicine Jar" on the album Venus and Mars and the similar "Wino Junko" on Wings at the Speed of Sound.[7] He also sang both. Colin Allen, who had been drummer for Stone the Crows, wrote lyrics for both songs.

During his time with Wings, McCulloch formed White Line with his brother Jack on drums and Dave Clarke on bass, keyboards, and vocals. They played several impromptu gigs and released a single, "Call My Name"/"Too Many Miles". A 13-track album, White Line – Complete, was released in 1994 on Clarke's Mouse Records.[8] Jimmy McCulloch and White Line appeared on the British television programme Supersonic on 27 November 1976. In addition, McCulloch recorded and produced two unreleased songs by The Khyber Trifles and had occasionally performed live (in London and their native Glasgow) with the band. Finally, as noted above, he played guitar on Roy Harper's album Bullinamingvase and Ricci Martin's album Beached, in 1977.

McCulloch's alcoholism periodically became a problem while Wings was recording in the studio or performing on tour. McCulloch was arrested for reckless driving during Wings' 1974 stay near Nashville, Tennessee.[9] While on tour with Wings in Paris in March 1976, McCulloch broke his pinky finger while destroying a television set in David Cassidy's hotel room; the injury required delaying the U.S. leg of the Wings Over the World Tour by several weeks.[10] McCulloch was thrown out of Wings by McCartney in August 1977, during the recording sessions for "Mull of Kintyre", for a drunken rage at the McCartneys' Scottish farm estate that included McCulloch smashing chicken eggs produced by Linda McCartney's pet hens.[11]

In September 1977, McCulloch joined the reformed Small Faces during the latter band's nine date tour of England that month.[12] He played guitar on the Small Faces' album, 78 in the Shade. In early 1978, McCulloch started a band called Wild Horses with Brian Robertson, Jimmy Bain and Kenney Jones, but both McCulloch and Jones left the band soon afterward. In 1979, McCulloch joined the Dukes. His last recorded song, "Heartbreaker", appeared on their only album, The Dukes.[3]

A melodic, heavily blues-infused guitarist, McCulloch normally used a Gibson SG and a Gibson Les Paul, and he occasionally played bass when McCartney, Wings' usual bassist, or Laine were playing piano or acoustic guitar, which he used Fender Precision or Fender Jazz basses. For acoustic guitar work, he used Ovation acoustic guitars.[13]

In 2021, an episode of BBC's The Repair Shop featured two platinum discs for Wings at the Speed of Sound and Wings over America, presented to McCulloch for his work with Wings, which were taken for restoration by his cousin.[14][15] In the same year, a biography on Jimmy’s life and career, Little Wing: The Jimmy McCulloch Story, was published as well.

Death

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McCulloch was found dead on 27 September 1979, by his brother in his flat in Maida Vale, London. He was 26 years old. An autopsy revealed that he died from heart failure due to morphine and alcohol poisoning.[16]

References

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from Grokipedia
James "Jimmy" McCulloch (4 June 1953 – 27 September 1979) was a Scottish rock , singer, and songwriter, best known for his role as lead in Wings from 1974 to 1977, and for his early breakthrough as a teenage prodigy with the band . Born in , , to a musical family—his father Jim Sr. was a —McCulloch began playing guitar at age 11 and quickly developed prodigious talent, drawing influences from and rock legends like and . At just 15, he joined , a short-lived supergroup assembled and produced by The Who's , contributing fiery to their 1969 UK No. 1 single "," which became an enduring anthem of the era. McCulloch's career accelerated in the early 1970s with stints in Scottish blues-rock band (1972–1973), where he showcased his versatile playing on Ontinuous Performance (1972), before joining Wings at age 21. In Wings, he replaced and contributed to landmark releases including Venus and Mars (1975), Wings at the (1976), and the live album (1976), while co-writing and singing the anti-drug track "Medicine Jar" on Venus and Mars (1975). His dynamic solos and energetic stage presence were highlights of Wings' 1975–1976 world tour, though his tenure ended acrimoniously in 1977 amid reported issues. Post-Wings, McCulloch briefly played with the reformed (1977–1978) and joined hard rock band Wild Horses for their 1978 self-titled debut album, but his life was cut short on 27 September 1979, when he died at age 26 in his flat from heart failure caused by and alcohol poisoning.

Early life

Family background and childhood

Jimmy McCulloch was born on 4 June 1953 in , , , into a working-class family rooted in the industrial heartland of the region. His parents, Jimmy McCulloch Sr. and Lillian McCulloch, raised him alongside his older brother Jack, who shared a passion for music and later pursued drumming. The household was notably musical, with McCulloch Sr. working as a guitarist in a semi-professional , which immersed the young Jimmy in improvisational sounds and rhythms from an early age. The family relocated within during Jimmy's childhood, first to —a shipbuilding town near —and later to the new town of in the early , where he attended primary school. These moves reflected the economic shifts in post-war , but the home environment remained a constant source of musical inspiration, with family gatherings often featuring his father's performances alongside the growing influence of rock 'n' roll filtering through local radio and community events in the Scottish music scene. Lillian's encouragement further nurtured this atmosphere, fostering Jimmy's budding curiosity about instruments amid everyday family life. By his early teens, just before the family moved to in 1966, Jimmy's exposure to these diverse sounds had ignited his initial interest in the guitar, setting the stage for his rapid development as a .

Musical influences and first instruments

Jimmy McCulloch was born into a musical family in , , where his father's involvement in a local provided early exposure to instruments and performances, fostering his initial interest in music. To encourage his son's dedication, McCulloch's father struck a deal: if Jimmy could master guitar techniques akin to those of jazz legend , he would purchase a new instrument for him; young Jimmy fulfilled this challenge, earning his first significant guitar. Around the age of 11, McCulloch began developing his skills through self-taught methods on both acoustic and electric guitars, honing techniques that blended precision and expressiveness. Inspired by jazz guitarists such as and , he drew from blues and rock traditions. By age 11, McCulloch was participating in his first local gigs and informal jam sessions in with his brother Jack, building confidence and local reputation as a prodigious talent before the family's move to .

Early career

One in a Million and

At the age of 14, Jimmy McCulloch formed the band One in a Million in , , in 1967, serving as its lead guitarist alongside his older brother Jack on drums. The group, originally known as the Jaygars, evolved into One in a Million and quickly gained local traction through performances supporting major acts like The Who during their 1967 Scottish tour. McCulloch's precocious guitar skills, honed since age 11 under the influence of , positioned him as a standout talent in the band's raw, Who-inspired sound. One in a Million released two singles between 1967 and 1969, including the psychedelic 45 "Fredereek Hernando"/"Double Sight" in 1968 on , which captured their experimental edge with McCulloch's distinctive riffs. The band undertook extensive local tours across , building a following through club and gigs. However, McCulloch's youth presented logistical hurdles; as an underage performer, he often required his mother's accompaniment to secure work and access venues, navigating restrictions that limited their professional opportunities despite his evident prowess. In 1969, at age 16, McCulloch joined Thunderclap Newman, a short-lived supergroup assembled by Pete Townshend of The Who, who introduced him to pianist Andy "Thunderclap" Newman and songwriter-drummer John "Speedy" Keen after spotting his potential during a One in a Million performance. McCulloch contributed lead and rhythm guitar to the band's debut single "Something in the Air," a track produced by Townshend (under the pseudonym Bijou Drains) that topped the UK charts in August 1969, blending orchestral swells with Keen's urgent vocals and McCulloch's driving solos. The song's massive success, selling over a million copies, marked McCulloch's breakthrough into the mainstream, though his underage status continued to complicate touring logistics for the group. Thunderclap Newman's sole album, , followed in late 1970 on Track Records, featuring McCulloch's guitar work across tracks that expanded on their roots with eclectic arrangements and Keen's narrative songwriting. Despite the promise of further output, internal creative differences led to the band's dissolution in 1971, shortly after the album's release, ending McCulloch's tenure but solidifying his reputation as a prodigy in the British rock scene.

Stone the Crows

In June 1972, at the age of 19, Jimmy McCulloch joined the Scottish band as lead guitarist, replacing Les Harvey following the latter's fatal onstage electrocution in April of that year. McCulloch contributed guitar work to the band's final studio album, Ontinuous Performance (1972), which reached No. 33 on the UK charts; he played on tracks including "Good Time Girl" and "Sunset Cowboy." The band's sound during this period fused with influences, characterized by Bell's powerful vocals and extended improvisational jams; McCulloch's fiery, technically proficient solos, often blending jazz-inflected phrasing with rock energy, became a highlight of their live sets. Stone the Crows undertook extensive tours across the UK and US in 1972–1973, performing at venues such as London's Garden Party and building McCulloch's reputation as a young guitar prodigy capable of holding his own alongside established players. The group disbanded in June 1973 amid ongoing instability and commercial underperformance, exacerbated by internal tensions and Bell's growing focus on a solo career under manager Peter Grant. McCulloch's tenure marked a pivotal shift toward heavier, more dynamic guitar-driven material for the band before its dissolution.

Wings era

Joining and role in the band

In 1974, Paul McCartney recruited 21-year-old Jimmy McCulloch to Wings following the departure of guitarist in 1973. McCartney had first met McCulloch in August 1973 and was impressed by his guitar playing, leading to the invitation to join the band after McCulloch's tenure with ended. McCulloch assumed the role of lead guitarist in Wings, infusing the group with youthful energy and his acclaimed lead guitar skills honed from earlier successes, such as the hit single "Something in the Air" with . The band's lineup at the time featured on bass, vocals, and keyboards; on keyboards and vocals; on guitar and vocals; on drums; and McCulloch on , with him occasionally contributing on bass and as a songwriter. His debut with Wings was the on the single "," recorded in July 1974. Transitioning from the intense blues-rock style of , McCulloch adapted to Wings' more melodic pop-rock sound during 1974 rehearsals at , where the newly expanded lineup—including new drummer before Joe English's arrival in 1975—began integrating and refining their collaborative dynamic. This shift highlighted McCulloch's versatility, allowing him to blend his raw, energetic playing with the band's structured arrangements.

Contributions to albums and tours

McCulloch's tenure with Wings from 1974 to 1977 marked a period of significant musical input, particularly on guitar, where his blues-inflected style and energetic playing added a rock edge to the band's sound. On the 1975 album Venus and Mars, he provided lead guitar and vocals for the track "Medicine Jar," which he co-wrote with former Stone the Crows drummer Colin Allen; the song's raw guitar solo became a highlight, showcasing McCulloch's improvisational flair. His contributions extended to other tracks on the album, including rhythm and lead guitar parts that complemented Paul McCartney's melodic structures. In 1976, McCulloch played a prominent role on At the Speed of Sound, delivering standout guitar work on "," where his driving riffs and solos infused the song with intensity. He also co-wrote and sang lead on "Wino Junko" with , a track that addressed drug themes through his gritty vocal delivery and bluesy guitar lines, further demonstrating his songwriting prowess within the band. These efforts highlighted McCulloch's ability to blend his hard-rock influences with Wings' pop-rock aesthetic, earning praise for adding dynamism to the album. McCulloch's live performances during the (1975–1976) were equally impactful, as he handled lead guitar duties across sets featuring hits like "" and "Live and Let Die," often extending solos with improvisational energy that energized audiences. The tour's U.S. leg, in particular, captured his contributions on the triple live album (1976), including notable guitar work on tracks such as "Medicine Jar" and "," which preserved the band's high-energy renditions from shows in cities like New York and . His onstage presence, marked by charismatic solos and harmonies, helped solidify Wings' reputation as a formidable live act during this era.

Post-Wings career

Departure from Wings

Jimmy McCulloch announced his departure from Wings on September 8, 1977, marking the end of his four-year tenure with the band. The guitarist's exit came amid growing restlessness, as McCulloch sought greater independence after contributing significantly to Wings' sound during their most successful period. This move reflected a desire for more creative freedom beyond the structured environment of Paul McCartney's leadership, though underlying personal challenges played a role in the decision. Tensions had been building within the group, exacerbated by McCulloch's struggles with alcohol and drugs, which occasionally disrupted band dynamics and clashed with McCartney's disciplined approach to music and touring. McCulloch was described as professional when sober but prone to unpredictable behavior influenced by his "demons of drink and drugs," contributing to interpersonal strains. later reflected on these issues, noting that McCulloch was "always a little dangerous... In the end, he was just too dangerous for his own good," highlighting the leadership challenges posed by the guitarist's lifestyle. In a public statement at the time, McCartney expressed regret over the split, stating, "Jimmy has been playing some great guitar recently and it is a pity he is leaving, but problems have been building up for quite a while now and so the rest of us are happy to carry on without him." McCulloch's departure occurred midway through the recording sessions for Wings' 1978 album London Town, limiting his contributions to select tracks such as "London Town" and "," while new guitarist was brought in to complete the work. The abrupt change necessitated lineup adjustments and affected the album's production, underscoring the instability in Wings during this period. Post-departure, McCulloch faced immediate uncertainty in his career trajectory, as his sudden exit from one of the world's biggest bands left questions about his next musical direction amid ongoing personal and professional adjustments.

Small Faces and solo endeavors

Following his departure from Wings in September 1977, which opened up new opportunities for musical exploration, Jimmy McCulloch joined the reformed Small Faces for their reunion efforts. The band, consisting of Steve Marriott on guitar and vocals, Ian McLagan on keyboards, Rick Wills on bass, and Kenney Jones on drums, welcomed McCulloch as lead guitarist. He participated in a nine-date tour across England that month, performing alongside the group at venues such as the Birmingham Odeon and London's Hammersmith Odeon. This lineup supported the release of their second reunion album, 78 in the Shade, on Atlantic Records in March 1978. McCulloch contributed to the album on select tracks, including "Thinkin' About Love" and "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet," adding his distinctive rock-infused style to the proceedings. Although not officially credited as a full band member on the —listed only in the "thanks" section—his playing enhanced the album's raw energy and mod-rock revival sound. McCulloch left in January 1978, shortly before the album's release. In early 1978, McCulloch briefly joined the band Wild Horses alongside Brian Robertson on guitar, on bass, and on drums, but he departed soon after formation without contributing to any recorded material. He also took on session work, providing guitar for Roger Daltrey's solo album (released in 1977).

Personal life and death

Relationships and lifestyle

McCulloch shared a close bond with his family, rooted in his Scottish upbringing. Born in to parents Jim, a musician, and Lilian, he was raised in and before the family relocated to when he was 13 years old. He maintained intermittent living arrangements with his mother Lilian during his early years in the city, reflecting a strong familial support system amid his burgeoning music . His brother Jack, a , remained a key figure in his life, contributing personal stories to later biographical accounts of McCulloch's experiences. In the , McCulloch's romantic life included a long-term relationship with girlfriend Jill Marshall, alongside other involvements typical of the rock scene during his rise to fame. His personal circle expanded through band affiliations, fostering enduring friendships such as with of The Who, who served as an early mentor, and vocalist , with whom he developed a deep camaraderie from shared musical endeavors. McCulloch embraced a lavish enabled by his earnings from , indulging in luxury possessions like a Rolls-Royce automobile that underscored his passion for cars. Primarily based in , he also cherished time in , staying at properties like Paul McCartney's farm on the , which allowed him to reconnect with his heritage. These pursuits highlighted a vibrant personal world beyond the stage, blending extravagance with cultural roots.

Drug issues and death

McCulloch's substance use reportedly escalated after leaving Wings in September 1977, amid reports of conflicts related to growing drug dependency; accounts of heavy use during his Wings tenure are disputed by family sources, which indicate primarily alcohol and marijuana rather than heroin at that time. Bandmates, including , issued repeated warnings about the dangers of his substance use, urging him to address his addiction during his time in Wings. McCulloch made several attempts at rehabilitation following his departure, achieving periods of , including several months clean in the lead-up to 1979. On September 27, 1979, McCulloch was discovered deceased by his brother Jack in his flat in , , at the age of 26. An determined the official cause of death as resulting from a overdose, linked to consumption. The coroner's inquest, held in November 1979, recorded an , noting the presence of and alcohol but finding no evidence to suggest or foul play.

Legacy

Musical influence

McCulloch's guitar style was marked by melodic phrasing and a blues-infused tone, blending rock aggression with emotional depth that energized Wings' sound in the mid-1970s. His use of Gibson SGs and Les Pauls contributed to a raw, versatile edge that suited both studio recordings and live settings. This approach helped shape the band's harder-rocking direction on albums like Venus and Mars, where his solos added layers of intensity and expressiveness. During Wings' 1975-1976 world tours, McCulloch earned recognition for his high-speed, emotive lead work, particularly in extended improvisations on tracks like "Medicine Jar" and "Maybe I'm Amazed." His live performances showcased rapid phrasing and dynamic bends, delivering solos that balanced technical precision with raw feeling, captivating audiences and elevating the band's rock credentials. Contemporary reviews praised him as a "burner on guitars," highlighting his ability to drive songs with fiery, soulful energy. McCulloch's contributions played a key role in defining the British rock guitar aesthetic, fusing pop sensibilities with blues-rock grit during Wings' peak commercial era. His riffing on "" exemplified this hybrid sound, influencing the era's emphasis on accessible yet aggressive lines in mainstream rock. By bridging psychedelic roots from his days with Wings' polished production, he helped bridge experimentation and stadium rock. Posthumously, McCulloch's improvisational flair and tonal innovations have garnered appreciation in guitar publications, where his live recordings are studied for their blend of speed, emotion, and melodic invention. Magazines like Vintage Guitar have highlighted his prodigious talent and lasting impact on rock guitarists, noting invitations from peers like as evidence of his era-spanning influence. His techniques, including expressive and spontaneous phrasing, continue to inspire analyses of 1970s British guitar sounds.

Tributes and biographical works

Following Jimmy McCulloch's death in 1979, Paul McCartney issued a brief official statement in the Wings fan club publication Club Sandwich, describing him as "a fine musician and a great guy" who "will be sorely missed," and expressing shock at the loss. McCartney later reflected on McCulloch's personality in interviews, noting that "he was always a little dangerous" and ultimately "too dangerous for his own good." Denny Laine, McCulloch's longtime Wings bandmate, has spoken fondly of his contributions in radio interviews, recalling McCulloch's guitar work on tracks like "Spirits of Ancient Egypt" and emphasizing his vibrant energy within the group. In 2021, author Paul Salley published Little Wing: The Jimmy McCulloch Story, the first authorized biography of the guitarist, chronicling his career from early bands like One in a Million to his time with Wings and beyond, drawing on family interviews, rare photos, and archival material to highlight his musical journey and personal challenges. The book, edited by Mark Cunningham and released by Lotown Publishing, has been praised for filling a gap in documentation of McCulloch's life, with reviewers noting its comprehensive coverage of his Scottish roots and rapid rise in the rock scene. McCulloch's role in Wings has been featured in several documentaries on the band's history, including the 1979 TV special Wings Over the World, which documents the 1975–1976 world tour and showcases his live performances alongside Paul, , and . The 2001 documentary : Paul McCartney's Band includes archival footage and discussions of McCulloch's tenure, crediting his guitar solos for energizing albums like Venus and Mars. Additionally, the 2014 bonus footage release One Hand Clapping highlights McCulloch's contributions during the 1974 studio sessions, featuring his playing on tracks such as "Jet" and "." Books on Wings, such as Paul McCartney's 2025 Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run, devote sections to McCulloch's integration into the lineup and his impact on the group's sound during the mid-1970s. Fans have maintained McCulloch's legacy through dedicated online communities and commemorative events, including annual tributes on the anniversaries of his birth and death, often shared via enthusiast forums and sites. A 2021 episode of the BBC's featured McCulloch's cousin restoring two platinum discs awarded to him for the Wings albums Wings at the and , highlighting his contributions to the band. Reissues of McCulloch's early work with , such as the 2006 expanded edition of , include bonus tracks and liner notes emphasizing his teenage guitar prowess on songs like "Something in the Air." Wings album reissues under the Archive Collection, including the 2014 editions of Venus and Mars and Wings at the Speed of , highlight McCulloch's songwriting and solos through remastered audio, bonus demos, and essays detailing his arrival as a key creative force. The 2025 50th-anniversary vinyl reissue of Venus and Mars specifically notes his role in revitalizing the band's lineup post-1974.

References

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