Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Unearthed Documents Reveal Paul McCartney’s Scrapped Alien Musical

Jim Summaria, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Jim Summaria, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

In an intriguing revelation that touches both music and science fiction, a forgotten collaboration between Paul McCartney and celebrated sci-fi author Isaac Asimov has come to light. The project was intended to be a sci-fi musical film titled “Five And Five And One”, charting an eccentric storyline involving aliens disguised as members of McCartney's band Wings. Despite its imaginative allure, the project ultimately never materialized. This unfinished venture was uncovered by Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair, researchers working on McCartney's biography, “The McCartney Legacy, Volume 2: 1974-80”. Their discovery highlights an intriguing cross-genre artistic endeavor that was lost to time until now.

In 1974, amid the post-Beatles saga, McCartney was driven to continue his creative exploration through music and film with Wings, the band he formed with his wife Linda McCartney and guitarist Denny Laine. The treatment was devised for his band Wings. The narrative that McCartney conceived was captivating—a spaceship lands on Earth, releases five aliens who morph into the band members of Wings, attempting to conquer the world through their musical prowess. The story unfolds with the actual band members battling their extraterrestrial imposters adding a layer of meta-theatricality.

McCartney was known for pushing the boundaries of rock and creativity, so it comes as no surprise that he reached out to Isaac Asimov, whose “Foundation” series is regarded as seminal in science fiction. Asimov reshaped McCartney's initial concept by transforming the aliens into ethereal creatures from a doomed planet. These aliens, depicted as energy beings, aimed to take over the members of Wings not through physical imitation but by occupying their bodies, adding a grim yet philosophical depth to the tale. Asimov's rendition included the notion that music would become a conduit for the aliens to unlock and understand human emotions, an understated nod to the inherent power of music highlighted by the partnership of McCartney’s melodic inventions and Asimov's imaginative storytelling.

Despite the creative synergy between the two icons, the project did not see completion. According to those privy to this historical footnote, McCartney was unimpressed by Asimov's adaptations, leading to the project's quiet shelving. Asimov, whose critique on the rejection was pointedly captured in his line, “Nothing ever came of this because McCartney couldn’t recognize good stuff,” expressed a wry disappointment at the missed opportunity for their collaboration.

The newly unearthed documents, dormant within archival collections until now, offer a glimpse into a realm of creativity that dared to explore a fusion between rock music and science fiction. As fans and historians review these plans through the publications of Kozinn and Sinclair, the potential of what could have been is reignited in public consciousness, drawing speculative curiosity from both music lovers and sci-fi aficionados alike.

 

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Paul McCartney Paul McCartney in concert in Perth, Australia - 02 Dec 2017 Iconic singer, songwriter and performer Paul McCartney performs at NIB Stadium in Perth, Australia, 02 December 2017. His 'One on One' tour is his first tour of Australia since 1993.

Paul McCartney Unveils 2025 North American Tour Dates

Paul McCartney, an enduring icon of the British invasion and co-founder of the legendary Beatles, is poised to captivate audiences…

Black Sabbath - Ozzy Osbourne Black Sabbath in concert, Denver, Colorado, America - 15 Feb 2016

Ozzy Osbourne Will Auction Off Paintings He Made With Chimps

Ozzy Osbourne, the venerable icon of heavy metal and former frontman of Black Sabbath, has once again captured public attention,…

Headline Act Paul McCartney performs on the Pyramid Stage during day four of Glastonbury Festival Glastonbury Festival, Day 4, UK - 25 Jun 2022

Paul McCartney Teases a 2025 Tour

In an exciting revelation that is sure to stir fans worldwide, Sir Paul McCartney is teasing the potential revival of…

Roger Waters, bassist, songwriter and former member of the rock band Pink Floyd performing on stage in Bologna, April 28, 2023, Italy, during his european tour. Photo Michele Nucci. Music Concert - Roger Waters - Farewell Tour, Bologna, Italy - 28 Apr 2023

Roger Waters Risks Jail Time During Political Protest

Roger Waters, former member of the iconic rock band Pink Floyd, finds himself at the center of legal controversy following…

David Bowie David Bowie Meltdown concert at the Royal Festival Hall, London, Britain - 29 Jun 2002

Huge New David Bowie Box Set Contains His Final Years

David Bowie’s legacy and his final years in music are being lavishly celebrated in the form of a comprehensive box…

Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones performs during The Rolling Stones 'Hackney Diamonds Tour' at Soldier Field in Chicago, USA - 27 June 2024 The Rolling Stones 'Hackney Diamonds Tour', Chicago, USA - 27 Jun 2024

Ronnie Wood Set to Release First Career-Spanning Compilation ‘Fearless: Anthology 1965-2025’

Renowned guitarist Ronnie Wood is being honored with a comprehensive anthology that encapsulates his illustrious 60-year career. Known for his…

Tony Levin King Crimson Festival, Crocus City Hall, Moscow, Russia - 26 May 2012

King Crimson’s in The Studio Recording a New Album

King Crimson, the illustrious progressive rock band from England, is set to release their first studio album since 2003’s *The…

Goo Goo Dolls - Johnny Rzeznik The Freezing Man Festival: Joey's Song Benefit Concert at The Sylvee in Madison, Wisconsin, USA - 11 Jan 2025

The Goo Goo Dolls Set to Headline 2025 Carousel Ball

The Goo Goo Dolls are set to headline the 39th Annual Carousel Ball, a charity gala organized by the Children’s…

LEFT PHOTO: Todd La Torre of Queensryche performs on Stage 954 at the Dania Beach Casino, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA - 15 Mar 2025 RIGHT PHOTO: Singer Mark Tornillo (Accept) at the Wacken Open Air in Wacken./Singer Mark Tornillo (Accept) performing at the Wacken Open Air in Wacken.

Queensrÿche Announces US 2025 Tour With Accept

Queensryche, the renowned progressive metal band, has officially announced an exciting new tour for the fall of 2025. This tour,…