# In 1978, Wings were on the brink of collapse, but they still managed one final number one

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1978-wings-were-on-the-brink-of-collapse-but-they-still-managed-one-final-number-one/
- Published: 2026-11-07T20:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T20:22:54+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/1978-wings-were-on-the-brink-final-number-one/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- Wings reached number one with ‘With a Little Luck’ in 1978.
- Jimmy McCulloch and Joe English had left by the release of *London Town*.
- The hit came as the band’s fortunes were declining.

## Summary

Wings were nearing a break-up in 1978 after guitarist Jimmy McCulloch had been fired and drummer Joe English left. Despite the turmoil, the band scored one final number one with ‘With a Little Luck’, a success that marked the end of their run at the top.

The song appeared on *London Town*, the last Wings album to feature McCulloch and English, although both had departed before its release. Paul McCartney’s lyrics express hope that the group could make things work, echoing the strains around the Beatles’ earlier split; Wings continued for a few more years, but their fortunes were fading.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.