Historic Bus from Paul McCartney’s 1972 Tour Heads to Auction

An emblematic artifact from the annals of rock history, the 1953 Bristol KSW double-decker bus, famously known as WNO 481, which carried Paul McCartney‘s band Wings across Europe in 1972, is poised to make its appearance at a forthcoming auction. Experts anticipate that fervent collectors and fans could bid anywhere between $200,000 to $300,000 for this unique piece of music history.

Wings was born from the ashes of the legendary band, The Beatles, following their breakup. McCartney, alongside his beloved late wife Linda, drummer Denny Seiwell, and guitarist Denny Laine, brought the rock band to life in 1971. Soon after, in the summer of 1972, they embarked on the “Wings Over Europe” tour, creating memories and melodies that have endured for decades.

During this European escapade, the tour bus became more than just a means of transportation—it represented a moving image of the times and the free spirit of the band members. Painted in vibrant shades of blue, red, green, and yellow, the bus’s exterior was adorned with psychedelic artwork that echoed the prevalent hippie aesthetics of the era.

Martin Nolan, the founder of Julien’s Auctions, which will host the bus at its “Played, Worn, & Torn: Rock ‘n’ Roll Iconic Guitars and Memorabilia” auction, shared insights into McCartney’s vision for the tour bus. With family on board, including Paul and Linda’s young daughters and the families of the two Dennys, McCartney envisioned an open and enjoyable travel experience. He sought to offer an alternative to the conventional enclosed tour buses. This double-decker symbolized joy, camaraderie, and the infectious energy of their music.

However, time had taken its toll on this iconic bus. Years later, it was found languishing in Spain, a mere shadow of its vibrant past. Yet, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated owner, it was transported back to Britain and meticulously restored. The rejuvenated bus not only functions but also resonates with the spirit and aesthetics of its heyday.

Reflecting on the bus’s illustrious past, Nolan reminisced, “This bus went all over the south of France, Germany, and even Finland, marking a summer of unbridled fun with the Wings band.”

The bus is among a trove of over 1,000 artifacts set for auction between Nov. 16–18. Other collectibles include guitars that once resonated with the tunes of renowned artists like Eric Clapton and Kurt Cobain. This grand event will be hosted at the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville, but fans and collectors worldwide can also participate online, eager to own a piece of rock history.

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