The bus was really amazing it had a top speed of 38mph… there was a couple of gas fridges built into it stuffed full of cheese and beer, if there was a bit of steak there’d be a row so we stuffed ourselves with what was there” – Henry McCullough, as quoted by the August 1973 Paul McCartney & Wings Fan Club Newsletter.

Henry Campbell Liken McCullough (21 July 1943 – 14 June 2016) began his musical career in the early 60s with the show band the Skyrockets, in Ireland. He later moved to London, and with his band Eire Apparent, toured on bills with Pink Floyd, the Move and Jimi Hendrix. From there, he played in Joe Cocker’s Grease Band, even joining the singer at Woodstock.

Paul had heard Henry McCullough’s rock guitar on Joe Cocker’s Woodstock version of The Beatles’ song With A Little Help From My Friends and loved the heavier treatment and when the opportunity came for Henry to join Wings it seemed a perfect fit and he played that iconic lead guitar solo on the classic “My Love.”

“Magical. Like being part of a movie.” – Henry McCullough

As well as being a member of Joe Cocker’s Grease Band and Paul McCartney’s Wings, Henry recorded in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera, “Jesus Christ Superstar”. He also played with Spooky Tooth, Roy Harper, Donovan and Marianne Faithfull. Beatles guitarist, George Harrison, signed him to his record label. Also, his words “I don’t know, I was really drunk at the time” are heard in the end of Pink Floyd’s song “Time” from “Dark Side of The Moon” album.

When Henry passed away on 14th June 2016, Paul McCartney paid tribute to him.

“I was very sad to hear that Henry McCullough, our great Wings guitarist, passed away today. He was a pleasure to work with, a super-talented musician with a lovely sense of humour. The solo he played on ‘My Love’ was a classic that he made up on the spot in front of a live orchestra. Our deepest sympathies from my family to his.”

Denny Seiwell also paid tribute to McCullough on Facebook.

Heartbroken !!! My dear dear friend HENRY MCCULLOUGH passed away. His 4 year battle is over after his heart attack. Henry’s wife Josie of35 years told me he passed peacefully. Josie is an angel who took such great care of him all of these difficult years. Henry was a one of a kind man. He lived life to the fullest and touched everyone he met both with his music and his spirit. He was my Brother in all ways. My compadre in Wings and best friend since. I’m deeply saddened by the news but relieved that his suffering is over. Please keep Josie and his son Jessie in your thoughts during these days to come.
RIP my dear friend. You’ve earned it. Take your special gift to the other side. You will be missed.