Paul McCartney After The Beatles, BAND ON THE RUN (2025 Remix With A New Drum Sound & Wide Vocals)

After The Beatles, Paul McCartney’s most successful and popular record to date was undoubtedly Band On The Run, an album that also showcases his impressive drumming skills. With that in mind, my 2025 remix of this album opener focuses on creating greater depth in the drum track that Paul recorded at EMI Studios in Lagos, Nigeria. This was where he, Linda (his wife), and Denny Laine laid down the basic tracks after two-fifths of Wings departed just before the sessions began.

Paul handled guitars, keyboards, bass, synthesizer, drums, and lead vocals, while Linda contributed keyboards and backing vocals, and Denny added guitar and backing vocals.

In the original mix, the drums have virtually no stereo spread across the soundstage—likely due to the limited recording facilities in Nigeria. Drum tracks from that era were already quite sophisticated, often making full use of the stereo field. In my remix, I’ve spread the drums across the stereo image to add more depth and presence, with a subtle boost to the centered kick drum to enhance its punch and energy. Please note: the tom-toms and drums were recorded very loud on the original, and I left those levels unchanged. The only adjustment was to give them more air and space in the mix, along with a touch of reverb to counter the dryness of the original recording.

Beyond that, the only other modification in this remix was to isolate and spread out some of the harmony vocals—you’ll now hear certain harmonies coming more distinctly from the right channel. Paul’s lead vocal remains untouched.

Since the Lagos sessions proved to be a difficult experience for Paul, Linda, and Denny, they eventually returned to London, took a two-week break, and then completed the album at London's EMI Studios and George Martin’s AIR Studios.

Recording for this track began on August 9, 1973, and was completed in October of the same year. Band On The Run was released in the United States on December 5, 1973, and in the U.K. on December 7, 1973.

Thank you for listening to this bonus remix—your support and interest are always appreciated!