Seven guitars from Paul McCartney’s personal collection have been trapped in London customs for a month. The instruments face red tape under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which could derail the opening of a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exhibit.
The guitars are made from Brazilian wood, and the tree ranks among the most endangered on Earth. “The tree is endangered so you can no longer use it, but it’s the best wood you can use for sound and acoustics,” an insider told Page Six.
Friday marks the opening of the Paul McCartney and Wings exhibit. Sources say customs officials have made headway and the guitars might arrive before doors open in four days.
This marks the first time in decades the former Beatles member has moved these guitars across international borders. He might not have known the instruments would hit snags, according to Page Six.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame describes Wings as “a defining force in 1970s rock that bridged the gap between the end of The Beatles and the rise of a new era in popular music.” The exhibit represents the first major museum exhibition to explore the story of the band.
McCartney formed Wings in 1971. Wild Life, the group’s debut album, was released that same year. The band hit big in 1973 with “Live and Let Die,” the title track for the similarly named James Bond film.
Wings released seven studio albums before disbanding in 1981. Back to the Egg, their final studio album, came out in 1979.
The exhibition will feature the most extensive collection of items from the musician’s personal archives ever made available to the public. Band members and associates also donated materials. Organizers say the materials will trace the arc of his post-Beatles reinvention.
McCartney is set to appear as the musical guest for the season finale of Saturday Night Live this week.