On 29 December 1979, the final night of the Concerts for the People of Kampuchea at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, Paul McCartney assembled the phenomenal Rockestra, a supergroup comprising Wings and an array of British rock legends—among them Robert Plant, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones, plus Pete Townshend, members of Rockpile, The Pretenders, The Who, and more.

That Night’s Highlight: “Lucille”

To close Wings’ set, McCartney invited the 30‑strong ensemble onstage. They launched into Little Richard’s “Lucille”, a raucous, electrifying romp. With McCartney on vocals and bass/piano, Plant adding raw blues-rock power on guitar/vocals, Jones holding down low end and harmony vocals, and Bonham driving the beat behind his signature thunderous drums—all donned in gold lamé tails and top hats—this performance became the ultimate climax of the evening.

A live recording of “Lucille” by this all-star lineup is available in full HD online.

Historical & Symbolic Significance

• John Bonham’s last UK stage performance: This marked Bonham’s final live appearance in England before his untimely death in 1980.

• The end of Wings: McCartney later reflected that the show felt “dreadful” at the time; this sensation haunted him and partially led to Wings disbanding shortly after .

• Rockestra’s legacy: The concept originated on Wings’ Back to the Egg album earlier in 1979, where Bonham and Jones had joined McCartney in the studio for the instrumental “Rockestra Theme”.

Eyewitness Reflections

John Bonham’s brother Mick recalled the spectacle in Bonham by Bonham:

“The curtain went up to reveal a myriad of superstars… I could just make out his top hat bobbing up and down… they ripped through the ‘Rochestra’ theme… climaxed with Little Richard’s ‘Lucille’”

Laurence Juber (Wings guitarist) described the magic:

“Kampuchea was a stage highlight… at a certain point, I realized no one… was going to step forward to play that solo…and I’d been doing it… It was a magical moment.”

Context: Concerts for Kampuchea

• Dates: 26–29 December 1979, charitable relief for Cambodian civilians post–Pol Pot.

• Lineup: Featured acts included Queen, The Clash, Ian Dury & The Blockheads, The Pretenders, Elvis Costello, Rockpile (with Plant on “Little Sister”), The Who, Wings—and finally Rockestra.

• Media releases: The event was filmed (released 1980), and a double-LP came out in 1981, featuring live tracks including the Rockestra performances.

Why “Lucille” Matters in Rock History

1. Unlikely collaboration: Seeing Led Zeppelin members alongside Paul McCartney was extraordinary—even for a one-off charity gig.

2. Musical display: Plant’s edgy vocals, Jones’s solid bass work, Bonham’s driving rhythm, and McCartney’s showmanship, all fused to give “Lucille” an unforgettable charge.

3. Emotional milestone: A thunderous farewell for Bonham in the UK; an artistic high point at the end of Wings’ performing life; and a charity moment that united music royalty for a global cause.

In Summary

The December 1979 “Lucille” isn’t just a cover—it’s a momentous convergence of rock icons delivering a fiery performance under McCartney’s direction, for an event that became the end of an era. Bonham’s power, Plant’s grit, Jones’s groove, and McCartney’s leadership created a once-in-history synergy captured forever in roaring live footage and recordings.

If you’re a fan of classic rock, charity rock history, or unforgettable stage jams, this is a must-watch performance—a thunderous, bittersweet gem.