Paul McCartney & Wings tour bus makes stop at Adam Hall Group campus

To celebrate its 50th anniversary in true rock ‘n’ roll style, the Adam Hall Group has unveiled a legendary piece of music history: the fully restored, psychedelically-painted tour bus once used by Paul McCartney and Wings during their 1972 European tour. Presented for the first time on the company’s campus in Germany, the iconic double-decker now takes pride of place in the Rock‘n’Roll Library at the Adam Hall Experience Centre– and is symbolic of the company’s anniversary claim, namely: “Honouring the past, driving the future.” Headliner hops aboard the most famous bus in the world…

The tour bus – a Bristol KSW5G, built in 1953 – was specially converted in 1972 for the European tour of Paul McCartney’s new band Wings. Instead of travelling by plane as usual, McCartney opted for a double-decker bus designed by artist Geoffrey Cleghorn in psychedelic colours inspired by the Beatles’ album Yellow Submarine. 

The unique historic vehicle was discovered and purchased at auction by founder and classic car enthusiast David Kirby. The bus, which travelled through nine countries during the Wings Over Europe tour, has a close link to the company’s DNA, because it was more than just a means of transport.

It was an expression of a new mindset: instead of travelling in planes and limousines, McCartney travelled through Europe with his band, family and friends in 1972. 

A home on wheels, a creative retreat and a symbol of a time when music, community and freedom were inextricably linked. 

This makes the Wings bus the forefather of the modern band tour bus – and one of the last authentic artefacts of this era.

“The Wings tour bus was ahead of its time,” confirms Alexander Pietschmann, CEO of the Adam Hall Group. “It stood for a new way of living and travelling on tour: human, communal, respectful. It is therefore also food for thought when it comes to the future and a symbol of how music, mindset and freedom can work together.”

The legendary vehicle was discovered by British restorer Tom Jennings in Tenerife. He brought the bus, which has its very own fan base, back to the UK and invested over 26,000 hours in faithfully restoring it.

“I’ve been a Beatles and McCartney fan since I was 11 years old – that was in 1962,” reflects Jennings. “When I saw the 2019 bus in its dilapidated state, I was immediately captivated by its magic. I really wanted to restore it to the condition that once made it the ‘Most Famous Bus In The World’.”

“For me, the Wings bus is a symbol of new beginnings – just like the founding of our company in 1975,” comments Dave Kirby, who built up the Adam Hall Group in Germany. In future, the bus will not only serve as an exhibit in the company’s own Rock‘n’Roll Library, but also as an inspiring creative space for employees, visitors and cultural music projects.

The ceremonial unveiling of the iconic tour bus was a highlight of the Adam Hall Group’s 50th anniversary celebrations in July 2025, held at the company’s headquarters in Neu-Anspach. While the bus’s permanent home is still to be decided, one thing is certain: its legacy continues to make waves.

Right outside the Experience Centre, the newly created “Adam Hall Street” bus stop – a nod to its London roots – offers visitors a unique arrival point where music history meets cutting-edge innovation. It’s a fitting symbol of the company’s journey: rooted in the past, yet boldly driving into the future.

Image credits: © 2025 Adam Hall GmbH & 1972 Wings Tour Bus Ltd. All rights reserved