How to Spread His ‘Wingspan’

History is repeating itself in the case of Paul McCartney and Wings, the band he started after the breakup of the Beatles in 1970.

The challenge facing McCartney in putting together a new band was competing with the legacy of the most successful group ever in rock. Though Wings never came close to matching the influence or acclaim of the Beatles, it did prove to be a major commercial entry.

With Wings in the ‘70s, McCartney had 14 Top 10 hits in the United States, including six No. 1 singles (from “My Love” and “Band on the Run” to “With a Little Luck” and “Coming Up”). The records contributed to making McCartney second only to Elton John as the most successful recording artist of the ‘70s.

The challenge for McCartney now is putting together a greatest-hits album that can compete with the phenomenal success of the Beatles’ recent hits compilation, “1.” That album has sold more than 7 million copies since November.

The new “Wingspan” arrives in stores Tuesday, and one strong selling point is its sug-gested list price of $19.99, quite low for a two-disc set. The single-disc “1” carried an $18.99 list price.

The sales should also be aided by a two-hour special that airs Friday on ABC. In the show, also titled “Wingspan,” McCartney is interviewed by one of his daughters, Mary.

While retailers doubt that the album will come close to the success of “1,” they think sales will be substantial.

“We’re very excited about the album,” said Chris Stidman, music merchandising manager for the Best Buy chain. “I’ve seen highlights of the special, and it’s very real, very warm. It’s definitely going to drive sales.”