Tuesday, January 14, 2014

The World Tour

How exciting it had to have been for Dave Paine, who is a Beatles fan who was assigned to work as part of security for Paul McCartney's World tour when it came to Massachusetts in 1990.   

During Paul's concert in Foxboro 1,000 fans were randomly invited to participate in a taping of a documentary film about the tour that Paul was making.   The invitation was for the next evening.   Dave was doing the security for this event and had the amazing opportunity to meet Paul before the "concert" began.

This story was from issue #57 of Good Day Sunshine fanzine.

The World tour
By David Paine
Good Day sunshine #57 Autumn 1990

This should be filed under “dreams do come true.”   When I saw Charles picture in GDS with Paul I was very happy for him.  I never expected to see the day when I’d get to meet Paul too.  Well it happen on July 25 (1990) in Foxboro.

On the 24th, Paul was due to arrive by helicopter and I was assigned at the heli-pad to follow Paul’s motorcade from the pad to the backstage area (approx. ¼ mile).   As I was waiting, two of Paul’s security men arrived with the limos to meet Paul.    I asked one of them if I could take a photo when Paul landed.  He said that instead of that he would get me an autographed picture.  I thanked him but didn't’t honestly think I would see it.  Paul landed at around 5pm with Linda, Mary, James and Stella.  Paul jumped out, waved and was in the limo.   I followed the motorcade to the backstage area.  Paul opened his window and waved to the several hundred fans who gathered near backstage.  After the shouting/screaming and lunges toward his limo, Paul was backstage.  I waited a little while outside the fenced in area, but couldn't find the security guy I’d spoke with.  I left and went to see the show.  It was fantastic!!

The next night Paul was due to arrive by helicopter to shoot some footage for the film.  Again, I was at the heli-pad for the escort.  It was a low-key night with only 1,000 fans.  This time I came prepared.  I had my camera and several shirts to give to Paul and his family.  Luck was on my side because the security guy from the night before recognized me and said he’d get that picture for me.  I asked him if he could give Paul some shirts, and I was elated when he said, “Tell you what, after we get backstage you can give them to him yourself.” 

Paul was outside near a trailer and the lounge tent, talking with another security guy.  I walked toward him and I couldn't help smiling.  He smiled back and said, “good evening—how are you doing?”  I said, “Hello Paul, I’m Dave Paine.”  We shook hands and he commented that  he used to wear a hat similar to mine in the British Scouts when he was a boy.  We talked about the lousy weather, where I am from, etc.  I gave him the shirts, he thanked me and we took a picture (he’s holding the shirts in the shot).  He left and filmed the documentary from 9-11pm.


On the 26th, he put on another great how, and again the rain held off.  Meeting Paul was the ultimate and I wanted to share my good fortune with you, and let other fans know that Paul is the genuine, down-to-earth, great guy he seems.  Oh, yes I also got that autographed 8 x 10! 

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