February 3, 2002 - Remember when Paul played the Superbowl 20 years ago? It was actually really exciting. I can't stand football, and I think this was the only time I ever actually watched any part of the game.
To understand the excitement of this performance, you have to remember that it was just 5 months since 9/11 and for Beatle fans, just 2 months after George's death. It was just a sad time in the country. Paul's anthem, "Freedom" was just what we needed at that time. So for Paul to come onto the television and perform that song for everyone was very exciting and emotional. The performance was right before the game actually started. The musicians that we now consider to be "Paul's band" were all there: Rusty, Brian, Abe and Wix. There were cheerleaders waving pompoms. Then a gigantic Statue of Liberty banner was raised behind the band while people marched in front of the stage with flags from around the globe. It was a tear-jerker of a performance and one that has always stayed in my mind.
In 2002 Paul played the pregame show. In 2005 he played the halftime show. The first photo that you posted is from 2005 while I believe the others are from the earlier appearance. Paul wore a red shirt with a black star on it during the halftime show. (MarkZapp)
ReplyDeleteYou are right -- I removed that first photo. I will have to save it for another day. I didn't watch Paul live during the 2005 performance. I chose to wait to see it on Myspace instead. I think my family finally realized how much I hate football because I was not interesting in even Paul during halftime. It was easier when he did the song right at the beginning. Anyhow -- both performances during the Superbowl were really good
DeleteTerry Bradshaw was one of the on-air TV commentators for Fox-TV, which was broadcasting the game. They had Paul on for an interview segment after the game. At one point, Bradshaw joined Paul for a acapella version of a Beatles song. Bradshaw was absolutely thrilled to be in Paul's presence ("I can't believe I'm singing with a Beatle!").
ReplyDeleteI just looked that up on Youtube! It was funny. I would have been thrilled to sing "Hard Day's Night" with Paul too! What a one in a lifetime opportunity! It was funny how that Terry guy messed up the words -- but who cares! He got to sing a Beatles song with one of the Beatles. Thanks for the info. I am glad I looked it up.
DeleteI hate football too but I remember telling family and friends back then that they finally figured out a way to get ME to watch the Superbowl. Easy for me to remember also because the Philadelphia Eagles were in it((2005) and I live near Philly. It would also be the last football game that my father would ever watch as he passed in April of the year. (MarkZapp) Also, Paul's hair was a little longer in 3005 than on 2002.
DeleteHey Sara. Glad you checked out and liked it....although you know what would've been cool? Paul and Bradshaw doing an acapella version of Revolution #9 :-0
DeletePaul looks fantastic in the pics
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