Hey Hey Hey ---Sara's review of the Paul McCartney concert in Kansas City

I wasn't supposed to see Paul in Kansas City, Missouri on July 16, 2014.    I was supposed to see Paul in Louisville, Kentucky on June 26th.  However, when Paul got sick and had to re-schedule the Louisville show, I was no longer able to travel down to see it.   I really can't travel 6 hours south on a Tuesday in October.    So I started to look for another date that worked for me in this tour and Kansas City seemed to be the best fit.

I was not sitting on the floor for this show.   I was in section 101, which is the first section past the floor seating.   I had seats that were in the center and had a wonderful view of Paul the entire time.   These were basically the same seats I had when I saw Paul in St. Louis in 2012.    You really get a different concert from the floor and the stadium seating.    When you see Paul on the floor, you are obviously part of the action.   You are an active participant in the concert.   He appears to make eye contact with you and those around you.    Everyone stands for the entire concert and you can tell from the dancing and singing that the people with you are Paul fans and love him with the same passion that you do.     When you sit up in the stadium seating, most of the people remain seated for a big part of the concert.    They do stand a bit for some of the songs, but you are sitting for most of the show.   There were times that I wanted to stand, but I felt like it would have been rude to those behind me.   You feel so far away from Paul.    While I could see him so well, there was a disconnect for sure.   And you are sitting near a majority (not all) of people who like Paul because he was in the Beatles and Wings and are not familiar with any of his solo work.    The plus side of having seats farther away is that you get to enjoy the show aspect.    When I was sitting in the 4th row last year, I did not know that when Paul sang, "Here Today" it looked like he was standing on a waterfall.   I was too close to notice it.  However,  by having seats farther back,  it was neat to see.    You can make out all of the photos farther back and enjoy the laser lights much better.  


Paul sang most of the songs that he has been singing in concert the past few years.  However, he has cut some of the Wings numbers to add in some songs from "New."   He sang "Save Us,"  "New" "Queenie Eye" and "Everybody Out There."   I was sorry to see "Junior's Farm" and "Mrs. Vanderbilt" leave the set list.    However, the songs from "New" sounded really great!    I love the "New" background and Paul and the band really, really seemed to enjoy playing the songs.

Some things that I noticed specifically to the Kansas City Show.    Paul did not read any of the signs out loud.   I saw all sorts of people down front holding signs, and I saw Paul pointing to them, but he did not ever look out and read any of the signs.     Someone had thrown a pair of panties up on the stage and Paul picked them up and said something about how it wasn't a Tom Jones show and this had never happened before.   I seriously doubt that in 2014 Paul McCartney had his first pair of women's panties thrown on the stage!!   But it was a really funny part of the show.    Paul seemed to be a bit more talkative between songs.   He mostly stuck to his script, but there were a few little things that I think he added and he in general seemed to be a tad bit more chatty.

When he sang "My Valentine,"  he dedicated it to Nancy who he said was in the audience and he pointed towards her.    I thought the KC crowd was extremely rude during this song.  It looked like a mass exodus of people.   Everyone must have thought "My Valentine" is a code song for "bathroom and drink" break.    Actually, I was surprised how much people were leaving their seats throughout the concert.    If it wasn't a Beatles song, it seems like people were leaving.    There were some people in my row that were constantly coming and going.  They were coming back with popcorn and hot dogs and who knows what else.   Whenever I go to a Paul show, I stay in my seat the entire time.  I do not want to miss a thing!    Those tickets are extremely expensive!  I can eat popcorn or go use the bathroom later---you only have so many chances to see Paul McCartney in person.

Paul messed up the words on "We can work it out."  He sang, "Only time will tell if I am wrong or I am wrong...."    He always seems to have a hard time with lyrics to that one.      Overall Paul sounded good, but by the time he sang "Day Tripper," you could tell that his voice was getting tired.   Personally I did not think "Helter Skelter" sounded very good because Paul's voice just sounded like it was ready to give out.   

Of course the real treat of the night was Paul performing "Kansas City (Hey Hey Hey )" which he did instead of "Hi Hi Hi."    He sang the "Beatles" version of the song with the crowd all doing the echo part.   This might be one of my favorite personal Beatle memories of my life.   Just something about singing the song Kansas City along with Paul in Kansas City----you just can't beat that!

If you haven't seen Paul during this tour, you have to go!   I know it is extremely expensive.   I know it is often in the middle of the week.   But you will regret it for the rest of your life if you miss out on this tour.     If you go and happen to have sensitive eyes, you will want to bring along some sunglasses.    There are a lot of bright lights and strobe lights that go out into the audience.   My mom has eye problems and the lights were really hurting her eyes until she got her sunglasses out of her purse and then she could see Paul and not be blinded.    So if any of you have eye problems....I thought I would pass along that advice.

Have fun out there!

*All photos were taken by Sara Schmidt.  Please ask before you use these photos elsewhere (and I always say yes!)

Paul stops for ice cream

Once again here is the proof that you never know when you might spot one of the Beatles out and about.  Just last night, Paul McCartney was seen at an ice cream shop in Omaha, Nebraska.   He had already had diner at an Italian place and then went to the ice cream shop for some vanilla ice cream for desert.    And he just stood there in line like anyone else and sat on a bench outside and enjoyed the treat with Nancy and Waren Buffet (of all people).    I can't make this stuff up!   There is an article about it here. 

Paul appears to be asking for directions

Yeah---we know who it is.

I love this kid and his "sneaky" photo with Paul.   Paul knows what he is doing.

Gas is a lot cheaper in Omaha than it is here in Illinois!

Just waiting in line to buy ice cream.

Ringo Starr and the All Starr Band -- Sara's VIP concert review

Hello Beatle fans!   I just returned from seeing Ringo and His All Starr Band in concert the other night and I know you all would like to hear about it.

I have seen Ringo in concert twice before.   The first time was in 1995 and the 2nd time was in 2000.   I was long overdue to see a Ringo show.  When Ringo's tour was announced early in 2014, I decided that I was going to pick a date and go.   I decided upon the concert in Tunica, Mississippi simply because I had driven through Tunica a few times in the past few years and I knew how to get there.   Tunica, Mississippi isn't near where I live.   It is about a 6 hour drive.   I bought two VIP tickets (one for myself and one for my Ringo loving mom).   The Ringo VIP tickets are much cheaper than the Paul tickets and you do not get much extra for them.   About a week before the concert I got a package with my Ringo swag from UPS.  Here is what you get:  Ringo t-shirt, Ringo poster, laminate with tour dates on it, and canvas Ringo bag.   

 

So we drive down to Tunica, Mississippi, which is a really big gambling town.   I was able to get a hotel room in the place where the concert was held, which was the Horseshoe casino and hotel.    I am not used to staying at a casino.  I have never been to Vegas.   I sort of felt out of place.

After checking in and finding our room, we find the box office because we have to pick up our VIP tickets.   The lady behind the ticket counter has a roll of blank tickets and she takes out her green sharpie marker and writes out our tickets.   I found this to be really strange.  

Our room was on the 2nd floor of the hotel.   We heard some music coming out of one of the executive rooms.   My mom jokingly asked a man leaving the room, "Is Ringo in there?"   The man said, "Yeah---he is doing his sound check right now."   We couldn't believe our luck!   So we stood outside of the room and listened to the soundcheck.   We didn't hear a lot of songs, but we did hear "Africa" and "Boys" and then a bunch of just random jamming.    It was really neat.

I have to confess that I did not care who was playing in the All Starr Band.   I came to see Ringo.   And while I like to think that I listen to a variety of music, the real truth is that I don't.    I guess I just spent most of my time listening to the Beatles or solo music.   So when I looked at the list of who was playing with the All Starr Band, I honestly didn't know who they were.     The band was made up of Steve Lukather, Gregg Rolie, Todd Rundgren, Richard Page, Warren Ham, and Gregg Bissonette.

Our seats were in the 2nd row as part of the VIP deal.   When we got there, a group of people were lined up and waiting to for the "meet and greet."    I do not know how they got that deal.   I tried to ask a few of the people in the line and they either ignored me or one person said, "we got our tickets way in advance."   When I told her that I had ordered my tickets the day they came out in March and had VIP and didn't see anything else listed, she chuckled at me.    So I know that in some select cities (New York, Chicago and L.A.) fans were meeting Ringo through the art show.    I had not heard of any other meet and greet opportunities.   And frankly I will never understand all of the secrecy that occurs in the Beatle community.   I saw the same type of behavior at the Paul concert.   If you got the "meet and greet" tickets because you know someone or whatever....why is that a secret?  

Ringo's show started promptly at 8:00pm.   I appreciate him starting on time.     He started right with "Matchbox."    It was so exciting to see Ringo in person!    He even pointed to me during this first song.    Ringo really seems at ease on stage.   And he REALLY interacts with the audience.    He is always waving and pointing and giving peace signs to his fans, even the ones in the back of the auditorium.   I love that!   I think it really makes for a special concert.  Ringo then sang two more songs (It don't come easy and Wings) before he moved to the drums and allowed the All Starrs to perform.

I loved being in the 2nd row, but on the other hand it was sort of a bad place because it was so close.  I had to look up to see everyone and my view of Ringo on the drums was terrible!   

This is what I got to see of Ringo on the drums

The All Starrs are a really good band.   They obviously have a great relationship with each other.   It is apparent that they aren't just individuals that are performing, but they have worked together to become a tight band.    Richard Page, who was the lead singer for Mister Mister has an amazing voice.  He sounds JUST like he did when I would listen to Hot 97 radio in the 1980's as a kid.   Todd Rundgren has great stage presence.   He is all over that stage, playing to the entire house.   And his song "Bang the drum all day" is just so much fun.   I am very familiar with that song, but I guess I just never knew who sang it.

Ringo sang and played "Boys" while on the drums and then moved to the keyboard and began "Don't Pass me by," which he finished out in front.   He sounded really good on this classic song from the White Album.   Then he sang everyone's favorite, "Yellow Submarine."    During this song, Ringo noticed my mom's t-shirt that said, "Ringo Rocks."   He motioned his finger over his chest and pointed and my mom and gave her a thumbs up!   He liked her shirt!  My mom was thrilled.   Her favorite Beatle for the past 50 years noticed her.  It really was a thrill. 

If I had to complain about anything it would be the long instrumentals that the band played.   I realize that most everyone in the crowd loved them, but I just don't get into long guitar riffs.   Those Santana songs are long and I think that is why I never could get into Santana.   I tend to like the typical pop song that is 3 minutes long.    I found myself sitting there while they went on and on wondering when Ringo was going to sing again.  

And Ringo did sing some more.   When he sang "Anthem" he noticed that I was making a peace sign.  I enjoy many of the songs on Ringo 2012 and I think it is one of his better albums of the past decade.   Then he went into "Honey Don't."

Ringo left the stage completely during the song "Oye Como Va."  But he returned to his drums for "I wanna be your man," which he dedicated to "All the ladies."

After a few more All Starr performances, Ringo finished the night with "Photograph." "Act Naturally," and "Help from my Friends."    He then left the stage and the band kept singing "Give Peace a Chance."   Ringo returned for a short period of time without his jacket on and sang a few choruses and then left again.   The band took a bow, and I sort of thought Ringo would have made one more appearance to bow with them, but he did not.  

Just a few more thoughts--I couldn't believe how many people were there with Beatles albums and autograph books seriously thinking that Ringo was going to sign for them.   Do these people not know Ringo?   If they want his autograph, he was selling them for $500 for the Loctus foundation.   That is the only way you can get his signature.   Like it or not---that is how it is.   There were also people walking around the front of the stage a lot.   One woman was trying to give one of the band members a beer and another guy was trying to shake Ringo's hand.   I just thought it was strange.  

If you haven't seen a Ringo concert in awhile, it is well worth going to.   He really gels with this band and they are extremely good.    I am going to see them again on October 3rd when they come to St. Louis.  


*All photos were taken by Sara or Coral Schmidt.  Please ask before you use the photos (I will say yes).

Walzer wishes Paul a Happy Birthday

 Many of you may have seen some photos published on Paul's birthday a few weeks ago and recall there was a guy standing there wearing a yellow Wings t-shirt.   I was able to track down the man with the Wings shirt and uke to share with us what happened when he met Paul and Nancy on Paul's birthday at Cavendish Avenue!!!  Thank you so much Walzer for sharing your amazing story!  I am sure all of us here at MTBFR appreciate it.

Ok, what happened was: It's his birthday, why not going to serenade him? My name is Walter Carluccio, but everyone knows me as Walzer. Which is also my artistic pseudonym. I'm a half Italian-half Spanish 31 years young musician, and I decided to move to London in search of a lucky break a month ago.

 I've been a fan of The Beatles since I was 14 years old. Of course I've heard their songs since I was born, my mother was a quite good fan back in the day and she still keeps her Fab vinyls and cassettes, and of course you just cannot grow up without listening to them. As I started primary school in 1989, our first English lesson revolved around greetings, and Hello Goodbye was used during lessons to get us used to those simple words. It resulted I fell in love with that song. In 1993 Off The Ground came up, and Hope Of Deliverance was a fair smash hit in Italy and I, then 10 years-old, fell in love again with the song and video. It was the very first Macca solo song I've heard, I think. The song that really turned me on them was Eleanor Rigby as I was starting high school, and from that moment on I avidly listened to everything I could from the lads. Right from the start, Paul McCartney was my favourite: I found him very funny, incredibly talented and I simply loved his voice. Knowing things better, I noticed a lot of other things we shared: We're both left-handed, we were both born in June -His birthday arriving five days prior than mine-, we both love arts, and surrealism in particular. I love his mannerisms.

 In 2001 Wingspan came out: Up to that moment the only I ever heard from post-Beatles Paul was his first album, McCartney -Still my favourite-, the aforementioned Hope Of Deliverance and Young Boy, which came out in 1997 and had quite a decent airplay in Italian and Swiss radios. Probably the only thing I knew of Wings by that point was Live And Let Die, which riff I had certainly heard before. That compilation blew my mind and I became a Wings fan as well! Also, the launch of that compilation also gave me the opportunity to first "see" Macca with my own eyes, as he came in Milan (I live in a town nearby) during his promotional tour for the Hits & History double set. From that moment on I became a devotee of Paul: I finally decided to go vegetarian -A plan which I was having from quite some years already- thanks to him, and tried to follow his steps and updates on his official site and other webpages. I've always loved to sing, but only in 2002 I decided to take a guitar and begin to strum some chords (As a lefty, of course). What happened was that during the years I became a semi-professional musician in Italy, playing with various bands and in recent years taking part at very important events. Beatles and Paul's song have always been a part of my repertoire, needless to say. 

As I was studying Paul's solo career, I also started listening to the others Beatles alone, and I became a huge fan of each one on their own: Following George's steps I acquired a ukulele in 2008, and quickly became a decent player, and today the uke is probably my favourite instrument. Obviously I knew Paul was also a good ukulele player, I knew his version of Something and in 2004, as I discovered Ram, I was fascinated by Ram On, probably the very first ukulele-based song I've ever heard. In the meantime, I kept following Paul in both his new releases -Driving Rain being his first new album I acquired- and live: I saw him with my mother playing in Rome in 2003, a huge incredible show I'll never forget, and the following year I traveled to Zurich to see him play one of his most curious tours -The 04 Summer-. I was lucky enough to see the show from the third row, something unbelievable for me at the time. During that show I was able to "speak" to him for the first time: As he was making remarks concerning the Swiss German language, I noticed more than a half of the people who were attending the show were actually Italian people who had traveled to nearby Switzerland, so, just before Blackbird, as the atmosphere was silent and calm, I shouted out something like "We're all Italians, here". He acknowledged me and replied "Ah, Italians? Ciao ciao, bambinaa.." -Singing a brief part of Domenico Modugno's 1959 song Piove-. I was flipped out because Paul actually answered me, and that proof I found on the bootleg from the concert I later discovered and downloaded.

 Moreover, in 2011 it happened something even more unbelievable. I attended Paul's gig in Milan -Finally he came to play near my hometown, what a thrill!-, and as I went to the forum very early in the morning in order to get to the first rows, I brought my ukulele with me to kill time in queue. The show took place on the 27th of November, just a couple of days before the sad 10th anniversary of George's passing. I though it could be a nice tribute bringing my ukulele with me also for him. As I left the first row to an Argentinian guy I met during the queue who've never been able to see Macca before, I was standing right behind him, and as I didn't want to ruin my ukulele in the scrum, I kept it in my hand. So it happened that every time I was raising my arms, the ukulele was visible. I noticed Paul saw it a couple of times, and winked and smiled at me. What I wasn't expecting happened right before the end of the show: McCartney took off his guitar as The End finished, took the front of the stage and asked with some evident gestures to some security guy to bring him my ukulele! I just could not believe that! The security came, asked for my ukulele and literally threw it on stage! Fortunately, Paul was able to grab it. Then he asked for a marker pen, someone threw it at him and finally Paul signed my ukulele, in front of tens of thousands of people who didn't know what was happening! As he did so I prorupted in the loudest scream, to which Paul funnily replied looking in my direction. Then he threw the ukulele back to the security guy -Another risky move-, which luckily grabbed it and handled it back to me. I was speechless, in complete shock. Paul signed my ukulele in front of a large crowd, and responded to my scream. It was like there were only the two of us in that moment. Who knows, maybe Paul was thinking of George and decided to make a little homage to him as well. I'd like to think it went like that. Obviously a number of videos from the night posted on YouTube testified the moment, and I became a sort of a star for that.


 I was invited to play at a quite important Beatles tribute in Rome two weeks later, and I decided to bring by freshly signed ukulele with me. I decided to keep playing it instead of keeping it as a sacred relic in my room, hanged on a wall. I think, according to Paul's musical philosophy, he would have done the same. I went to see Paul live two more times, in 2012 in Zurich -Again- and last June, almost exactly one year ago, in Verona at the prestigious and historic roman amphitheatre. My birthday falls on the 23rd, the concert took place on the 25th. I was quite sad and melancholic from my birthday on, because I was turning 30 and I though I somewhat lost my youth. That concert proved me, once more and for all, that all I was thinking was bullshit, as an incredibly energetic 71 year old gave an almost three hours superb show in front of my eyes. I felt relieved thanks to my hero, and as a reward I bought a wonderful Wings t-shirt as I left the arena. 

A few months later, in September, I finally came for the first time in my life to London. It was something I was longing to do since may many a-years, and in the meantime I promised myself to visit the city before my 30th birthday. I didn't succeeded in that, but I was able to repair shortly thereafter. I came here and was completely stunned by this city and its history. Its musical heritage most of all. I visited all the most iconic places related to The Beatles and rock music in general, always bringing my ukulele with me. For instance, as I visited Wimpole Street, I was able to play Yesterday in front of the house where it was actually conceived. Many breathtaking moments like that. Also, I went to Cavendish Avenue in order to serenade Paul a bit -A quite romantic thing, I know-. No one responded, obviously. Another coup-de-theatre: As I was in Soho Square one rainy Friday afternoon, in front of Paul's MPL offices, looking inside from the glass walls-windows, I spotted Macca's right-hand man John Hammel coming down the stair. I immediately jumped because I thought "If he's in, then certainly Paul's too!". I waved at him and he smiled and waved back. I was certain that the appearance of John was a signal of Paul's presence in the building, maybe just one or two flats above me. So I started paying the ukulele again, thinking that maybe some of its notes could reach Macca's ears, right behind one of those windows upstairs. It was another romantic thing, I know. Some weeks later I read a report on Stuart Bell's blog For Whom The Bell Tells in which he wrote that during the first Friday of September, one rainy afternoon, Paul was in his Soho Square offices discussing the cover graphics for New, the latest album. I was proved right! So, up to this moment, I felt I had had almost everything I could possibly want from my life-long artistic muse. I saw him multiple times, I was able to communicate to him and to somehow play for him, and he kind of acknowledged me signing my ukulele.

 In the meantime I was also able to "speak" to Ringo Starr as well when he came to Rome in 2011: As the show took place on the 4th of July, three days prior to his birthday, I shouted "Happy birthday Ringo" from the stands during the gig. He recognized me and replied: "Thank you! Where's the big box?". What else could I possibly ask to my Beatles lucky star? While in London last September, I also met an old friend of mine who was living there: He's a super guitar player and also a good keyboardist. We jammed together a couple of times, and he was so impressed that he asked me to form a band with him, offering to guest me in his house for three months in order to do so. I immediately said yes, how can you possibly deny such a request? It took me some months, though, to set things right and be able to move here, but finally last month I arrived in London. My new adventure in my new city started almost dramatically: I lost my backpack full of precious things, including my very first musical instrument, a glockenspiel, on the coach that transported me here from the airport. Apart from that, I started building me a living in UK's capital. My arrival in London coincided almost precisely with Paul's returning home from his unfortunate Far East tour in order to recover from his illness, and according to the news that sometimes popped up on the web I knew that he was staying in London. I also saw pictures -On the Daily Mail website- of him and Nancy coming off a restaurant the day before his birthday, so I said to myself "Well, if he's in town, I may as well try to visit him tomorrow and wish him a happy birthday. Surely there will be plenty of fans outside of his house to celebrate him". Also I had a job appointment for the next morning in nearby Kilburn, so I could combine both things. 

I woke up in the morning of 18th June, had a shower, shaved my face, wore my Wings tee which I had bought in Verona, took my CV and my ukulele signed in Milan and I went out. After my job appointment, I went walking to Saint John's Wood. I passed by Abbey Road: There was the usual load of people crossing the zebra, taking photos, leaving messages on the studios walls. While passing through them I imagined how many of those people knew that that day was actually Paul's birthday and that he lived a mere five minutes walking from there. I crossed the zebra -Of course- and went through to Cavendish Avenue. With some surprise, approaching the house, I saw nobody was there, as I was absolutely expecting. It was around noon and the street was somewhat desert. Passing people from time to time. Silence all around -As possible in central London-. Some neighbour popping up to pick up his mail. I started to play the ukulele while walking through Abbey Road, even before passing the studios, and while I was walking I was studying the chords for Let 'Em In, so as I arrived at number 7 I had it nailed down. I took off my jacket, left it on the ground, leant myself on the wall on the left side of the front gate and started strumming and singing some songs. I played and sang Ram On, Silly Love Songs, Let 'Em In and Honey Pie. As I was singing or during breaks between songs I kept checking the black tinted windows on the upper flat of the house, the only ones that are actually visible from the street, hoping for someone behind recognizing me. In my symbolic gesture, It would have been great just to imagine that Paul could have been inside listening to me. I really didn't expect that would actually be reality in just minutes. After a rough half hour of playing, during which slightly embarrassed yet curious pedestrians passed me through from time to time, I decided I had enough, as the atmosphere was too much calm and I was starting to think that maybe Paul was in Peasmarsh for his party. But I still wanted to leave a sign of my passage. Noticing a writing on the wall on the other side of the gate, I decided to leave my message as well, a-la Abbey Road. I didn't have a marker pen with me, only a regular pen, which is not so great if you're willing to write on London stock bricks, so I had to press it a lot to get some visible sign on the wall. Doing so I sometime had to stop as I noticed people coming, it is a private wall after all so I wanted to avoid any complication within the neighbourhood. It took me a lot just to write down "Happy Birthday Paul - Walzer", something like ten minutes, and I didn't even finish doing so as THE INCREDIBLE happened.

 As I was writing, suddenly I heard a flash. I turned -As I always did in the last minutes as I heard someone approaching while writing on the wall- and I saw this well dressed photographer shooting as someone on his left -My right-. I leaned moreover on my right and then I saw him standing there! Sir James Paul McCartney! Macca! Paul Ramon! Percy "Thrills" Thrillington! The Fireman! Paulie! The Man was walking, holding hands with Lady Nancy. He was coming back home. The couple was wearing sport outfits and shades, I think they were coming back from a gym as Paul was holding a towel beneath his right arm. He smiled at the paparazzo and kept coming his way. Which was MY way. I instantly took the ukulele, and I had to quickly think of something to play for him. I decided to play Ram On, which as I wrote before was I think the very first ukulele-conceived song I've ever heard. I started to play the very first chords, as the couple were very little meters from me. Paul smiled at me. I think he recognized the song, even if I didn't reach the sung part, as I had stopped playing while the two were passing in front of me. Paul was just a meter from me. I couldn't believe it but it was happening. Then, with an incredible self-control, I kindly said "Happy birthday, Paul". He replied me "Thank you, man!". Which was exactly the answer I was expecting! I noticed during the last years that Paul got quite an habit to end his sentences with "man" while addressing someone. Then, Out of nowhere, Nancy sneaked into the conversation adding a "Nice shirt!", with a very strong New York accent, referencing my Wings tee. Hehe, nice move. Also, I think that was the very first time I heard Nancy's voice. Just as I was thanking her, the couple was about to get into their property: The automated gate opened silently and very quickly just as these few words were spoken, and it was starting to close again as quickly as it opened. I roughly tried to catch Paul's attention once more, pointing at his signature on my uke and telling him "Paul, do you recognize this ukulele? You signed it!". At first it seemed to me that he stopped for a millisecond to look at it, but he didn't reply to that. Anyway the gate was now almost completely close, so I thought there wasn't time for him to see it more. Finally, as the gate closed, I heard Paul telling me from inside "Hey, sorry if I do, but can I kindly ask you to leave this space now? This is a private space. Thanks. man" I don't really think a sidewalk is actually a private space, anyway I totally understood what he meant and I for nothing wanted to cause him any harm, so I obviously obliged. Before doing so I finally finished writing my name on the wall for my dedication. Then I took my jacket and my ukulele and walked away. Or maybe I flied! I checked the clock and it was a quarter to 1 p.m. Now I ACTUALLY met Paul McCartney, I ACTUALLY spoke to him and I ACTUALLY played for him. "My life is now complete! I can die with a smile on my face right now", I said to myself.

 As I was turning the corner of Circus Road I was still buzzing, trying to reach my friend's phone to tell him the stunning news. I wasn't able to do so, but as I was trying I started to realize that it was actually a hardly believable story: No one was there to witness what had just happened and I had no photographic evidence of the event -Because for me it was certainly a life-affirming event-. I thought only three persons witnessed the brief meeting: Me, Paul and Nancy. So it was a sort of a intimate memory, which I though in the end was a nice thing. Returning back to Abbey Road I for another time passed through all the people photographing and signing, people who couldn't know that Paul was actually a few yards away, and that that long haired guy passing by their side was able to meet him. I felt very proud of my secret consciousness, have to admit. As I came back home, I wrote on FaceBook about the incredible story. To my surprise and amusement, a lot of friends believed me even without been able to see a proof of it all. I told them that it was in the end good that no visual evidence of what happened was available. After a few hours, by the way, I decided to detect the Daily Mail website to see if maybe there was an article about the birthday morning fitness session of the McCartneys, as it was the same page I saw photos of the two the day before. To my astonishment, there was! It was already on, and the second photo on the article showed me, Walzer, pointing at my ukulele as the couple was entering the gate! Also, there was another pic of Paul smiling at me -Even if I'm not in the photo. You can only see Macca smiling looking at something (Or someone) on his left-! Evidently the paparazzo didn't went away, as I believed, and he was able to capture the moment. I was on the moon! Not only I was on the Daily Mail -Which is quite something by the way-, but finally I had at least one photo proving that, yes, I MET PAUL McCARTNEY. Thinking about it retroactively, as just five days after all this it was my birthday, I do believe that in the end it wasn't me doing a present for him, but the other way round. I met him! I did it! Thank my lucky stars!

I hope Paul starts feeling like a "new man" soon!

Words cannot describe the disappointment I felt when I got the news yesterday that the concert I was planning on going to in Louisville, KY was postponed.   I totally understand that Paul is following doctor's orders and I agree that he is doing the right thing.  I remember about 5 years ago when I had viral pneumonia, it knocked me out for a full week.   About 3 weeks later I was a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding and let me tell you, that wedding killed me!   I was so exhausted and wiped out and some of my pneumonia systems started to come back because obviously my immune system wasn't built up yet.   I was in my early 30's at the time.   I am sure if Paul went back on the road full time and did night after night of 3 hour concerts, he just wouldn't be able to make it.

Having said all of that, doesn't change my disappointment.   I was going to Kentucky to take my long time friend to her first Paul concert.   It was on her bucket list--to see Paul in concert and I bought her a ticket because I knew how badly she wanted to go.   I was more excited about seeing her at the Paul concert than anything.   Now the concert has been moved to a Tuesday in October.   I am a teacher and I just cannot take off and travel six hours away in October.   I did that in February for the Beatles convention and I doubt I will be allowed to do it again.   So now I cannot go at all.   I am majorly bummed.   However, I did order a ticket to see Paul in Kansas City on July 16th and I hope he doesn't cancel out again.   But if he does.....he does. 

So here is a cute recent photo from the set of the Appreciate video of Paul with an adorable and happy little girl.

Save us

Pre-sickness, Paul was seen hanging out with Newman the robot and this adorable girl in Japan. 

He's getting better all the time

It is nice to see Paul and Nancy out walking in St. John's Wood.   These photos were taken yesterday, May 27, 2014 and they are the first photos we have seen of Paul since he got sick while in Japan.  I think he is looking pretty good for someone who was sick and I honestly think he will be back to his usual self by the time his tour hits the U.S. in a few weeks.

Richard Porter the Beatles Coffee Shop at the St. John's Wood tube station reported this little story of a fan meeting Paul while he and Nancy were out yesterday

a fan in St John's Wood went up to someone to ask them where Abbey Road was. The fan then nearly had a heart attack when he realised the person he was asking was Paul McCartney!! Paul, of course, knew the way :>)

The fan came into Richard's  Shop right after her encounter with Paul, still in shock!   Isn't that hilarious?   Of all of the people to ask directions from!

Hard to Appreciate

I have to confess something.   When I first saw the photos of Paul with Newman the robot (clever name, I have to say since Paul's album is called "New"), I was jealous.    My first thought was, "Give me a break!  A robot can meet Paul McCartney and I can't?  First it was dogs and now it is a robot?"

All kidding aside, I want to wish Paul a speedy recovery.   I hope he is getting a lot of rest and is feel back to his normal self very soon.   Everyone is worried about you Paul!   

I feel so bad for the fans in Japan who were anxious to go to the concert.   I am sure Paul feels so bad for having to postpone the show for them.   I hope that Paul can find a time where he can reschedule the concert.   I would be so upset if the concert I am going to next month was canceled, but I am sure we all can agree that Paul being healthy is more important.  

Get the newest issue of Beatlefan magazine!

In the most current issue of Beatlefan, there is an interview I did with Kit O'Toole for her column, "Hard Day's Net."   It really turned out to be a nice little interview about this blog.   I hope some more Beatle fans join us here at MTBFR because of this interview.   Here is a bit of information on how you can get a hold of Beatlefan magazine if you aren't already a subscriber.   And let me tell you, I have subscribed for over 20 years and I LOVE Beatlefan.   There is just a wealth of Beatle information located inside those pages by some amazing writers.   Here is a message from the creator and editor of Beatlefan, Bill King:

Sample issue of Beatlefan costs $7 in the U.S. or $10 abroad. U.S. funds only. If you want the latest issue featuring the interview with Sara Schmidt, be sure to specify #207. PayPal accepted, payable to goodypress@mindspring.com. Credit cards, checks accepted at P.O. Box 33515, Decatur, GA 30033.

40 years ago today: Mark Lapidos met John Lennon

I know for many of you, it will be hard to believe that this year is the 40th anniversary Beatlefest, which is the longest running consecutive Beatles fan convention.      This year marks my 20th anniversary of going to the Fest, so I have been there for half of the time (not bad for a 37 year old!).    I know that quit a few of you have been to Beatlefests over the past 40 years and have great memories of speakers, music, videos and friends.   While I have a lot of complaints about Beatlefest, overall I have to say that it is my favorite thing that I do every summer.   I look forward to the Fest in Chicago all year round because it simply is fun.   It is the one time of the year that I can be around other people who love the Fab 4 as much as I do (or maybe even more if that is possible).   I can listen to geeky speakers and talk to friends in person and sing all the Beatles songs until my hearts content.     I will be going to the Chicago Beatlefest again this year, although I will have to leave early on Sunday before it is over because I have my first day of the school year that Monday.   So I hope to see many of you there again!

Carol and Mark Lapidos at the 2014 New York Fest

All of this Beatles fun is due to one person.   Mark Lapidos not only created Beatlefest, but he has ran it with very little bumps for the past 40 years.   I can't say enough how much I appreciate Mark Lapidos and all of the work he has done to not only start a Beatles convention but to keep it going.   Many, many other Beatle fan conventions have came and gone over the years and yet Beatlefest is the only one that remains for the longest amount of time.  Mark has to be doing something right.    Do I agree with everything he does?  Heck no!  Do I complain about it every single year when I return?   Heck yeah!   I still think that the Fest needs a make-over of sorts if it is going to continue on after Paul and Ringo are gone, but that is a discussion for another day.     One of the reasons why I believe that the Fest has lasted so long is because Mark Lapidos as always been a true Beatle fan.   I know that some people might not believe this because they have the impression that Mark is just into it to make money off the Beatles name.    But I have seen Mark bid on things with excitement during the auction, I heard him speak about seeing George Harrison at the Bangladesh concert, about going to England in 1969 and hanging around EMI and seeing the Beatles, about seeing Wings over America, etc etc.    He still has passion and love for the Beatles and that is what I think is the most important thing if you are running a fan convention.

Mark with Paul and Linda

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Beatlefest, Mark Lapidos gave a talk about how he came up with the idea for the Fest and how he asked John Lennon "permission" before he went ahead with his plans.   It was exactly 40 years ago today that Mark went to John Lennon's hotel room and talked to him about his idea of having a Beatle fan convention.      And during that talk this past February, I sat right in the front on the floor and recorded the entire time (18 minutes long).   It is really interesting.  I think my favorite part is how John donated a guitar to be raffled off for a charity and how he almost came to Beatlefest to pick the raffle ticket.    You just have to hear the story.   It is pretty amazing.

Mister Brian Epstein

Last week it finally happened.    Something I did not think I would see happen in my lifetime.  Brian Epstein was finally inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame!   Now you'd would have thought that Brian would have been inducted in the hall of fame way back in 1988, when the Beatles were inducted.  There is a non-performer category, and it has been filled with various producers, radio disc jockeys and others who were important to the field of rock and roll music without being musicians.  Heck Phil Spector was inducted in 1989!   And many assumed that Brian was in, because why wouldn't he have been?   Not only did he "discover" the Beatles and manage them to superstardom, he also managed a variety of British acts that made up the backbone of the 1960's British music invasion that basically paved the way for a change in popular music.  

I recall signing a petition for Brian to get inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame back in the late 1990's.   Even though fans from around the world rallied together for it to happen, there was never any sign that Brian was even considered as a candidate.   As a matter of fact, Brian not in the rock hall was sort of the "Susan Lucci" joke of the Beatles community.   Then what seemed like out of the blue, I heard last year that he was going to be in the class of 2014 inductees!   Alright!  What took you so long Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?? 

Beatle fans didn't need over 50 years to know that Brian Epstein was someone special.  Did you know that in 1965, through the Beatles Fan club you could join the Brian Epstein chapter?   Each individual Beatle had his own chapter of the fan club and so did Brian.   Now I am not sure how many fans signed up for Brian's chapter of the club, but there must have been a lot of interest for it to be offered in the first place.   When you joined the Brian Epstein chapter of the Beatles fan club, you received an 8 x 10 glossy photograph of Brian and a fact sheet. 

So in memory and honor of the wonderful manager and friend of the Beatles, and in celebration of his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame, I post these photos. Enjoy!

Rome 1965

Interview during 1966 tour

Relaxing with the boys in Germany in 1966

Cruising in Miami with George Martin in 1964

Yes, even Brian had a great humor

Uncle Brian with his niece in 1967