Mull of Kintyre in Toronto

 August 8, 2010 

I would love to hear Mull of Kintyre live, but I can't get to Canada to see Paul, so it won't ever happen. 

Meeting McCartney was a thrilling event (1993)

 

Meeting McCartney was a Thrilling Event For Newspaper Reporter

By GaryLeftwick

The Time-Herald

May 8, 1993

    It's been said that one should never aspire to meet his heroes. Several days ago, before my long journey to meet Paul McCartney came to a somewhat unexpected halt, I would have agreed with that statement.

     Last Saturday, I was lucky enough to get to meet McCartney face to face before his concert at the Georgia Dome. The saga began when I first heard that Paul was going to follow up his triumphant comeback tour of 1989-1990 with another agenda of concerts this year.

     On a cold morning in February, several friends and I bought tickets to the Atlanta show. After being fortunate enough to get seats in the 16th row, I was brash enough to suggest that I should try and get a press pass to photograph the show. Little did I know what was to follow.

     A few days later, I sat down and composed a letter and faxed it to Cellar Door Productions, the promoter of the tour. For the next several weeks, I waited, but no answer arrived. Then last Friday morning, I was working busily to get a major story finished before a deadline, the phone rang. "Good morning. This is Gary," I said, with my usual rehearsed greeting.

     A woman on the other end began talking so fast that I missed her name and had no prayer of catching her in the conversation. However, I did pick out the words "Paul McCartney".  I have developed a talent for recognizing those two words; just ask anyone who knows me. The adrenaline that shot through my body was enough to be lethal. The gist of the conversation was that I was to meet with other members of the press at gate E of the Dome for a press conference. I was shocked that what I was just a flippant suggestion had become reality.

     I called my friends and family and people who I'm not sure that I actually met, to tell them the great news. Eventually, but not nearly soon enough, it was Saturday. I arrived at the Dome with my fiancée, Becky, and began a long wait. 

    Security people were the most unorganized group I've ever seen. But then I met Paul McCartney's publicity staff. Soon, 15 other photographers and I were herded to where a photo opportunity was going to be staged. 

    While waiting, I saw this teenager who looked exactly like Paul. In an instant, I knew exactly who he was. "You're James", I said to the red-headed youth after I realized he was McCartney's only son; the resemblance was amazing. "Yeah, right", he said.  End of conversation.

     The next thing I knew, I heard someone say, "Here we go". I looked down the long hallway of the Coliseum, and there was Paul. I won't say the time stood still, but I'll be darned if it didn't slow way down.

     Being the semi-alert journalist that I am, I stayed conscious enough to aim my camera at McCartney, and I looked through the lens. He stared right at me and said, "So you want to take some pictures?" I think it was at this point that I realized I actually was going to meet Paul McCartney, but I must confess that I was more like, I'M GOING TO MEET PAUL MCCARTNEY!.

     I fired a roll of film as Paul, his wife, Linda, and his band clowned around in a bath of camera flashes. Then I realized that I had to hurry back to the press conference. We had been warned sternly that if we were not in the press room before he arrived. We were not going to be in the room when he was there.

     I made it to the press conference and grinned at the sour-faced publicists as I took my seat in the middle of the front row. Soon, Paul arrived and charmed those of us in the room. After listening to a barrage of questions, which can be best be described as dumb, I decided I had come up with a good question .

    Before I knew it, my hand was in the air. Paul ignored it several times, then his personal aide announced that there was time for only a couple more questions. Soon, Paul looked me in the face and asked for my question. I've listened to a tape of the press conference several times and swear that my voice did not quiver. I asked Paul about a return to live music and acoustic instruments, which is making music more energetic these days. Paul went off autopilot and seemed genuinely interested in answering my question. I then told him that my band is called Sea of Green. We took the name from a line in Yellow Submarine. Paul smiled and said, "Great, cool. Well, good luck."

     That was it, my band had received the blessing of Paul McCartney, the most popular figure in music and perhaps one of the most recognized celebrities in the world, had wished us luck

    . After that, McCartney was whisked away, and we were left to wait half an hour before being escorted into the Dome to shoot the first two songs of the show. There we were, a group of photographers standing in front of the stage, being eyed with envy by people sitting in the front rows.

     Then the film, which opens the McCartney show, started, footage of McCartney frolicking for a camera in late 1969 flickered across the single screen. Then with a flash, all the screens came to life with film of The Beatles performing the song "Help". That is the point where I lost it. The fact that I had met Paul and was about to stand 30 feet from where he would be performing hit me like a ton of bricks. Watching images of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, four people whom I've dedicated my life to studying, I began to cry. This was it. I had reached the summit. I had met Paul McCartney. I had met one of my greatest heroes. 

    The concert began as Paul and the band launched into "Drive My Car." After getting comfortable with the audience, McCartney came over with a puzzled look. He searched out my camera and played right into it.

     Next thing I know, we had been shuffled out and robbed of our photo passes. I was running to stash my camera and head inside for the rest of the show. It was when I reached the floor of the Dome that I realized I had actually achieved what I'd so jokingly suggested months ago.

     I felt different since last Saturday. In the short time we spent in the same room, I realized that Paul McCartney is probably the most optimistic person I've ever met. I've come to believe that hope is contagious, and I've noticed that things no longer bother me as much. Thanks, Paul. You were so right when you said "And in the end they love you take is equal to the love you make."

Your panel of judges....

 March 23, 2010

The Boys are Back!

 Paul and the band are currently in rehearsals for this year's "Got Back" tour.  How many of you have tickets?  

Paul was live in Paris

 October 13, 1993 - Paris, France 

Off the Ground in Germany

 September 3, 1993

Paul rocks out in Atlanta

 May 1, 1993 - Atlanta, Georgia

Traveling to Rome

 

It Doesn't Take a Lot...

February 22, 1993

Return to the Ed Sullivan Theater

 December 11, 1992 

You want some peace and understanding....

Photo taken by Marvin Gee (posted with permission)

Paul sings "Coming Up" (with the video on the screen behind him) during the soundcheck in Baltimore on June 12, 2022.   
 

Got Back Tour - An honest Paul McCartney concert review

 

This past Saturday (May 28, 2022) I saw Paul McCartney perform at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.    I flew to Orlando from my home in the St. Louis area because I wanted to see this tour.  It was literally a dream come true to see Paul again in concert.  All during the lockdown in 2020,  I was super focused on the fact that I wasn't able to go any Beatles events -- especially seeing Paul McCartney live.   I questioned if 2019 was really going to be my last concert and I didn't want that.    I am beyond happy that I had a chance to see him again and can accept that it could be the last time. 

Here are my honest thoughts about the concert 

Thought #1 -  A Paul McCartney concert is actually not really about just hearing Paul McCartney sing his hits.   It is about the experience.

I am sure I have written about this before.   People who just go to hear Paul McCartney perform songs are missing out on the true experience.    The atmosphere is worth taking in.   It is fun to watch the fans arrive and see the t-shirts and outfits everyone chose to wear.   It is amazing to meet up with friends that you may have only spoken to over social media.   The excitement of listening to DJ Chris play the Paul songs and then seeing the screen show can't be beat.    I really advise you to take the entire day for Paul.  Traffic at these events have been a nightmare and some ticket holders have missed the entire concert because of traffic.   Take this advice:  arrive before 4:00pm.  

Thought #2 -  The limo watch is very stressful but worth it.

Sometimes the limo watch to see Paul arrive is easy and other times it is like the one in Orlando and it is stressful.   No one knew where Paul was going to enter.   Many fans were sent on a wild chase around the stadium in the search for Paul.   Here is my advice on the limo watch:  if someone (ANYONE) tell you that Paul is already inside of the stadium, do not believe it and keep waiting.    If you are able to see Paul arrive -- it is SO worth it!   There was a very small group of us and Paul saw me in my Minnie Mouse ears with a British flag on it and smiled right at me!  

Thought #3 -   The handicapped section isn't the best seats in the house.

Due to my mom needing a motorized scooter due to long Covid, we had to get seats in the handicapped section of the Stadium.   I purchased the best seats we could get on the field.    While I knew we wouldn't be up in the very front, I thought we'd get the seat that I chose on the Ticketmaster site.   Now I am not sure if this is standard or just in Orlando.  When we arrived the handicapped section was "first come-first serve."   The seats weren't numbers and so we had to sit wherever we could fit.   I had picked seats that were closer to the stage than where we ended up.   That wasn't a huge deal, but some people who got there right as the concert was starting, could not squeeze into a spot and I am not sure what they did. 

Thought #4 -  Paul doesn't sing as well as he once did -- but it still isn't bad.

There has been a lot of talk each year about how Paul's voice doesn't sound very good anymore.   And to a certain extent that is true.   Songs such as "Can't Buy Me Love" and "Maybe I'm Amazed" were ones where Paul couldn't sing the higher notes or hold notes out as long.   However -- he is almost 80 years old and is on a big tour.   So what if he can't sing as strong has he one could?   He still sounds good and there is no doubt that it is Paul singing.   He sounds just like Paul McCartney!   I am thankful for the band for helping Paul out in the singing because they can fill in some of those high notes that he just isn't capable of singing anymore. 

Thought #5 -  The setlist  hasn't changed very much and that is fine! (the jokes are getting old though)

Paul sang basically the same songs he has sang in concert over the past 10 years (maybe more).   And you know what?   I love it!    It dawned on me that Paul must have a reason for singing these songs.  Either it is because that is what fans (casual and hardcore) want to hear or maybe because HE wants to sing those songs.     I was happy to hear "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window" because I don't recall hearing that one before.   And the "I've Got a Feeling" with the "Get Back" film of John singing his part while live Paul sang his was really amazing.     While the same songs didn't bother me -- the same jokes made me roll my eyes.   The whole "Sign my butt" joke is OLD and was never funny.   Taking off his jacket and saying "this is the only wardrobe change for the evening...haha," has been overdone.    Paul is such a Dad with his Dad jokes.    Paul needs someone to write some new material for him.     

One interesting observation  -  "My Valentine" used to be the song where people left for their beer and bathroom break.   During this song, Paul shows the video with Johnny Depp doing sign language to it and playing the guitar.   He has shown this same video literally for 10 years during his shows.   Now since the Johnny Depp trial, people have been staying for the song and cheer whenever Johnny is on the screen.    I've seen people online say how bold it is for Paul to take such a strong stand in favor of Johnny Depp and I want to say, "People -- this is the same video he has shown for years.  It is on Youtube.  You just didn't notice because you left to get beer."   

Go see Paul on the Got Back Tour --  It is a night you won't forget. 

*All photos taken by Sara Schmidt 

Paul played the Superbowl 20 years ago

 

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.  

McCartney Unplugged

 

The New World tour of 1993

 

April 3, 1993 -  London -- I always thought this was a good band for Paul.   

Paul McCartney Freshen Up tour - A Concert Review (Lexington, KY)

On June 1, 2019, I had the opportunity to travel to Lexington Kentucky to see Paul McCartney in concert for the first time in almost two years.   His new tour, which has the silly name "Freshen Up" still has a few more dates left.

One of my best friends from college lives in Lexington and according to her, having Paul McCartney perform in their town was the most exciting thing that ever happened in Lexington.    The city was pumped for the show with radio stations and TV channels broadcasting.    There was definitely "Beatle energy" in the air.

The concert was held at the Rupp Arena, which had a lot of construction going on around it.   It is a strange venue that had an entire food court located underneath the arena.   I was told that it held several smaller arenas where a variety of sports and performances take place during the year.   Due to the construction and setup of the place,  most of us fans could not find where the limo watch was happening.  While we were looking for it, Paul arrived and was inside.  Oh well -- so much for that.


I have to say that I had the BEST seat I have ever had for a Paul McCartney concert.  While I wasn't on the floor,  I was dead center and had a wonderful view of Paul the whole time.   The people around me were all having fun (passing around popcorn, swaying together...it was a great time) and there was a wall behind me, so I could sit on top of the fold-down seat if I wanted. 

 D.J. Chris got everyone in the mood with a great McCartney/Beatles mix then there was the video that showed a few rare photos of Paul from when he was young to today.    This was a new version of the pre-show compared to the last tour.

Photo was taken by Sara Schmidt  (Do not use without permission)

Not many things on this earth are as exciting as the moment Paul McCartney takes the stage.  As he came on stage, he started in on "A Hard Day's Night." Paul was wearing a navy blue jacket with the "Egypt Station" symbol on the sleeve.  He had a light blue shirt underneath and dark blue pants.  Paul looked good with his natural grey hair.  The next song he launched into was "Junior's Farm."  I was very happy to hear it because it is one of my top favorites and I hadn't heard it live in many years.   After that, was one of my least favorites, "Letting Go."    While I personally don't care for this song, I was blown away (pun intended)  by the small horn section.   The three guys were in the audience on this song but joined Paul later on MANY songs on stage.   Their energy and sound added so much to this concert!   I am not sure how much of the concert was "Freshened Up,"  but the brass section really took the concert to a new level.   It was a welcomed addition.

Paul continued on, performing many of his solo, Beatles and Wings hits.   Song highlights for me included "Let 'em in"  (the flute part was done by Paul and Abe whistling!),  "In Spite of all the danger,"  "From me to You,"   "Dance Tonight"  (Paul plays the mandolin and Abe's dance moves are great!)  "Let it Be,"  "Here Today,"  &  "Fuh You." 

Photo by Sara Schmidt (do not use without permission)

The new songs were well received by this audience.   Even though I could tell that many of the people around me didn't know the new numbers, they were still clapping and swaying to the music.  Before going into "Fuh You,"  Paul went into his thing about how he can tell what songs people like because if it was a Beatles song, the place lights up with everyone's phones, but if it is a new one, it is like the black hole.   Well---during the song thousands and thousands of people turned on their phone and waved it back and forth.  Showing Paul that his new song doesn't need to be a black hole.  We all approve of it.   Paul was obviously touched by this.   Not only did he thank everyone for the lights and said with a warm smile how we proved him wrong.

photo by Sara Schmidt (do not use without permission)

Paul was really chatty during this show.  He told his usual stories but also read many signs and talked more than normal.   Paul's voice was not too good at this concert.   He strained to sing songs such as "I've got a Feeling,"  "Maybe I'm Amazed" and "Helter Skelter."    He took several drinks of water during the show, which should not be noteworthy, but Paul used to be known as the guy that never drank water during a concert.    I never understood why he didn't drink anything all these years, to begin with.    I also noticed that he flubbed some of the words on Sgt. Pepper Reprise.    Paul seemed to be enjoying himself, but this particular concert wasn't as tight as previous performances. 

Two songs were missing from the setlist:  Band on the Run and Yesterday.     It appears that Yesterday has been removed from this tour altogether.   I am not sure why he didn't do Band on the Run.    He did not call anyone up on the stage, which was fine with me.   While I like the fact that fans were getting the opportunity to meet Paul, many of the same people were getting called up and some of the fans were getting catty and mean about it.   This way no one has their feelings hurt, but sadly no one gets to meet him.

Paul saying "See you next time!"  (photo by Sara Schmidt)

If you are expecting to hear Paul McCartney sing like he did when he was in his 20's (or 30's or 40's or 50's or even 60's) and will not be happy unless he hits every note perfectly, then the Freshen Up tour isn't for you.    If you like the experience of being with other fans an in the same room as one of the Beatles, the thrill of singing "Hey Jude" with the man that wrote it,  and everything else that comes along with a Paul McCartney show then you won't want to miss it.    My best advice for everyone is to go and take in the entire experience.   Get to the venue early, find the limo watch (if you can),  talk to other fans, buy your merchandise if you want,  get to your seat early enough to enjoy D.J. Chris and ultimately take in the everything Paul McCartney has to offer.   Overlook the bum notes or the flubbed lyrics.   Don't get upset that he didn't sing your favorite song and just enjoy it for what it is:  Paul McCartney in concert.   We don't know how much longer we are going to have this opportunity, so enjoy it while you are there.   Don't jump on social media and complain about it, especially if you chose not to go.   See you next time!

Pokemon Go!

Things have gotten a little silly when I see that Dragonite the Pokemon was called up on stage at the Paul concert in Brazil last night (October 17, 2017).      I didn't even realize that Dragonite was a fan.  Does this make Paul McCartney now his Poke master?     

How does a Pokemon get choosen to go on stage and I am still waiting for my big moment?   Is it crazy that I am jealous of a Pokemon?

Flower in the Dirt on tour