Caught in the Act - Review of Paul 1975 London concert

Caught in the Act

By Moira Warren

The McCartney Observer

Spring 1978 issue

It was the 18^th of September, 1975 when I saw Paul after an interval of ten long years.  I hadn’t seen Paul since December 1965 at the Glasgow concerts of the last Beatles British tour.  I was going out of my mind on the day of the 2^nd Wings concert at the Hammersmith Odeon London.  

The show was a Thursday, and I’d only got the ticket on the Tuesday before.  The long story attached to that would make an article on its own, so briefly, tickets were sold out when I applied, so I managed to buy one ticket with only hours to go to Thursday’s concert.   The boy who sold me it couldn’t go himself for some reason but looking back he probably agreed to sell it to get rid of me.  My neurotic phone call, begging and pleading for the ticket, must have sounded like the ravings of a lunatic.  Anyway, I got it, and at the time I didn’t care that it was all the way up in the balcony.  I had a ticket, and I’d see Paul after all these years, that’s all that mattered.

My husband, Glenn, was driving me up to London and we left about 6pm.  The show was to start at 8pm, and despite the fact, Glenn wasn’t familiar with that part of London we thought two hours would be ample time to get me there.  Not so.   We got lost, and after we’d gone over one particular flyover about three times, we decided to stop and ask directions.  I was a bundle of nerves by this time as it was about ten minutes to eight.

It turned out we weren’t far from our destination, but by the time Glenn had parked the can, and we’d ran there I’m sure it must have been a few minutes after eight.   Anyway, the foyer was practically deserted, so after hastily telling Glenn where I’d meet him later and he said something about being sorry we were late.  I dashed right in.  I showed my ticket and raced up those stairs about three at a time.  I don’t know whether Paul was late or what but the show hadn’t started yet.  No sooner had I breathlessly fought my way to my seat and flopped down than the curtain slowly rose to the intro of “Venus and Mars.”  The tension of the last few hectic hours got me then and overwhelmed at the sight of Paul after all those years tears came to my eyes.  I don’t know why but just then I had a horrible feeling of “Where’s my purse?”  I’ve carried Paul’s autograph about since 1963 so for that reason I consciously hold on to it more than if it contained mere money.   I realized I didn’t have it, and after looking around, with the help of the person next to me, we still couldn’t find it.  So I accepted that it was lost.  But I wasn’t going to let even that spoil the show.

Even from where I sat Paul looked good.  He had on the black pants with a red shirt and black jacket with white lapels and belt.  It looked to me like a Kung Fu outfit plus T-shirt but anyway it suited him.  I’d been wondering how much Paul had changed, but when he launched into “Rock Show” with that same shake of the hips, I forgot all that.  This was the Paul I remembered.  Only the style of clothes had changed and of course, gone was the famous Hofner bass.  Apart from these differences, Paul was still very much Paul!

The anticipation during that show was not knowing what he was going to sing next.  It all took my breath away, and I loved the live rendition much more than the album version.  With old thoughts of Beatle concerts inevitably still in my head, I wasn’t quite sure how this audience would react to Paul actually speaking.  I was surprised when everybody listened to Paul saying, “How you doing?  Welcome to the Hammersmith-Odeon.”  Then he cued Denny for “Spirits of Ancient Egypt” before realizing that he’d forgotten “Let me Roll It.”  Denny said something like “You’ve forgotten the running order” which Paul thought was very funny then he sang the correct song.  For some reason that was the only time that evening that I noticed Joe but Paul, swaying about in front of Joe’s drums could perhaps explain that.  Paul got the introduction right this time, and Denny took the lead for “Spirits of Ancient Egypt.”

The running order for the 1975 British tour was different in places from the U.S. and Wembley album so at this point, with Paul at the piano, Jimmy introduced a “rocker,”  “Little Woman Love.”  Halfway through this transitioned beautifully into “C Moon” then back again.  The song didn’t start to Paul’s satisfaction though so after breaking up the song after a few seconds with “Woa, woa, woa. I’m not having it!”  All went smoothly at the second attempt.  I still don’t know to this day who was in the wrong, but from Paul’s attitude, it obviously wasn’t him.

The backdrop for this part of the show was a copy of a lovely painting of a candle with a moon on the top where the flame should be.    Just before “Maybe I’m Amazed” a boy kept shouting “Lady Madonna!” over and over, and Paul growled sweetly and said, “Don’t confuse me, lad.”  I could have hugged him.  He was so cute!   “Lady Madonna” did follow “Maybe I’m Amazed” and that really got the audience with him.  I’m sure Paul sensed the difference too because he commented “Now we’ve got you up we’ll put you down a bit” before he went into “The Long and Winding Road.”  It was so perfect I shed a few more tears.  Linda introduced “Live and Let Die” but not before she’d announced it as “Dr. No” to Paul’s insistence “No it isn’t!”

I suppose one of the good things about seeing the show from the balcony was that the lighting and effects looked really good from that distance.

The acoustic section was the same as the U.S. part of the tour, and I have to admit I hadn’t heard “Richard Corey” before that night.  “I’ve Just Seen a Face” surprised me.  Paul said, “This one is skiffly” to introduce it, and he was stomping so hard on the stage throughout I thought for sure his foot would go through the floor!  I’d never have guessed he’d include that song in the show but in my opinion, he’s a genius for doing so.  “Blackbird” and “Yesterday” were undoubtedly one of the highlights of the night, and I can’t really say anything original about those, it’s all been said before.   Paul dedicated “You Gave me the Answer” to Jack Buchanon and when he said, “Anyone remember Jack?” got the response, “What about John Lennon?” (Paul’s answer was ‘what about him?’)  By a strange coincidence, I’ve since got to know the girl who shouted that comment, although I didn’t at the time.  “Magneto and Titanium Man” followed, then Denny’s “Go Now.”  At this point, as Linda joined Paul at the mic, I realized she was actually there.  She was wearing a black multi-colored dress for anyone who wants to know those sort of details.  Paul went back to the piano again for “Call Me Back Again.”  I’d been waiting for him to sing this so I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I swear he’s so much better live and I feel really sorry for anyone who hadn’t been lucky enough to see Paul in concert yet.  “My Love” followed with barely a few seconds between them.  Then “Listen to What the Man Said.”   Paul introduced the brass section next before singing “Letting Go.”  Even from my distant seat, the way Paul moved to that one was magic.  This was another song I thought came over much better live than on record.  “Junior’s Farm” and “Medicine Jar” brought us to the last song, “Band on the Run” and the welcome surprise of the film of the lp cover.  It didn’t seem possible that two hours had already passed and I felt so sad then.

Not having seen the show before I didn’t know for sure if Paul always did an encore so I couldn’t have been happier when they reappeared for “Hi Hi Hi.”   After that I was sure that the concert had ended but after they again came back for “Soily.”  I couldn’t believe my luck!  No one moved to leave even after that last encore and the whole hall echoed in “We shall not be moved.”  The group did come out again to throw flowers into the audience and Paul briefly “conducted” the singing before explaining they had no more songs.  Everyone reluctantly started to leave then.  Personally, I was willing to wait all night just in case Paul changed his mind, but I remember my poor husband on this chilly September evening outside.  As I was leaving my seat to walk downstairs someone rushed up to me holding my purse, asking if it was mine and I couldn’t believe it!  What luck as it’s not often that people are as honest as that.  Apparently, I’d dropped it on my way to the seat after all.  That really made the evening perfect.  I didn’t have many pounds in my purse, but I’d have hated to have lost that autograph.

The Mersey Beatles - A Concert review

On October 11, 2018, my mom took me to The Wildey Theater in Edwardsville, Illinois for my birthday to see a concert by the Mersey Beatles. 

As I have said before, I am not crazy about Beatles tribute bands.   I can appreciate the music if it is done correctly, but I just can't get into the whole looking and acting like the Beatles thing.    But I was willing to give the Mersey Beatles a chance because they are from Liverpool.   That way I knew that the at least the accents wouldn't be fake.

The Mersey Beatles really were very good.   While they did dress in Beatles costumes, they did not try to pretend that they were the Beatles.  They did a great job honoring the music and memory of the Beatles.

The first half of their set was all 1968 stuff.   They came out dressed in the clothing the Beatles wore on the Mad Day Out photo shoot -- and the customs for this were really cool.   I especially liked "George's" outfit.    They sang many songs from the White Album.  I especially thought "Dear Prudence" was outstanding.    I actually found that I was enjoying the songs by John and George more than the ones by Paul.   I think that might be because I have heard the real Paul perform many of the songs in concert, but I will never hear John sing any of his songs.     They also did a great version of "Hey Bulldog." 

The second half of the show was the "early Beatles" years.   There was a lot of upbeat dance songs from the Beatles early days.    They also did some songs from Rubber Soul and Revolver.   From this set, I think "If I needed someone" was my favorite (although the singer messed up by coming in at the wrong time.   He really should have pulled a George move and wave to the crowd -- I mean if you are going to play the part -- then go all out).      However, their version of "This Boy" was off and did not have that tight Beatle harmony that we all love.    The guy that does the "Paul" role is right-handed.  This didn't bother me during the 1968 set, but it did in the early years.   Something about the look of Paul and George coming together with mirrored guitars is such a part of the Beatles look from that time.  When it looks different, it just feels really wrong to the eye.   

I really liked the use of the background projections.   They would often project things that looked like familiar backgrounds from say the Ed Sullivan Show or Big Night Out.    They also showed some clips and photographs that really made the song even more fun.

Overall I enjoyed the Mersey Beatles.   It was a fun way to celebrate my birthday.    And while I am still not sold on tribute bands, I would go see this one again if I had the opportunity. 

Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band - A Concert Review

This  photo was taken by Sara Schmidt  Do not use without permission

I saw Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band in concert on September 7, 2018, at the Fox Theater in St. Louis, Missouri.     This was the 5th time I had seen Ringo in concert, and this was by far the best one I had seen.    The entire band was full of energy, and they all sounded amazing.    There was a wonderful feeling of peace, love, and music everywhere and I believe the band fed off that and gave the audience a performance that won't soon be forgotten.


This year's All Starrs included Gregg Rolle (Santana),   Steve Luthaker (Toto),  Colin Hay (Men at Work),  and Graham Gouldman (10cc).    These rock stars were really well received as they performed their biggest hit songs.    The song, "Africa" is a BIG deal of a song right now, so it was no surprise that was a fan favorite.   "The land down under" was another one that audience enjoyed, especially when Colin Hay started to dance a little jig.    The unsung hero is Warren Ham, who plays every instrument you can think of perfectly.  From saxophone to flute to various keyboard and percussions instruments, Ham nailed it each time.          I enjoyed most of the All Starr's songs.  However, as I have always said, it is so difficult for me to pay attention to the other songs with Ringo playing drums on the same stage.  I find myself staring at Ringo playing the drums and losing track of the song.   

Photo was taken by Sara Schmidt.  Do not use without permission

The main reason for this concert was Ringo Starr, and he also did not disappoint.   Ringo was so full of energy.   His voice sounded really good and pretty strong.    He sang many of his expected hit songs:  Yellow Submarine, It don't come easy,  Boys and Photograph.    I was most pleased to hear him sing his song on the Rubber Soul album, "What Goes On."     Other highlights from Ringo include Don't Pass Me By and You're Sixteen.

The only thing I really found wrong about the show was that Ringo seemed to start on the wrong note on "I wanna be your man" and the first part was out of key.  However -- he seemed to pull it back on track once the other guys started singing with him.   

I know that Ringo's tour is still going on.  If you were on the fence on if you should go or not, I want to tell you that you really need to go.   If you haven't seen Ringo in a long time or never at all, then you especially need to go.    This is a must seen show and you don't want to miss out.

Peter Asher and Albert Lee Concert: A review

Photo by Sara Schmidt 

Last week I was in Ohio, doing research for my book and I not only got to meet up with the girls that once ran the "With a Little Help from my Friends" fan club, but I was also invited to join them in Kent, Ohio to see Peter Asher and Albert Lee in concert. 

I wasn't quite sure if I knew who Albert Lee was, but as soon as I saw him, I recognized him.   He is the white-haired guitarist that plays in the Concert for George!    Come to find out, I have heard him many times and just never realized who he is.

Photo by Sara Schmidt 

Peter and Albert have a very laid-back set where Peter (and sometimes Albert) share the stories that go along with the songs they performed.    A lot of the show was a time-travel back to when they were teenagers and they played songs by the Everly Brothers, Elvis, etc.      Albert is an outstanding guitarist as well as keyboard player and Peter plays rhythm guitar and sings harmony.     The setlist was heavy on these songs from the 1950's but Peter did include three songs from Peter and Gordon and Albert performed an amazing version of Greenday's "Time of your Life."

Peter Asher by Sara Schmidt 

The best part of the night was hearing Peter Asher talk about being in Peter and Gordon and his experiences in the U.S and the U.K.    The stories about managing James Taylor was also interesting.   Unfortunately, Peter's voice isn't very strong.   He needed to talk-sing through "I go to Pieces" because he voice just isn't able to sing it.      Peter sounded good when he was singing harmony on a song, but his voice just didn't seem like it could handle taking the lead.

Peter Asher playing banjolele on "Lady Godiva"  by Sara Schmidt 

The concert was quite enjoyable and a calm evening out.     As I listened to the performance, I couldn't help but think how blessed we are right now that so many of the Beatle people are still alive and able to share their stories and music with us.    The group that falls into that category is getting smaller and smaller every year and so that is why you should not miss a chance to see Peter Asher and Albert Lee if you get the chance to see him.

Albert, Peter, mom and me 

Denny Laine and the Cryers - A concert review

On October 21, 2017 my mom and I saw Denny Laine and the Cryers at the Trainwreck in St. Louis as part of the St. Louis Classic Rock Society Celebration.     We had seen Denny Laine in a full concert a few years ago and had seen him with other members of Wings at the Fest in August.   It is always hard for me to resist going to a concert (especially when it is an affordable $10) with a Beatles connection when it is happening in my area and so we went to see the 3rd member of Wings again.


There was a time when I didn't really like Wings.   However, once the Wingspan documentary came out, I decided to give them another chance and I started to really appreciate Wings as a band separate from the Beatles.    I think the harmony parts that Linda and Denny did really make the band. 

Of course Paul and Linda weren't with Denny Laine in this concert and it wasn't a Wings show.   Denny started off singing some songs that he did with the Moody Blues.    Besides the song "Go Now."  Speaking of this well-known song, when Denny did it at the Fest, his voice couldn't hit the notes.    This time his voice sounded stronger and he had a member of his back-up band (the Cryers) singing some of the higher notes.    I don't mind the older performers using the assistance of another younger person in hitting the notes.   

Denny went right into the Wings portion of the show and sang all of the songs you think of when it comes to Denny Laine and Wings (Time to Hide,  Spirits of Ancient Egypt,  No Words, Again and Again and Again) with a lot of energy and got everyone dancing or signing a long.      Those songs I expected to hear him sing --  I didn't expect to hear Picasso's Last Words and it just might have been my favorite song of the night.      I also really enjoyed when he sang the song Paul left off the Red Rose Speedway album,  "I would only smile."     Of course songs like "Mull of Kintyre," "Live and Let Die" and "Band on the Run" are always fun and get the audience singing along, but I much prefer when Paul sings them.

I have to mention that Denny's backing band, the Cryers, are outstanding.   You have to watch the girl on the keyboards.    I think she was channeling Linda some of the time and her harmony was spot on. 

Denny was happy to sign things that fans brought with them and he had a few Wings promo photos for sale that he would sign.  He also posed for photos and chatted a bit.    He was charging money for this at the Fest.   It was all free of charge at his concert.   

If Denny Laine is a guest at the Fest for Beatle fans again, I think I will skip it and go see him in concert again instead -  it was an overall better experience. 

McCartney Wings his Way home (part 2)

Here is the 2nd installment of the story of a group of fans that traveled around the UK in 1979 seeing Paul McCartney.    This story comes straight out of the Fall/Winter 1979-1980 issue of the McCartney Observer

Liverpool.   November 24, 1979

This was officially the first concert for members of the Fun Club.  We managed to see Paul arrive at 4 P.M., and although it was pretty much a mob scene, it was still a small crowd compared to the rest of the stage door scenes we were to witness during the next few weeks.   He drove past in a silver Mercedes and everyone thought that he was going to go into the side door, but instead, he walked the full length of the theatre with the crowd, obliging everyone with autographs and smiling for the cameras.  I was in shock and couldn’t speak (seeing him in person is different than seeing him “in person” in a concert).  I could only stare, but Susie aid “”hi!” and he responded with “hi ya!”  Doylene called his name, and he looked at her, nodded and said, “Hi”. He looked so good, that man never ages.  (He’s like a good wine and improves with age!)

Linda was there, but when everyone surrounded Paul she said, “I’m getting out of here!” and went straight inside.  Our friend, Phil L. (who we met the night before) managed to get an autograph and was quite happy with himself.  Later on, we met the rest of our friends, who had just arrived from the States that morning:  Barb, Mary Ann, George and Mar.  Now our next “Mission Impossible” was getting tickets inside.  Doylene and Susie had gotten Barb and Mary Ann their tickets from Sue at MPL, but our ticket money and letters had mysteriously disappeared from the Royal Court Theatre.  This was to be our first unfortunate encounter with a weird little man who happened to be box office manager for a few days (the theatre was closed down and Paul was trying to save it so he performed there instead of the Empire, which is a bigger hall).  This man claimed that he never got our letter and/or money and it would be impossible to get us in. Meanwhile, there was a photographer there and he decided that the American girls would make a “nice story” so the box office manager decided to get in on the act.  Doylene, Susie and I were photographed for the Daily Mirror and we had to go upstairs to the office where they had Doylene and Susie make these ridiculous poses with the manager.  He still insisted that he wouldn’t’ be able to help us as Doylene and Susie held the tickets and he pretended that he was giving them to them! 

After this ridiculously embarrassing publicity stunt, we were literally being down the door outside when we saw Tony Brainsby (Paul’s long time publicity agent) and he told me that Lawrence Jubar was going to give us tickets and to go downstairs and pose for a photograph with him!  So, we all went downstairs and me Lawrence, who is very nice and so sweet.  The photograph never did get in the papers, but the photographer later told us that he was trying to sell the story to a magazine.  A small article was printed about Doylene and Susie though.   So, with many thanks to Lawrence, we had good tickets into the show.

Tonight before the show began, there was an opening act, comedian Earl Okin, who told corny jokes and sang corny songs (Bessie, Bessie Bessie, you’re as far as a….).   Earl must have great courage because he was booed constantly during the act.  He made everyone happy when he said that there was a band waiting to lay for us and they were “waiting in the wings…”

Paul got really into the show this night, he was more at ease and it was fantastic.  Everyone left smiling and happy.  Denny dedicated a song to our friend, Martin, who managed to see the entire band in a club the night before, and had bought Denny a drink.  Denny said, “he brought me a drink,” and Paul quipped, “you’d do anything for a drink!”

Liverpool.  November 25, 1979

This was a terrible day for Doylene, Susie and I.  The box office manager gave everyone standing tickets except for the three of us.  He pocketed their money, charging them full price to stand in the balcony!  He warned them not to move from where he told them to stand and kept coming back every few minutes to check up on them.  Guilty that some usher may want to check the tickets he never gave them!   He looked at the three of us outside and had absolutely no compassion whatsoever.  I can’t even begin to explain the horrible feeling in the pits of our stomachs when someone opened a door and we heard Paul singing “Let it Be” while we were outside.

Liverpool.  November 26, 1979

We saw Paul arrive at the stage door, but the scene there was nearly riotous and Paul was rushed inside.  Tonight, our “pal” at the box office manager, decided he liked the taste of American money and charge each of us $12.00 to get in and let us stay in the balcony.  While we were waiting to be seated (or standed?) we were instructed to wait in a private bar.  Denny came in and was signing autographs for everyone.  He signed a magazine we had purchased with Wings on the cover for each of us.  Doylene had him sign the page he was on; Susie had him sign the cover.  He decided to sign Susie’s right on Paul’s face! All I could think of was “I paid 45p ($1.00) for that magazine and I can’t afford to go buy it again” so when it came to my turn and I saw his pen heading towards Paul’s face, I scolded him and said, “Not on his face!”  “Oh!  Is it okay if I sign on his hand?”  “Yeh.”  We all stood in the balcony together and had a fantastic time!  As I said before, we were still close, even though we were in the balcony, and our telephoto lenses helped a lot too.  We were all making comments, singing along and having fun clicking away with our cameras.   Pau was really having a good time too and it was the best audience (Paul said so too).  This was one of my favorite shows and a good memory.  The next day was a “day off” but we had heard a rumor that Paul was going to give a special concert on the Royal Iris (a ferry), so we decided it was worth checking into although we doubted that it was true.  Still we could take a few photographs of the Mersey.

Liverpool.  November 27, 1979

We went down to the Peirhead around 2:30 and a man selling newspapers said, “Do you know that Paul McCartney is going on the Royal Iris at 3:00?”  He explained that it was a press conference.  Barb and Mary Ann were already there (after having been told about the press conference by Alan Williams’ associate, who they had had lunch with earlier).  The Royal Iris is the same ferry that the Beatles posed on in 1963.   The ferry was covered with Wings posters and all the bodyguards were there dressed in tuxedos, so we knew that the press conference was a reality.   The docks were packed with photographers and locals who wanted to see Paul, as well as people simply waiting to take a ferry across the river.  It was so exciting, and made me feel so nostalgic to see Paul on the docks, all the press, people buzzing with excited chatter and anticipation—just like the old days.  The bus pulled up onto a nearby dock, and they all walked to the Royal Iris while all the photographers snapped away and got in our way.  The bodyguards were really annoying and kept pushing us, but somehow Doylene and I managed to get away from all that, and we were able to watch without too much of a hassle.   What got to us was that after getting in our way, the photographers were allowed n to the ferry for a regular photo session.  Still, I was happy to be so lucky to even be there to begin with!  Nothing could make me feel down at that moment.  A few minutes later, while the ferry was still in dock, I heard a girl yelling, “Paul!  Look down here!” And suddenly realized that the whole band was on the top deck for a photo session.

I noticed a gang-plank near the ferry that we could climb up and get closer to where Paul was.  So Doylene and I did that.  Paul was posing for all the photographers alone, and then the rest of Wings joined him.  Paul would make the photographers wait while he waved and smiled at all the fans.  Linda was going by and we said “hello!” and she asked me if I were enjoying myself.  Then she posed for photos for us by picking her nose (needless to say, we didn’t bother clicking the shutters).  This session seemed to be going on for a long time, so Doylene and I quickly got out our telephoto lenses (fumbling like mad) to get some closer photos.  Paul kept looking over at us, waving, giving us the thumbs up sign.  It was fantastic!  We were so happy!  The ferry began to leave the docks for its journey across the Mersey (Paul was singing “Ferry Across the Mersey” – it was all so nostalgic!)  

They returned about a half hour later and as Paul was leaving the ferry he began singing “Mull of Kintyre” as if he were drunk!  (They had been drinking tea on the ferry).  The crowd was even bigger than when he first got on the ferry but we followed him to the bus which we weren’t supposed to do, but that never stopped us before.  Doylene and I were laughing and tripping over each other’s feet in the midst of all the excitement and Steve Holly was watching us making fools out of ourselves.  At least we gave him a good laugh! 

We went over to the side of the bus Paul was on, and waved back and forth at each other.  Little did we know at the time that there was a photographer getting a real charge out of watching us watch Paul and he was click away like mad!  What gets me about this whole press conference scene is that of all the photographs taken, we only got to see a few.  Who knows where the rest are?  For this, we were trampled on so the press could get their photos.  Photos that were never even printed.  But, it was a wonderful experience, especially when we didn’t expect it to happen.  A definite highlight of the tour!  That night we watched two Wings specials on TV and the news showed a little bit of the press conference.  Hope that America will be able to show these specials.  They were great. 

McCartney Wings His way home (part 1)

In 1979, a group of American Wings fans flew to England and followed Paul McCartney and his group around the UK for the small tour.   They wrote about it for the Fall/Winter 1979-80 issue of the McCartney Observer.     There is a lot of information about this tour from this fanzine and so I am going to share it one concert at a time.     

I think this story was written by Marie, but I am not 100% sure because no one is given credit.   It all starts in Liverpool.

McCartney Wings His Way Home

By Marie?

McCartney Observer

Fall/Winter 1979/1980

Liverpool, November 23, 1979

First note:  The people are SO nice.  Every time I’m up in Liverpool, I’m ready to move there.  The people are incredible.   We found the Royal Court Theatre (almost directly across the road from the Lime Street Station) and passed the time away chatting with the people and making friends with the police.   The show was scheduled to begin at 5pm as it was held for the kids form Paul’s old school (Liverpool Institute) as well as for handicapped and blind children from the area (they came in busloads later!)

Paul with some of the school kids 

We queued up and were told that our vouchers (which we got from MPL) would be exchanged for tickets at 3:30.  We also heard that Paul was already inside the theatre, having arrived at 1:00 (apparently, he had been rehearsing there for a few days).  We did get our tickets at 4:00, and had first row balcony.  The stall seats were reserved for the kids.  Still, the balcony was great because the theatre was so tiny (It wasn’t much bigger than an American movie theatre).  We met some other friends from the States (and Canada), Jennie S., Madeleine S., and Laurie R.   We were all in the same row for the show that night.  We made another new friend, Martin, (who was sitting next to me and is forever immortal on my tape of the show) and he told me that he heard the band rehearsing and that Paul was going to do “Let it Be,”  “Fool on the Hill,”  “Back in the USSR” and “Hey Jude”!!!  We were on pins and needles waiting for him to do “Hey Jude,” but he never did that one.

Before Paul came on stage, I honestly felt as though I was dreaming – a feeling I am sure we all had – but I was really feeling it because I had had less than four hours sleep in the last two days.  However, when everyone started cheering and clapping for the show to begin, my heart began to race and I wondered what he was going to sing, what he was going to wear, how he’d look.

When the curtains finally rose, and the horn section began playing a very dramatic entrance, I thought I’d jump right out of my seat from the anticipation.  The stage was still dark when Steve Holly began playing a very familiar beat, and out emerged the man himself to surmounting cheers and screams.  “I was alone, I took a ride, I didn’t know what I could find there…”  The three of us just grabbed each other’s hands.  It was incredible to hear him do “Got to Get you into my Life” as an opening number and even more surprises were to follow.  I recall not taking any photographs during the first number.   I was totally mesmerized and felt so happy.  He wore a long-tailed 1800’s style black frock jacket, a black tee-shirt, nice blue jeans and tan suede boots.  His hair was a little short, but grew to a nice length during the next two week that we saw him.  The rest of the band (including Linda) wore the same outfit.  He swung right into “Getting closer”, and then asks the audience “how are ya doin’?  It’s good to be back in town anyway.  This next one is called ‘Every night.’”  (In the concerts that followed the announced “the next one is from the McCartney album, and it’s called “Every Night.”)  That was a real shocker, totally unexpected.  It is a slightly slower, more soulful version than on the original record.  The simplicity of the shows reminded me so much of the 1973 tour, no special effects (aside from Christmas trees and snow during ‘Wonderful Christmastime’), just down to earth enjoyment, and only 90 minutes this time.  Quite a contrast to the 1975-76 world tour!  Next follows “Again and Again and Again,”  “I’ve had enough,”  (which he always announced with a cockney accent), “Now Words,” and then (get ready) “Cook of the House.”   It wasn’t a complete loss, because Paul always went over to Linda (who was on keyboards) and shook his bum.  So, I can honestly say that we looked forward to hearing that tune.  Linda’s voice was really deep, and she kept yelling out “Rock on Tommy!” in a fake Liverpudlian accent (It’s a Liverpudlian expression).  Paul once said, “In case you’re wondering, that’s my wife.  She used to be American, but some funny things have happened to her since she came over.”   Next came another favorite of ours, “Old Siam Sir.”  Not only is it’s a great rocker, but the movements that man made during this song had to be seen to be appreciated.   First it reminded us of a “Frankenstein” walk, and he’d put both fists in the air to the beat of the drums in time.  He perfected it to a very sexy dance.

After “Old Siam Sir” the piano was wheeled out, Paul sits and put his “tails” over the bench and begins the famous “Maybe I’m Amazed” which he has performed in every concert since he began touring again.  With the audience still applauding “Maybe I’m amazed,” Paul says, See if you remember this one” and begins the notes we all first heard during “Magical Mystery tour”  As he sat there at the piano, I visualized that beautiful film of “Fool on the Hill” from Magical Mystery tour – the close-up of his face,  the lovely scenery, Paul running down the hill, a nice feeling of peacefulness – fantastic.   A definite highlight of the show, with another highlight to follow.  Denny tells us that a religious number is coming up and that they are going to pass the basket around for offerings.   Paul does “Let it Be”  (goosebumps) and gives the tune a bit of a gospel flavoring.   He goes back to the center of the stage, and now comes another surprise, “Hot as Sun”, New Orleans style.  Paul with a pic in his mouth, making cute expressions, raising his eyebrows, scrunching his nose, and as Doylene would say, “he was a rabbit completely!”  “Spin it on” follows and then Paul announces a number original recorded in 1957 by Eddie Cochran, “Twenty Flight Rock.”  It was incredible to see Paul do his Elvis imitation during this rocker.  The piano was wheeled out once again and Denny shows us that he is a potential Olympic champion by running full speed from the opposite side of the stage and leaping over the piano, rolling over the bench, and then casually sitting down.   A perfect introduction for “Go Now.”  Afterwards, Paul joins Denny to do “Arrow Through Me.”  During the show, Paul would ask the audience to cheer the famous “woah-woah-woah-woah-woah!!” (as only he can do it) and after we all did (great fun) he’d say, “just checking.”  He asked the kids, “How do you like it, it’s better than school, isn’t it?”  Paul now joins Linda at the synthesizer and Linda announces their new Christmas single “Wonderful Christmastime”  accompanied by falling snow (which Paul referred to as dandruff) and Christmas tree and lights!  Very enjoyable during the concert.  One night all the “dandruff” came down at one time and fell on top of poor Lawrence.  Paul goes to the front of the stage again and announces a new single to be released in February, “Coming Up,” which is very good and very catchy.  Some of the words are as follows:  “You want a love to last forever, one that will never fade away.  I know you’re searching for an answer, well I can tell you right now babe, it’s coming up….”

Paul then announces a new friend, “Robo” who is a cute little robot, and Paul explains that “Robo” is in fact a rhythm box who needs precise, gentle tuning and “would you please excuse me for just a minute while I go tune him…”  He casually walks over and gives “Robo” a good kick!  “Robo” starts the disco beat for “Goodnight Tonight,” moving his arms up and down to the beat.  I personally never cared much for the song, but it is fantastic in concert and easily became one of my favorites.  Everyone jumps up, dancing and clapping.  You can’t help but have a good time and sing along, “don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t say goodnight tonight…”  But Paul does say “goodnight” and runs off the stage.

Paul emerges for the first encore alone (waving a blue towel) and picks up an acoustic guitar.  It’s not hard to guess what follows…”Oh Maggie, Maggie Mae!” “No? Well, see if you remember this one…Yesterday….”  There’s not a dry eye in the house when all the kids join in.  Another emotional highlight was when he sang “Mull of Kintyre,” which he dedicated to “Blip” (his old school master who was in the audience).   The entire audience reacted as though “Mull of Kintyre” was their national anthem!  The kids joined in right away and they sounded just like a choir.  It was incredibly beautiful, and a moment I’ll never forget. They even had a bagpiper up there, dressed in full highlands garb, and Paul and Denny would dance and lift their guitars up to him.  (We later found out that he wasn’t playing the bagpipes, it was Lawrence on the synthesizer).  The second and final encore was “Band on the Run” and by now the house was up on its feet and at the stage (or fighting to get to it anyway).  The spotlights are on the audience as the band chants, “Band on the run, Band on the run…”  You can’t believe it’s over so quickly but 90 minutes has already passed – the curtains go down and the house lights are turned on  (we were all spoiled by the 1975-76 world tour and it’s 2 ½ hour show!)  Outside at the stage door was the waiting tour bus, and the waiting mob.  We managed to see Paul leave, but only from a distance.

Doylene, Susie and I stayed with friends in Birkenhead (on the other side of the Mersey).  The children were fascinated by us because we were so “foreign” (to them).  Our friends relaly helped us because we couldn’t possibly have afforded five days in a hotel in Liverpool

Joey Molland and the Badfinger Band -- a concert review

This past Saturday, May 6, 2017 Joey Molland and the Badfinger Band came to my hometown of Alton, Illinois and performed outside of Mac's Timeout as part of a Kentucky Derby party.    My town is not a place that usually hosts bands (besides local ones) and I was pretty shocked that Joey from Badfinger was coming here.    The week before the concert Alton, which is located on the Mississippi River, flooded.  The concert was outdoors, just one street over from the flooded area, but thankfully the water didn't get closer!

Photo of some of the Flooding taken right before the concert 

I have heard Joey perform at the Fest for Beatle fans, but this is the first time I had ever seen just him on stage.     At the Fest, I thought Joey's voice sounded rough.   He couldn't hit all of the notes in the classic Badfinger songs, but then he also didn't originally sing them.

This time around, Joey's voice was still a little rough, but it didn't sound too bad.   The guys in his band helped with some of the singing, especially when it came to the higher notes.    Joey's played a great lead guitar on all of the songs.   He really seemed to be having a whole lot of fun on the stage and his energy spread out to the crowd on the streets of downtown Alton.

As expected, they performed most of the big songs that you would expect to hear if you went to a Badfinger show:  "Day after Day,"  "Baby Blue,"  "Money,"  "No Matter What,"  "Without You"
and "Come and Get it" plus other songs that I didn't recognize.     There was a very special treat at the encore of the show.    As you know, Chuck Berry recently passed away and he and his family lived 15 miles northeast of Alton in St. Louis, MO.  Berry's daughter came up on stage and joined Joey in singing "Johnny B. Good."    It was a great moment and Joey was extremely happy to share the stage with the daughter of rock royalty.

Joey Molland signing with Chuck Berry's daughter

I don't think the mid-west US folks there really understood the things Joey said between songs because of his Liverpool accent.   I heard some people saying, "What did he say?"   He mentioned before playing "Day After Day" that George Harrison had originally played the guitar on the song, but since he wasn't here, he (Joey) would have to do his best to play it.

After the show, there wasn't a formal meet and greet and none of the Badfinger t-shirts or music was sold.  However, Joey stood behind the stage and was happy to sign autographs and pose for photos with whoever came near him.    Joey is a really nice guy and does not come across as rude or stuck up.  He always is smiling and truly seems to enjoy playing music for people.

Joey and Sara your happy Beatles blogger

The price was right for this concert (free!), and I had a fun time.    I am not sure why Badfinger was playing in Illinois and why they were having an outdoor party for the Kentucky Derby in the first place, but everyone there seemed to be enjoying themselves by dancing and singing along.

Joey has several other dates planned throughout the summer.   He is worth checking out for a fun concert.

The Marshmallow Maiden Tour - A concert review

If you are a frequent reader of this blog, then you will know that I am a fan of James McCartney.  Not just because he is the son of Paul and Linda (although that does play into it), but because I genuinely like his music.    I have seen him in concert twice and this past Easter, April 16, 2017 I saw him perform for the 3rd time as part of the "Marshmallow Maiden" tour at a coffee house/bar called Foam in St. Louis, Missouri.

My mom and I were early for the concert and they weren't opening the doors quite yet, and so we waited with a few others outside of the door.    It wasn't long before the door opened up and out walked James McCartney!    He said "hello" to all of us and I said "Hi James."  He and a woman walked around the area together.    Meanwhile there were many panhandlers out on the street and I saw at least one of them approach James, asking for money.


I didn't see James get back into the venue because the door opened and we went inside.   I decided to use the restroom.   It is a very small place and there is only one uni-sex toliet.    There was already someone in the restroom, so I waited outside the door.   Guess who comes behind me to use the restroom?   James McCartney!!   I am waiting in line for the loo with James McCartney.    I tell him that I follow him on Twitter and that I enjoyed the video he posted that showed him making the tour posters.   He thanked me.   Then the door opened and whoever was in there came out.   I said to James, "You can go ahead and go if you want."   And he said to me, "No, you can go."    Very surreal!

Onto the actually concert.    It started with an opening act.   I have no idea who these guys were because they never said their name.   I wonder if James has any clue who will be opening for him.   Whoever these guys were, they were pretty entertaining.   Their music wasn't bad (but it was super loud for a small venue).   The lead singer took off his shirt and was literally jumping all around and climbing onto the amps.    At this point, about 50 or so people were in the room.

This is the third concert I have seen of Jame McCartney over the past four years.   This one was by far the best concert of the three.   James has always been extremely talented, however his interaction with the audience has been lacking.    Things were much different this time around and it has been really neat to see Jame grow as a performer.

One big difference on this tour is that James has another musician playing with him, Steve.   Steve made a WORLD of difference!   He played the bass guitar and sang backup.   Not only that, but Steve would talk a little between songs and get James into talking as well by asking him a question or saying, "why don't you introduce this one."    This made James MUCH more relaxed and he seemed to open up a lot more than he had before.     He would ask how we were doing and chat a bit between songs.   It was a nice change.

James sang songs from his Blackberry Train album and a few from his EP set and JaMEs McCartney.  I am glad that he brought back his cover of "Old Man."   He opened with "Too Hard" which is a great song!    Other favorites that he performed included "Ring a roses,"   "Peace and Stillness,"  and "Alice."    He performed two songs sitting at the piano.    

Here is something funny that happened during the concert.    James played the piano that was at the venue.   It was up against the wall and my mom was sitting in a church pew that was up against that piano.    So she was right next to hm why he sang at the piano.   He was singing a great song, "Prayer," and gets to this point in the song that goes "makin' love to you..."    He looks over at my mom and she makes a "who me?" type of gesture and he laughs in the middle of the song!   And people say he never smiles or laughs!  

My mom trying not to make James laugh any more

After the concert James and Steve went out to sell merchandise and meet people.   I bought a print of one of James' artwork and both of the guys were happy to pose for a picture with me.

I told James that we see him anytime he comes to St. Louis and we hope he comes back again soon.
It was a great night!

The Marshmallow Maiden Tour will continue for another month throughout the United States.   James is a great musician who has came a long way from his first tours several years ago.   You can't help but think of both Paul and Linda when you look at him.        Take the time to see if he is coming to your area and go see James-- you won't regret it!

*all photos but the top photo belong to me, Sara Schmidt.  Please do not post them without my permission.

5 Reasons why Paul McCartney is worth seeing in a stadium---at least once!

Photo by Coral Schmidt 

Tonight for Wednesday Review I am going to talk about the Paul McCartney concert I saw at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on August 13, 2016.    As I have said before, since Paul McCartney can do no wrong in my eyes, it isn't fair for me to "review" a Paul concert.   I am a Beatles fan.  I love Paul McCartney--obviously you do too and you will most likely agree with me, that his concerts are awesome.  

I was able to again see Paul arrive at the venue and saw him quickly (the fastest ever!) drive by and wave to the extremely small group of fans gathered around.   Why was it such a small group?   Well, a big group had gathered and then some guy texted his buddy who worked security inside the stadium and asked if McCartney had arrived yet.   His friend texted back that Paul was inside.   The news quickly spread and a lot of fans dispersed.    However, a few of us "Fans on the Run" loyals were suspicious of that news, because we saw police setting up more barricades, and so we waited about 15 more minutes and low and behold---here he came!    I got nervous and only snapped a photo of a police guard, but luckily my mom got a decent shot of the moment.

Photo by Coral Schmidt

My opinion is that Paul's voice sounded much stronger than it had in April in Little Rock.   "Maybe I'm Amazed" was still rough and I still think needs to be cut from his set, but other songs such as "You won't see me" were spot on and sounded great.   However, the audience in Little Rock was much, much better than the audience in St. Louis.    If it wasn't a Beatles song, the St. Louis crowd didn't like it---and I should point out if it wasn't a Beatles song that they knew.     The guy behind me kept a running commentary for me to know what he thought of each song.   He would often say things like "Finally a Beatles song!"   I know "In spite of all the danger" is a Quarry Men song, but it is on a Beatles' album, so I thought it should be considered a Beatles song.   And rude of all was after Paul was explaining how he had written "Here Today" as a conversation with John that he never had, people decided en mass to take a potty break during the song in tribute to John Lennon.   How disrespectful.      But it is their loss, because I personally had an amazing time!

People told me over and over that I would not enjoy seeing Paul at a stadium and while stadium concerts sure have their issues, I am going to let you know why I think all fans should experience Paul McCartney in a stadium setting---at least once!

Photo by Sara Schmidt 

5.   It is an outdoor concert.    There is just something fun about seeing a concert outdoors at night.  The atmosphere is different.   And as long as you have decent weather and a nice breeze, it can be a great experience.   Paul McCartney under the stars--you can't beat that!

4.   Live and Let Die    If you have ever experienced a Paul McCartney concert since 1976, you will know that the song "Live and Let Die" is a sight to be seen.   The pyrotechnics is amazing.   Well if you see Paul at a stadium, it is ten times bigger than it is in an arena!   The fireworks go off and the fire is blazing.   Photos and video does not do it it justice.  Really--it is something you have to be there and experience yourself!

Photo by Sara Schmidt 

3.  The Sound.   The Beatles had a terrible experience with the sound system in large stadiums in the 1960's.   Thankfully times have changed and the sound system has improved greatly over the years.   I thought the whole concert sounded better in the stadium than in an arena.   There was a bit of an echo and I liked that as well.  


2. You get to hear the soundcheck for FREE.    With an outdoor venue, it is easy to hear what is going on in the stadium on the outside of the venue.   I saw on the news that many people that weren't able to get tickets to the concert, stood outside and listened to it and some were standing in the right spot to even be able to see the big screens.     Well---I did the same thing, but with the soundcheck.  I couldn't see anything, but I heard the entire soundcheck while sitting at the 3rd base entrance.   I got to hear songs like "On my way to work" and "Let 'em in" that I wouldn't have heard otherwise.   Sure being at the soundcheck is awesome, but hearing it was the next best thing.

Photo by Sara Schmidt 

1.  Sharing the moment.   During the song "Let it Be" everyone traditionally gets out their cell phones and shines the light in the way that oldtimes will remember doing with a lighter.    I was on the field and I turned around and saw 40,000 people all shining their lights around the stadium.  It was enough to give you goosebumps.     There I was---sharing this moment with all of these other people that love Paul McCartney and the song "Let it Be."     Paul was touched too because he stated, "thank you for all the lights."      That was something that I had never experienced in the arena setting and I am glad to have been there for it.


Yes, there are a LOT of reasons why arena shows are better than stadium shows.   But stadium shows are worth a try--at least once!

Claypool Lennon Delirium --- A concert Review

This past Sunday I saw The Claypool Lennon Delirium in concert at the Pageant in St. Louis.    I am not going to lie, the only reason I wanted to see the concert was because I wanted to see one of John Lennon's children in person.      And while I am sure some music purists out there think that is a terrible thing, I am willing to bet that I am not the only person that goes to see Sean Lennon for the exact same reason.       I didn't have any idea who Les Claypool (who is perform along with Sean) actually was by name.     Come to find out, he is the bass player for the 1990's band, Primus.   My college roommate loved Primus and I became familiar and enjoy the music with the funky bass lines.

As my mom and I stood in line to enter the Pageant, it became apparent that this wasn't a "Beatles" crowd.   Most of the people in the line were 30-something guys with bushy beards, hair in a bun, glasses and a Primus t-shirt.    And during the concert, Les Claypool got a LOT more cheers than Sean Lennon.    I don't know why I found that surprising, but it was somewhat unexpected.

The opening act was a group called Chicano Batman.   There are a Latino alternative band that has a lot of energy and they are very animated.     They sang a lot of their songs in Spanish but there were also some in English.    While they put on a great performance, I personally didn't care for their style of music.

Then it was time for the Claypool Lennon Delrium.    Sean Lennon came out first.  He was wearing a black Sgt. Pepper style hat, a black shirt with a vest and dark pants.    His hair is long and he has a full beard and wears glasses.       Les Claypool came out next and everyone went wild.  

Before I went to the concert, I had read that they played "psychedelic" music.   I am not sure if that is really what I would consider it to be, but it was a different style of music.     It was sort of funky with the strong bass line.    Sean was an amazing lead guitar player.    Both Sean and Les sang, but I would say that Sean did more of the singing than Les.    There were times when Sean's voice sounded a lot like his Dad, and then at other times it didn't.        I think this is because they would put different filters on the microphones to get a variety of vocal sounds.   I should also mention that besides Sean and Les, there was also a keyboard and drum player.

As a devoted fan of John Lennon, it was extremely awesome to see the child of John and Yoko in person.    There were times, especially when Sean was standing back in the shadows with his head down, that you would have swore it was John Lennon up there on stage during the concert at Lyceum in 1969.   Sean showed a lot of talent in not just singing and guitar playing but in his stage presence and how he handled himself on stage.   He seemed comfortable up there and enjoyed joking back and forth with Les during the show.

A lot of the songs had really long instrumentals in the middle of them.    I know a LOT of people love this, but at any concert where there are long instrumentals, I tend to zone out.    I was really enjoying one of their songs called "Oxycontin girl"  but then found myself spacing out and not paying attention during the extended instrumental.   I enjoyed it for a while, but those things just don't interest me.   Jam sessions are fun to participate in, but I just don't want to listen to them.     I did especially enjoyed the performance of Sean's song "Xanadu," because I had heard it before.

However, the highlight of the entire concert came at the end of the set, before the encore.    They performed the Beatles song, "Tomorrow Never Knows."    I have heard this song performed by countless bands over the years and no one ever does it justice.    But let me say that the Claypool Lennon Delirium nailed it.    It was amazing to witness this performance with Sean Lennon singing his Dad's part.    And while we know the song is 50 years old, it sounded fresh and fit in seamlessly into the rest of the set.     I couldn't help but think that John Lennon was smiling down on his son saying, "You did good with my song....I am proud of you son."

I enjoyed the concert, but I am not going to purchase the CD of the Claypool Delirium.   It was fun to hear live, but just doesn't interest me enough to listen to outside of the concert.    Should you go check them out?  Sure!   If for no other reason than to hear "Tomorrow Never Knows."  

*As always all photos were taken by Sara Schmidt and copyright belongs to Sara.  Please ask before using any photos (although who would want to---I am terrible at concert photography!)