Ringo on tour in Switzerland

 August 8, 2003 

Wings back on tour

 

July 4, 1973 

Orlando soundcheck

 

The Family Tour

 

The Man in Red

 April 5, 2003 -   When I think of the Driving Rain tour -- I always picture Paul wearing red.   That was sort of the color of that tour.   

Paul in the Philippines

 I wonder if Paul took any photographs while he was there.   There he is entering the country with his camera in hand. 

Wings the Concert of The Century!

 

This story was originally published in a 1972 issue of McCartney Ltd.

Frankfurt, Germany -- July 17-20

Sarah, Kris, and I arrived at Frankfort airport on July 17 after flying for about one hour from London.  We got lost in the airport as none of us knew much German.  Finally, we found a taxi and headed for Frankfurt itself.  The cab was a Mercedes Benz -- very classy!  Now we know how George feels in his!  After a 45 minutes ride, we arrived at the hotel and we settled in our room.  One nice thing about the room was our balcony.  Standing on it we could see a lot of Frankfurt and the main railway station right across the street.   We spent many hours out there talking, getting fresh air, and searching for a psychedelic bus on the street below. 

Our second day in Germany we had to go pick up our tickets for the concert.  Our fabulous German Guardian Angel better known as Mrs. Ulrich said our tickets would be waiting for us at the box office in Frankfurt Zoo.  I had her repeat this several times because I thought I misunderstood it.  We got a cab to the zoo and stared at the crowds waiting to get in.  We couldn't figure out what tickets to a Paul McCartney concert would be doing here!  Finally, I up to the window and asked for Mrs. Uhrich.  The lady behind the window gave me a black stare that turned into a smile.  "Are you Miss Miller?" she asked in broken English.  I replied to the affirmative and she pulled out three tickets.  I literally shook as I took out the money (60 Marks) and handed it to her.  She kept telling me to calm down and that Mrs. Ulrich had gotten us front row seats because we came all the way from London.  I thanked her a million times and ran over to Sarah.   We all held onto our tickets for dear life. I think I would've pushed myself under a Frankfurt trolley had I lost mine.  We spent the day at the zoo.  It was blisteringly hot and humid.  By the time July 19 arrived, we were a bundle of nerves.  We got to the concert hall, City Hall of Offenbach.   Offenbach being a small town outside Frankfurt.  As we sat there hundreds of young people arrived.  They were still selling tickets at the door to our surprise (it was full by the time the concert began).  We had gotten there two hours early so we sat down to wait.  Little did we know Paul had already arrived and parked that wild bus of his in the parking lot behind.  Maybe if we had spoken more German we'd have known why they were pointing.  Most of the people there were American soldiers stationed in Germany.  I heard parts of their conversations as we went in and they were all speaking about The Beatles.  I knew, and I'm sure Paul suspected, they all came to see one of The Beatles.  Sarah, Kris, and I had come to see the man we love do what he does best -- performing!  That's why in a way we were a part form the rest of the audience.  Paul is so much of our lives that we felt closer to him, then anyone in the audience could.  I know I was upset if I felt the audience didn't clap or cheer enough for a song.  It was as if I was also a part of Paul as he is a part of me.  

The doors opened and we thought since everyone had reserved seats we were ok, but little did we know people in Germany don't' go by those rules.  Everyone dived for the first rows or wherever they landed.  there were no users or anything as far as organized seating went.   We had a good word or two with the guys in our seats and soon we were settled.  Yes, the lady had told the truth.  IT was the VERY FRONT ROW, right in the center of the stage.  We were about five feet from the stage!  We went to get our cameras ready when a man came along and told Sher that she could not take any movies.  She had spent $35 on film plus an indoor camera for nothing.  Sob!  He firmly said no movies and only stills if NO flashes.  After what seemed like indefinite waiting and listening to Crosby, Stills, and Nash on the loudspeaker, the noise came from behind the curtain and there were moving feet!   False alarm-- curtain went up and down again -- though that didn't stop your stomach from feeling like it was 1966 all over again in anticipation of who would be standing behind that curtain.  

Again the sound began and this time it was definitely "Bip Bop" - curtain goes up and there's a loud bass run and it hits us who that white pants leg belongs to!  Paul!  Yes, that's him alright -- right there!  His microphone could not have been positioned better if we'd done it ourselves.  He stood there looking like a little boy of 7 in a red and white side striped shirt and white overalls.  His hair is short and back but the eyes just the same as always -- gorgeous!  He looked the same standing up to the microphone and bopping up and down the way he did, smiling and singing.  Pau was about in the middle of the stage then Linda to his left seated at the piano in a white '30's blouse and dark printed skirt-bare footed.  Denny Laine and Henry McCullough up front with Paul and Denny Seiwell behind, thumping the drums.  I honestly remember very little about anyone but Paul, thinking you'll all understand why.  "Bip Bop" ended and they went straight into "Smile Away."  There was no break or talking.  He really belted that one out and kept looking at Henry and watched him play lead guitar.  After that song he said, "Danke Schoen, Thank you." then asked how are you in German and then introduced "This is from the Wings Wild Life LP and it's called Mumbo."  Well, I can't even write what we did when we heard that!  We had been sitting around for a couple weeks thinking, wow how fantastic it would be if he sang that -- obvious reasons if you understand why -- but we thought it would be illogical to sing that - so what does he do but sing it!  WE had made mention of it on our birthday card to him, so that made us even more happy to hear it.  Unbelievable song in person!  Then after that while, we were trying to pick ourselves up off the floor, he wiped his face with a towel cause he was sweating so much and it was hotter than Hell in there besides the air-conditioning.  Then he said, "Thank you, do we have many people who speak English?"  That got a roaring answer, so he said, "Mostly American?" which got another roar to which he answered in his Texan accent "Howdee ya'll , how ya doin'?" which cracked everyone up and he smiled.  "Give Ireland Back to the Irish" was introduced to applause.  The lighting to the whole song was all in greens and the song sounded just like the record, very good guitar.  Then Paul said "This is from our next LP, repeated that in German and people applauded when he said it in German so Paul softly said, "been around y'know" and Henry says, "He's been here before" and smiled.   "the song is called 1882" (repeated that in half German/half English).  It starts out slow with him singing "Good morning dear master, it's 1882"  Really a new song, definitely Paul type.  I think to be on the LP.  Denny Laine then sang one of his own songs, "I would only smile," to be on LP also.  Paul sang harmony with him and it sounded really good!  The title of the next song may sound stupid but it was really good!  "Blue Moon of Kentucky" very loud rocking and he seemed to really enjoy it.  After that he said, "Think you hot, dripped up here" as he wiped his face again, looking quite gorgeous.  He then said in German that they would take a short break after the next song and come back for the second half.  Once he finished the German he said really loud and silly "Get out!"  "One more song and if you're not too hot, clap a little, we'll see you after the break, song from the next LP called "Mess I'm in," dedicated to the gentleman with the microphone, pointing.  There was a guy behind us with a big mike holding it up so obviously, Paul saw that!  He laughed when he said that.  Before the concert people had also told him about no taping allowed.   That song -- WOW it is very good!  Loud with a lot of guitar work and then it slows down to a soft bit and then thumpy again.  This song also due on the new LP.

The break lasted about 15 minutes and gave us time to recuperate.  During the first bit, Linda occasionally gave us looks like we were going to stay in our seats or not.  Kris and I both had telephoto lenses and she didn't look too happy about the close-up bit, but Paul didn't seem to mind.  The curtain went up again and there they were already playing again, only this time wearing black suits with slashed open necks down to the waist -- no comment about that!  The lapels were covered with gold glitter and he looked quite sexy, to say the least.  I'm surprised we're still alive to tell this.  As the curtain went up they were playing a song called "Best Friend," though I can't remember too much about it, except there was a lot of bass.  Must've been concentrating on that outfit!  WE spent a lot of time hitting each other over that.  Denny Laine introduced the next song, "Soily" off the next LP.  The beginning sounds like a bit of instrumental in the "Help" album.  Most likely when the album is released, you'll all think we are nuts and the songs sound nothing like this, but we're trying.  Paul and Denny sang equally on this one.  Henry spent a lot of time staring at Kris and I and we sat there giving each other funny looks.  Occassionally I felt like I shoudl watch the others.  There we were in full view and our eyes followed Paul.   The others must have felt unappreciated.   I just couldn't help it when you're so close, your eyes just stay glued to his eyes.  Henry then introduced with "Paul is going to play piano" to which Paul says, "No, he is not" and laughs.  Henry says, "Whoops, wrong song -- some people never know."  So Paul says, "From the last LP, called 'ich bin your singer," half English half German obviously.  Everyone clapped a lot for this one right off.  He got off-tune once and stepped back to clear his throat and looked so embarrassed and cute.  Linda sounded quite nervous and a little weak but he made up for it.  The guitar was jazzed up and really sounded good.  After that one he took a sip of water saying, "Here's to you" raising the glass, adding "a song by Denny Laine called 'Say you Don't mind.'"  Paul sang the chorus with him.  It was strange how much Denny sounded like PAul, exactly almost if you didn't know it was Denny.   Paul and Henry sang backgrounds of "ooh-ahh" almost back to 1963 type.  The NExt song Linda introduced "a song by Henry, a blues called 'Take me on home Mama cause I'm running home tonight."  It was a slow guitar solo which was good but a bit long.  Paul laughed so hard during one bit while Henry laid on the stage quickly and got up that he had to turn around and stop playing  During most of it he watched Henry play lead and had the same expression as while watching John singing "Across the Universe" in Let It Be.

Next song Paul said, "Song we're going to do is written by Linda."  Some people applauded and he went "aw" and said, "this is the first song she ever wrote.  It's called 'Seaside Woman.'  If you feel like moving around, don't' let us stop you.'"  It's definitely a reggae type number with Paul and Linda singing harmony.  Paul said, "We'd like to sing a song off our lap LP and if you know it, keep quiet," he smiled.  "It's called Wildlife."  This one was really good with a slightly changed chorus at the end.  During all the loud songs, PAul always had his left foot-stomping and he was constantly moving around.  It's hard to describe but he looks quite good anyway, more like "Let it Be" than the Beatles days.  Henry then announced, "Paul is going to play piano, Denny bass, and Linda just looking good."  Paul said, "This is a love song for all the Americans out there."  WE fell over and all the Americans clapped.  He said "My Love" (in a very Liverpool accent) and made a funny comment about Nixon and said, oops this is the wrong country to say that and Linda said something about McGovern being good.  This song is another "Yesterday."  Very slow with him singing softly and playing the organ.   The main line of the song though isn't what you'd expect by the song melody -"My love does it good"  Well anyway, it's a beautiful song of Paul back to the 1965 type.  Why he dedicated this one to Americans we're not sure but it's a nice thought and we can hope?   He looked a lot like "The Long and Winding Road" with his eyes and only one light on him singing.  Paul then said, "We'd like to sing a song that's our new record in England.  This one is a nursery rhyme and there's a bit in it that just goes la-la, sing along, be our guest."   Mary Had a Little Lamb.  We were singing along "la-la-la."  Afterwards Paul asked, "Were you singing?"  Linda said the guy next to us was, but Sher said he was half asleep -- oh well.  The next one Henry said, "You'll know this one" and Denny Laine yelled, "Get up off your ass," and Paul went straight into "Maybe I'm Amazed."  What that did to me -- my favorite all-time song.  I fell apart during that.  He looked so good sitting there screaming it out.  By this time Linda had sat down at the piano bench with him.  The organ was like in Let It Be while he was really banging out the piano.  The applause for this one were the loudest and he looked really happy about it.  He got up and went to play bass again.  Paul said, "This next song is our last, so all you people who have been sitting on your bums all evening should now take this opportunity and rise from them, shake them a bit, clap a bit, here we are in Offenbach," he smiled. "Let's do it!" Then this loud thumping song starts and everyone is on their feet, clapping and he is really moving around by this time.  "High Hi High" is the song, the one mentioned before as a possible single.  

Hey Hey Hey -- Wings in Kansas City

 

I didn't see another concert until Kansas City which was really decided at the last minute when my mom (who lives in Kansas) offered me a ticket!  Somehow she'd managed to get a couple of 2nd row loge seats (which were actually sitting on the floor - they were added rows) equal with 7th-row seats so I couldn' stay no to that!  I arrived in K.C. early on the morning of the 29th after having taken another night flight and was met at the airport by my parents.  After catching a few hours of sleep once again, we drove into downtown K.C. in search of Kemper Arena.  We found it without much trouble but never did find the airport Paul was supposed to be arriving at. 

The concert in my opinion was the best of the 8 I saw so I'm not going to complain much anyway!  My mom went with me and came out wishing she could make Denver, too.  So goes the power of McCartney charisma.  It brought to mind the poem I've often read with the lines "Tossing his hair, grinning his grin, waving his hand, moving his guitar, until you couldn't breathe, right .... and your mother looked strained and never again asked you what you saw in him."  From the minute Paul walked onto stage everyone, at least in our area, stood and so we remained standing for the entire show.  The crowd absolutely loved him and wasn't shy in letting him know, which is what he really picks up on, so I think that's why he put on such an exceptional performance.  He had on the same outfit as in Houston, only minus the necklaces and with blue satin lapels instead of pink.   Linda had on a blue jersey dress which had gathered around the hips, a scarf around her neck, and knee-hi boots.  At one point during the first part of the concert, Paul started singing "Kansas City" which, of course, got a big rise out of the crowd.  Just before "I've Just Seen a face" started Paul reverted to his English introduction of the song by saying "does anybody like a bit of skiffle?"  Then catching himself and observing the crowd's perplexity, he added, "Don't' know what it is, do you? Well, it's country style."  

Then after the song, he kicked his foot high in the air which he also did after several of the rockers.  As the concert progressed, I kept noticing the sweat on his face -- his hair which was all fluffy on top and parted -- his knees and the Beatles smile he kept flashing to the audience.  At moments like that it was like having a '66 Beatles film superimposed over this live '76 concert  After another song, "Lady Madonna" I believe Paul especially hyper -- saluting, giving the peace sign, the thumbs-up sign, thrusting his fist in the air, and scratching his head.  Then whenever he'd switch from piano to bass or vice versa he'd turn around and say "Hi" to the audience in the back of the stage.  He also had a habit that night of pulling his pants up and tucking his shirt in which wasn't exactly a repulsive sight.  By the time the concert was nearing it's end, his air was absolutely soaking wet.  what a performance he had given and how the crowd had appreciated it!  It was like a mutual love affair Paul's love of performing versus the crowd's love of him as a performer.  Paul and Linda walked off stage with their arms around each other after the first encore and then after the 2nd encore someone threw a little whit heat on stage which he proceeded to put on and it was just too cute for words!  

After the concert as I waited for some of the crowd to clear out I saw Madeleine and a few minutes later Barb, Joanne, and Richie so we talked for a while and then we went outside to wait for Paul to leave.  Shortly before Paul came out, Barb pointed out Robert Ellis to me so I went over to say hi to him and was greeted with a kiss, which sort of took me by surprise.  IT was nice talking to him and having at least someone acknowledge that I was remembered.  It was more than I could say for the rest of Paul's entourage!  Soon after I returned, Paul's limo drove out and as flashbulbs went off, I was able to catch a clear view of him smiling and waving as he tried to look in all directions.  After he'd gone I never saw people clear out so quickly.  

Wings in Fort Worth (1976)

This story written by the sweet Doylene was from the May/June issue of McCartney Ltd. 

Paul's long-awaited American tour, finally got underway May 3rd in Ft. Worth, Texas, and I'm sure that everyone who caught any of his shows will agree with me that it was well worth the wait.  It had been a long time (10 years!) since any tour had created such excitement or received so much coverage from the press and it must've been a very sweet success to Paul after the long, hard battle he'd fought to have Wings accepted. 

We (Cindy, Marry Ann, and I) arrive din Ft Worth at 2am on the morning of the 3rd and were met at the airport by George, Barb, and Joanna who took us by the hotel where the band was staying (in Dallas) and then drove us back to our motel in Ft. Worth.  After a few hours of sleep, we were off to the Community Center and were later joined there by Madeline (fresh back from the European tour!) and a group of girls from Ohio and Indiana.  As time passed the anticipation of seeing him again began to build steadily so that by the time he arrived with Linda and the kids in a large red car (yes, he was driving!) the knees were more than a little ready to tremble!  My first thought was that I'd never seen him look so good.  He was wearing the same shirt he had on when he posed for the photo with me in Glasgow and his faced was so tan.  He also looked thinner (not that he was at all heavy before) which became even more apparent when we saw him in concert and his hair was neatly layered and shiny.  As I said, he'd never looked better.  He looked so happy, too and I honestly think he went slowly on purpose so that people could take photos which I proceeded to do when he was right in front of me.  

After he pulled in, everyone was having the typical reaction -- ear to ear grins that couldn't be wiped away and knees that had forgotten how to hold themselves steady.   It is absolutely incredible what that man can do to people by just being in their presence. A girl later said in Kansas City that he was one of God's chose people and I truly believe that.  We passed the time until the concert by trying to eat and then made our way back to the TCCC.  Luckily, Cindy, Mary Ann, and I were able to swap our original $8.75 tickets for $9.75 ones in the loge so after the doors were opened we were all set to enjoy Paul's triumphant opening night.  I really had no idea how much more exciting his U.S. shows were going to be, as compared to his British ones.  I wouldn't have thought it was possible but I guess maybe it had a lot to do with this being the first time Paul and the American audience had had to get off on each other in 10 years!  The anticipation was incredible!  Paul played that hand tot he fullest, too by walking out onto a darkened stage so that it was just that much longer before people could see him.  

Then a dim light, smoke, and bubbles encircled him as he began the opening cars of "Venus and Mars" but it wasn't until "Rock Show" that the bright stage lights came on so that he could be clearly seen.  But once again, it was worth the wait.  He had on black satin pants with a matching black and white satin waist-length jacket which was definitely a vast improvement over the British tour outfit.  The lighting for several songs also proved to be a lot classier.  The first he spoke to the audience was after "Jet" where he came out with a hearty "Howdy Texas!" in his best Texan accent.  Then he went directly into "Let me Roll it" which he needed with two consecutive "Oh yeah's" said in the distinctive McCartney style, of course.

Then he continued on with "Now I'll hand you over to, ah, this is Denny Laine here"  (at which point Denny chimed in with "Hi, how are you Dallas?) "and this is Spirits of Ancient Egypt."  The end bit on this song was particularly good with Paul really getting into his bass.  Next Pau;l turned introductions over to Jimmy with "This is Jimmy" and Jimmy finished it with "Howdy! Nice to be here after the delay.  We're gonna carry on with a song I wrote off Venus and Mars, It's Medicine Jar."  This number went down really well with the crowd as always and after it as over Jimmy announced, "We're going to switch here.  Paul's gonna go on piano."  and then he said hello to the people up back.  Settled at the piano Paul went into a beautiful rendition of "Maybe I'm Amazed" with the painting of a candle used as a backdrop.  He received tremendous applause for that one and then announced his next song "Call me BAck Again" as being off the Venus and Mars LP (at later concerts he usually added that it had been recorded in New Orleans).  It was usually around this song that he threw in a lot of "alright, alright" said in that same voice used as the intro to "Listen to what the man said" on the LP.  

The first Beatles song of the evening was introduced by Paul with, "Listen if anyone feels like having a stomp around or urge to surge...I'd like to hear you clapping your hands or doing something similar.  It's an old tune, this one."  Not unexpectedly the familiar opening bars of "Lady Madonna" brought a great round of applause from the crowd who continued clap along throughout the song -- which finished once, then went into again to the delight of everyone there.  Then he slowed down the tempo and went into the hauntingly beautiful "Long and Winding Road."  (which he usually introduced "Now that we've speeded you up, we'll slow you down" but he let it go without intro on this first night.  I don't think the flawless voice he displays on this song could ever be equaled by any other performer.  Next, Paul turned us over to Linda with "I'll turn you over to my Mrs. now."  (later in the tour adding "and friend.") to introduce the next song -- take it, girl."   Linda carried on with "This next one was written for a British citizen #007, it's called 'Live and Let Die.'.  As everyone knows who read any of the press clippings or been to any shows this song was the show stopper as far as stage theatrics were concerned.  The end of the first verse was met by explosions which were followed by strobe lights and climaxed again with explosions.  This was the thing the American audience, in particular, seemed to really go for.  So with this song, he managed to satisfy that taste without ever having to sacrifice the music because of it. yes, for this tour had thought of everything. 

After the excitement of the last number, there had to be a change of pace so it was here Paul announced, "This is where we have a sit-down and play our acoustic guitars awhile."    "Picasso's Last Words" and "Richard Cory" passed without introduction, then for "Blue Bird" came the so familiar "Does anybody know what a rhythm box is?"  (by now it's a household word) to which he added, "Well, this is it" as the rhythms began.  Next "I've Just Seen a Face" which he   brought  on with "Anyone fancy a stomp?"  Then finally there was "Blackbird" and "Yesterday"-- always the sentimental moments of the evening.  As "Yesterday" was ending I heard a guy behind me exclaiming "Oh God that was beautiful" which pretty much summed up the feelings of everyone as they stood to give him a ten-minute ovation.  If I remember right he held the guitar above his head and flowers were thrown to him -- if not the first night it certainly occurred on most following nights.  The next song was "You Gave Me The Answer" which Paul almost always dedicated to Fred Astaire (or Gene Autrey as in Atlanta and Tucson) but he went straight into it without intros in Ft. Worth.  This is one song where the new lighting was really dramatic, the whole area below the piano, and Paul flashed on like a red theatre marque with yellow lights outlining.  

Denny introduced the following song "Magneto" by saying "This next one is from Venus and Mars and it's all about some comic book characters you grew up with" and alikeness of them was used as a backdrop.  "Magneto" was followed by "My Love" with Paul, "Listen, we want to do a song for all the lovers in the audience -- I've think we've got a few here tonight!"  with him added a "Wo! Let me hear you say Wo."  Listen to What the Man Said with Paul saying, "Let me hear you clapping and stomping to this one."  He usually introduced the latter by saying it was one you could shake your bums to but he was a bit subdued this first night I guess.  After the song was over Paul paused to say, "As a lot of you probably know this is the first night of our tour."  (mucho applause) so listen I wanna tell you were just having a good time, you know?  So we hope you are too!"  "Let 'em in" was next with Paul saying,  "A tune from our new album "Speed of Sound."  It was almost unbelievable the way the sound of the record was duplicated on stage for this one -- from door chimes to the marching snare drum that Denny carried onto the stage.  ?At this point, Paul took up the bass again and Denny introduced "Time to Hid" by saying, "This is another one from the sam record -- whatever you call it -- it's s song which I wrote."  I really, really loved this one in concert.  It was exhilarating and it was a real joy to watch and listen to Paul's bass playing on it.  He was into it all the way.  Next came "Silly Love Songs" with Jimmy introducing it as "another one from the new album" to which Paul usually added "and our current single."  This turned out to be another real treat.  I'd always thought it was a nice song but I had no idea how exciting it could be in concert.  But, I'll tell you when he started strutting back and forth across the stage whenever there was an instrumental bar the old blood pressure rose another couple degrees!  IT was incredible! now all I needed to totally drive me pas the point of no return was for Paul to launch into "Beware my love" which I decided was my all-time favorite song the first time I heard it.  That's exactly what he proceeded to do, with a "Listen, if any of you feel like getting on your feet and bopping that's okay by us."  Then leave out the first few bars he started right off with the "Wo, wo, wo, no-no, NO!" and I was gone.  I couldn't believe it--one my 30th concert and I still couldn't get used to him or stop the tears from coming to my eyes.  The song kept building, through, too -- it's one of the most climactic songs I've ever heard until, by the end, Paul was just letting out one scream after another.  

Then finally it was over and I could almost breathe again.  It was here that Paul paused to say, "alight, alight, alight, tonight" several times and then went on to say, "I suppose you've noticed these fellas standing in back of us, well, I'd like to introduce them to you," which he proceeded to do starting with Thadeous (when the audience applauded Paul asked for more because Thadeous loved it!), then Howie, Steve (introducing him as the hometown boy) and Tony ("last and sometimes least!").  Then Paul added "They're going to help us do the next song, "Letting Go!"  I still don't mind that song in concert at all, either!  Really so much more dynamic on stage than on record, which is what can be said about ALL Paul's material actually.  Finally, or should I say before we knew it, Paul was saying, "Listen, we're getting near the end of our show, here, so listen, you've been a lovely audience, that's for sure.  It's been a pleasure to play here in Texas, let me tell you."  And with that, they began "Band on the Run" accompanied by the film of them making the cover of the album.  Then they left the stage to thunderous applause which seemed to go on forever.  Finally, they returned for the first encore which was "Hi Hi Hi" and was introduced by Paul with a "Feel like rocking a bit?"  Then they were gone again for another round of seemingly endless applause.  But everyone knew they ere going to return one more time as the house lights were still down and there was eerie green smoke beginning to rise from behind the stage.  The final encore turned out to be "Soily" and the new lighting for it was another addition which was most striking.  After the group returned to the stage, they played a long instrumental intro, and then as the vocals began a beam of light was projected across the total length of the stadium's ceiling and smoke came oozing out over it, making all kinds of marble patterns as it went.  All the lighting was still green except for a red spotlight on Paul.  It was a fantastic concert!  Then the band left the stage for the last time with Paul and Linda being the last to leave as they walked off stage with their arms around each other. 

A couple other points of interest that happened during this concert but that I've forgotten in just with sequence include a guy running up on stage to shake hands with Paul ( I have a movie film of them).  also, there are a lot of sound effects used off and on during the show -- a voice saying "everyone is so suspicious" and a pig grunting!  

After the show, we hung around the theater a bit and finally ran into Sarah, but still being a bit "hungover" from the concert we didn't have much opportunity to communicate intelligently!  We hadn't planned to see the Houston concert, only Ft. Worth.  But after that performance, we KNEW we had to do it.  So I looked up Kay, who had told me she had one extra ticket earlier, bought it, and vowed that we'd find two more tickets and a late flight out of Houston the next day.  With that decided, George took us to the band's hotel again and this time we had something to eat in the restaurant where Joe English, Robert Ellis, and others were dining.  Then it was back to the motel, supposedly to sleep, but someone Mary Ann, Cindy, and I ended up listening to almost the entire tape of the concert so it was quite late before we finally did! 

Getting ready to tour the world

 

September 10, 1975 -  Wings  tour Bristol, UK 

On stage with greatness

 

Rock and Roll guitars

 

I'll See you on cloud Nine

This story comes from the Harrison Alliance fanzine January-March 1992 issue.  It was written by Hiroko Taguchi and translated by Naomichi Hirao.

I'll See you on Cloud Nine
By Hiroko Taguchi

It was 3:47 PM on November 28, 1991, when George's plane arrived at Narita airport.  His plane was seven minutes later than the estimated time of arrival.  It was raining outside.  I was at the airport and said to myself that I must try to remain calm while waiting for George to appear at the arrival gate.

After a little while, there was George!  There was a halo around his head -- I'm not exaggerating.  I really felt like that.  I couldn't stand still; I panicked and burst into tears.  After that, I went to the Capitol Tokyu Hotel where he was staying, but I couldn't meet him that day.  I went back home, but I don't know if I slept or not.

The next day I really wanted to meet him, so I played hooky and went to the hotel again.  It was the day that George and Eric had the press conference in the same room of the hotel, the "Pearl Room," where the Beatles had a press conference 25 years ago.  I tried to attend the press conference, but I wasn't allowed in.  And in the end, I was asked to leave the hotel.  but I didn't give up.  After the promotors left, I went to the lobby of the hotel again to meet George.

I don't know how many hours it took.  I was shown the door again and again.  Actually, I was almost about to give up, but my friends encouraged me a great deal.   George still didn't turn up.  But suddenly my friends saw George and started running to him.   Other fans also were gathered around him, but I couldn't get close to him.  My legs didn't move!   The halo prevented me from going to him.  Another reason was that I didn't want to behave foolishly and give him a bad impression.   I felt dizzy.  Looking at my friends shaking hands with him, I did my best to get closer to him.  George looked in my eyes and smiled at me with his characteristic crooked grin, and shook my hand tightly.   And then he went away by taxi.

I cried and cried.  There was a middle-aged woman crying beside me.  She had been a fan of George's from the 60's.  It must have looked unusual to people who had no interest in Geroge.  But to me, it was the day my dream came true.  I had to wait for this for 18 years!

I decided to keep on waiting for him.  I wanted to see him again even though my last train had gone.  After 40 minutes, I noticed George was in the lobby.  And luckily enough, most of the fans had gone and there were only 5 left.  His bodyguards told us "no autographs!", but he picked up the pens handed to him by fans and gave everyone autographs.  He shook my hand again and looked into my eyes -- I almost passed out!

I thought how glad I was to have been a fan of George for years.  Then I went home.  I got on the subway and when I switched my Walkman on to listen to George's songs, I burst into tears again.  I cried until I reached my stop.  Strangers looked at me with suspicious eyes, but I didn't mind at all.  I was the happiest person in the world.  November 29, 1991 --- I'll never forget that day.

Touring Japan

Talking with Eppy

Concert in Japan

George Harrison performing in Japan on November 28, 1991.

Harrison's at security check in Japan

Flower in the Dirt on tour

The band on tour

The Japanese Beatle

A few "new" colored photos of George Harrison during the 1991 tour of Japan.    I love these!