2017 Setlist Speculation Thread
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Nancy R:
It's a shame he doesn't read what we write here (or have someone else read it and report back to him) We are like a f r e a k i n g broken record!! It is beyond frustrating to us and he will never know it! When I see him in July, if he doesn't do at least one "new" song I will be very disappointed. All he has to do is ONE big surprise like This One, My Brave Face or something he's never done in concert before (but I guess that would be too much like work)
But don't you know, whenever he doesn't play a Beatles song (classic or third tier material) all the screens go dark... And if he picks a setlist, he thinks to himself, what would I want to hear if I'm going to see the Stones? The hits! Sooooo, 'Here, There & Everywhere' is dropped, 'Penny Lane' or 'For No One' not done, 'Silly Love Songs' or 'Coming Up' not part of the set, 'Hope Of Deliverance' isn't done in Europe while soundchecked the same day... and 'Mr. Kite' and 'Let Me Roll It' are staples.
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nobodytoldme:
Nancy R:
It's a shame he doesn't read what we write here (or have someone else read it and report back to him) We are like a f r e a k i n g broken record!! It is beyond frustrating to us and he will never know it! When I see him in July, if he doesn't do at least one "new" song I will be very disappointed. All he has to do is ONE big surprise like This One, My Brave Face or something he's never done in concert before (but I guess that would be too much like work)
But don't you know, whenever he doesn't play a Beatles song (classic or third tier material) all the screens go dark... And if he picks a setlist, he thinks to himself, what would I want to hear if I'm going to see the Stones? The hits! Sooooo, 'Here, There & Everywhere' is dropped, 'Penny Lane' or 'For No One' not done, 'Silly Love Songs' or 'Coming Up' not part of the set, 'Hope Of Deliverance' isn't done in Europe while soundchecked the same day... and 'Mr. Kite' and 'Let Me Roll It' are staples.
You are preaching to the choir my man!
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nobodytoldme:
Nancy R:
It's a shame he doesn't read what we write here (or have someone else read it and report back to him) We are like a f r e a k i n g broken record!! It is beyond frustrating to us and he will never know it! When I see him in July, if he doesn't do at least one "new" song I will be very disappointed. All he has to do is ONE big surprise like This One, My Brave Face or something he's never done in concert before (but I guess that would be too much like work)
But don't you know, whenever he doesn't play a Beatles song (classic or third tier material) all the screens go dark... And if he picks a setlist, he thinks to himself, what would I want to hear if I'm going to see the Stones? The hits! Sooooo, 'Here, There & Everywhere' is dropped, 'Penny Lane' or 'For No One' not done, 'Silly Love Songs' or 'Coming Up' not part of the set, 'Hope Of Deliverance' isn't done in Europe while soundchecked the same day... and 'Mr. Kite' and 'Let Me Roll It' are staples.
You're paraphrasing some recent quotes of his, but I was actually going to mention at least one of them as a slight bit of encouragement. In the FITD Deluxe Edition book, he mentions the "black hole" of the audience when new material is played, yet then says, "But some of those people in that black hole are real genuine connoisseurs of what you do, so you want to do stuff for them." Now that slightly misses the point that we also want more stuff from his *archive*, and that includes hits, not just deep cuts, yet I take it as slightly encouraging because, along with that, I've observed a few signals recently that suggest Paul is somewhat aware of our concerns and not completely dismissive of them. He read the "(108, 109, etc.) Shows" sign in the concerts last year, and in the NYT review of his tour last year, it led to him being asked how he handles audience members who have been to many shows (kudos for bringing the sign, whoever that was -- Bob? Someone else?). He didn't really answer it then, but it might have planted the seed. He has also started prefacing at least one of his stage stories with, "If you've been to multiple shows, you may have heard this story." I think he may also have mentioned "connoisseurs" in another interview, but I'm blanking on which one. Of course, this is a bit of grasping at straws, but it does suggest to me that the idea that there is a subset of the crowd that goes to multiple shows, knows his stuff, and wants to hear some "lesser known" material has (finally!) started floating around in his head, and maybe on some level he's trying to figure out how to appeal to us too. Yet he has also mentioned in numerous interviews lately how his biggest fear is people walking out on him, so it's pretty clear that drives most of his performing decisions. Maybe that's the problem -- he knows we'll be there and won't walk out on him either way. Maybe in light of things like this ticket exploitation and our setlist concerns, we should "go on strike" in some way that would actually get his attention! Anyway, for now, I'll cling to the small hope that he has *some* awareness of the "broken record" "connoisseur" concerns.
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nobodytoldme:
yankeefan7:
[..] Should not be that hard to really shake it up especially if he has new record. Play four songs from new record and add two from FITD. That leaves another four songs which could include songs like "Little Willow", "Take It Away", "Rocky Raccoon" and "I Can Bet".
Without seeming to shoot down everything fun, here's a list which puts any solo album track proposal in a depressing perspective. I'm not counting any "latest/current release" songs. Solo hits played during initial tour/release and also in last 15 years, often staples on recent tours: My Love C Moon Maybe I'm Amazed Jet Let Me Roll It Live and Let Die Band on the Run Coming Up Let 'Em In Venus And Mars / Rock Show Letting Go Another Day Hi Hi Hi Listen To What The Man Said Junior's Farm Mull Of Kintyre (special gigs since 2002) Wonderful Christmastime (festivities gigs since 2009) Songs performed before, resurrected with this band: Every Night (2002-2003 acoustic, since 2010 full band arrangement rarely) Ebony And Ivory (2010, special gig one-off) Bluebird (2010, twice) Hope Of Deliverance (since 2013 very rarely) Looking For Changes (2015, special gig one-off, performed during initial tour) Solo album tracks/B-sides never performed before: Great Day (2003, special gig one-off) In Liverpool (2008, special gig one-off) Cosmically Conscious (2009, special gig one-off) - Too Many People (2005, one tour only) Ram On (since 2010, only by request) - Calico Skies (2002-2005 and 2008-2009 staple) Flaming Pie (2004-2010 staple) Here Today (2002-2005, 2007-now staple) Mrs. Vandebilt (2008-2013 staple) Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five (since 2010 staple) Temporary Secretary (since 2015) So with the current band the surprises which people could actually catch on tour have been 'Every Night' (2002) 'Calico Skies' (2002), 'Here Today' (2002)', 'Flaming Pie' (2004), 'Too Many People' (2005), 'Mrs. Vandebilt ' (200, 'Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five' (2010), 'Ram On' (2010) and 'Temporary Secretary' (2015). Old songs being brought back to promote a remaster? Zero. 15 years, 1000 gigs. And even the latter 2 got the "sandwich method", like, I don't really want to perform it, but... So as you can see, I'm not very optimistic about any solo additions .
Only reason he started doing "Mrs. Vanderbilt" was because the people of Kiev requested it in some type of petition.
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AcresOfFun:
nobodytoldme:
Nancy R:
It's a shame he doesn't read what we write here (or have someone else read it and report back to him) We are like a f r e a k i n g broken record!! It is beyond frustrating to us and he will never know it! When I see him in July, if he doesn't do at least one "new" song I will be very disappointed. All he has to do is ONE big surprise like This One, My Brave Face or something he's never done in concert before (but I guess that would be too much like work)
But don't you know, whenever he doesn't play a Beatles song (classic or third tier material) all the screens go dark... And if he picks a setlist, he thinks to himself, what would I want to hear if I'm going to see the Stones? The hits! Sooooo, 'Here, There & Everywhere' is dropped, 'Penny Lane' or 'For No One' not done, 'Silly Love Songs' or 'Coming Up' not part of the set, 'Hope Of Deliverance' isn't done in Europe while soundchecked the same day... and 'Mr. Kite' and 'Let Me Roll It' are staples.
You're paraphrasing some recent quotes of his, but I was actually going to mention at least one of them as a slight bit of encouragement. In the FITD Deluxe Edition book, he mentions the "black hole" of the audience when new material is played, yet then says, "But some of those people in that black hole are real genuine connoisseurs of what you do, so you want to do stuff for them." Now that slightly misses the point that we also want more stuff from his *archive*, and that includes hits, not just deep cuts, yet I take it as slightly encouraging because, along with that, I've observed a few signals recently that suggest Paul is somewhat aware of our concerns and not completely dismissive of them. He read the "(108, 109, etc.) Shows" sign in the concerts last year, and in the NYT review of his tour last year, it led to him being asked how he handles audience members who have been to many shows (kudos for bringing the sign, whoever that was -- Bob? Someone else?). He didn't really answer it then, but it might have planted the seed. He has also started prefacing at least one of his stage stories with, "If you've been to multiple shows, you may have heard this story." I think he may also have mentioned "connoisseurs" in another interview, but I'm blanking on which one. Of course, this is a bit of grasping at straws, but it does suggest to me that the idea that there is a subset of the crowd that goes to multiple shows, knows his stuff, and wants to hear some "lesser known" material has (finally!) started floating around in his head, and maybe on some level he's trying to figure out how to appeal to us too. Yet he has also mentioned in numerous interviews lately how his biggest fear is people walking out on him, so it's pretty clear that drives most of his performing decisions. Maybe that's the problem -- he knows we'll be there and won't walk out on him either way. Maybe in light of things like this ticket exploitation and our setlist concerns, we should "go on strike" in some way that would actually get his attention! Anyway, for now, I'll cling to the small hope that he has *some* awareness of the "broken record" "connoisseur" concerns.
"Yet he has also mentioned in numerous interviews lately how his biggest fear is people walking out on him, so it's pretty clear that drives most of his performing decisions." That is amazing that he would worry about that after all he has accomplished and crowds adoring him for decades.
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nobodytoldme:
Nancy R:
It's a shame he doesn't read what we write here (or have someone else read it and report back to him) We are like a f r e a k i n g broken record!! It is beyond frustrating to us and he will never know it! When I see him in July, if he doesn't do at least one "new" song I will be very disappointed. All he has to do is ONE big surprise like This One, My Brave Face or something he's never done in concert before (but I guess that would be too much like work)
But don't you know, whenever he doesn't play a Beatles song (classic or third tier material) all the screens go dark... And if he picks a setlist, he thinks to himself, what would I want to hear if I'm going to see the Stones? The hits! Sooooo, 'Here, There & Everywhere' is dropped, 'Penny Lane' or 'For No One' not done, 'Silly Love Songs' or 'Coming Up' not part of the set, 'Hope Of Deliverance' isn't done in Europe while soundchecked the same day... and 'Mr. Kite' and 'Let Me Roll It' are staples.
McCartney plays over 20 Beatle songs a night and that is more than the Stones do in entire concert. Throw in a couple of hugely popular Wings songs, he is giving the first timers their money's worth. With all that, he should think that he can afford to play 5-10 songs that people like myself who have bought all his solo work would like to hear in concert.
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WixRocks!:
Yahllil:
In the latest Q&A paul said that they're planning to play some songs from Flowers In The Dirt live (but they haven't rehearsed them yet), so should we expect a song or two from FITD this USA leg? My Brave Face? This One? Figure Of 8?
I sure hope so. I'll be stunned if we even get one.
____________________________________________________________ WixRocks, I'm not hopeful either. Two things bothered me when Paul answered the specific question about playing some songs from FITD. First, the fact that Paul and Band didn't even rehearse a FITD Song before the Japan shows. When you consider all the worldwide publicity/PR that Paul's team had done talking to the press about the FITD Reissue and songs, his collaboration with Elvis Costello etc. That to me is mind blowing from a Marketing point of view. You would think that high level people from Capitol would be telling Paul to at least play a couple of FITD songs. But with the fact that Paul is apparently working on a new album, I will cut him some slack although I still think...how difficult is it for Paul and Band to play Put It There and This One. Wouldn't think you would need a lot of rehearsing. They are relatively simple songs. Even if Paul was extremely busy, why wouldn't he just tell his Band (that I'm sure he pays handsomely) to rehearse and be ready to play a couple of FITD songs. But, what bothered me far more (and gives me little hope about changes in the Setlist) was the 2nd part of Paul's answer to the question. Initially Paul seemed favorable to the idea of adding some FITD songs but then he immediately without thinking brings up a problem..."But that would mean we would have to pull some songs out". I'm paraphrasing but that was the immediate concern that he had. Are you kidding me? Does Paul think that every song in the current setlist (what he played at the Tokyo shows) is a Hey Jude, Let It Be, Blackbird, Band on the Run etc. He has a bunch of secondary (even a couple of tertiary ones) songs that you would think he would want to replace. Yankee fan mentioned them...I Want to Be Your Man, New, Queenie Eye, Temporary Secretary, 45 Seconds etc. Are these the songs that Paul feels the majority of the US ticket buyers (mainly 55 years and older and many first timers!) have to hear. If he does, then it shows me he is really out of touch and he really doesn't know his base customers. The people attending his US shows this Summer can easily related to a song like Put It There or This One far more than 45 Seconds. Frankly, songs like My Brave Face, Lovers that Never Were, That Day is Done, Little Willow are much better songs and much more Beatle worthy than several of the songs that he played in Japan. He either has a blind spot about his "great" Solo songs that he never plays or someone else is running his Setlist. Either way, my hope for changes (even just 4 or 5) are slim to none. I will be in the NJ/NY area in September. I would love to attend one of those shows (and surely pay a lot of money) but I certainly won't if he stays with the Japan Setlist.
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In a way, though, he does bring out "new" stuff, even if it isn't the five to ten songs some of might want. In the summer of '09, in addition to playing two MAF and Fireman tracks, he brought Day Tripper out for the first time since he was in the Beatles (and what an exceptional choice that was, being my second-favorite Beatles song), A Day in the Life (for the first time ever), Mrs. Vandebilt (admittedly he brought it out for Ukraine, but I count this all as sort of its live premier), and I'm Down (same as Day Tripper). For the Up and Coming Tour, he went into full-on Wings mode with Venus and Mars/Rockshow, Letting Go, Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five, and then he also added Two of Us and Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da. For the Out There tour, he brought Junior's Farm and The Night Before. For Out There, he brought out Eight Days a Week, Listen to What the Man Said, Another Day, Your Mother Should Know, All Together Now, Lovely Rita, Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!, and Hi Hi Hi. These days, he's brought out A Hard Day's Night, Temporary Secretary, and Love Me Do (in addition to the stuff off of New). They may not be prevalent throughout the set (although Out There had a whole lot of surprises), but he does bring out some shockers on every tour. I think what must be hard is that he has released such a colossal amount of music that there's simply no way he can possibly play everything. On top of that, he had some substantial gaps in his touring, with a number of his solo albums never having received tours. Including the Beatles albums in the following count, he could literally fill an entire set by only playing one song from each album. There's just no way in the world he can cover everything. At every show, he's playing to first-timers, the returning people who can't get enough of the major hits, and then the folks who have heard him plenty but want surprises. I can't fathom the difficulty in trying to build a set that way. Adding to the difficulty, he's often promoting an album, so there's another few songs taking up spots in the set. I do think he's occasionally picked the wrong surprises, with Your Mother Should Know, All Together Now, and Temporary Secretary being among the surprises I could have lived without (I've not heard the latter live and I hope it's gone by Tampa). I also think that some of the songs that have reached guarantee status are probably less deserving than some of the others that didn't obtain that honor. However, I recognize that he simply can't build a setlist that is all things to all people unless he wants to play a seven-hour show, and I appreciate the fact that he's always got something up his sleeve for the diehards. I remember Junior's Farm, which should be in every show ever , being oft-requested here, so I'd like to think that word from here occasionally makes its way to him. I just understand that some songs lucky enough to be on albums that got promoted in tours or were surprises on past tours got their days in the sun, and others will never make it to the stage. It's unfortunate, but I suppose even success has its drawbacks. Just bring me more Paperback Writer!
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He's doing a LOT of back to back shows in the same cities...a perfect opportunity lost. I've said this before...he could advertise the 2nd night as "More solo songs than EVER before" but still keep his classic Beatles songs in the setlist. I bet more people would go to both shows!
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sirloin:
In a way, though, he does bring out "new" stuff, even if it isn't the five to ten songs some of might want. In the summer of '09, in addition to playing two MAF and Fireman tracks, he brought Day Tripper out for the first time since he was in the Beatles (and what an exceptional choice that was, being my second-favorite Beatles song), A Day in the Life (for the first time ever), Mrs. Vandebilt (admittedly he brought it out for Ukraine, but I count this all as sort of its live premier), and I'm Down (same as Day Tripper). For the Up and Coming Tour, he went into full-on Wings mode with Venus and Mars/Rockshow, Letting Go, Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five, and then he also added Two of Us and Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da. For the Out There tour, he brought Junior's Farm and The Night Before. For Out There, he brought out Eight Days a Week, Listen to What the Man Said, Another Day, Your Mother Should Know, All Together Now, Lovely Rita, Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!, and Hi Hi Hi. These days, he's brought out A Hard Day's Night, Temporary Secretary, and Love Me Do (in addition to the stuff off of New). They may not be prevalent throughout the set (although Out There had a whole lot of surprises), but he does bring out some shockers on every tour. I think what must be hard is that he has released such a colossal amount of music that there's simply no way he can possibly play everything. On top of that, he had some substantial gaps in his touring, with a number of his solo albums never having received tours. Including the Beatles albums in the following count, he could literally fill an entire set by only playing one song from each album. There's just no way in the world he can cover everything. At every show, he's playing to first-timers, the returning people who can't get enough of the major hits, and then the folks who have heard him plenty but want surprises. I can't fathom the difficulty in trying to build a set that way. Adding to the difficulty, he's often promoting an album, so there's another few songs taking up spots in the set. I do think he's occasionally picked the wrong surprises, with Your Mother Should Know, All Together Now, and Temporary Secretary being among the surprises I could have lived without (I've not heard the latter live and I hope it's gone by Tampa). I also think that some of the songs that have reached guarantee status are probably less deserving than some of the others that didn't obtain that honor. However, I recognize that he simply can't build a setlist that is all things to all people unless he wants to play a seven-hour show, and I appreciate the fact that he's always got something up his sleeve for the diehards. I remember Junior's Farm, which should be in every show ever , being oft-requested here, so I'd like to think that word from here occasionally makes its way to him. I just understand that some songs lucky enough to be on albums that got promoted in tours or were surprises on past tours got their days in the sun, and others will never make it to the stage. It's unfortunate, but I suppose even success has its drawbacks. Just bring me more Paperback Writer!
"There's just no way in the world he can cover everything. At every show, he's playing to first-timers, the returning people who can't get enough of the major hits, and then the folks who have heard him plenty but want surprises. I can't fathom the difficulty in trying to build a set that way. Adding to the difficulty, he's often promoting an album, so there's another few songs taking up spots in the set." It really is not that difficult. His latest set list he played 25 Beatle songs and 7 wings songs out of 39 total songs. That left 7 songs to mix it up for people who wanted surprises and he does not have a new album yet to promote. (New was released in 2013). As myself and BJ mentioned, there are enough songs for him to cut that would not upset 99% of the crowd. If you are going to promote the re-issue of FITD would it really take a lot to add two songs from it on to your set list. I have wanted him to do "Take It Away" for many years, this is not some obscure song. (think it was top 10 single in USA). There are many others I have mentioned but I think you will get my points. Sad to say but I just think he is very comfortable raking in the money doing the same old thing for the most part.
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B J Conlee:
WixRocks!:
Yahllil:
In the latest Q&A paul said that they're planning to play some songs from Flowers In The Dirt live (but they haven't rehearsed them yet), so should we expect a song or two from FITD this USA leg? My Brave Face? This One? Figure Of 8?
I sure hope so. I'll be stunned if we even get one.
____________________________________________________________ WixRocks, I'm not hopeful either. Two things bothered me when Paul answered the specific question about playing some songs from FITD. First, the fact that Paul and Band didn't even rehearse a FITD Song before the Japan shows. When you consider all the worldwide publicity/PR that Paul's team had done talking to the press about the FITD Reissue and songs, his collaboration with Elvis Costello etc. That to me is mind blowing from a Marketing point of view. You would think that high level people from Capitol would be telling Paul to at least play a couple of FITD songs. But with the fact that Paul is apparently working on a new album, I will cut him some slack although I still think...how difficult is it for Paul and Band to play Put It There and This One. Wouldn't think you would need a lot of rehearsing. They are relatively simple songs. Even if Paul was extremely busy, why wouldn't he just tell his Band (that I'm sure he pays handsomely) to rehearse and be ready to play a couple of FITD songs. But, what bothered me far more (and gives me little hope about changes in the Setlist) was the 2nd part of Paul's answer to the question. Initially Paul seemed favorable to the idea of adding some FITD songs but then he immediately without thinking brings up a problem..."But that would mean we would have to pull some songs out". I'm paraphrasing but that was the immediate concern that he had. Are you kidding me? Does Paul think that every song in the current setlist (what he played at the Tokyo shows) is a Hey Jude, Let It Be, Blackbird, Band on the Run etc. He has a bunch of secondary (even a couple of tertiary ones) songs that you would think he would want to replace. Yankee fan mentioned them...I Want to Be Your Man, New, Queenie Eye, Temporary Secretary, 45 Seconds etc. Are these the songs that Paul feels the majority of the US ticket buyers (mainly 55 years and older and many first timers!) have to hear. If he does, then it shows me he is really out of touch and he really doesn't know his base customers. The people attending his US shows this Summer can easily related to a song like Put It There or This One far more than 45 Seconds. Frankly, songs like My Brave Face, Lovers that Never Were, That Day is Done, Little Willow are much better songs and much more Beatle worthy than several of the songs that he played in Japan. He either has a blind spot about his "great" Solo songs that he never plays or someone else is running his Setlist. Either way, my hope for changes (even just 4 or 5) are slim to none. I will be in the NJ/NY area in September. I would love to attend one of those shows (and surely pay a lot of money) but I certainly won't if he stays with the Japan Setlist.
"Are you kidding me? Does Paul think that every song in the current setlist (what he played at the Tokyo shows) is a Hey Jude, Let It Be, Blackbird, Band on the Run etc. He has a bunch of secondary (even a couple of tertiary ones) songs that you would think he would want to replace. Yankee fan mentioned them...I Want to Be Your Man, New, Queenie Eye, Temporary Secretary, 45 Seconds etc. Are these the songs that Paul feels the majority of the US ticket buyers (mainly 55 years and older and many first timers!) have to hear. If he does, then it shows me he is really out of touch and he really doesn't know his base customers. The people attending his US shows this Summer can easily related to a song like Put It There or This One far more than 45 Seconds. " BJ, without a doubt he is out of touch. I would add "My Valentine" to the list of cut songs but we all know that is not going to happen. I understand he loves his wife but it is really not that great a song. I agree, can't see the 55 and over crowd (myself included -lol) really needing to have "45 Seconds" in the set list.
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He plays 25 Beatles songs and 7 Wings songs because they're so massively popular and timeless and they're what everybody wants to hear. I don't think he's out of touch at all; quite the contrary, I think he's very much in touch and that's why he plays such a Beatles- and Wings-heavy set. It's unfortunate for the many fans of his solo career to not get to hear more of that material, but while classic rock stations are content to play the Beatles over and over again, I can put on an 80s radio station and tell you with absolute certainty that Tug of War, Take It Away, Figure of Eight, My Brave Face, and This One won't be showing up, as hard as it is to believe given how awesomely superior they are to all the terribly dated songs from the one-hit wonders that still get airplay, and I would expect (rightly so, apparently) that what gets played live reflects what's popular. I'm sure he's disappointed that people don't respond to his solo songs the way they do to the Beatles material, but I'll take even the one or two songs played for the hardcore fans over none at all. Keep in mind that his current form of touring doesn't take him to every city on every tour. Sure, the set may only change slightly with each transition, but we also pay far more attention to such things and we're keeping track of what gets played every time. People who only go to see him when he's in town might go years between shows, and the setlist during the most recent show they see could be night and day from the last one they saw. It's those of us who go see him here, there, and everywhere (zing!) that feel like the change from one set to the next is fairly minimal.
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yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
WixRocks!:
Yahllil:
In the latest Q&A paul said that they're planning to play some songs from Flowers In The Dirt live (but they haven't rehearsed them yet), so should we expect a song or two from FITD this USA leg? My Brave Face? This One? Figure Of 8?
I sure hope so. I'll be stunned if we even get one.
____________________________________________________________ WixRocks, I'm not hopeful either. Two things bothered me when Paul answered the specific question about playing some songs from FITD. First, the fact that Paul and Band didn't even rehearse a FITD Song before the Japan shows. When you consider all the worldwide publicity/PR that Paul's team had done talking to the press about the FITD Reissue and songs, his collaboration with Elvis Costello etc. That to me is mind blowing from a Marketing point of view. You would think that high level people from Capitol would be telling Paul to at least play a couple of FITD songs. But with the fact that Paul is apparently working on a new album, I will cut him some slack although I still think...how difficult is it for Paul and Band to play Put It There and This One. Wouldn't think you would need a lot of rehearsing. They are relatively simple songs. Even if Paul was extremely busy, why wouldn't he just tell his Band (that I'm sure he pays handsomely) to rehearse and be ready to play a couple of FITD songs. But, what bothered me far more (and gives me little hope about changes in the Setlist) was the 2nd part of Paul's answer to the question. Initially Paul seemed favorable to the idea of adding some FITD songs but then he immediately without thinking brings up a problem..."But that would mean we would have to pull some songs out". I'm paraphrasing but that was the immediate concern that he had. Are you kidding me? Does Paul think that every song in the current setlist (what he played at the Tokyo shows) is a Hey Jude, Let It Be, Blackbird, Band on the Run etc. He has a bunch of secondary (even a couple of tertiary ones) songs that you would think he would want to replace. Yankee fan mentioned them...I Want to Be Your Man, New, Queenie Eye, Temporary Secretary, 45 Seconds etc. Are these the songs that Paul feels the majority of the US ticket buyers (mainly 55 years and older and many first timers!) have to hear. If he does, then it shows me he is really out of touch and he really doesn't know his base customers. The people attending his US shows this Summer can easily related to a song like Put It There or This One far more than 45 Seconds. Frankly, songs like My Brave Face, Lovers that Never Were, That Day is Done, Little Willow are much better songs and much more Beatle worthy than several of the songs that he played in Japan. He either has a blind spot about his "great" Solo songs that he never plays or someone else is running his Setlist. Either way, my hope for changes (even just 4 or 5) are slim to none. I will be in the NJ/NY area in September. I would love to attend one of those shows (and surely pay a lot of money) but I certainly won't if he stays with the Japan Setlist.
"Are you kidding me? Does Paul think that every song in the current setlist (what he played at the Tokyo shows) is a Hey Jude, Let It Be, Blackbird, Band on the Run etc. He has a bunch of secondary (even a couple of tertiary ones) songs that you would think he would want to replace. Yankee fan mentioned them...I Want to Be Your Man, New, Queenie Eye, Temporary Secretary, 45 Seconds etc. Are these the songs that Paul feels the majority of the US ticket buyers (mainly 55 years and older and many first timers!) have to hear. If he does, then it shows me he is really out of touch and he really doesn't know his base customers. The people attending his US shows this Summer can easily related to a song like Put It There or This One far more than 45 Seconds. " BJ, without a doubt he is out of touch. I would add "My Valentine" to the list of cut songs but we all know that is not going to happen. I understand he loves his wife but it is really not that great a song. I agree, can't see the 55 and over crowd (myself included -lol) really needing to have "45 Seconds" in the set list.
No reason to play a FITD song, he played 7 or 8 of them in 1989 when the album came out. You know 27 years ago, and they weren't hits then. As far setlist changes,, Paul plays it very safe, has for a long time. At age 75, he's looking to do what he feels comfortable with. If lucky, on the average of 2 to 3 songs are changed. However, Japan and the July shows as well are all cities that have not seen this configuration of the One on One tour so I wouldn't expect much change. However, with a new album due out in the fall....I would look for the September and beyond shows to include some new album songs. Other than that I wouldn't expect much.
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Bob Gannon:
However, with a new album due out in the fall....I would look for the September and beyond shows to include some new album songs. Other than that I wouldn't expect much.
This sounds right on the money to me
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sirloin:
He plays 25 Beatles songs and 7 Wings songs because they're so massively popular and timeless and they're what everybody wants to hear. I don't think he's out of touch at all; quite the contrary, I think he's very much in touch and that's why he plays such a Beatles- and Wings-heavy set. It's unfortunate for the many fans of his solo career to not get to hear more of that material, but while classic rock stations are content to play the Beatles over and over again, I can put on an 80s radio station and tell you with absolute certainty that Tug of War, Take It Away, Figure of Eight, My Brave Face, and This One won't be showing up, as hard as it is to believe given how awesomely superior they are to all the terribly dated songs from the one-hit wonders that still get airplay, and I would expect (rightly so, apparently) that what gets played live reflects what's popular. I'm sure he's disappointed that people don't respond to his solo songs the way they do to the Beatles material, but I'll take even the one or two songs played for the hardcore fans over none at all. Keep in mind that his current form of touring doesn't take him to every city on every tour. Sure, the set may only change slightly with each transition, but we also pay far more attention to such things and we're keeping track of what gets played every time. People who only go to see him when he's in town might go years between shows, and the setlist during the most recent show they see could be night and day from the last one they saw. It's those of us who go see him here, there, and everywhere (zing!) that feel like the change from one set to the next is fairly minimal.
"He plays 25 Beatles songs and 7 Wings songs because they're so massively popular and timeless and they're what everybody wants to hear. I don't think he's out of touch at all; quite the contrary, I think he's very much in touch and that's why he plays such a Beatles- and Wings-heavy set. " Mr. McCartney is out of touch in regards to there is quite an audience who wants to hear his solo songs live, the people who actually buy these records since 1980. He plays the Beatle/Wings heavy set not just because it is what people want to hear. He does it so he can charge over $300 for a ticket.
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Bob Gannon:
yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
WixRocks!:
Yahllil:
In the latest Q&A paul said that they're planning to play some songs from Flowers In The Dirt live (but they haven't rehearsed them yet), so should we expect a song or two from FITD this USA leg? My Brave Face? This One? Figure Of 8?
I sure hope so. I'll be stunned if we even get one.
____________________________________________________________ WixRocks, I'm not hopeful either. Two things bothered me when Paul answered the specific question about playing some songs from FITD. First, the fact that Paul and Band didn't even rehearse a FITD Song before the Japan shows. When you consider all the worldwide publicity/PR that Paul's team had done talking to the press about the FITD Reissue and songs, his collaboration with Elvis Costello etc. That to me is mind blowing from a Marketing point of view. You would think that high level people from Capitol would be telling Paul to at least play a couple of FITD songs. But with the fact that Paul is apparently working on a new album, I will cut him some slack although I still think...how difficult is it for Paul and Band to play Put It There and This One. Wouldn't think you would need a lot of rehearsing. They are relatively simple songs. Even if Paul was extremely busy, why wouldn't he just tell his Band (that I'm sure he pays handsomely) to rehearse and be ready to play a couple of FITD songs. But, what bothered me far more (and gives me little hope about changes in the Setlist) was the 2nd part of Paul's answer to the question. Initially Paul seemed favorable to the idea of adding some FITD songs but then he immediately without thinking brings up a problem..."But that would mean we would have to pull some songs out". I'm paraphrasing but that was the immediate concern that he had. Are you kidding me? Does Paul think that every song in the current setlist (what he played at the Tokyo shows) is a Hey Jude, Let It Be, Blackbird, Band on the Run etc. He has a bunch of secondary (even a couple of tertiary ones) songs that you would think he would want to replace. Yankee fan mentioned them...I Want to Be Your Man, New, Queenie Eye, Temporary Secretary, 45 Seconds etc. Are these the songs that Paul feels the majority of the US ticket buyers (mainly 55 years and older and many first timers!) have to hear. If he does, then it shows me he is really out of touch and he really doesn't know his base customers. The people attending his US shows this Summer can easily related to a song like Put It There or This One far more than 45 Seconds. Frankly, songs like My Brave Face, Lovers that Never Were, That Day is Done, Little Willow are much better songs and much more Beatle worthy than several of the songs that he played in Japan. He either has a blind spot about his "great" Solo songs that he never plays or someone else is running his Setlist. Either way, my hope for changes (even just 4 or 5) are slim to none. I will be in the NJ/NY area in September. I would love to attend one of those shows (and surely pay a lot of money) but I certainly won't if he stays with the Japan Setlist.
"Are you kidding me? Does Paul think that every song in the current setlist (what he played at the Tokyo shows) is a Hey Jude, Let It Be, Blackbird, Band on the Run etc. He has a bunch of secondary (even a couple of tertiary ones) songs that you would think he would want to replace. Yankee fan mentioned them...I Want to Be Your Man, New, Queenie Eye, Temporary Secretary, 45 Seconds etc. Are these the songs that Paul feels the majority of the US ticket buyers (mainly 55 years and older and many first timers!) have to hear. If he does, then it shows me he is really out of touch and he really doesn't know his base customers. The people attending his US shows this Summer can easily related to a song like Put It There or This One far more than 45 Seconds. " BJ, without a doubt he is out of touch. I would add "My Valentine" to the list of cut songs but we all know that is not going to happen. I understand he loves his wife but it is really not that great a song. I agree, can't see the 55 and over crowd (myself included -lol) really needing to have "45 Seconds" in the set list.
No reason to play a FITD song, he played 7 or 8 of them in 1989 when the album came out. You know 27 years ago, and they weren't hits then. As far setlist changes,, Paul plays it very safe, has for a long time. At age 75, he's looking to do what he feels comfortable with. If lucky, on the average of 2 to 3 songs are changed. However, Japan and the July shows as well are all cities that have not seen this configuration of the One on One tour so I wouldn't expect much change. However, with a new album due out in the fall....I would look for the September and beyond shows to include some new album songs. Other than that I wouldn't expect much.
"No reason to play a FITD song, he played 7 or 8 of them in 1989 when the album came out. You know 27 years ago, and they weren't hits then." How about promoting your re-issue of FITD to the concert audience?
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Bob Gannon:
yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
WixRocks!:
Yahllil:
In the latest Q&A paul said that they're planning to play some songs from Flowers In The Dirt live (but they haven't rehearsed them yet), so should we expect a song or two from FITD this USA leg? My Brave Face? This One? Figure Of 8?
I sure hope so. I'll be stunned if we even get one.
____________________________________________________________ WixRocks, I'm not hopeful either. Two things bothered me when Paul answered the specific question about playing some songs from FITD. First, the fact that Paul and Band didn't even rehearse a FITD Song before the Japan shows. When you consider all the worldwide publicity/PR that Paul's team had done talking to the press about the FITD Reissue and songs, his collaboration with Elvis Costello etc. That to me is mind blowing from a Marketing point of view. You would think that high level people from Capitol would be telling Paul to at least play a couple of FITD songs. But with the fact that Paul is apparently working on a new album, I will cut him some slack although I still think...how difficult is it for Paul and Band to play Put It There and This One. Wouldn't think you would need a lot of rehearsing. They are relatively simple songs. Even if Paul was extremely busy, why wouldn't he just tell his Band (that I'm sure he pays handsomely) to rehearse and be ready to play a couple of FITD songs. But, what bothered me far more (and gives me little hope about changes in the Setlist) was the 2nd part of Paul's answer to the question. Initially Paul seemed favorable to the idea of adding some FITD songs but then he immediately without thinking brings up a problem..."But that would mean we would have to pull some songs out". I'm paraphrasing but that was the immediate concern that he had. Are you kidding me? Does Paul think that every song in the current setlist (what he played at the Tokyo shows) is a Hey Jude, Let It Be, Blackbird, Band on the Run etc. He has a bunch of secondary (even a couple of tertiary ones) songs that you would think he would want to replace. Yankee fan mentioned them...I Want to Be Your Man, New, Queenie Eye, Temporary Secretary, 45 Seconds etc. Are these the songs that Paul feels the majority of the US ticket buyers (mainly 55 years and older and many first timers!) have to hear. If he does, then it shows me he is really out of touch and he really doesn't know his base customers. The people attending his US shows this Summer can easily related to a song like Put It There or This One far more than 45 Seconds. Frankly, songs like My Brave Face, Lovers that Never Were, That Day is Done, Little Willow are much better songs and much more Beatle worthy than several of the songs that he played in Japan. He either has a blind spot about his "great" Solo songs that he never plays or someone else is running his Setlist. Either way, my hope for changes (even just 4 or 5) are slim to none. I will be in the NJ/NY area in September. I would love to attend one of those shows (and surely pay a lot of money) but I certainly won't if he stays with the Japan Setlist.
"Are you kidding me? Does Paul think that every song in the current setlist (what he played at the Tokyo shows) is a Hey Jude, Let It Be, Blackbird, Band on the Run etc. He has a bunch of secondary (even a couple of tertiary ones) songs that you would think he would want to replace. Yankee fan mentioned them...I Want to Be Your Man, New, Queenie Eye, Temporary Secretary, 45 Seconds etc. Are these the songs that Paul feels the majority of the US ticket buyers (mainly 55 years and older and many first timers!) have to hear. If he does, then it shows me he is really out of touch and he really doesn't know his base customers. The people attending his US shows this Summer can easily related to a song like Put It There or This One far more than 45 Seconds. " BJ, without a doubt he is out of touch. I would add "My Valentine" to the list of cut songs but we all know that is not going to happen. I understand he loves his wife but it is really not that great a song. I agree, can't see the 55 and over crowd (myself included -lol) really needing to have "45 Seconds" in the set list.
No reason to play a FITD song, he played 7 or 8 of them in 1989 when the album came out. You know 27 years ago, and they weren't hits then. As far setlist changes,, Paul plays it very safe, has for a long time. At age 75, he's looking to do what he feels comfortable with. If lucky, on the average of 2 to 3 songs are changed. However, Japan and the July shows as well are all cities that have not seen this configuration of the One on One tour so I wouldn't expect much change. However, with a new album due out in the fall....I would look for the September and beyond shows to include some new album songs. Other than that I wouldn't expect much.
_______________________________________________________ Bob, We will have to agree to disagree. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I respect yours. I just disagree. Unless I'm wrong, Paul actually played 6 FITD songs. I went to his show in Philadelphia and it was one of the best concerts I had ever seen. I was thrilled because it was my first time seeing my hero. All the Beatle songs were so fresh and I loved the fact that he played such a generous amount of new songs. I really liked FITD. When one says "there is no reason to play a FITD song" you have to compare it to what he is playing. He played those 6 songs 27 years ago. What is wrong with playing a couple of them again compared to Paul playing "Let Me Roll It To You" every show, every tour, every city for the last 27 years. As a big time fan, I would think you would want variety. And since when does the criteria for a great song mean that it has to be a "Hit". Paul stopped being a "Singles" artist by 1985. And I would take 3 or 4 of those great FITD songs over 45 Seconds, Temporary Secretary or even some of the secondary Beatle songs (e.g. I Wanna Be Your Man, Mr. Kite) any day of the week. And how about Lovers that Never Were, That Day is Done, and Distractions (songs from the FITD sessions) that he has never played. Wouldn't you die to hear those? I have no problems with Paul constantly playing his true signature (Beatle and Wings era)songs for the first timers. I understand that 100%. And I understand Paul playing the tribute songs at every show. It is what makes his shows unique. Macca has "heart" and I have no problem with hearing them again and again. But to want Paul to do 5-6 of his "great" Solo songs is a sign of someone who really loves Paul McCartney's music and entire music career. I'm not saying he should do 8 songs from Flowers in the Dirt. Play 2 from Flowers and then play 2 from Tug of War that he has never done before, 2 from Flaming Pie that he has never done before etc. etc. His Shows are ignoring a large part of his overall career and he has great (not obscure) Solo songs that are significantly better than 45 Seconds, I wanna Be your Man, Temporary Secretary etc. I'm talking about songs that not only show Paul's classic melodic genius but have smart, intelligent lyrics that his largely 50 and older fan base can relate to.
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I'll say this as a bit of a concession: Paul McCartney could probably play a setlist only halfway comprised of his regular songs with the other half being deeper cuts and still sell out entire tours just because he's Paul McFriggin' McCartney, but I can imagine he'd be a bit disappointed if the crowd wasn't screaming, "My brave, my brave, myyyy braaaave faaaaace!!!," right along with him. [disclaimer: anyone who would not enjoy partaking in that is a fascist with no musical taste ] I often wonder how one could even tell if a song isn't popular. I feel like crowds cheer wildly before and after every song. Other than seeing people leave their seats and head for the restrooms and concession stands, how can they ever tell if something isn't super popular? I don't think I'd be able to tell. I'd be that dork up there like, "I'm now going to play a rejected song from the sessions for such and such an album," and in my ignorance think I just rocked the house. I remember hearing the lead singer of A Flock of Seagulls saying that he was sick of playing I Ran, but he realized he had to do it for the fans. As unfair as I think it is to Paul, maybe people really would get disappointed if they had to miss Band on the Run in favor of Beware My Love. I still wish I was that epic of a songwriter that I literally couldn't build a setlist big enough to include all of my greatest hits. Most artists can only wish they had that problem.
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[quote="B J Conlee"]
Bob Gannon:
yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
WixRocks!:
Yahllil:
In the latest Q&A paul said that they're planning to play some songs from Flowers In The Dirt live (but they haven't rehearsed them yet), so should we expect a song or two from FITD this USA leg? My Brave Face? This One? Figure Of 8?
I sure hope so. I'll be stunned if we even get one.
____________________________________________________________ WixRocks, I'm not hopeful either. Two things bothered me when Paul answered the specific question about playing some songs from FITD. First, the fact that Paul and Band didn't even rehearse a FITD Song before the Japan shows. When you consider all the worldwide publicity/PR that Paul's team had done talking to the press about the FITD Reissue and songs, his collaboration with Elvis Costello etc. That to me is mind blowing from a Marketing point of view. You would think that high level people from Capitol would be telling Paul to at least play a couple of FITD songs. But with the fact that Paul is apparently working on a new album, I will cut him some slack although I still think...how difficult is it for Paul and Band to play Put It There and This One. Wouldn't think you would need a lot of rehearsing. They are relatively simple songs. Even if Paul was extremely busy, why wouldn't he just tell his Band (that I'm sure he pays handsomely) to rehearse and be ready to play a couple of FITD songs. But, what bothered me far more (and gives me little hope about changes in the Setlist) was the 2nd part of Paul's answer to the question. Initially Paul seemed favorable to the idea of adding some FITD songs but then he immediately without thinking brings up a problem..."But that would mean we would have to pull some songs out". I'm paraphrasing but that was the immediate concern that he had. Are you kidding me? Does Paul think that every song in the current setlist (what he played at the Tokyo shows) is a Hey Jude, Let It Be, Blackbird, Band on the Run etc. He has a bunch of secondary (even a couple of tertiary ones) songs that you would think he would want to replace. Yankee fan mentioned them...I Want to Be Your Man, New, Queenie Eye, Temporary Secretary, 45 Seconds etc. Are these the songs that Paul feels the majority of the US ticket buyers (mainly 55 years and older and many first timers!) have to hear. If he does, then it shows me he is really out of touch and he really doesn't know his base customers. The people attending his US shows this Summer can easily related to a song like Put It There or This One far more than 45 Seconds. Frankly, songs like My Brave Face, Lovers that Never Were, That Day is Done, Little Willow are much better songs and much more Beatle worthy than several of the songs that he played in Japan. He either has a blind spot about his "great" Solo songs that he never plays or someone else is running his Setlist. Either way, my hope for changes (even just 4 or 5) are slim to none. I will be in the NJ/NY area in September. I would love to attend one of those shows (and surely pay a lot of money) but I certainly won't if he stays with the Japan Setlist.
"Are you kidding me? Does Paul think that every song in the current setlist (what he played at the Tokyo shows) is a Hey Jude, Let It Be, Blackbird, Band on the Run etc. He has a bunch of secondary (even a couple of tertiary ones) songs that you would think he would want to replace. Yankee fan mentioned them...I Want to Be Your Man, New, Queenie Eye, Temporary Secretary, 45 Seconds etc. Are these the songs that Paul feels the majority of the US ticket buyers (mainly 55 years and older and many first timers!) have to hear. If he does, then it shows me he is really out of touch and he really doesn't know his base customers. The people attending his US shows this Summer can easily related to a song like Put It There or This One far more than 45 Seconds. " BJ, without a doubt he is out of touch. I would add "My Valentine" to the list of cut songs but we all know that is not going to happen. I understand he loves his wife but it is really not that great a song. I agree, can't see the 55 and over crowd (myself included -lol) really needing to have "45 Seconds" in the set list.
No reason to play a FITD song, he played 7 or 8 of them in 1989 when the album came out. You know 27 years ago, and they weren't hits then. As far setlist changes,, Paul plays it very safe, has for a long time. At age 75, he's looking to do what he feels comfortable with. If lucky, on the average of 2 to 3 songs are changed. However, Japan and the July shows as well are all cities that have not seen this configuration of the One on One tour so I wouldn't expect much change. However, with a new album due out in the fall....I would look for the September and beyond shows to include some new album songs. Other than that I wouldn't expect much.
_______________________________________________________ Bob, We will have to agree to disagree. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I respect yours. I just disagree. Unless I'm wrong, Paul actually played 6 FITD songs. I went to his show in Philadelphia and it was one of the best concerts I had ever seen. I was thrilled because it was my first time seeing my hero. All the Beatle songs were so fresh and I loved the fact that he played such a generous amount of new songs. I really liked FITD. When one says "there is no reason to play a FITD song" you have to compare it to what he is playing. He played those 6 songs 27 years ago. What is wrong with playing a couple of them again compared to Paul playing "Let Me Roll It To You" every show, every tour, every city for the last 27 years. As a big time fan, I would think you would want variety. And since when does the criteria for a great song mean that it has to be a "Hit". Paul stopped being a "Singles" artist by 1985. And I would take 3 or 4 of those great FITD songs over 45 Seconds, Temporary Secretary or even some of the secondary Beatle songs (e.g. I Wanna Be Your Man, Mr. Kite) any day of the week. And how about Lovers that Never Were, That Day is Done, and Distractions (songs from the FITD sessions) that he has never played. Wouldn't you die to hear those? I have no problems with Paul constantly playing his true signature (Beatle and Wings era)songs for the first timers. I understand that 100%. And I understand Paul playing the tribute songs at every show. It is what makes his shows unique. Macca has "heart" and I have no problem with hearing them again and again. But to want Paul to do 5-6 of his "great" Solo songs is a sign of someone who really loves Paul McCartney's music and entire music career. I'm not saying he should do 8 songs from Flowers in the Dirt. Play 2 from Flowers and then play 2 from Tug of War that he has never done before, 2 from Flaming Pie that he has never done before etc. etc. His Shows are ignoring a large part of his overall career and he has great (not obscure) Solo songs that are significantly better than 45 Seconds, I wanna Be your Man, Temporary Secretary etc. I'm talking about songs that not only show Paul's classic melodic genius but have smart, intelligent lyrics that his largely 50 and older fan base can relate to.[/quote What is amazing is all you, myself and some others are asking is for is about 25-30 minutes of music we would love to hear out of a concert that is usually 2 1/2 hrs long.
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sirloin:
I'll say this as a bit of a concession: Paul McCartney could probably play a setlist only halfway comprised of his regular songs with the other half being deeper cuts and still sell out entire tours just because he's Paul McFriggin' McCartney, but I can imagine he'd be a bit disappointed if the crowd wasn't screaming, "My brave, my brave, myyyy braaaave faaaaace!!!," right along with him. [disclaimer: anyone who would not enjoy partaking in that is a fascist with no musical taste ] I often wonder how one could even tell if a song isn't popular. I feel like crowds cheer wildly before and after every song. Other than seeing people leave their seats and head for the restrooms and concession stands, how can they ever tell if something isn't super popular? I don't think I'd be able to tell. I'd be that dork up there like, "I'm now going to play a rejected song from the sessions for such and such an album," and in my ignorance think I just rocked the house. I remember hearing the lead singer of A Flock of Seagulls saying that he was sick of playing I Ran, but he realized he had to do it for the fans. As unfair as I think it is to Paul, maybe people really would get disappointed if they had to miss Band on the Run in favor of Beware My Love. I still wish I was that epic of a songwriter that I literally couldn't build a setlist big enough to include all of my greatest hits. Most artists can only wish they had that problem.