Newark, NJ/Prudential Center/Sept 11 & 12 - CONFIRMED
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AcresOfFun:
I forgot one other comment I wanted to make, though it's more about the shows in general than last night's in particular. Of course one of the reasons the show is so scripted and inflexible is the huge production component. Obviously we fans would be delighted with, and perhaps even prefer, something more informal and spontaneous like the soundchecks (used to be). However, I really think it's worth appreciating how impressive and entertaining the production of Paul's shows are. I personally haven't been to many shows that rival it -- Roger Waters may be the only one who comes close. Every time I look at my photos after shows I'm blown away by how visually stunning they are. Last night I was dead parallel with the middle of the stage and elevated so I got a fantastic "3D" view of everything happening and it was spectacular. The amount of effort that has to go into everything, the detail, the precise timing, etc. It even seems to be constantly "getting better." I'm blown away every time and really appreciate all the thought and effort he and his crew put in to "mach schau."
Absolutely. It's hard to imagine it without all that and you're right, it's ever-growing. Still, between-song-banter doesn't exactly throw a monkey wrench into any of the production aspects of the show.
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WixRocks!:
Absolutely. It's hard to imagine it without all that and you're right, it's ever-growing. Still, between-song-banter doesn't exactly throw a monkey wrench into any of the production aspects of the show.
That is true, though even there I think these shows have a bit more spontaneity than we give him credit for. The crowd can help with this a lot -- last night there were a bunch of moments of people yelling stuff out during the banter, and each time he had a witty off-the-cuff retort. My favorite was when two girls by me yelled out "ILY Paul" during the rising stage bit and he said it must be family, maybe "Auntie Gin." Those little things that change night by night keep it interesting.
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Well, other than still being bummed about being "penalized" for being a pre-sale ticket buyer (especially reading how they were practically giving tickets away last night!), and disappointed at the auto-pilot show, it was a good one. Paul did sound better than some times, and he seemed to be in a good mood. Yes, the show started late, AGAIN, causing some train and bus missing for some of us afterwards. I also sometimes wish they wouldn't sell beer at these things...beer just seems to make people stupid. I had to get "nasty" (in a polite way) one time and ask a couple of people in front of us to sit down once in a while so the rest of us could see the stage sometimes; didn't pay all that money to look at their bums in our faces. (And believe me, that's not like me!) I also don't want to do that to people behind or to the side of me: if I have to stand up to see because my view is blocked, I end up blocking someone else's view. Not good! Seemed to me most people there were first-timers, just there for their "bucket lists": "seen a Beatle? Check!" I didn't even see very many Paul or Beatles shirts! Maybe it was just my seat location, but I never noticed such huge real flames at the rear of the stage during "Live and Let Die." The explosions in front seemed stronger, too: I actually felt the heat on my face, and I wasn't that close. I guess they ramp it up a bit to make up for the lack of the fireworks, being an indoor show. We got there early enough to be one of the first 2,000 to enter and be rewarded with a $5 coupon towards food or drink, which l thought would at least get me a bottle of water...until I read the small print which advised it was only good if you spent $15 . I'm happy I went, and also glad I learned a few new things about different ways of getting tickets! As long as he keeps performing so often, with the same show, and the high prices, doesn't seem necessary to be sitting there waiting on the countdown to pre or regular sales anymore. Oh, and no one was brought on stage, which I was happy about!
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First time I've been to mccartney concerts before but this is the first time by myself where I can truly do what I want. I'm an 18 year old college student who got crap seats but wants to experience as much as possible if anyone can pm me or let me know if plans are in place for tonight 9/12 I'd truly appreciate it. Lucas
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Thisbe211:
I also sometimes wish they wouldn't sell beer at these things...beer just seems to make people stupid.
The worst at all shows is how many people seem to be there only to drink, and insist on having their entire party get up and down numerous times throughout the show. When you're on the aisle it's brutal! And when they push by, I'm often trying to catch little things that happen between songs that people like that don't care about. Maybe there could be reserved non-alcohol sections.
Thisbe211:
I also don't want to do that to people behind or to the side of me: if I have to stand up to see because my view is blocked, I end up blocking someone else's view.
Yeah, I always look around to see if people behind me are already standing. The bummer is when I really want to dance and everyone in my section is sitting! Not only do I not want to block people's views, but I definitely don't want to subject anyone to having to watch me dance.
Thisbe211:
I didn't even see very many Paul or Beatles shirts!
Hmm, that wasn't my experience. I saw tons of Beatles and Paul shirts, tons of tour shirts from every tour. Where I was in the first concourse, it felt a bit like Beatlefest. It really seemed to be a buzzing atmosphere before the show. I agree that the majority seem to be first-timers, though most of them also seem excited to be seeing him.
Thisbe211:
Maybe it was just my seat location, but I never noticed such huge real flames at the rear of the stage during "Live and Let Die." The explosions in front seemed stronger, too: I actually felt the heat on my face, and I wasn't that close.
It's funny you say that because I was fully prepared for the explosions, but was still, er, blown away. Man, were those pops loud this time! And the heat was unreal. I took pics during them that just show the entire stage engulfed in a fireball. If I didn't know better I might have been concerned! I wonder if they're enhancing them somehow.
Thisbe211:
We got there early enough to be one of the first 2,000 to enter and be rewarded with a $5 coupon towards food or drink, which l thought would at least get me a bottle of water...until I read the small print which advised it was only good if you spent $15 .
Not worth it IMHO. I thought the food was pretty bad, and there was an insane, barely moving line for the Asian stir fry. I'm not going to bother going early to eat there tonight.
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Enjoyed your comments! Glad you were in a t-shirt section! Nice of you to be so considerate of your seatmates, too. Appreciate people like you. I, too, look around before standing up. I could have stood and saw the stage over those in front of me, and blocked the view for others, but those with me are quite a bit shorter than I am, so even standing up wouldn't have helped them, which is the main reason I was annoyed. As for dancing, I can do that quite well while sitting, and I do!
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Thisbe211:
Enjoyed your comments! Glad you were in a t-shirt section! Nice of you to be so considerate of your seatmates, too. Appreciate people like you. I, too, look around before standing up. I could have stood and saw the stage over those in front of me, and blocked the view for others, but those with me are quite a bit shorter than I am, so even standing up wouldn't have helped them, which is the main reason I was annoyed. As for dancing, I can do that quite well while sitting, and I do!
Ha ha, yes I too have become adept at the art form of seat dancing.
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Reviews all seem to be good. Even Rolling Stone: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/live-reviews/paul-mccartney-live-in-newark-nj-rob-sheffield-reviews-w502609
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AcresOfFun:
However, I really think it's worth appreciating how impressive and entertaining the production of Paul's shows are. I personally haven't been to many shows that rival it -- Roger Waters may be the only one who comes close. Every time I look at my photos after shows I'm blown away by how visually stunning they are. Last night I was dead parallel with the middle of the stage and elevated so I got a fantastic "3D" view of everything happening and it was spectacular. The amount of effort that has to go into everything, the detail, the precise timing, etc. It even seems to be constantly "getting better." I'm blown away every time and really appreciate all the thought and effort he and his crew put in to "mach schau."
I was particularly blown away by the production last night. We were at the 2016 show in Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park (baseball stadium), and even though we had good elevated seats, the stage was still a good distance away. Last night's Newark show was our first up-close look at the One On One production, and it's not just great... it's mindblowing. I doubt any major act can touch the production level of this show. The lighting design is fantastic, the animations are all original, unique and very well crafted. For instance, the Sgt. Pepper Reprise animation is awesome. It was such a sensory overload, that I didn't know if I should watch that great animation or the performers. The Mr. Kite lighting and LED screen animations were mindblowing. Even though we've seen Paul multiple times over the past five years, the show last night was really impressive. Paul must hire the best in the business, because I can't imagine the show being any better with the technology available today. How they can break down this show and move it to Brooklyn and install it with full safety and functionality in one full open day is nothing short of a miracle.
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WixRocks!:
Glad to hear this is serving a purpose. Paul's team must have known ahead or something considering he really does never stop. Since he's returned to touring in '09, can anyone recall him stopping to sign ANYTHING at limo watch?
Brian took the guitar from her and I'm sure he knew. Brian is so friendly at limo watch. He talks to a lot of fans and usually gets them to the right place for the limo.
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The late start probably had a lot to do with Paul meeting with firemen from 9/11 backstage
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NamedAfterPaul:
For instance, the Sgt. Pepper Reprise animation is awesome. It was such a sensory overload, that I didn't know if I should watch that great animation or the performers.
Exact same experience. That was the new treat for me this time around.
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There were definitely production enhancements done for this tour as experienced first in Miami and last night. There was a technical glitch during the pre-show where "Coming Up" stopped, skipped, and restarted. This tacked on a couple of minutes to the late start time as well. Another thing to point out last night during there was a foul up during BOTR. Looking forward to night two in Newark!
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Can someone identify a song that played about ten minutes following the end of the show? Was that a modern remix of Hey Diddle?
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NamedAfterPaul:
Can someone identify a song that played about ten minutes following the end of the show? Was that a modern remix of Hey Diddle?
Yes, that is one that is typically played.
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That is great that Paul met with the firemen. I love learning little details like that. Every tidbit is appreciated by us that can't be there.
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Lucastwig:
I've been to mccartney concerts before but this is the first time by myself where I can truly do what I want. I'm an 18 year old college student who got crap seats but wants to experience as much as possible if anyone can pm me or let me know if plans are in place for tonight 9/12 I'd truly appreciate it. Lucas
I imagine people will be doing he limo watch. Plus, read the Newark thread re upgrading your seat.
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If someone on this thread sent me a PM I apologize, my inbox was full and I just deleted everything but I think that means your message (that I couldn't see) went with it...feel free to re-send!
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WixRocks!:
NamedAfterPaul:
Can someone identify a song that played about ten minutes following the end of the show? Was that a modern remix of Hey Diddle?
Yes, that is one that is typically played.
Thanks, I was in the hallway and couldn't hear it very clearly, but it sounded like Hey Diddle buried in there. Cool mix.
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I just remembered: didn't Paul flub some lyrics in Mr. Kite? It was quick, and probably not even noticed by most. He recovered quickly, as usual. Or were my ears playing tricks on me?