Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre - Oct. 17, 2015 - ARCHIVE
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I have to say, the U.S. Tour this summer was a bit scary- he looked tired and his voice was clearly strained. However, Paul looks re-energized and sounds very good, one of his best vocal outings of 2015 last night in Toronto. His best of 2015? Probably Budokan. Will be interesting to see how 2016 will play out.
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LetMeRollIt89:
Checkin' out some of the YouTube videos. Some really good uploads quality-wise. Paul does indeed sound very good for 2015...especially compared to his voice during the Summer leg of "Out There" earlier this year. Probably the best, vocally, that I've heard of "Another Girl" since he started doing it and "Got To Get You Into My Life" since it came back. Very happy to see/hear "Mull of Kintyre" after its 2-year hiatus. Good gig!
"Checkin' out some of the YouTube videos. Some really good uploads quality-wise. Paul does indeed sound very good for 2015...especially compared to his voice during the Summer leg of "Out There" earlier this year. " Listen to them and was impressed for most part. Sorry, "Maybe I'm Amazed" is just not sung well anymore.
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5th-beatle:
dcshark:
It was sound checked
In front of those who paid for the Hot Sound package?
Carlos, not sure. I didn't have a soundcheck package. Paul arrived late, but I could hear the band and Pipe Band rehearsing occasionally, while I waited. As a result of Paul being late the soundcheck went on later. The arena doors opened while the soundcheck was still going on, but we weren't allowed to ours seats until the sound check was done. Mainly they were working Mull of Kintyre
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Steve:
I honestly do not know what they put in the water tonight in Toronto. Paul and his voice and energy level was like a throwback to several years ago. Maybe the best concert I have seen him perform in the past three years. Tons of audience interaction, multiple fans brought on stage. Mull and the bagpipes also... Yeah, he stuck to the same game plan, no other surprises than MULL, but his voice was strong and the audience was hot..... Glad I was out there!
I agree he sound excellent on Saturday night. I was impressed. It was a better than usual
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B J Conlee:
Just read the reviews from the 2 big Toronto papers. Both couldn't say enough about the quality of the show and Macca's stamina ...41 songs, 3 hours. I am surprised about the lack of knowledge of the music writers covering the show particularly the Toronto Star. The writer said that McCartney delivered a few surprises: Let Me Roll It Helter Skelter 1985 and the "newer" Temporary Secretary". I guess the writer did not know that Temporary Secretary is 35 years old and that Paul has been playing Let Me Roll It and Helter Skelter forever. With knowledge like this, no wonder Macca doesn't get any criticism for his setlist.
I haven't read the reviews, but Paul did say after Temporary Secretary that it was one of newer compositions in comparison to 8 Days and Got Get You Into My Life which were played previously . Not all the reviewers fault.
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The best Paul McCartney show that I've seen. He's such a great entertainer.
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All in all a very good show. Paul seemed to have a lot of energy and was having a good time rocking Toronto. He played a full version 45 seconds and that was good. To me, vocally, not his best song of the night, but nice to hear live. He introduced it by saying that he had collaborated on the next song with Kayne. And added very sarcastically, it seemed to me, 'that was fun.' I finally got to hear One after 909, and I've Just Seen Face live. I missed those from previous setlists. Another Girl was a nice addition. I've never liked Temporay Secretary but it was good performance. Paul starting singing in the wrong spot, but the band played on and cycled back to the start. Got To Get You Into My Life sounded excellent live, but I do miss Jet and Juniors Farm at this point in the setlist. It was nice to hear the 'New' songs live, and got a good response. Everybody Out There should be in the show As for Mull of Kintyre ... it is a better song live for me than on record. It's very impressive to hear a Pipe band and Paul live. There is no way to do this song justice without a Pipe Band. I'm shuffling off to Buffalo on Thursday for a repeat
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dcshark:
5th-beatle:
dcshark:
It was sound checked
In front of those who paid for the Hot Sound package?
Carlos, not sure. I didn't have a soundcheck package. Paul arrived late, but I could hear the band and Pipe Band rehearsing occasionally, while I waited. As a result of Paul being late the soundcheck went on later. The arena doors opened while the soundcheck was still going on, but we weren't allowed to ours seats until the sound check was done. Mainly they were working Mull of Kintyre
If they opened the arena doors, then the paid soundcheckers were gone. I have never seen Mull at the two Canadian soundchecks I have attended. They always waited until after we were taken out of the arena to begin practicing it. We could hear it! but it was not done as part of the "regular" soundcheck set.
Glad you had a great show in Toronto, everyone!!!
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thenightfish:
dcshark:
5th-beatle:
dcshark:
It was sound checked
In front of those who paid for the Hot Sound package?
Carlos, not sure. I didn't have a soundcheck package. Paul arrived late, but I could hear the band and Pipe Band rehearsing occasionally, while I waited. As a result of Paul being late the soundcheck went on later. The arena doors opened while the soundcheck was still going on, but we weren't allowed to ours seats until the sound check was done. Mainly they were working Mull of Kintyre
If they opened the arena doors, then the paid soundcheckers were gone. I have never seen Mull at the two Canadian soundchecks I have attended. They always waited until after we were taken out of the arena to begin practicing it. We could hear it! but it was not done as part of the "regular" soundcheck set.
Glad you had a great show in Toronto, everyone!!!
I was at the sound check and we left before the pipe band arrived on stage.
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Adding my accolades about the Toronto show! I sat rear stage this time, but only 3 rows up, which was pretty cool. I had seen this tour in Ottawa in 2013 so I didn't miss the screens that much, I just wanted to see Paul without binoculars. I thought he was in very good voice, and his energy was high.....he never seems to age. He amazes me! My highlight was Hi Hi Hi (so happy he has kept it in) and of course Mull Of Kintyre. I was lucky enough to hear the soundcheck of it too, even if they wouldn't let me into my seat.
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I was absolutely thrilled with the concert too. I couldn't believe how strong Paul's voice sounded, of the six concerts I've attended: the best! I sat 4th row centre and was so entertained by watching how much he was enjoying himself; Paul really had a spark about him on the night, very playful and engaging. So much fun
, a fantastic evening!
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I was VERY late arriving to the show, but thankfully Paul was running late too. I was scurrying to my seat when a lady looked me straight in the eyes and said "Are you alone?!?" I told her yes, I was. She said TAKE THIS AND GET TO YOUR SEAT NOW!! I look down and she handed me a 2nd row floor seat, DEAD CENTER!!! I have often heard of these mysterious upgrades from heaven, but until now, I didn't really believe they existed. What a night! Will never forget watching Paul from ten feet away. It was a huge relief, as my girlfriend couldn't make the show and I was stuck with an extra ticket. No one outside the venue would buy it at cost, and I refused to sell it to scalpers so THEY could make a profit. I decided to eat the cost of the extra ticket and ran in just in time for this miracle upgrade. Some things happen for a reason!! Thank you mysterious lady!!!
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carsoni4:
I was VERY late arriving to the show, but thankfully Paul was running late too. I was scurrying to my seat when a lady looked me straight in the eyes and said "Are you alone?!?" I told her yes, I was. She said TAKE THIS AND GET TO YOUR SEAT NOW!! I look down and she handed me a 2nd row floor seat, DEAD CENTER!!! I have often heard of these mysterious upgrades from heaven, but until now, I didn't really believe they existed. What a night! Will never forget watching Paul from ten feet away. It was a huge relief, as my girlfriend couldn't make the show and I was stuck with an extra ticket. No one outside the venue would buy it at cost, and I refused to sell it to scalpers so THEY could make a profit. I decided to eat the cost of the extra ticket and ran in just in time for this miracle upgrade. Some things happen for a reason!! Thank you mysterious lady!!!
That is fantastic! What a great story - hey I probably have pictures of the back of your head! I was seat 20 row 4
!
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carsoni4:
I was VERY late arriving to the show, but thankfully Paul was running late too. I was scurrying to my seat when a lady looked me straight in the eyes and said "Are you alone?!?" I told her yes, I was. She said TAKE THIS AND GET TO YOUR SEAT NOW!! I look down and she handed me a 2nd row floor seat, DEAD CENTER!!! I have often heard of these mysterious upgrades from heaven, but until now, I didn't really believe they existed. What a night! Will never forget watching Paul from ten feet away. It was a huge relief, as my girlfriend couldn't make the show and I was stuck with an extra ticket. No one outside the venue would buy it at cost, and I refused to sell it to scalpers so THEY could make a profit. I decided to eat the cost of the extra ticket and ran in just in time for this miracle upgrade. Some things happen for a reason!! Thank you mysterious lady!!!
Way cool!
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oobu24:
carsoni4:
I was VERY late arriving to the show, but thankfully Paul was running late too. I was scurrying to my seat when a lady looked me straight in the eyes and said "Are you alone?!?" I told her yes, I was. She said TAKE THIS AND GET TO YOUR SEAT NOW!! I look down and she handed me a 2nd row floor seat, DEAD CENTER!!! I have often heard of these mysterious upgrades from heaven, but until now, I didn't really believe they existed. What a night! Will never forget watching Paul from ten feet away. It was a huge relief, as my girlfriend couldn't make the show and I was stuck with an extra ticket. No one outside the venue would buy it at cost, and I refused to sell it to scalpers so THEY could make a profit. I decided to eat the cost of the extra ticket and ran in just in time for this miracle upgrade. Some things happen for a reason!! Thank you mysterious lady!!!
Way cool!
____________________________________________ carsoni Congrats! Sometimes when things don't seem to get any worse, a kind person gives you faith. Glad you had the chance to see Macca so close.
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Over at the Hoffman forum, the majority opinion of those attending this concert was that he was in markedly bad voice. On the other hand, the majority of posts here state that he was in stellar voice. Having watched a good many clips now, I wasn't overly enthused. One example. No comparison between his vocals on Another Girl compared to Liverpool, or Tokyo. Those long mini concert soundchecks can't be helpful. He's singing for close to 4 hours per evening, per concert.
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Congrats carsoni4! What an amazing gift! Happy for you! We got upgrated 1st row center 10 years ago in DC ... it is hard to go back to regular seating after that! LOL I wish memories could be bottled in and that we could open the bottle to "get back" to those amazing feelings! Paul and the band were at their best in Toronto! What a great night it has been!
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I had a blast! Paul was fabulous as usual. He blew my mind during sound check with Blue Suede Shoes. I was staggered it was so good, I wish it had been played during the concert too. I liked hearing Four Five Seconds too, I'm ready for more of his new stuff especially the bluesy new stuff. Dinner was the best I've ever had at his shows. People all over the dining room kept say "I'd be a vegetarian too if I could cook like this". It was the Tofu that won them over, we need lessons from Mary on how to do it right. The people were so much fun, the vibes were wonderful. They wanted to hear about the good old days & I talked their heads off with my stories of the Beatles in LA. I loved it, all these young people wanting to know all about it, very cool. Makes me wonder if I should right a book? My mind is still whirling, I'm still high as a kite. Paul, please, never stop. You keep me young and I still love you.
PS: I'm a Fraser too! Of Lovat circa 1750 He said he had heard there were a lot of Fraser's there. That was very nice to hear him say it.
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nanorama:
I had a blast! Paul was fabulous as usual. He blew my mind during sound check with Blue Suede Shoes. I was staggered it was so good, I wish it had been played during the concert too. I liked hearing Four Five Seconds too, I'm ready for more of his new stuff especially the bluesy new stuff. Dinner was the best I've ever had at his shows. People all over the dining room kept say "I'd be a vegetarian too if I could cook like this". It was the Tofu that won them over, we need lessons from Mary on how to do it right. The people were so much fun, the vibes were wonderful. They wanted to hear about the good old days & I talked their heads off with my stories of the Beatles in LA. I loved it, all these young people wanting to know all about it, very cool. Makes me wonder if I should right a book? My mind is still whirling, I'm still high as a kite. Paul, please, never stop. You keep me young and I still love you.
PS: I'm a Fraser too! Of Lovat circa 1750 He said he had heard there were a lot of Fraser's there. That was very nice to hear him say it.
Could you post the sound-check setlist.
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I saw the show on Saturday. Sorry if this gets overly long. Hopefully some of it is interesting.
I'm obviously no videographer.It started with doing the limo watch. I got there sometime between 4-4:30, and found a group gathered at the ramp where his car would come in. It was pretty cold, and the wait was pretty long. After a time as some other cars were arriving, we started to hear bagpipes when the door would open. We were very happy to hear that! He didn't arrive until about 6pm. As his car was heading our way, 7 seconds after I started video on my camera it stopped and I got the message "Change battery pack." No!!!! I tried to change it, but my fingers were too frozen to move fast. Maybe I should have gone for my phone, but I'm not sure I would have been fast enough for that either. So I looked up just in time to see him go by and barely caught a glimpse of him. So much regret. There were nice people next to me who sent me two pictures and video that they got, so at least I have that.
But boy, that was a fail of a limo watch.
I already had a cold, so after standing outside for so long, I wasn't going to rush back in the cold to wait outside for the doors to open. (My hotel was really close.) So I got there about 7:30 and there were lines of people going in. Once inside I was surprised to hear bagpipes again, this time with Paul singing.
Once I realized he was still rehearsing, I wasn't surprised to see that they weren't letting people go to their seats yet. So I just went over to listen. I don't know exactly when they opened the doors, although a security guy said it was 7:05. But about 7:45 they started letting people go to their seats, and it was a mess. Apparently my section was one to go through to get to the floor, so it was just jammed. I waited a while and finally made it to my seat. The concert started at 8:30. He had the false start on Temporary Secretary. I posted my video of that here:
I don't really know how to focus, so it goes in and out. I'll try to post more videos over the next few days. I love how Temporary Secretary just randomly popped into his concerts. I love it, but it's like, he's not doing Get Back but he's doing TS.
You know what else I would like? Spies Like Us! I love when he does the piano songs, to see him play. I took lessons and could play piano, but I'm so jealous of people like him who are really talented so that it's just effortless. So like 1985 and Lady Madonna, I just love. I don't really notice his voice being bad on Maybe I'm Amazed. I think I'm too in awe of how those pictures from McCartney start to move. I can't stop watching them. I have a video of that, too: Plus he screams and I feel like that hides problems, too. One of them that I did notice his voice not sounding great on was And I Love Her. Four Five Seconds is one that I barely know. I don't like Kanye, don't listen to pop radio, avoided it even though it was Paul, and I really only heard it when they did it on the Grammys. That one was just ho hum to me, wait till it's over. It was ok, but I felt like the older people around me didn't know it either. I think younger people were probably excited. He says All Together Now is for the kids, but I love it! I'm so glad he does it. Such a fun song! (Chop the tree!) I feel like there's a part in the show where it just takes off like a rocket ship for the rest of the show. I think it's around Lady Madonna. It just builds at that point and doesn't let up. Something was so touching with the pictures of George. As soon as he started Let It Be, a young guy in my row started trying to get everyone around us to turn on our phone flashlights, like he was waiting for it. No matter how aware I am of what's going to happen during Live and Let Die, that first explosion always makes me jump! I'm never prepared!
The people around me stood at the beginning, and mostly at the end, but in between everyone mostly sat. I prefer to sit as well (I'm not a dancer, so I prefer to just bop around in my seat
), but once again I was the only one to jump up out of their seat like a crazy person when he played Hi, Hi, Hi.
It got a good response when it was over, but I don't feel like it's that well known. For the guy in the audience that he talked to a little and said he wasn't the only pebble on the sand, he had a sign that said "If you [can't remember, maybe sign me or my sign?] I'll go vegan." For the couple that was having their 35 anniversary that he brought on stage, the guy said something to the effect of, no disrespect to Nancy, but we've modeled our marriage after Paul and Linda.... Never spent a night apart...except for the time in a Japan prison after the pot bust.
I couldn't believe he went there! (He did say that, right? It wasn't just in my head??) Then the mother and daughter came out, and the mom had a sign something like, Please sign my daughter's shirt, she's too young for a tattoo. And the daughter's sign said, Please sign my mom, she's old enough for anything. Then the mom said you can sign anywhere. And Paul goes, your arm.
Then he went to sign the daughter's shirt, and thought about it for a second and bent her over to sign her back. The audience started to laugh and he said we have dirty minds. Then they got him to sign a little poster a little sister had made who wasn't there. I really love to see him when he's acting goofy and just having fun. That's my favorite thing. Mull of Kintyre was great, of course. I was a little unprepared for how loud the bagpipes are in an arena, though. Pretty loud! I was thinking that Mull, Temporary Secretary, and Four Five Seconds were the only "new" songs for me, but I looked into it and it turns out I've never seen him do One After 909 and Another Girl either. (I thought he might have done those in Chicago last year, but apparently not.) Hope he comes to Chicago sometime soon-ish so I can see him again!