Greensboro, NC, Greensboro Coliseum, Oct. 30, 2014 - ARCHIVE
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The alligator was meant for Paul to keep. She had taken the gator to many concerts this year and he finally played it at the last soundcheck!
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tiggywinkle:
The Greensboro concert was my 12th and the BEST ever!!! Just saw Paul in JAX and it was excellent but he was exceptional in Greensboro. His mood was super happy, stories given with a bit more flair, just something really special that night. His voice was brilliant! I am still traveling but have a great video of Paul's arrival that I'll try to post when I get back to Baltimore and on my own computer. I was standing by Nina and another friend and she showed us the sign she planned to hold up during the show. 'Trick or Treat please sign my feet'. Well, as you know by now, Paul read it and signed her foot! What an exciting night for a great fan! Yes, the venue had a few problems but nothing that made me need to post an entire page about it. All around, it was another fabulous night with Paul McCartney that I will treasure forever. Hope to post some pix next week.
Jax was great Greensboro was better! For both shows I sat near people who never saw the MAN and it was enjoyable to watch their reaction!
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Hi Unofficial Scorer, I do think there were deficiencies at the facility but after having been to loads of Paul shows around the country this facility was not bad at all. Lack of mech stands is one I agree with. Other stuff too but clearly this is an older facility that needs some renovation. The doors opening late had to do with the fact that Paul was late in arriving. He didn't get to the arena until about 5:5o-5:55. I was out there and saw him arrive. Accounting for time to get out of the car and onto stage for soundcheck, that means soundcheck started about 6:00-6:05. Soundcheck is about an hour for paying customers so it is not like he can't skip it or cut it short . So the doors opening at 7:05 was pretty quick after soundcheck. It has happened that the doors have opened later at other shows. So although the doors opened later than advertised it wasn't the fault of the arena. Blame Paul for being late! The show rarely starts before 8:30 but I am cutting you some slack here thinking you haven't read past concert posts to know this. I actually waited outside at my car and went in via a side entrance (a local police officer tipped me off to the various side entrances) and had to wait only 10 minutes for the doors to open.
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The Unofficial Scorer:
The following is a blog post to go online on Nov. 3. I'm giving the Greensboro Coliseum administration until then to comment. Paul McCartney played the Greensboro Coliseum on Thursday night. He outperformed the coliseum in every way imaginable. The concert itself was predictably extraordinary. After years of touring together, McCartney and band put on a three-hour show that has to be experienced to be believed. Greensboro was no different. No Beatles fan should ever pass up the chance. ?Nuff said. So McCartney was his typical brilliant self Thursday night. The Greensboro Coliseum, on the other hand, was absolutely horrendous. The people who run the coliseum proved themselves to be thoroughly inept by staging a clusterf--k of epic dimensions. The list of potential grievances from Thursday?s concert is lengthy, including sound that was too loud by a factor of about a thousand, not nearly enough souvenir and concessions outlets, and not nearly enough intelligent people manning the few concessions outlets that were open. Those complaints pale, however, when stood next to the indefensible decision to open the doors and let people into the coliseum?s entryways an hour before the seating area was ready for occupancy. The doors opened on schedule at 6:30. Those of us on the south side of the coliseum and the special events center were herded into a long, narrow entry hallway about 60 yards long. We were stuck in there until the main doors to the interior of the coliseum opened at 7:05. This corridor was not air-conditioned, and with several thousand people packed into that hallway, it got very hot, very quickly. After 35 minutes, it was downright uncomfortable. McCartney draws fans of all ages. Many of the people in that hallway were senior citizens and aging Baby Boomers. Some did not fare well in the heat. Several standing near me got woozy, lightheaded and/or sick to their stomach. My wife got so lightheaded from the heat that she nearly fainted. After fighting it and nearly passing out, she had to go sit down on an umbrella rack along the side of the hallway. Several people nearby noticed her discomfort and asked if she was okay. It was that evident. I was genuinely concerned for her health and well-being. She was not the only one suffering from the conditions. Once we were allowed into the main coliseum building, our problems continued because they still wouldn't let us into the seating area for another 25 minutes, until almost 7:30. So now we had many more thousands of people jammed in the coliseum?s concourses with nowhere to go. Concourses are designed to facilitate the movement of people from one point to another. They?re not intended to be a gathering spot, especially not for that many people. At least the concourse was air conditioned, but it was badly overcrowded. And remember, many of these people had just escaped a 35-minute imprisonment in a hot, overcrowded hallway. Some of them badly needed to get to their seats and get off their feet. Too bad, we were told. The seating area still was not ready. Deal with it. They finally let us into the seating area at 7:30, a full hour after opening the doors. Whoever was running this circus violated one of the most obvious common-sense rules of staging an event like this ? never open the doors and let people into an arena before the seating area is ready for occupancy. It takes a genuine idiot not to be able to figure that out. In my 45 years of concert-going, I?d never once seen that happen, until Oct. 30, 2014, at the Greensboro Coliseum. Once we got into the coliseum, two other problems quickly reared their ugly heads. First, the sound system was way too loud. As a result, the sound wasn?t nearly as clean as it could have been. Second, there weren?t nearly enough souvenir and concessions stands. The few that were open were badly understaffed. Lines were absurdly long. I waited in line 25 minutes just to buy a t-shirt and a concert program at a souvenir stand. That should never happen. The lines at the concessions stands were brutally long as well. My wife and I don?t get to too many arena concerts, but we do go on occasion, so we have some experience for comparison. We saw McCartney at the Charlotte Coliseum in July 2010, and that was the gold standard for how to run a major concert. In addition to being in our seats no more than 10 minutes after the doors opened, the sound was absolutely perfect ? not too loud but loud enough, and clear as a bell ? and there were souvenir and concession stands open all over the building. The lines were short and the wait was brief. We saw both Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty earlier this year at PNC Arena in Raleigh, Springsteen in April and Petty in September. Again, the concert experience for both blew away the Greensboro Coliseum. For both shows, we were in our seats within minutes of entering the building. The sound was terrific. There were ample souvenir and concessions stands. No one had to wait in line for more than a few minutes. I worked in college athletics for nearly 20 years. I?ve seen and been around for the planning of major events. It's not easy, but it?s not brain surgery, either. A group of high school students could have run that McCartney concert better than the intellectual lightweights who run the Greensboro Coliseum. The music made up for it, of course, but it shouldn't have to be a tradeoff, should it? Is it too much to ask ? especially at more than $100 per ticket for the cheap seats ? that the experience at the venue be as pleasing as the music itself? Charlotte certainly met that standard when McCartney played there four years ago. PNC Arena did the same this year for both the Springsteen and Petty shows. All three of the aforementioned shows went off without a hitch for the concert-goer. Greensboro, meanwhile, came up embarrassingly short for Thursday night?s McCartney show. The music was life-changing. That cannot be overemphasized. The experience with the arena, however, could only lead one to conclude that the people who run the Greensboro Coliseum couldn?t find their own ass with both hands.
Welcome to the board
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I was also told the governor was there and that his security may have also contributed to the doors opening late.
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Still high in the clouds. I was in the 2nd row on Brian's side in Greensboro. When Paul mentioned about all the signs he noticed my "trick or treat please sign my feet" sign and read it out loud and laughed. I was thrilled he read my sign and I thought that was it. Then Paul said during his first encore about someone who held up that sign might just get their wish!!! Then there was Paul's security guy Brian Riddle standing in front of me and he said you are going up. So of course I started to shake that was just something I never thought would happen ever!!!!! He took to me to the side of the stage and told me to follow the rules and he would let me know when it was time. After Yesterday he took me around back of the stage then I was bought up on stage. I saw all of the band and John Hamel as I walked onto the stage. I was so nervous and shaking and they decided I should have a chair. But before the chair was bought up on stage Paul told me to take my shoes off!! I held onto his shoulder (!!!!) and took them off. However I wasn't prepared and had tie shoes and had trouble with the laces because I was so nervous! Paul asked me my name and read my sign again. As I was sitting in the chair Brian handed him a can of odor eaters and then Paul sprayed my foot and dried it with a towel that Brian handed him. It was hilarious!!!!!!! Then Paul put my foot on his thigh (!!!!!!!) and signed my left foot. He said this is a first. And the last,,,, he was so charming and funny and then I couldn't believe it I got a hug then a handshake. After I left the stage he says "I used to be a serious rock and roll Man until Nina come along " then strolls across the stage smiling. The audience was howling with laughter. I got the signature tattooed 2 days later and am proud to show everyone my foot with Paul's signature. Very very cool. This was the BEST night of my life!!!! Nina )
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We couldn't believe it when you got brought up on stage Nina. What a fabulous thing! Glad you made the decision to get the tattoo you were still on the fence when I talked to you after the show.
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number1fan:
Still high in the clouds. I was in the 2nd row on Brian's side in Greensboro. When Paul mentioned about all the signs he noticed my "trick or treat please sign my feet" sign and read it out loud and laughed. I was thrilled he read my sign and I thought that was it. Then Paul said during his first encore about someone who held up that sign might just get their wish!!! Then there was Paul's security guy Brian Riddle standing in front of me and he said you are going up. So of course I started to shake that was just something I never thought would happen ever!!!!! He took to me to the side of the stage and told me to follow the rules and he would let me know when it was time. After Yesterday he took me around back of the stage then I was bought up on stage. I saw all of the band and John Hamel as I walked onto the stage. I was so nervous and shaking and they decided I should have a chair. But before the chair was bought up on stage Paul told me to take my shoes off!! I held onto his shoulder (!!!!) and took them off. However I wasn't prepared and had tie shoes and had trouble with the laces because I was so nervous! Paul asked me my name and read my sign again. As I was sitting in the chair Brian handed him a can of odor eaters and then Paul sprayed my foot and dried it with a towel that Brian handed him. It was hilarious!!!!!!! Then Paul put my foot on his thigh (!!!!!!!) and signed my left foot. He said this is a first. And the last,,,, he was so charming and funny and then I couldn't believe it I got a hug then a handshake. After I left the stage he says "I used to be a serious rock and roll Man until Nina come along " then strolls across the stage smiling. The audience was howling with laughter. I got the signature tattooed 2 days later and am proud to show everyone my foot with Paul's signature. Very very cool. This was the BEST night of my life!!!! Nina
Congratulations! It was funny!
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number1fan:
Still high in the clouds. I was in the 2nd row on Brian's side in Greensboro. When Paul mentioned about all the signs he noticed my "trick or treat please sign my feet" sign and read it out loud and laughed. I was thrilled he read my sign and I thought that was it. Then Paul said during his first encore about someone who held up that sign might just get their wish!!! Then there was Paul's security guy Brian Riddle standing in front of me and he said you are going up. So of course I started to shake that was just something I never thought would happen ever!!!!! He took to me to the side of the stage and told me to follow the rules and he would let me know when it was time. After Yesterday he took me around back of the stage then I was bought up on stage. I saw all of the band and John Hamel as I walked onto the stage. I was so nervous and shaking and they decided I should have a chair. But before the chair was bought up on stage Paul told me to take my shoes off!! I held onto his shoulder (!!!!) and took them off. However I wasn't prepared and had tie shoes and had trouble with the laces because I was so nervous! Paul asked me my name and read my sign again. As I was sitting in the chair Brian handed him a can of odor eaters and then Paul sprayed my foot and dried it with a towel that Brian handed him. It was hilarious!!!!!!! Then Paul put my foot on his thigh (!!!!!!!) and signed my left foot. He said this is a first. And the last,,,, he was so charming and funny and then I couldn't believe it I got a hug then a handshake. After I left the stage he says "I used to be a serious rock and roll Man until Nina come along " then strolls across the stage smiling. The audience was howling with laughter. I got the signature tattooed 2 days later and am proud to show everyone my foot with Paul's signature. Very very cool. This was the BEST night of my life!!!! Nina
Aaaaahhhhh!!!!! Could not happen to a nicer, more devoted fan - LOVE it!!! Sooooo happy for you!!! Wish we could have been there to see this one! Fingers crossed for a YouTube capture! Congratulations, Nina!!!
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video is now on you tube here http//
Fan gets foot signed by Paul McCartney by maccatravelerforever -
number1fan:
video is now on you tube here:
Fan gets foot signed by Paul McCartney by maccatravelerforeverI cried watching this video as I know how much this means to you!!! A brilliant moment - LOVE how generous Paul is to his fans!!! Treasure the moment always!!!
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Wow that is pretty cool. Great story!!
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number1fan:
Still high in the clouds. I was in the 2nd row on Brian's side in Greensboro. When Paul mentioned about all the signs he noticed my "trick or treat please sign my feet" sign and read it out loud and laughed. I was thrilled he read my sign and I thought that was it. Then Paul said during his first encore about someone who held up that sign might just get their wish!!! Then there was Paul's security guy Brian Riddle standing in front of me and he said you are going up. So of course I started to shake that was just something I never thought would happen ever!!!!! He took to me to the side of the stage and told me to follow the rules and he would let me know when it was time. After Yesterday he took me around back of the stage then I was bought up on stage. I saw all of the band and John Hamel as I walked onto the stage. I was so nervous and shaking and they decided I should have a chair. But before the chair was bought up on stage Paul told me to take my shoes off!! I held onto his shoulder (!!!!) and took them off. However I wasn't prepared and had tie shoes and had trouble with the laces because I was so nervous! Paul asked me my name and read my sign again. As I was sitting in the chair Brian handed him a can of odor eaters and then Paul sprayed my foot and dried it with a towel that Brian handed him. It was hilarious!!!!!!! Then Paul put my foot on his thigh (!!!!!!!) and signed my left foot. He said this is a first. And the last,,,, he was so charming and funny and then I couldn't believe it I got a hug then a handshake. After I left the stage he says "I used to be a serious rock and roll Man until Nina come along " then strolls across the stage smiling. The audience was howling with laughter. I got the signature tattooed 2 days later and am proud to show everyone my foot with Paul's signature. Very very cool. This was the BEST night of my life!!!! Nina
Congratulations, Nina....so happy for you!! It couldn't have happened to a nicer fan! Did the experience "sink in" yet??
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number1fan:
Still high in the clouds. I was in the 2nd row on Brian's side in Greensboro. When Paul mentioned about all the signs he noticed my "trick or treat please sign my feet" sign and read it out loud and laughed. I was thrilled he read my sign and I thought that was it. Then Paul said during his first encore about someone who held up that sign might just get their wish!!! Then there was Paul's security guy Brian Riddle standing in front of me and he said you are going up. So of course I started to shake that was just something I never thought would happen ever!!!!! He took to me to the side of the stage and told me to follow the rules and he would let me know when it was time. After Yesterday he took me around back of the stage then I was bought up on stage. I saw all of the band and John Hamel as I walked onto the stage. I was so nervous and shaking and they decided I should have a chair. But before the chair was bought up on stage Paul told me to take my shoes off!! I held onto his shoulder (!!!!) and took them off. However I wasn't prepared and had tie shoes and had trouble with the laces because I was so nervous! Paul asked me my name and read my sign again. As I was sitting in the chair Brian handed him a can of odor eaters and then Paul sprayed my foot and dried it with a towel that Brian handed him. It was hilarious!!!!!!! Then Paul put my foot on his thigh (!!!!!!!) and signed my left foot. He said this is a first. And the last,,,, he was so charming and funny and then I couldn't believe it I got a hug then a handshake. After I left the stage he says "I used to be a serious rock and roll Man until Nina come along " then strolls across the stage smiling. The audience was howling with laughter. I got the signature tattooed 2 days later and am proud to show everyone my foot with Paul's signature. Very very cool. This was the BEST night of my life!!!! Nina
Congratulations! I'm curious: what were the rules that Mr. Riddle asked you to follow?
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I have no idea what the rules were ! Brian didn't tell me! But I guess I followed them ok whatever they were ! I just followed Paul's lead and that seemed ok. I suppose the rules meant no selfies or extra conversation . Things like that. Nina
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number1fan:
I have no idea what the rules were ! Brian didn't tell me! But I guess I followed them ok whatever they were ! I just followed Paul's lead and that seemed ok. I suppose the rules meant no selfies or extra conversation . Things like that. Nina
And my guess is also no rushing at Paul or trying to grab him. Common sense of course but there are probably people who would be so excited they might try it. Congrats on your encounter!
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Congrats, Nina! So great for you Your clever, well-timed sign certainly paid off!
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VERY happy for you Nina! You are so lucky, congratulations. This was a once in a lifetime experience for you.