Paul McCartney has officially become an oldies act.
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DennyC i did read someone on here say they would enjoy Paul singing Baa Baa Black Sheep or burp,which is a little silly.I think that's what Lyceum '89 was alluding too. I'm enjoying the selist debate enormously,so many differing views.No wonder it's difficult to please everybody.
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point taken boycie. Although I think Appletart's point is better, good music is like fine wine, it gets better and better.
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The point is that it's Paul. I have a few songs that I'd LOVE to hear him sing live, but since Paul selects the songs he plays, I figure that they must have some special meaning to him. Almost kinda like being inside his heart for just a moment. Would I miss Hey Jude if he didn't sing it? Probably. But, would I complain? No. Because, the man follows his heart. KJ
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I've always thought that 'Take It Away' would be a good sub for 'Jet' in a setlist. It's got a similar tempo, the horn section thing going on and the lyrics allude to a concert ie: "Wanna hear you play till the lights go down" etc etc. I think it would be a fun song to throw into the mix.
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Sunday was the 4th time I saw Paul. The first time was during the Driving Rain tour at Earls Court, London in the nosebleed seats and I loved every second. Just being in the presence of Paul McCartney singing those songs live was, at that moment, one of the best moments of my life. The second time I saw Paul was at the Electric Ballroom secret gig in Camden. He was about six feet away from me. Needless to say, that was probably the best gig I have ever been to. The third was the Roundhouse 'Electric Proms' show. Brilliant, but the Electric Ballroom experience was hard to beat. So, Liverpool. We had seats in The Kop and, to be honest, it was just great to be there, to be watching Paul perform in his hometown. Yes, personally, I could have done without seeing C Moon and Drive My Car again, but I spent much of those songs I'd seen Paul perform before looking at and observing the fans in front of and around me (while still enjoying the music, of course). The sheer delight and ecstasy on some of the fans' faces during those songs was a joy to behold. The way that one lady was laughing so hard at the 'encores' on I'll Follow The Sun, it was evident that she'd never seen him do that before. It was predictable - for me - but it was evident that, for lots of people sitting in the Kop around me, it was the first time that they had seen it. Just as, once I heard the meandering piano intro, I knew that we were going to hear The Long And Winding Road, but it was evident that, given the response to the first vocals of the song, the majority of the stadium did not. To hear 36,000 fans singing along to Let It Be was spine-tingling. To hear lots of Liverpudlians voices singing, as one, the chorus of Penny Lane made me grin so much, my cheeks hurt. To be part of the Anfield chorus singing the Hey Jude refrain with such passion and enjoyment - those moments were priceless. Two other priceless moments were the respective tributes to George (Something) and John (A Day In The Life/Give Peace A Chance). I nearly fell over with shock when the intro to A Day In The Life was played - a truly wonderful moment, even if Paul did fluff the lyrics a little and didn't play all of the song. It was a treat to hear the 'Concert For George' version of Something instead of the full ukelele version as well. Other special moments of the evening were In Liverpool which - as someone in this thread has pointed out - wasn't really greeted with much enthusiasm by the casual fans who seemed to listen politely (or talk amongst themselves) but for the hardcore fans who have listened to and appreciate the 'b-sides' and rare tracks, that was their moment. Add the fact that Dave Grohl was there, souping up Band On The Run and adding his incredible drumming to two superb classic Beatles rock 'n' roll numbers, I don't think that I'm the only one who feels as if I've witnessed a very memorable, special, historic night. I think back to myself in the nosebleed seats at Earls Court quite a few years ago and how each and every Beatles and Macca classic filled my heart with bursting joy and near-insane happiness and I saw that on the faces of so many people in the crowd who were perhaps seeing Paul for the very first time and - for them - this was very nearly the perfect set and even if it wasn't perfect, it was Paul bloody McCartney at Anfield. Talk about songs which you're tired of seeing Paul play live, complain about lack of originality if you like, that's your right as fans - but in my opinion, The Liverpool Sound Concert was a unique night to remember and Paul played a blinder even if the plot to the movie did seem familiar a few times during the night. A brilliant night and a brilliant weekend. Nice one, Paul.
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For the first time today i decided to read thru this thread...and man was I a bit surprised.. ..but everyone is entitled to their own opinion...I guess if people didn't criticize we would be living in a perfect world.. .that being said.....to me, I feel that Paul can sing whatever he wants...just being able to see this icon is a wonderful experience in itself...I haven't been to many Paul concerts and each time I did, I enjoyed myself completely!! There are just so many songs he can chose to sing at a concert...and we all know the age groups at his concerts are very diversified. I believe Paul tries to make everyone happy by including old, new and Beatles music and wouldn't want it any other way....but with respect to a change-up, sure, as long as it's still with old & new Paul songs; with of course Beatles tunes. Who knows, Paul may just be reading thru this thread ....and if you are Paul, please play Another Day.
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I think we should all be very grateful that we have Paul to do this for us REGARDLESS of what he sings. George & John are gone & Paul will not live for ever as much as we would all like him to. I fear that when he goes thats it really. No disrespect to Ringo but he has never had the same pull that the other 3 had. The Beatles & their music will live on but there will be no more concerts , no more signings, no more Paul in the news etc. Make the most of it. It could all end tomorrow. (
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Some people here are slipping a little into negatronic land but generally I think, there's just that frustration that more enthusiastic fans of any act feel when the artist is, understandably and rightly, catering to the widest base. Last year's Prince concerts had similar debates (which Paul alluded to in his BBC Breakfast interview and obviously followed in some detail) about 'hits vs twists'. Now, comparitively, Prince's 'hit lists' tend to be much more mobile...even when he's sticking to the hits, he tends to muck it all around a bit (because he's the mucking it all around a bit type, folks) whereas it is fairly true to say that not only has this Paul band been following the same formula throughout its existence but that the formula is modelled on the previous band's hit lists. So...time is going to be CALLED at some point and I really do think that when Kiev hits the TV screens worldwide (as it inevitably will), there will be press backlash in store because we've now had regular and widely-seen broadcasts since Glasto 04 that are essentially THE SAME SHOW. There have been notable contexts and all of that which have lent a freshness but that can only be stretched so far and I think everybody is fairly agreed now that the time is optimal for a change. Kiev, of course, is the case in point, from the Paul side of things. These people have never had the opportunity to see him before so of course he's gotta do THE SHOW they've been hearing about...with all the hits. BUT There are plenty of ideas here from the massive that can ensure Kiev and the world tour enter a new phase. If the stadium gigs are required (as they surely are) to be HITS shows, then any future smaller shows (the secret gigs strand) surely MUST BE DIFFERENT FROM THAT. As to how they are different, well we're hearing ideas like DO A WHOLE ALBUM...LIVE DO ENTIRELY NEW MATERIAL (with a few hits for frills) DO A REQUEST SHOW (The Elvis Costello model...remember his Big Wheel Selector?) Also, with the stadium shows, why not REPLACE EVERY HIT WITH A DIFFERENT ONE and see if anybody complains. "There's plenty more moussaka where that came from, Bob"
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JeffLynnesBeard:
Sunday was the 4th time I saw Paul. The first time was during the Driving Rain tour at Earls Court, London in the nosebleed seats and I loved every second. Just being in the presence of Paul McCartney singing those songs live was, at that moment, one of the best moments of my life. The second time I saw Paul was at the Electric Ballroom secret gig in Camden. He was about six feet away from me. Needless to say, that was probably the best gig I have ever been to. The third was the Roundhouse 'Electric Proms' show. Brilliant, but the Electric Ballroom experience was hard to beat. So, Liverpool. We had seats in The Kop and, to be honest, it was just great to be there, to be watching Paul perform in his hometown. Yes, personally, I could have done without seeing C Moon and Drive My Car again, but I spent much of those songs I'd seen Paul perform before looking at and observing the fans in front of and around me (while still enjoying the music, of course). The sheer delight and ecstasy on some of the fans' faces during those songs was a joy to behold. The way that one lady was laughing so hard at the 'encores' on I'll Follow The Sun, it was evident that she'd never seen him do that before. It was predictable - for me - but it was evident that, for lots of people sitting in the Kop around me, it was the first time that they had seen it. Just as, once I heard the meandering piano intro, I knew that we were going to hear The Long And Winding Road, but it was evident that, given the response to the first vocals of the song, the majority of the stadium did not. To hear 36,000 fans singing along to Let It Be was spine-tingling. To hear lots of Liverpudlians voices singing, as one, the chorus of Penny Lane made me grin so much, my cheeks hurt. To be part of the Anfield chorus singing the Hey Jude refrain with such passion and enjoyment - those moments were priceless. Two other priceless moments were the respective tributes to George (Something) and John (A Day In The Life/Give Peace A Chance). I nearly fell over with shock when the intro to A Day In The Life was played - a truly wonderful moment, even if Paul did fluff the lyrics a little and didn't play all of the song. It was a treat to hear the 'Concert For George' version of Something instead of the full ukelele version as well. Other special moments of the evening were In Liverpool which - as someone in this thread has pointed out - wasn't really greeted with much enthusiasm by the casual fans who seemed to listen politely (or talk amongst themselves) but for the hardcore fans who have listened to and appreciate the 'b-sides' and rare tracks, that was their moment. Add the fact that Dave Grohl was there, souping up Band On The Run and adding his incredible drumming to two superb classic Beatles rock 'n' roll numbers, I don't think that I'm the only one who feels as if I've witnessed a very memorable, special, historic night. I think back to myself in the nosebleed seats at Earls Court quite a few years ago and how each and every Beatles and Macca classic filled my heart with bursting joy and near-insane happiness and I saw that on the faces of so many people in the crowd who were perhaps seeing Paul for the very first time and - for them - this was very nearly the perfect set and even if it wasn't perfect, it was Paul bloody McCartney at Anfield. Talk about songs which you're tired of seeing Paul play live, complain about lack of originality if you like, that's your right as fans - but in my opinion, The Liverpool Sound Concert was a unique night to remember and Paul played a blinder even if the plot to the movie did seem familiar a few times during the night. A brilliant night and a brilliant weekend. Nice one, Paul.
This is a great review, Andy. pm to you
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I agree Andy, that was a great review. I heard most of it online, and even with the crappy reception, the audience singing the chorus to Penny Lane was indeed spinetingling. I called my husband in to listen, it was a great moment for me listening at home, I can only imagine how it felt to you guys there. Michealk, I disagree with your view on Kiev, if he doesn't do this show, there will be media outcry. This show is for the people of Kiev, a free show for them, he has never been there, and he will sing the songs that are classic. If it is shown around the world, then watch it or don't. These are one off shows, it's not part of a tour yet, hopefully a kick off to one but not yet. The majority of people at these concerts, are first timers.
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Denny.. I wasn't suggesting there should be no Kiev show.. I was suggesting that it needs to be a new phase show ot to mark the end of the setlist/format that has persisted since 1990. It's a question of keeping it moving because there isn't any option if he/they want to continue to make new records. I'm not sure that another tour sticking to the same hits list can impress the media-interest that has multiplied for Paul in the past few years. Heathergate has put a kind of protective bubble around Paul but in order to consolidate on his current high status, risks and surprises and innovations are now the order of play. It's tough at the top. lol
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bottomline Michealk, people at a concert want to be entertained throughout. Newer songs, never receive the same amount of enthusiasm and people go get a beer. That is a fact you can't debate. It happens at every concert, not just a Paul show. while Junior's farm is a great song, it will not get the crowd going like Band on the Run. It will make a certain segment happy, but the masses will go for a bathroom run. I believe Rich said he's been to the last tours and has heard over one hundred songs. The concert will always be heavy on the classics. I will, please. please me, mother nature's son, flaming pie, two many people, lonely road, etc. etc. all have been in the mix. As for the media, if the audience is bored for a long period of time, that will be reported as he's losing it. If they are on their feet, no matter what the song, they will write he's thrilled the crowd.
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I thought it might be of interest and go and look at how macca's set lists have changed since 1989/90 tour. 1989/90 Macca gets back. Beatles, wings & solo hits to support Flowers in the dirt 1993 In support of Off the ground New Beatle songs ? Drive my car, All my loving, We can work it out, Here there & everywhere, And I love her, Michelle, Paperback writer, Penny lane, Fixing a hole, Magical mystery tour, I wanna be your man. Lady madonna New Wings/Solo ? Every night, Another day, My love, Good rockin? tonight, I lost my little girl, 2002/2003 In support of Driving Rain New Beatle songs ? Hello goodbye, Getting better, Blackbird, Mother?s Natures son, You never give me your money, Something, Sgt pepper/the end, she?s leaving home, I?ve just seen a face, Two of us, New Wings/Solo ? Vanilla sky, Here today, Cmoon, Freedom, Let Em In, Calico skies, 2004 ? Summer festival tour New Beatle songs ? You won?t see me, She?s a woman, In spite of all the danger, Follow the sun, For no one, I?ve got a feeling, Helter Skelter New Wings/solo ? Flaming pie, All things must pass, Follow me 2005 In support of Chaos & creation New Beatle songs ? I?ll get you, Till there was you, I will, She came in through the bathroom window, Please please me, For no one & fixing hole (piano solo) New Wings/solo ? Too many people 2008 ? Liverpool Sound New Beatles ? A day in the life, New Wings/solo ? In Liverpool, Dance tonight Most of these tours included the latest Album tracks, the highlight being 2005 with chaos!! So looking at history, Paul has continued to refresh his setlist each tour especially beatle numbers. Where he has not refreshed is the Wings numbers so it would be great to hear Silly love songs, Listen to what the man said, juniors farm....especially with this band they really bring Wings alive but still some solo gems hiding. What a position for Macca to be in, with a song catalogue so great
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How can anyone watch Paul's punk'ish, rockin' new version of "Hippy Hippy Shake" and now grin from ear-to-ear? Love it! Also, "In Liverpool" is one song that managed to get by me over the past 20 or so years since Paul recorded it -- hadn't heard it before. Just saw the vid at youtube for the first time. Looking forward to hearing and seeing it from this Liverpool show.
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Well 'Hippy Hippy Shake' is all very well but if he'd opened with 'All You Horseriders' then the Captain Beefheart fans would have felt included.
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The Liverpool setlist was appropriate because it was a very special occasion. Even though I think something like Juniors Farm or Only Mama Knows would of been a better opener! McCartneys regular tours have been predictable for the last twenty plus years! It's time for him to totally reinvent the setlist for the future! I don't care what anyone says, performing the same basic set of songs for twenty plus years is just far too long! It's always going to be someones first time seeing McCartney, does that mean the man has to play the same show over and over and over for the rest of his life! This man has #1 songs that he's never even performed live, how do you choose to play a song like C moon and never play a top ten hit like Juniors Farm? There's just no way that can be justified. If you're a true McCartney fan, you would want to hear as much of his music as was humanly possible! If he is regarded as an oldies act, it's his own fault because he hasn't presented the public with a live show that's representative of the variety within his amazing career! His setlist is old, tired, repetitive, predictable, and becoming redundant and boring! It doesn't have to be that way, McCartney needs to dig deep into his Wings and solo material and put together a totally different show that we have never ever seen before. He and we are very blessed that he has the fantastic songs to do it!
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You know..I've been thinking about this for a while in many aspects and I think what has happened is that we have suffered 'the death of music journalism'. At some point, the baby-boomers who created the likes of Rolling Stone gave way to their copyists like the slightly younger generation Q magazine, Uncut, Word et al and they have only been concerned to maintain the 80's-based canonisation of rock history into sets of 'Best Album' polls and iTunes download lists. . To them it doesn't matter that McCartney has been doing the same show for 20 years because that's the game they're about, that's the 'eternal now' to maintain for aging baby-boomers too afraid to admit they haven't a clue what went on in anything after they had their third child and all too easily buying the same classic album in yet another format...to maintain the illusion of no time having passed. With today's music press, they don't need to worry....nothing's been allowed to significantly alter the frame since 1988. Q magazine in particular has been repeating the same jokes for 20 years...they were calling him 'Sir Paul McCartney' long before the Queen knighted him (it was once meant to be funny or ironic or something), they invented the 'Fab Wacca Thumbs Aloft' image for him to walk right into off the chilly post-punk streets. Give me an L Give me an A Give me a Z Give me a Y, Y, Y?!!!! It's time for a REVOLUTION. In the absence of a music press critical enough to point out a 20 year old set, it's left to ignorable bloggists (yes I'm looking in the mirror too) to generate criticism but unfortunately we've setlled for the laziness of that too because posting does NOT guarantee feedback is received. Which is why I just bought some stamps and postcards today. When you wanna get direct, go direct.
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Well it's been a few days ... but at last I've made the time to read the whole of this thread. I'd just like to add my six penneth! I've been going to Anfield to watch football for over 30 years - not as you may suspect as a Liverpool fan but as a fan of an opposition team. Sunday was the first time I've ever been on The Kop. For me, that made the concert special to begin with. How special was it for those on the pitch?? This was also a Liverpool boy coming home again. This time, they didn't give me a heart to hold up. If they had, I would have done. Coming home is always special. This was only the second time my wife had seen Paul - last time was in Vegas. Vegas and Anfield - what a collection. I first saw Paul in Preston in 1973 (?) - it's worlds apart. If I'd never seen Paul at all there would have been something missing from my life. Personally, I think the arguments over set lists and choices of material are somewhat irrelevant. At home, I find myself listening more and more to Back to the Egg - perhaps I've finally cracked. I'm not sure I'd want to see Paul perform it though - no matter how much I enjoy singing along to it. I go to a concert to be entertained, And my God does Paul entertain. I don't think I've ever come away from a Paul concert and thought, "I wish he'd done this (or that)". As far as I can remember, I've always come away thinking about the great time I've just had. I hope - and it's a big hope - that I get the chance to spend some time in the man's company again one day because I know that I'll have a good time. My concern at this time would be for Paul's health - which only a few people here have commented on. I'm not sure that his voice would survive another tour - especially if he has to sing all of the up tempo songs that people seem to suggest he should be singing. I've also watched the Sky+ - it's quite haunting when you here the masses singing along with Something and even Live and Let Die. When all is said and done, this concert was special. Very special. I loved every second of it. Thanks Paul. PS. It was my second time with The Zutons - second brilliant time too!
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you define it as lazy, who knows you are right. but the masses want what they want. Paul is not Madonna, he doesn't reinvent himself, he's been this guy since the Beatles. He's a showman, he knows the audience dictates the setlist. a couple of tours ago, my hardcore springsteen fans friends went to see Bruce & he played only new stuff off his latest cd, and maybe a handful of classic numbers. The crowd was furious and he was rude in return. He even apologized online. This was in New Jersey where Springsteen is King. (like liverpool to Paul) People want to sing along. I hope you guys get your wishes, because you all sound terribly disappointed. Personally I don't think I could ever be disappointed by Let it be or Hey Jude, which I hear multiple times a day, it's my ringtone.
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Denny C, believe me I can understand your happiness with McCartney performance. As much as I want him to change his setlist, there's no denying that he's one of the greatest live entertainers ever! I just know that he has so much fantastic music that he should be sharing live on stage, and it really puzzles me why he doesn't perform it? I think it's wrong to assume the audience won't like it, how do we know if he never gives the audience the chance? McCartney hasn't performed his really great Wings and Solo material in so long, I bet people would be surprised and delighted to hear all those fantastic hits! Paul McCartney should give them the chance.