Fresno, CA - Save Mart Center - April 13th - ARCHIVE
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soymilk:
It's his own fault. Since 2009 he has toured constantly, so "super fans" get weary.
But why should he care about the "super fans"? It's a minuscule part of his audience. Quite frankly, I think a lot of fans are clueless as to how badly they come across. I know that I (and probably a lot of people) don't have much sympathy for the most vocal "super fans" who are the ones who have enough money and free time to buy tickets and travel to multiple stops on a tour. Then they come here to do nothing but complain that they're not being pandered to and hear the "same old songs." The "super fans" who attend multiple dates per tour, of who brag about seeing every single tour for the past 30 years, have more privilege than most of hardcore fans on this board - nevermind casual fans - like me, who only have the time and money to see Paul once in a blue moon (One on One will be my first time seeing Paul live in ten years, and only the second time total). If you're sick of the same old songs, then the solution if very simple, don't go. But accept that Paul is NEVER going to cater to the snobs. I think a lot of people are getting frustrated with the attitude here that Paul owes certain fans because said fans have decided that they have to see him every time he tours, multiple dates a tour, for the sake of completion but then whine about it. Paul is not the Grateful Dead or Phish, he's not charging $20 and playing small venues constantly for a group of itinerant followers. He's playing intricate stadium tours with not cheap tickets, and so far, the demand has been sustaining that practice. There are only a few "super fans" who exist who have the time and money to see Paul over and over again, but the overwhelming majority of the audience are seeing him for the first or second time only.
I have stopped going. 2009 was my last show. I get your point. I wonder if Super fans should take a break from going. And buying things like Pure McCartney, which has songs every Super fan already has. I mean, maybe it would make little difference. And he would not take notice. I'm not sure. I have seen him eight times, I GUESS that puts me in the company of Super fans. But you bring up an interesting point. What, exactly, is Paul doing? I cannot think it is about the money, though, at a level it is. You don't charge $2 million a show if it is not, at least in part, about money. Billionaires aren't billionaires because they sit around spending their money or being satisfied with what they have. What else can it be? My hunch is his touring at this point is about his mortality. Reaching as many people as possible, as opposed to being comfortable with your fan base (ie Super fans). Even playing songs you didn't write, and trying to get SOME kind of credit for them. I am not trying to be critical, rather want to understand. Many Super fans merely muse, why doesn't he go out and play his great songs and mix it up, he has so much good music? He seems to be thinking "I need to maximize profits, and get as much applause and accolades as I can." Understandable. But there is a certain addiction element in all this. It's not like people don't applaud when he plays Hope Of Deliverance. They do. They just don't applaud ENOUGH. Or LOUD enough. I get that. I am a performer, and love when people clap loud. But I also like to challenge an audience, I tell them I am going to play a song they may not be familiar with, but give it a chance, I believe you will like it. And they do. They clap. I bet Paul could do that. He is charismatic and has a good rapport with his audience.
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soymilk:
It's his own fault. Since 2009 he has toured constantly, so "super fans" get weary.
But why should he care about the "super fans"? It's a minuscule part of his audience. Quite frankly, I think a lot of fans are clueless as to how badly they come across. I know that I (and probably a lot of people) don't have much sympathy for the most vocal "super fans" who are the ones who have enough money and free time to buy tickets and travel to multiple stops on a tour. Then they come here to do nothing but complain that they're not being pandered to and hear the "same old songs." The "super fans" who attend multiple dates per tour, of who brag about seeing every single tour for the past 30 years, have more privilege than most of hardcore fans on this board - nevermind casual fans - like me, who only have the time and money to see Paul once in a blue moon (One on One will be my first time seeing Paul live in ten years, and only the second time total). If you're sick of the same old songs, then the solution if very simple, don't go. But accept that Paul is NEVER going to cater to the snobs. I think a lot of people are getting frustrated with the attitude here that Paul owes certain fans because said fans have decided that they have to see him every time he tours, multiple dates a tour, for the sake of completion but then whine about it. Paul is not the Grateful Dead or Phish, he's not charging $20 and playing small venues constantly for a group of itinerant followers. He's playing intricate stadium tours with not cheap tickets, and so far, the demand has been sustaining that practice. There are only a few "super fans" who exist who have the time and money to see Paul over and over again, but the overwhelming majority of the audience are seeing him for the first or second time only.
"But why should he care about the "super fans"? It's a minuscule part of his audience. " Because they are the ones that have been buying his solo records/CD's since 1980 while the casual fan does not spend a dime except going to that one concert.
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yankeefan7:
soymilk:
It's his own fault. Since 2009 he has toured constantly, so "super fans" get weary.
But why should he care about the "super fans"? It's a minuscule part of his audience. Quite frankly, I think a lot of fans are clueless as to how badly they come across. I know that I (and probably a lot of people) don't have much sympathy for the most vocal "super fans" who are the ones who have enough money and free time to buy tickets and travel to multiple stops on a tour. Then they come here to do nothing but complain that they're not being pandered to and hear the "same old songs." The "super fans" who attend multiple dates per tour, of who brag about seeing every single tour for the past 30 years, have more privilege than most of hardcore fans on this board - nevermind casual fans - like me, who only have the time and money to see Paul once in a blue moon (One on One will be my first time seeing Paul live in ten years, and only the second time total). If you're sick of the same old songs, then the solution if very simple, don't go. But accept that Paul is NEVER going to cater to the snobs. I think a lot of people are getting frustrated with the attitude here that Paul owes certain fans because said fans have decided that they have to see him every time he tours, multiple dates a tour, for the sake of completion but then whine about it. Paul is not the Grateful Dead or Phish, he's not charging $20 and playing small venues constantly for a group of itinerant followers. He's playing intricate stadium tours with not cheap tickets, and so far, the demand has been sustaining that practice. There are only a few "super fans" who exist who have the time and money to see Paul over and over again, but the overwhelming majority of the audience are seeing him for the first or second time only.
"But why should he care about the "super fans"? It's a minuscule part of his audience. " Because they are the ones that have been buying his solo records/CD's since 1980 while the casual fan does not spend a dime except going to that one concert.
bam! Bingo! whomp! We Got a winner! give this man a cigar!!!
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soymilk:
It's his own fault. Since 2009 he has toured constantly, so "super fans" get weary.
But why should he care about the "super fans"? It's a minuscule part of his audience. Quite frankly, I think a lot of fans are clueless as to how badly they come across. I know that I (and probably a lot of people) don't have much sympathy for the most vocal "super fans" who are the ones who have enough money and free time to buy tickets and travel to multiple stops on a tour. Then they come here to do nothing but complain that they're not being pandered to and hear the "same old songs." The "super fans" who attend multiple dates per tour, of who brag about seeing every single tour for the past 30 years, have more privilege than most of hardcore fans on this board - nevermind casual fans - like me, who only have the time and money to see Paul once in a blue moon (One on One will be my first time seeing Paul live in ten years, and only the second time total). If you're sick of the same old songs, then the solution if very simple, don't go. But accept that Paul is NEVER going to cater to the snobs. I think a lot of people are getting frustrated with the attitude here that Paul owes certain fans because said fans have decided that they have to see him every time he tours, multiple dates a tour, for the sake of completion but then whine about it. Paul is not the Grateful Dead or Phish, he's not charging $20 and playing small venues constantly for a group of itinerant followers. He's playing intricate stadium tours with not cheap tickets, and so far, the demand has been sustaining that practice. There are only a few "super fans" who exist who have the time and money to see Paul over and over again, but the overwhelming majority of the audience are seeing him for the first or second time only.
"If you're sick of the same old songs, then the solution if very simple, don't go. But accept that Paul is NEVER going to cater to the snobs." I don't go anymore and not complaining about it, just stating the fact. Really, you think it is being snobbish wanting Mr. McCartney to actually play more music from his solo career. I believe I have seen Mr. McCartney live around 7 times but don't consider myself a super fan. I consider myself a McCartney the artist fan, not a Beatle Paul or Wings fan.
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yankeefan7:
soymilk:
It's his own fault. Since 2009 he has toured constantly, so "super fans" get weary.
But why should he care about the "super fans"? It's a minuscule part of his audience. Quite frankly, I think a lot of fans are clueless as to how badly they come across. I know that I (and probably a lot of people) don't have much sympathy for the most vocal "super fans" who are the ones who have enough money and free time to buy tickets and travel to multiple stops on a tour. Then they come here to do nothing but complain that they're not being pandered to and hear the "same old songs." The "super fans" who attend multiple dates per tour, of who brag about seeing every single tour for the past 30 years, have more privilege than most of hardcore fans on this board - nevermind casual fans - like me, who only have the time and money to see Paul once in a blue moon (One on One will be my first time seeing Paul live in ten years, and only the second time total). If you're sick of the same old songs, then the solution if very simple, don't go. But accept that Paul is NEVER going to cater to the snobs. I think a lot of people are getting frustrated with the attitude here that Paul owes certain fans because said fans have decided that they have to see him every time he tours, multiple dates a tour, for the sake of completion but then whine about it. Paul is not the Grateful Dead or Phish, he's not charging $20 and playing small venues constantly for a group of itinerant followers. He's playing intricate stadium tours with not cheap tickets, and so far, the demand has been sustaining that practice. There are only a few "super fans" who exist who have the time and money to see Paul over and over again, but the overwhelming majority of the audience are seeing him for the first or second time only.
"But why should he care about the "super fans"? It's a minuscule part of his audience. " Because they are the ones that have been buying his solo records/CD's since 1980 while the casual fan does not spend a dime except going to that one concert.
Yes. Did he pitch Pure McCartney in Fresno last night? Of the 15,000 people in attendance, how many will buy Pure McCartney? I think he knows the Super fans will buy that CD. Paul has a divided fan base. On the one hand, he puts out CDs for Super fans to consume, but designs his concerts for casual fans. Most artists record music for their fans and then play concerts for their fans. Opening with AHDN shows you what he thinks of his loyal fan base.
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McCartney has performed a good variety of material in the last 15+ years. He's thrown in rarities like "Too Many People", "Ram On", "Temporary Secretary" and "Nineteen-Hundred & Eighty-Five". I always welcome him playing different songs but am not complaining over all the ground he has already covered.
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Yahllil:
I preferred the "Out There" tour setlist.
You mean the setlist he did last night? "ZING!!!"
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RMartinez:
Opening with AHDN shows you what he thinks of his loyal fan base.
I have every solo CD. I can't imagine many solo songs Id rather hear as an opener than AHDN. The problems with the set list are way beyond the opener and picking on AHDN is focusing on the wrong issue.
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For the 1st night of the OUT THERE tour in 2013 Paul played for the 1st time (or for the 1st time in a long time to be precise ) : Eight Days a Week Your Mother Should Know All Together Now Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite! Lovely Rita Listen to What the Man Said Hi, Hi, Hi Another Day Hope of Deliverance In 2015, during THIS SAME tour, he added : Another Girl, Temporary Secretary, Hope for the Future and Good Day Sunshine ( GDS played twice ). So we WILL have newcomers in the set. I'm definitely certain.
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To be clear, the problem with the set list is "Eleanor Rigby" thru "the End" That final third hasn't changed a bit.
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Limo greeting was very cool as well was seeing old friends and making new ones. Paul actually sounded pretty darn good but I saw the concert from a strange and new vantage point for me - no one in front of me but I was on the side of the stage, right by Paul's piano. There did seem to be some echo, but that might have been due to my locale. Lots of good butt shots, saw Abe drinking red wine,slipped and fell at one point....ouch. Not inferring it was due to the wine, but oh, the things you see at that level! I had a very unfortunate fan experience because of a horrible woman in back of me, yelling at me to sit down during normal applause and a security person who watched me like a hawk. Guess I looked sketchy to them....lol. I enjoyed the opener and Love Me Do and have never ever left a McCartney concert early, but I was being harassed so badly, I left early. Just say NO to FresNO. Hope the rest of the shows continue to kick butt.
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Macca84:
RMartinez:
Opening with AHDN shows you what he thinks of his loyal fan base.
I have every solo CD. I can't imagine many solo songs Id rather hear as an opener than AHDN. The problems with the set list are way beyond the opener and picking on AHDN is focusing on the wrong issue.
It goes to the heart of the issue. He is putting out a CD called Pure McCartney. Then he opens with a song that is NOT Pure McCartney. It's Pure Lennon. Or Pure Beatles. What is clear is Paul is really, at this point, promoting the Beatles. Remember, he gets a LOT of royalties from that little group to this day. Maybe that is how fans here should look at it, and be done with it.
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yankeefan7:
britishleyland:
Sgt._Pepper:
britishleyland:
Come on, really? Opening a concert with "A Hard Day's Night" and ending it (or near the end) with "Birthday" isn't good enough for you? I can't believe that there are people out there that believe that just because the tour name (which doesn't mean a damn thing) changes it will in turn eliminate songs like "Hey Jude" and "Back In The USSR". At this point in his career I firmly believe he is cementing his enormous legacy in history by attempting to reach as many people (especially young people- hence the festivals and collaborations with younger artists) as possible through all this extensive worldwide touring. Playing deep unrecognizable PaulMcCartney solo numbers will not achieve this. Playing more familiar Classic Beatles songs that have an important role in music history will. Here's a newsflash- most people that attend a Paul McCartney concert are there to hear "Hey Jude" than "Flaming Pie". One more thing- who cares about a rising platform? I guess some people just need a reason to complain.
I don't think anyone is expecting songs like "Hey Jude" or "Yesterday" to be eliminated. In fact, I think those songs should be included just based upon how iconic they are. It's like Billy Joel playing "Piano Man" or The Rolling Stones playing "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction". When you go see artists like those, their big identifiable songs should be played. What a lot of us are saying is that Paul should pepper his setlist with a few more of his solo songs. Not every song needs to be super obscure, but something like "Let Me Roll It," which he's been playing for a good 14 years+ (and telling he same story to go along with it), is getting kind of stale, to be honest. Consider that Paul is going to be 74. I know he's set in ways in some regards to the setlist, but he only has so much time until he's not going to be touring anymore, and I wish he'd branch out just a bit more. The first half of tonight's show was an example that he can do it.
If you put in a new song, you gotta take something out. As many times as I've heard "The Long And Winding Road" live- truly a masterpiece, I'm deeply saddened he took it out. OK, sure, put new stuff in, but with a megahit like Uncle Albert, not something no one has ever heard from Flowers In The Dirt. The people doing this complaining are the same ones over and over again- truly a very small percentage, but it seems like it's with every "tour", every setlist. Aint gonna happen. If it was gonna happen, don't u think it would have by now? And whats wrong with "You Won't See Me" or "Here, There and Everywhere" as replacements? I for one am super excited to see The One And only Former Beatle Paul McCartney for the umpteenth time and yes, excited to hear tributes to John and George, as well as "Yesterday", "Rigby" and "Can't Buy Me Love"
Let me see if this makes sense to you. Somebody like myself and Audi for example have been a fan of Mr. McCartney's entire career and have bought all of his solo albums/CD's. Is it wrong for us to want him to play more of the songs that we love and paid money for in concert. We all acknowledge he has to play the hits especially with the ticket prices he charges for a show. Myself and others just ask that he actually play some solo songs instead of songs he has played to death like "Let Me Roll It". Do you really think the first time fan would be devastated if "For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite" was replaced by solo song "Take It Away" which was a top 20 single? As for "Flowers IN The Dirt", it was a very good album with some really good songs. Why not play something from it, it has not been done in concert in over 25 years. BTW - are you telling me that every song played in a concert has to be a commercial hit? Let me add, I am not English - lol
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BeatleBarb:
Limo greeting was very cool as well was seeing old friends and making new ones. Paul actually sounded pretty darn good but I saw the concert from a strange and new vantage point for me - no one in front of me but I was on the side of the stage, right by Paul's piano. There did seem to be some echo, but that might have been due to my locale. Lots of good butt shots, saw Abe drinking red wine,slipped and fell at one point....ouch. Not inferring it was due to the wine, but oh, the things you see at that level! I had a very unfortunate fan experience because of a horrible woman in back of me, yelling at me to sit down during normal applause and a security person who watched me like a hawk. Guess I looked sketchy to them....lol. I enjoyed the opener and Love Me Do and have never ever left a McCartney concert early, but I was being harassed so badly, I left early. Just say NO to FresNO. Hope the rest of the shows continue to kick butt.
Sorry about your fan experience, that bites !!
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RMartinez:
soymilk:
It's his own fault. Since 2009 he has toured constantly, so "super fans" get weary.
But why should he care about the "super fans"? It's a minuscule part of his audience. Quite frankly, I think a lot of fans are clueless as to how badly they come across. I know that I (and probably a lot of people) don't have much sympathy for the most vocal "super fans" who are the ones who have enough money and free time to buy tickets and travel to multiple stops on a tour. Then they come here to do nothing but complain that they're not being pandered to and hear the "same old songs." The "super fans" who attend multiple dates per tour, of who brag about seeing every single tour for the past 30 years, have more privilege than most of hardcore fans on this board - nevermind casual fans - like me, who only have the time and money to see Paul once in a blue moon (One on One will be my first time seeing Paul live in ten years, and only the second time total). If you're sick of the same old songs, then the solution if very simple, don't go. But accept that Paul is NEVER going to cater to the snobs. I think a lot of people are getting frustrated with the attitude here that Paul owes certain fans because said fans have decided that they have to see him every time he tours, multiple dates a tour, for the sake of completion but then whine about it. Paul is not the Grateful Dead or Phish, he's not charging $20 and playing small venues constantly for a group of itinerant followers. He's playing intricate stadium tours with not cheap tickets, and so far, the demand has been sustaining that practice. There are only a few "super fans" who exist who have the time and money to see Paul over and over again, but the overwhelming majority of the audience are seeing him for the first or second time only.
I have stopped going. 2009 was my last show. I get your point. I wonder if Super fans should take a break from going. And buying things like Pure McCartney, which has songs every Super fan already has. I mean, maybe it would make little difference. And he would not take notice. I'm not sure. I have seen him eight times, I GUESS that puts me in the company of Super fans. But you bring up an interesting point. What, exactly, is Paul doing? I cannot think it is about the money, though, at a level it is. You don't charge $2 million a show if it is not, at least in part, about money. Billionaires aren't billionaires because they sit around spending their money or being satisfied with what they have. What else can it be? My hunch is his touring at this point is about his mortality. Reaching as many people as possible, as opposed to being comfortable with your fan base (ie Super fans). Even playing songs you didn't write, and trying to get SOME kind of credit for them. I am not trying to be critical, rather want to understand. Many Super fans merely muse, why doesn't he go out and play his great songs and mix it up, he has so much good music? He seems to be thinking "I need to maximize profits, and get as much applause and accolades as I can." Understandable. But there is a certain addiction element in all this. It's not like people don't applaud when he plays Hope Of Deliverance. They do. They just don't applaud ENOUGH. Or LOUD enough. I get that. I am a performer, and love when people clap loud. But I also like to challenge an audience, I tell them I am going to play a song they may not be familiar with, but give it a chance, I believe you will like it. And they do. They clap. I bet Paul could do that. He is charismatic and has a good rapport with his audience.
Two things keep me engaged in his setlist: 1. His newer albums -- which I buy and love. 2. The reissues of the solo/Wings catalog Pardon those of us for foolishly expecting his setlists to convey that. I think I can sum up the narrative regarding last night's disappointing setlist: A new tour name suggests a new show. A few tweaks don't suffice as a new show. And people, including many who have been diplomatic participants at this forum are feeling straight-up ripped off.
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Hard days night seems to be a very good opener, like Eight days a week was. I do hope some solo/wings song more. But the tickets have been bought, flights and hotels are reserved...... I booked everything with a knowledge that the setlist are not going to chance much. -
yankeefan7:
soymilk:
It's his own fault. Since 2009 he has toured constantly, so "super fans" get weary.
But why should he care about the "super fans"? It's a minuscule part of his audience. Quite frankly, I think a lot of fans are clueless as to how badly they come across. I know that I (and probably a lot of people) don't have much sympathy for the most vocal "super fans" who are the ones who have enough money and free time to buy tickets and travel to multiple stops on a tour. Then they come here to do nothing but complain that they're not being pandered to and hear the "same old songs." The "super fans" who attend multiple dates per tour, of who brag about seeing every single tour for the past 30 years, have more privilege than most of hardcore fans on this board - nevermind casual fans - like me, who only have the time and money to see Paul once in a blue moon (One on One will be my first time seeing Paul live in ten years, and only the second time total). If you're sick of the same old songs, then the solution if very simple, don't go. But accept that Paul is NEVER going to cater to the snobs. I think a lot of people are getting frustrated with the attitude here that Paul owes certain fans because said fans have decided that they have to see him every time he tours, multiple dates a tour, for the sake of completion but then whine about it. Paul is not the Grateful Dead or Phish, he's not charging $20 and playing small venues constantly for a group of itinerant followers. He's playing intricate stadium tours with not cheap tickets, and so far, the demand has been sustaining that practice. There are only a few "super fans" who exist who have the time and money to see Paul over and over again, but the overwhelming majority of the audience are seeing him for the first or second time only.
"If you're sick of the same old songs, then the solution if very simple, don't go. But accept that Paul is NEVER going to cater to the snobs." I don't go anymore and not complaining about it, just stating the fact. Really, you think it is being snobbish wanting Mr. McCartney to actually play more music from his solo career. I believe I have seen Mr. McCartney live around 7 times but don't consider myself a super fan. I consider myself a McCartney the artist fan, not a Beatle Paul or Wings fan.
I'll take it a step further: I think it's "selfish" to say one is a McCartney fan, yet scoff at his solo output.
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harleyblues:
yankeefan7:
soymilk:
It's his own fault. Since 2009 he has toured constantly, so "super fans" get weary.
But why should he care about the "super fans"? It's a minuscule part of his audience. Quite frankly, I think a lot of fans are clueless as to how badly they come across. I know that I (and probably a lot of people) don't have much sympathy for the most vocal "super fans" who are the ones who have enough money and free time to buy tickets and travel to multiple stops on a tour. Then they come here to do nothing but complain that they're not being pandered to and hear the "same old songs." The "super fans" who attend multiple dates per tour, of who brag about seeing every single tour for the past 30 years, have more privilege than most of hardcore fans on this board - nevermind casual fans - like me, who only have the time and money to see Paul once in a blue moon (One on One will be my first time seeing Paul live in ten years, and only the second time total). If you're sick of the same old songs, then the solution if very simple, don't go. But accept that Paul is NEVER going to cater to the snobs. I think a lot of people are getting frustrated with the attitude here that Paul owes certain fans because said fans have decided that they have to see him every time he tours, multiple dates a tour, for the sake of completion but then whine about it. Paul is not the Grateful Dead or Phish, he's not charging $20 and playing small venues constantly for a group of itinerant followers. He's playing intricate stadium tours with not cheap tickets, and so far, the demand has been sustaining that practice. There are only a few "super fans" who exist who have the time and money to see Paul over and over again, but the overwhelming majority of the audience are seeing him for the first or second time only.
"But why should he care about the "super fans"? It's a minuscule part of his audience. " Because they are the ones that have been buying his solo records/CD's since 1980 while the casual fan does not spend a dime except going to that one concert.
bam! Bingo! whomp! We Got a winner! give this man a cigar!!!
"SNAP!" (hair flip!)
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I thought the show was great. Every time I see Paul, I'm thinking about this could be the last one because it's nothing last forever. Just like my friend who lives in Fresno, Many people in Fresno saw him very first time yesterday. They don't check the setlist every time like you guys or diehard fans. They were all happy to see Paul coming to Fresno for the very first time. I want the first timer to enjoy the show first, I want them to hear "Yestetday", Let It Be", Maybe I'm Amazed", or "Band On the Run". I'm happy that Paul is still around. I'm sure I'd never get to see him in person but he is still here for us. No matter how bad was the setlist or how he sang, or how expensive the concert ticket was, I'm very very lucky to see his concert every two year or so. Snuffy
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BeatleBarb:
...I had a very unfortunate ... experience ... a security person who watched me like a hawk. Guess I looked sketchy to them....lol. I enjoyed the opener and Love Me Do and have never ever left a McCartney concert early, but I was being harassed so badly, I left early. ...
Been there. Sorry that happened to you. Gotta' admit, I'm surprised bnecause you don't fit any particular "profile."
The cure for me when I had a not-so-great time at the '09 concert I'd attended was by seeing him again the following year and having an outstanding night. 
