2017 Setlist Speculation Thread
-
Turk Thrust:
Having seen Paul in Tokyo, I would say that I Wanna Be Your Man was a good choice and one that suited Paul's current voice. I don't hear too much wrong with this version and a fun 2 minutes:
This. Nitpicking. So many other songs should bite the dust before this fresh addition. Most older ballads are pretty much done for him vocal-wise, but you almost can't go wrong with this era Beatles, great energy as well.
-
I always liked his A Day in the Life rendition. After being played to the ground, it got a rest for Out There, but it should replace Kite for the new tour.
-
I'd love to hear him take a stab at "Fixing a Hole" or "Getting Better" and wouldn't rule out either of them. "Fixing a Hole" would need to be a proper full band version to mask his weakening voice. "Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite!" isn't going anywhere. It would be totally bizarre to keep it all this time and then drop it during the one year that it is actually suitable to play it. However, it better take a hike after this year. I wouldn't mind it if maybe just for this year, he did the full and proper "Sgt. Pepper's Reprise" into "A Day in The Life" (sans "Give Peace a Chance") for the closing of the whole show instead of the Abbey Road medley. THAT would be fresh. There is nothing remotely fresh about doing a subpar and under tempo arrangement of an early mediocre Beatles song, thrown away to Ringo & the stones.
-
What I'm gathering from this thread is that Paul should play more solo songs, but also cut all solo songs from the set. He should also add other Beatles songs, but only songs that meet with everybody's approval. The poor guy.
-
Turk Thrust:
What I'm gathering from this thread is that Paul should play more solo songs, but also cut all solo songs from the set. He should also add other Beatles songs, but only songs that meet with everybody's approval. The poor guy.
Haha, yup, this is the problem. The only thing wrong with the current addition is that he more or less axed a major highlight, stone cold classic and fresh addition and arrangement for it. For me it's easy: the Beatles/solo ratio isn't ever going to change in his current set-up, so at least change up the around 7 non-singles he does on average, and that doesn't even have to be too deep. He did this well in mid-2015 in Europe, although just with one slot, one gig got 'One After 909', the other 'Good Day Sunshine', the other 'Another Girl' (and then the latter got put in the encore instead when not played early). It's a lost cause now, but it was a waste he toured certain songs for so long. For now, play 'The Fool On The Hill' or 'Fixing A Hole' or 'Your Mother Should Know', play 'Mr. Kite' or 'Getting Better' or 'The Word', play 'I've Got A Feeling' or 'Getting Better' or 'She's A Woman'. Could be so easy, they barely have to rehearse extra, and with a few of those spots it could be so much more worthwhile to see him more than once each tour.
-
Turk Thrust:
What I'm gathering from this thread is that Paul should play more solo songs, but also cut all solo songs from the set. He should also add other Beatles songs, but only songs that meet with everybody's approval. The poor guy.
It is really very simple. Myself and BJ for example would love him to add more solo songs but know darn well that he is not going to cut down the number of Beatle songs he wants to play. So for us to get to hear different solo songs, he would have to cut the few that are in his set list now. As for Beatle songs, he has exhausted almost every song associated with him so I don't really care. Sure, I would love something like "Rocky Raccoon" but it is no big deal to me if he never does it live.
-
B J Conlee:
yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
yankeefan7:
Nancy R:
B J Conlee:
yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
Nancy R:
BJ, YouTube wasn't created until 2005, so no "hits" until then! P.S. I admire your passion on this subject, but I'm afraid you're bordering on beating a dead horse, my friend.
_________________________________________________________ Funny thing, I was thinking the same thing last night. I've made my points so I'm going to give it a rest for a while. I'm just going to wait and see what he plays in Miami. Thanks for the correction about YouTube. Just think however of the # of hits of the very good to great solo songs (that Paul has ignored) would have received from 2005 on. My only point is that it might have created a different (and better!) perception of Paul's music after Wings. He certainly couldn't depend on any radio airplay on his great songs after No More Lonely Nights.
We both have been beating a dead horse for a long time my friend. I am ready to admit defeat - lol.
__________________________________________________ Thanks Yankeefan. You're right...we've been frustrated for a long time. Turk Thrust really summed it all up a few posts back saying "there are some artists from Paul's era who want to challenge their audience and others who want to play the crowd pleasers. Paul is clearly in the latter category". You and I have repeatedly argued that because of Paul's unique position, he could have done "both" throughout his tours since 2002 by just playing 3-4 different and great solo songs each year/tour. Because Paul's Solo career (Post 1980) has consistently been maligned by many (unjustly I might add) it does baffle me. While I'm going to drop the subject here (I'm sure some are pleased) I'm actually very excited because I will be attending a 4 Day Beatles' Festival (along with a couple other Boardies) just outside of Louisville KY in about 2 weeks (Abbey Road on the River). They have all kinds of performers (some known, some unknown) who will be playing all facets of the Beatles' as a group and as individuals. Hopefully one or two will be specializing in Solo Paul and I can hear some great Paul songs Post 1980. I will report back in the "Band on the Run Section" with highlights.
BJ, AROTR is 5 days long! I can't wait! Not sure if there will be much solo Paul since Wingsbanned will not be there this year. Laurence Juber and The Cryers with Steve Holley should break out some Wings stuff I hope! Here's the lineup: http://www.arotr.com/site/?page_id=5498 Oh, and an old boardie wanted me to mention that Stevie Nicks is doing the setlist that her solo fans have long been waiting for. She's doing songs they thought she'd never do and the fans are loving it. Too bad Paul can't/won't follow suit.
"AROTR is 5 days long! I can't wait! Not sure if there will be much solo Paul since Wingsbanned will not be there this year. Laurence Juber and The Cryers with Steve Holley should break out some Wings stuff I hope! Here's the lineup: " There was a group called "Pure McCartney" that did awesome job playing RAM live, check out the you tube clips. I wish they would do another show with songs from his later years.
_______________________________________________________ Yankeefan, Yes I did see them on You Tube playing the whole Ram album and they were great. Can you imagine if they did about 15-20 songs from Tug of War, Flowers in the Dirt, Flaming Pie, Chaos & Creation, MAF etc. It could be one hell of a concert.
BJ, It said they did that concert as tribute to his 70th birthday, would be neat if they did something for his 75th. Out of the albums you mentioned, which one would you pick for them to do the entire album. Tough call for me, thinking FITD or MAF would be awesome. Bet they would just do killer version of "House Of Wax".
_______________________________________________ I would probably prefer a mix of the best tracks of all the albums because in combination there are so many great songs they could do and "bill" it as Paul Solo but if I had to pick one album for them to do, I would also pick MAF. Again, I think the variety of music from MAF would be great as a live performance. How about the "loose" medley before House of Wax followed by "End of the End". Then you would have Only Mama Knows, You Tell Me, Mr Bellamy, Ever Present Past, See Your Sunshine etc. And then they could add the bonus track Why So Blue. O'h yes, I would be there if I was close enough.
Yep, a mixture would be great but if they had to do just one album from beginning to end I think you are correct, MAF would be the best one live.
-
yankeefan7:
Turk Thrust:
What I'm gathering from this thread is that Paul should play more solo songs, but also cut all solo songs from the set. He should also add other Beatles songs, but only songs that meet with everybody's approval. The poor guy.
It is really very simple. Myself and BJ for example would love him to add more solo songs but know darn well that he is not going to cut down the number of Beatle songs he wants to play. So for us to get to hear different solo songs, he would have to cut the few that are in his set list now. As for Beatle songs, he has exhausted almost every song associated with him so I don't really care. Sure, I would love something like "Rocky Raccoon" but it is no big deal to me if he never does it live.
I would wish for more solo songs (from the last few decades) to replace a few overplayed songs (IMO some Beatles songs) and/or songs he can't do well anymore (Maybe I'm Amazed).
-
oobu24:
yankeefan7:
Turk Thrust:
What I'm gathering from this thread is that Paul should play more solo songs, but also cut all solo songs from the set. He should also add other Beatles songs, but only songs that meet with everybody's approval. The poor guy.
It is really very simple. Myself and BJ for example would love him to add more solo songs but know darn well that he is not going to cut down the number of Beatle songs he wants to play. So for us to get to hear different solo songs, he would have to cut the few that are in his set list now. As for Beatle songs, he has exhausted almost every song associated with him so I don't really care. Sure, I would love something like "Rocky Raccoon" but it is no big deal to me if he never does it live.
I would wish for more solo songs (from the last few decades) to replace a few overplayed songs (IMO some Beatles songs) and/or songs he can't do well anymore (Maybe I'm Amazed).
I agree with you 100% and have listed songs I think he should drop but know he will not. In addition to "Maybe I'' Amazed, he should cut "Let Me Roll It" (overplayed), "Benefit Of Mr. Kite" , "I Wanna Be Your Man" ( both songs are not that good),"Temporary Secretary" ( makes me cringe) and Lady Madonna (overplayed). I would add he could stop doing "Queenie Eye" and "New" and either replace them with different songs from that album or solo songs he has never done live.
-
yankeefan7:
oobu24:
yankeefan7:
Turk Thrust:
What I'm gathering from this thread is that Paul should play more solo songs, but also cut all solo songs from the set. He should also add other Beatles songs, but only songs that meet with everybody's approval. The poor guy.
It is really very simple. Myself and BJ for example would love him to add more solo songs but know darn well that he is not going to cut down the number of Beatle songs he wants to play. So for us to get to hear different solo songs, he would have to cut the few that are in his set list now. As for Beatle songs, he has exhausted almost every song associated with him so I don't really care. Sure, I would love something like "Rocky Raccoon" but it is no big deal to me if he never does it live.
I would wish for more solo songs (from the last few decades) to replace a few overplayed songs (IMO some Beatles songs) and/or songs he can't do well anymore (Maybe I'm Amazed).
I agree with you 100% and have listed songs I think he should drop but know he will not. In addition to "Maybe I'' Amazed, he should cut "Let Me Roll It" (overplayed), "Benefit Of Mr. Kite" , "I Wanna Be Your Man" ( both songs are not that good),"Temporary Secretary" ( makes me cringe) and Lady Madonna (overplayed). I would add he could stop doing "Queenie Eye" and "New" and either replace them with different songs from that album or solo songs he has never done live.
I've heard that Nancy likes Let Me Roll It so that's not going anywhere. I like Temporary Secretary and it's been being played in clubs so that deems it "popular" to Paul & Company. I'd agree on Kite, Lady Madonna, I Wanna Be Your Man. I'd like a different song for John. I am tired of Here Today. Why not a John song?
-
oobu24:
yankeefan7:
oobu24:
yankeefan7:
Turk Thrust:
What I'm gathering from this thread is that Paul should play more solo songs, but also cut all solo songs from the set. He should also add other Beatles songs, but only songs that meet with everybody's approval. The poor guy.
It is really very simple. Myself and BJ for example would love him to add more solo songs but know darn well that he is not going to cut down the number of Beatle songs he wants to play. So for us to get to hear different solo songs, he would have to cut the few that are in his set list now. As for Beatle songs, he has exhausted almost every song associated with him so I don't really care. Sure, I would love something like "Rocky Raccoon" but it is no big deal to me if he never does it live.
I would wish for more solo songs (from the last few decades) to replace a few overplayed songs (IMO some Beatles songs) and/or songs he can't do well anymore (Maybe I'm Amazed).
I agree with you 100% and have listed songs I think he should drop but know he will not. In addition to "Maybe I'' Amazed, he should cut "Let Me Roll It" (overplayed), "Benefit Of Mr. Kite" , "I Wanna Be Your Man" ( both songs are not that good),"Temporary Secretary" ( makes me cringe) and Lady Madonna (overplayed). I would add he could stop doing "Queenie Eye" and "New" and either replace them with different songs from that album or solo songs he has never done live.
I've heard that Nancy likes Let Me Roll It so that's not going anywhere. I like Temporary Secretary and it's been being played in clubs so that deems it "popular" to Paul & Company. I'd agree on Kite, Lady Madonna, I Wanna Be Your Man. I'd like a different song for John. I am tired of Here Today. Why not a John song?
"I'd like a different song for John. I am tired of Here Today. Why not a John song?" Why not replace "Here Today" with "Early Days". I would also like "Something " replaced by "All Things Must Pass".
-
Instead "Here today" I would like to hear "Lucy in the sky with diamonds" or "In my life". Instead "Something" I would like "Here comes the sun".
-
oobu24:
yankeefan7:
Turk Thrust:
What I'm gathering from this thread is that Paul should play more solo songs, but also cut all solo songs from the set. He should also add other Beatles songs, but only songs that meet with everybody's approval. The poor guy.
It is really very simple. Myself and BJ for example would love him to add more solo songs but know darn well that he is not going to cut down the number of Beatle songs he wants to play. So for us to get to hear different solo songs, he would have to cut the few that are in his set list now. As for Beatle songs, he has exhausted almost every song associated with him so I don't really care. Sure, I would love something like "Rocky Raccoon" but it is no big deal to me if he never does it live.
I would wish for more solo songs (from the last few decades) to replace a few overplayed songs (IMO some Beatles songs) and/or songs he can't do well anymore (Maybe I'm Amazed).
-
From an interview with Brian Ray on Dennis Mitchell's Breakfast With The Beatles from this weekend: http://beatlesradioshows.tumblr.com/post/160668867375/beatles-dennis-mitchell-may-13-2017-download "Is the setlist set in stone or is McCartney likely to revisit it mid-tour?" -"He is likely to, he will often change out 3 or 4 songs in a show if we're doing back to back shows." Also: "He's kind of the guy that does get into a flow of his patter and the movements between the different instruments he plays, and the physical flow on stage. He likes to get into a groove where he doesn't really have to think about, and that sometimes requires getting a setlist set in stone except for a few changeovers." Lol @ the program's "nod to mother's day". Cue dark doom church bells and Lennon...
-
nobodytoldme:
From an interview with Brian Ray on Dennis Mitchell's Breakfast With The Beatles from this weekend: http://beatlesradioshows.tumblr.com/post/160668867375/beatles-dennis-mitchell-may-13-2017-download "Is the setlist set in stone or is McCartney likely to revisit it mid-tour?" -"He is likely to, he will often change out 3 or 4 songs in a show if we're doing back to back shows." Also: "He's kind of the guy that does get into a flow of his patter and the movements between the different instruments he plays, and the physical flow on stage. He likes to get into a groove where he doesn't really have to think about, and that sometimes requires getting a setlist set in stone except for a few changeovers." Lol @ the program's "nod to mother's day". Cue dark doom church bells and Lennon...
"He likes to get into a groove where he doesn't really have to think about" HA! Tell us about it.
-
oobu24:
nobodytoldme:
From an interview with Brian Ray on Dennis Mitchell's Breakfast With The Beatles from this weekend: http://beatlesradioshows.tumblr.com/post/160668867375/beatles-dennis-mitchell-may-13-2017-download "Is the setlist set in stone or is McCartney likely to revisit it mid-tour?" -"He is likely to, he will often change out 3 or 4 songs in a show if we're doing back to back shows." Also: "He's kind of the guy that does get into a flow of his patter and the movements between the different instruments he plays, and the physical flow on stage. He likes to get into a groove where he doesn't really have to think about, and that sometimes requires getting a setlist set in stone except for a few changeovers." Lol @ the program's "nod to mother's day". Cue dark doom church bells and Lennon...
"He likes to get into a groove where he doesn't really have to think about" HA! Tell us about it.
I can understand that now since he is almost 75. I have given up on him changing the set list a bunch to add solo songs he has never or rarely played live. I just think it is a shame that he was not willing to play a more 50-50 type show when he started to tour again in 2002 after a decade of not touring.
-
nobodytoldme:
Turk Thrust:
Having seen Paul in Tokyo, I would say that I Wanna Be Your Man was a good choice and one that suited Paul's current voice. I don't hear too much wrong with this version and a fun 2 minutes:
This. Nitpicking. So many other songs should bite the dust before this fresh addition. Most older ballads are pretty much done for him vocal-wise, but you almost can't go wrong with this era Beatles, great energy as well.
_________________________________________________________ Personally I don't want to get into the Setlist debate again - Solo vs. Beatles, Solo vs. Wings. I (and several others) have expressed our opinions time and time again so there is little need for repetition. Listening to the "I Want to Be Your Man" video above was a good exercise for a true, hard core fan like me. I am still considering spending "after market" type money for the Tampa show or even shows up in the New Jersey and New York area. This would be a big investment for a retired person. I not only listened to this video but it was nice that You Tube had many other videos from the same series of Tokyo shows within a couple of days of each other. While I realize that videos (even high quality ones) are not quite as good of a gauge as actually being at the show, it does give a fair "comparison" between many songs that Paul is currently playing. Relative to the status of Paul's 2017 voice, I noticed some songs came off much better than others. In fact, the difference was huge in several cases. Again, my purpose here is not to get into so much of a setlist debate but as an objective opinion of the "execution" and "vocal status" of the songs Paul/Band are actually playing. Songs where the full band are singing not surprisingly do tend to fare much better. Hard Day's Night, for example, to my ears comes off "well" which is important since it is the "opener". The full band is immediately singing together and throughout the song. The crowd also gets into singing which is now, unfortunately paramount to a 2017 Show. Songs that the execution in my opinion was poor were songs where Paul was singing mostly solo that exposed the negatives of Paul's current vocal abilities. Gone is Paul's great raspy, soulful voice from years' past. I think most would agree here that Paul also does not possess the powerful rock voice he had. I'm not trying to be critical as I'm a huge fan. After all, Paul is 74. No one performing as often as he has over the last 15 years could do it. Forget Beatles vs. Solo, the main criteria now for a setlist in my opinion, should be the vocal execution of the song itself. I now better understand why Paul would add "I Wanna Be Your Man" (2nd tier Beatles song at best). With the full Band singing, the song actually comes off fine from a vocal perspective. Not a song that a big time fan like myself would be dying to hear but for the first timer and Beatles nostalgia night, it is a good selection. So was "Love Me Do" for that matter as a recent addition. Easy to sing and the crowd gets right into singing along. I get it for the first timers and moderate Beatle fans. On the other side, there are a few songs to my ears that fare quite poorly (cringe worthy) strictly from a vocal perspective. Here are a couple of examples: 4-5 Seconds - I wondered about this selection in the first place but Paul's vocals sound terrible. As I said, Paul no longer possesses that raspy, soulful vocal quality that this song requires. When you think about it, 95% (or greater) of the audience could care less that it was a top 40 singles hit a year or two ago. They couldn't name a Rhianna or Kanye West song. Why is it in the setlist is my question if Paul can't sing it. Maybe I'm Amazed - I know it is a signature song, but many here have talked about it. Objectively Paul can't sing it anymore. For one of Paul's great Solo songs, it is cringe worthy. I understand the sentiment for Linda but someone needs to tel him. I've Got a Feeling - I loved this song live when Paul could sing it but he can't anymore especially the parts that demand such a powerful rock voice. Just go back to 2007 (the Paris show) and compare now and then. The comparison is like night and day. Fortunately, for the "first timers" who will be the large percentage of the upcoming US audience there are plenty of songs that will give them the joy and nostalgia buzz they are paying for. They will have a great time and I am happy for them. I remember 1990 when I saw Paul live for the first time. It was a night I will never forget. Unfortunately, someone needs to tell Paul when he needs to drop a song (or add a song) that he just can't sing any more. It can't be one of the members of the Band. The tours are their livelihood. It probably can't be Nancy since they are married. Not a good thing for a marriage. Paul also doesn't seem to have a musical mentor that he confides in. My only thought I've mentioned in the past is one of his kids who's honesty Paul would trust. And If Paul can currently sing a "Solo" song well that suites his range, it should be considered. Again, his ability to sing it well (probably with the Band's help) should be the ultimate criteria. I know Paul probably only has a couple of years left for doing full tours like he does now. He needs to find songs that can fit his 2017 voice and range. There are a few currently in the setlist that need to go for mainly that reason. Time will tell if there is someone he will listen to.
-
Turk Thrust:
Having seen Paul in Tokyo, I would say that I Wanna Be Your Man was a good choice and one that suited Paul's current voice. I don't hear too much wrong with this version and a fun 2 minutes:
I totally disliked it. While the vocals were "o.k." it seemed like Paul was very robotic during the performance, like he was impassive. Almost as if he was indifferent, with a lack of enthusiasm. That song can be dropped, hopefully. And not cool to wipe one's nose with your hand when performing on stage in front of thousands of people.
-
~lady*madonna~:
And not cool to wipe one's nose with your hand when performing on stage in front of thousands of people.
I've seen other performers do much worse.
-
thenightfish:
~lady*madonna~:
And not cool to wipe one's nose with your hand when performing on stage in front of thousands of people.
I've seen other performers do much worse.