Tattoo signatures - yay or nay?
-
It's Paul's show. I suspect he wouldn't be doing it if he didn't enjoy seeing how much of a kick his fans and the audience gets out of it. Afterall, Paul chooses which signs he will acknowledge. When Paul stops responding to the tattoo signs, you'll get the hint and people will try something different on their signs. In the meantime, the tattoo thing is what it is and most people are sharing in the happiness of the few who achieved their dream. Ladies, enjoy your tattoos. Lots of us are delighted for you.
-
MaccaDelinquent:
Both were called at the same time. The woman who had her back signed was standing next to me. She appeared to be in her late twenties, early thirties maybe. Her sign read something like this: [Check Mark] TA-2 Guy On Standby [Check Mark] Sharpie In My Pocket [No Check Mark] Signature on Back (or something to that effect) On the back it read that this was her last chance for her to get her back signed since her hubby said there was no more money for Macca tickets. I didn't get the chance to read lol_lennon's friend's sign, but I did notice that just before Helter Skelter, a clump of people with tattoo signs were standing by the stage, including the two who were picked. One asked for their mother to be signed! I just have to wonder how long he's going to keep this trend up - just for this tour or for every tour thereafter? If he's thinking of only doing it till the end of this tour, I'm afraid he's opened something of a Pandora's Box and it'll certainly be a very hard one to close. Not taking away from anyone who has been lucky enough to have various parts of their bodies signed, but I think I have to agree with both thenightfish and maccascruff on two points. I think now that people have come to realize that they might be able to achieve their dream of meeting the man with asking for a tattoo, everyone and their cousin are now bringing signs asking for them and I do think it breeds disappointment and maybe even a little contempt among those trying. I don't think it particularly ruins their experience of the show if they aren't picked, but I can only imagine how disappointing it is for one person to be picked and not another especially when, in most cases, these signs are right beside each other (at least in the front sections). It's like, so close and yet so far and I hate to see that negativity among Paul fan's. I also recognize the same trend that maccascruff has mentioned and I'm not the only one. Being a younger fan myself, I'm certainly not complaining that he's bringing up his newer generation of fans up, but I have heard the complaints of those who aren't in their 20s anymore and can sympathize. They aren't at all angry with those who have been so fortunate, they just wish he'd extend the same courtesy to those who have been there with him since the beginning and I would have to agree. These people have been a constant presence in his life. They loved him with the Beatles, they supported his venture with Wings when many had written off any band he was in that wasn't the Beatles, they followed and supported his solo efforts, they were a source of comfort when he lost John, Linda, and George and shared his joy through various achievements and personal happy events and so on. They've been through the thick and thin with this man and, yes, we would have done the same had we been alive - making us all equal as Paul fans - but we weren't so it would be nice for him to start acknowledging those who were there. If he did, I think I'd find this trend a little less stale. Bringing up both generations of fan, I think, would be a great reminder that he and his music are timeless, a feat not many musicians have accomplished. Just my two cents.
Very nicely put.
-
I am finding this thread interesting, at first for the question of "to tattoo or not to tattoo", but now we seem to be moving into the question of "newer fans (post Beatles days) versus original fans (since the Beatle days. You have no idea how much I were born in the sixties and could have been around for the heyday, but my parents would have had to procreate at ten, and that's just icky. ) The fact is, the bigger and easier to read yoursign is, the easier it is to see, period. Paul is fighting blinding stage lights, reading his promoter screen, and let's face it, he's 68. Plus, he doesn't have time to scan the crowd constantly and keep playing, singing, and bouncing around. He sees the signs he sees, and the majority of them these days are tattoo signs, and let's be honest, not a lot of the older fans are holding them up between every song. It seems like he's looking for more unique requests these days, like the "hug a Beatle" sign in Toronto versus the traditional "would you sign my album" signs that he's seen for over 45 years now. He's said repeatedly that he's looking to play unusual venues on this tour and do new things, and after only about 9 or so onstage signings, it's still new for him apparently. My sign didn't ask for a tattoo, I was by the soundboard and had a sign with big, bold letters asking for him to sign my PETA shirt. He didn't know about my promise to my students until I talked to him, but he was happy to oblige. The fact that a musical icon of Paul's stature is trying to meet fans is pretty impressive and admirable, and I can't fault him for that, no matter if he brings up people under 40 (I ruined the curve at 35) or people only over 80. Phew, sorry, I just felt the need to defend Paul a bit. ). Oh, and just because we are too young to have been around during the Beatles years doesn't mean were not as strongly supportive and worshipful of Paul. I hope no one insinuated that, and U don't believe anyone has, but I've spent all 35 of my years worshipping at a fab alter, with special attention being paid to Paul. )
-
I'm one of the older generation fans - been with Paul through thick and thin, as you say. I'm finding this whole discussion a little strange. Maybe it's just me, but I am delighted for anyone who gets a personal acknowledgement from Paul, no matter what form it takes. My first sign experience was a "Please Wave To Us" sign and Paul obliged. It was thrilling! I'll be one of those hopefully not-so-frumpy older fans hoping to get some kind of personal response from Paul. I guess I need an original sign idea. . . . I'll go for the tattoo if that gets me on stage to meet Paul! Just seems odd to me that Paul's fans aren't just happy to see him, interact with him, and enjoy whatever it is he decides to do during HIS show. Certainly there is no reason to begrudge those who had the creativity, nerve, and, yes, luck, to get up there with THE MAN. You may wish it was you, but you may also wish to win the lottery. Sometimes it might happen, but most of the time it won't. Just enjoy the show, I say!
-
Here, here, Mary--that's what I was trying to say in my long and rambling post. )
-
I don't think anyone is saying that a certain group is more supportive than the other or "deserves" it more or what have you. We all share the same love for Paul making anyone who gets a tattoo or simply an album signed worthy of any attention he gives no matter what their age, race, or hair color.
And I certainly agree one hundred percent that it's great seeing him interact with his fans. It used to be something that was based completely on chance or waiting for a special event. Though this trend is still based on chance, we also know that at least one lucky person will achieve all our life long dreams and that's an amazing thing. I don't, however, think it has anything to do with sign creativity. There were a fair number of signs asking for tattoos in Philly that were of his older generation fans just as creative and flashy as those of his younger generation of fans and I know he's seeing them as well. In fact, I'm sure the woman next to me didn't even think she was going to get her signature because he had acknowledged her sign several times during the evening, but seemed to dismiss it until toward the end. Then he said something to her and instructed someone to get her, but it seemed (I don't know for sure) as if she was still having trouble getting the chance to get up there. I'm really glad it worked for her in the end. I think it would have been even more upsetting to have Paul say he would and then not be able to. But I digress. I think the point I was trying to make was that some, not all, of his older fans are starting to feel a bit slighted so it would be nice if he brought up both, that's all. But, like others have said, it's his deal so we should just enjoy it while we can. I don't think anyone was trying to make this into a fan generation thing because we're all the same when it comes to Paul - hopelessly devoted. -
I'm sure Paul gets a kick out of signing people for a tattoo. Who could blame him? He's 68 and still rocking the house and people have so much love for him that they want to take a piece of that with them for the rest of their lives. And I agree w/another poster who said that it probably seems like he's doing so many signatures on stage b/c we're on here all the time exposing ourselves to such stories. But I say if you want Macca to tattoo you, more power to you and I'm delighted for you! As for me, I would need to figure out another routine to get on stage; actually I'd have to luck into the finances for some floor seats first! I'm gonna keep dreaming though
-
Curious: does Paul actually do the choosing, or do his people in the audience do some scouting in advance? And if people really want to complain about the selection process: how about the people in the cheaper seats? When's the last time one of them got picked, eh? Just kidding...I think! For those of you with the tats, just wondering: why get it on a part of your body which you yourself can't see? I think I would want to be able to gaze at it whenever I want! It's great to see fans get up on stage, and it does give everyone hope of maybe...
-
I think the tattoos are so cool. In my opinion, I don't think it's getting old and if Paul is still enjoying it than good for him!
I would LOVE to get his signature as a tattoo but my parents would never let me. -
Thisbe211:
Curious: does Paul actually do the choosing, or do his people in the audience do some scouting in advance? And if people really want to complain about the selection process: how about the people in the cheaper seats? When's the last time one of them got picked, eh? Just kidding...I think! For those of you with the tats, just wondering: why get it on a part of your body which you yourself can't see? I think I would want to be able to gaze at it whenever I want! It's great to see fans get up on stage, and it does give everyone hope of maybe...
I *think* Paul did the choosing for me, but I'm not totally sure. He read my sign right after Jet (when I first put it up). At that time he read it and pointed to me and smiled. It wasn't until after GTGYIML that he began his spiel about signs. He first responded to a sign (my friend Keri!) about a hug, then he read my sign out loud. But...before he began to read my sign it went up on the big screens. So...obviously the cameraman knew he was reading mine next. Regardless, I know Paul read my sign first...b/c I'd just put it up (after Jet) and I could see him reading it about 30 seconds after that. Oh...and the reason I had him sign my back is because I already had his Hofner tattooed there. And...the reason I had his Hofner tattooed there is because I liked the way it looks (vertical along my spine). I can see it (both of them) if I look in a mirror. I also have Strawberry Fields Forever tattooed on my foot. So I see that one all the time.
-
Thanks, Fulow, you lucky girl, you! (I agree with the bass on the back: it's the perfect place for it!)
-
Sorry about the typo!
-
This is totally interesting for me, and to be completely honest, I have mixed feelings
FIRST OFF: Congrats to you other tattoo-ees!!!! Sarah, Jen I know what it feels like, and there are no words...believe me, you'll remember every detail for the rest of your life! I've been lurking lately, and I'll admit that I'm pretty addicted to fb and don't get on here much anymore. The chance to meet Paul, as you no doubt can imagine, in absolutely incredible and I would not trade anything in the world for my experience in Halifax! The fact that he acknowledged me was enough, but to comply to my request was the most wonderful moment. I want every real fan to experience something with Paul, it's a special moment in one's life. I want people to see that he is genuine, because alot of people doubt his sincerity. On the flip side, it seems to be less special if he just does it all the time. Like when he tells the same story over and over, it looses it's special value...just kinda like "Oh he's about to talk about the this again". (although I could watch him ramble aimlessly for hours about nothing and would be happy as a clam). Someone said that there were a bunch of tattoo signs in the front - and I think if you are a sincere fan, one who is with him thick and then and longs to know more and more about him, by all means you deserve it (like a large amount of the ones he has so far been signing). But any ol' person could get up there and be like 'Oh I just love Octopus's Garden will you sign me?'. Ya know what I mean? I thought the hug sign was cute -
Audrey! Nice to see you around these parts...har har...parts of bods with tats! Glad to hear that you are keeping up with all this! After all YOU ARE THE ORIGINAL!!!
-
MaccaDelinquent:
I didn't get the chance to read lol_lennon's friend's sign, but I did notice that just before Helter Skelter, a clump of people with tattoo signs were standing by the stage, including the two who were picked. One asked for their mother to be signed! I just have to wonder how long he's going to keep this trend up - just for this tour or for every tour thereafter? If he's thinking of only doing it till the end of this tour, I'm afraid he's opened something of a Pandora's Box and it'll certainly be a very hard one to close. Not taking away from anyone who has been lucky enough to have various parts of their bodies signed, but I think I have to agree with both thenightfish and maccascruff on two points. I think now that people have come to realize that they might be able to achieve their dream of meeting the man with asking for a tattoo, everyone and their cousin are now bringing signs asking for them and I do think it breeds disappointment and maybe even a little contempt among those trying. I don't think it particularly ruins their experience of the show if they aren't picked, but I can only imagine how disappointing it is for one person to be picked and not another especially when, in most cases, these signs are right beside each other (at least in the front sections). It's like, so close and yet so far and I hate to see that negativity among Paul fan's. I also recognize the same trend that maccascruff has mentioned and I'm not the only one. Being a younger fan myself, I'm certainly not complaining that he's bringing up his newer generation of fans up, but I have heard the complaints of those who aren't in their 20s anymore and can sympathize. They aren't at all angry with those who have been so fortunate, they just wish he'd extend the same courtesy to those who have been there with him since the beginning and I would have to agree. These people have been a constant presence in his life. They loved him with the Beatles, they supported his venture with Wings when many had written off any band he was in that wasn't the Beatles, they followed and supported his solo efforts, they were a source of comfort when he lost John, Linda, and George and shared his joy through various achievements and personal happy events and so on. They've been through the thick and thin with this man and, yes, we would have done the same had we been alive - making us all equal as Paul fans - but we weren't so it would be nice for him to start acknowledging those who were there. If he did, I think I'd find this trend a little less stale. Bringing up both generations of fan, I think, would be a great reminder that he and his music are timeless, a feat not many musicians have accomplished. Just my two cents.
Thank you and
Audrey, you were the original, so cherish your tattoo. The others will cherish theirs, but you had the original idea and the rest are copying you. -
Audrey!! I actually was hoping for your opinion on this, seeing as you are the original tattoo girl!
-
Macca Delinquent wrote: I also recognize the same trend that maccascruff has mentioned and I'm not the only one. Being a younger fan myself, I'm certainly not complaining that he's bringing up his newer generation of fans up, but I have heard the complaints of those who aren't in their 20s anymore and can sympathize. They aren't at all angry with those who have been so fortunate, they just wish he'd extend the same courtesy to those who have been there with him since the beginning and I would have to agree. I agree. I am thrilled for everyone that's been brought up, but it would really be nice to see a few of us middle-aged fans have the opportunity of that special moment with Paul.
-
I do think that Paul picks the people. I could be wrong about that, but it seems from reading this board that he gives the people who he is bringing onstage some kind of heads-up before the encores. Ok, this time tomorrow I'll be in Pittsburgh, maybe working on my signs! (More likely at dinner, working on signs Wed. morning.) WOO - HOO!!!! I am excited. Charlotte was a great show and I am so excited to see Paul again!!!!
-
I concur that Paul is the picker--his folks on the side of the stage mentioned they never know who he will recognize, as it depends on his mood. Then he walked off stage towards me and I swallowed my tongue. oops I agree with Audrey, as she is the tattoo sorority president, that some folks rather deservedly get on stage, and others...possibly not so much. But again, I'm so happy that Paul is so awesome to acknowledge fans, and I'm glad others at the concert are seeing how wonderful our Paul is. )
-
Heck, yeah! I think it's great that Paul is doing that and one person doesn't deserve it more than another in my book. The younger gals can help it that they weren't around at the beginning in the '60s. I have a feeling that had they been, they would have been huge middle aged Beatles/Paul fans like a lot of us on the board. I'm just happy that Paul is connecting with his fans and making dreams come true! I'm not at all into tattoos but that is one that I would do in a heartbeat if he ever signed any part of me!
