taking kids to the show
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Does anyone know if there is a minimum age to watch the show ? I'm from Brazil, living in Shanghai ( China ) and I'd love to go to Japan, but I need to take my kids with me.... lol Thanks
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Hello and welcome to the message board
There should not be a problem taking your children to one of Paul's shows. 
You might be interested in reading about fellow users' advice and experiences here: http://maccaboard.paulmccartney.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=86379 http://maccaboard.paulmccartney.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=86574 -
We just took our 6 year old (he'll be 7 next month) to the show in Washington D.C. and it was a great experience! He loves Paul's music, so I thought he would enjoy the concert. That said, we all know our individual kids and what works for one kid may not work for another. We prepared in advance to make it the best experience possible for whole family and every worked out great! He never complained once the entire night, even though the show started an hour late and ended at nearly midnight. He stayed awake the whole show and was really into much of it... especially his favorite songs, which are all the upbeat tunes!! We brought ear protection for him so that he wouldn't be alarmed by the sudden loud noise of 70,000 people screaming. We made sure that he rested in the afternoon before the show, 'cause we knew it would be a long night for him. We also brought his Nintendo DS which we let him play for some of the slow songs in the middle of the show, as well as at the end. I figured 3 hours would be a lot to make any kid sit through, so we brought his video game with us to insure that he wouldn't get board and overly antsy... worked like a charm! Again, not one single complaint the entire night! And he really enjoyed much of the concert... "Live and Let Die", with all of the fireworks and explosions wound up being his favorite song of the night. Loved "Mrs. Vandebilt" and "All Together Now" a lot, also! At the beginning of the show, when Paul took the stage, my boy was cheering just as loud as any other fan in that audience and he knew the words to every song all the way up until "My Valentine". In fact, he knew the words better than I even realized he knew them!! I was a very proud dad!!!
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joemcook:
We just took our 6 year old (he'll be 7 next month) to the show in Washington D.C. and it was a great experience! He loves Paul's music, so I thought he would enjoy the concert. That said, we all know our individual kids and what works for one kid may not work for another. We prepared in advance to make it the best experience possible for whole family and every worked out great! He never complained once the entire night, even though the show started an hour late and ended at nearly midnight. He stayed awake the whole show and was really into much of it... especially his favorite songs, which are all the upbeat tunes!! We brought ear protection for him so that he wouldn't be alarmed by the sudden loud noise of 70,000 people screaming. We made sure that he rested in the afternoon before the show, 'cause we knew it would be a long night for him. We also brought his Nintendo DS which we let him play for some of the slow songs in the middle of the show, as well as at the end. I figured 3 hours would be a lot to make any kid sit through, so we brought his video game with us to insure that he wouldn't get board and overly antsy... worked like a charm! Again, not one single complaint the entire night! And he really enjoyed much of the concert... "Live and Let Die", with all of the fireworks and explosions wound up being his favorite song of the night. Loved "Mrs. Vandebilt" and "All Together Now" a lot, also! At the beginning of the show, when Paul took the stage, my boy was cheering just as loud as any other fan in that audience and he knew the words to every song all the way up until "My Valentine". In fact, he knew the words better than I even realized he knew them!! I was a very proud dad!!!
I'm taking my almost-seven year old tomorrow. Great advice on all accounts. I don't think she'll get bored since we are on the floor and might be a little crazy, but I am taking her for a bathroom break to get some calm down time from all the excitement. She is scared of Live and Let Die but I showed her a bunch of videos to show how far we'll be from the fireworks. I've got earplugs packed.
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calicoskych2001:
Hello and welcome to the message board
There should not be a problem taking your children to one of Paul's shows. You might be interested in reading about fellow users' advice and experiences here: http://maccaboard.paulmccartney.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=86379 http://maccaboard.paulmccartney.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=86574Thanks for everything ! I hope they"ll be fine ( one of them is only 3 years old, but already know some of Macca's songs
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dappa-macca:
joemcook:
We just took our 6 year old (he'll be 7 next month) to the show in Washington D.C. and it was a great experience! He loves Paul's music, so I thought he would enjoy the concert. That said, we all know our individual kids and what works for one kid may not work for another. We prepared in advance to make it the best experience possible for whole family and every worked out great! He never complained once the entire night, even though the show started an hour late and ended at nearly midnight. He stayed awake the whole show and was really into much of it... especially his favorite songs, which are all the upbeat tunes!! We brought ear protection for him so that he wouldn't be alarmed by the sudden loud noise of 70,000 people screaming. We made sure that he rested in the afternoon before the show, 'cause we knew it would be a long night for him. We also brought his Nintendo DS which we let him play for some of the slow songs in the middle of the show, as well as at the end. I figured 3 hours would be a lot to make any kid sit through, so we brought his video game with us to insure that he wouldn't get board and overly antsy... worked like a charm! Again, not one single complaint the entire night! And he really enjoyed much of the concert... "Live and Let Die", with all of the fireworks and explosions wound up being his favorite song of the night. Loved "Mrs. Vandebilt" and "All Together Now" a lot, also! At the beginning of the show, when Paul took the stage, my boy was cheering just as loud as any other fan in that audience and he knew the words to every song all the way up until "My Valentine". In fact, he knew the words better than I even realized he knew them!! I was a very proud dad!!!
I'm taking my almost-seven year old tomorrow. Great advice on all accounts. I don't think she'll get bored since we are on the floor and might be a little crazy, but I am taking her for a bathroom break to get some calm down time from all the excitement. She is scared of Live and Let Die but I showed her a bunch of videos to show how far we'll be from the fireworks. I've got earplugs packed.
It's a hard decision for me , as I live in another country ( China ) and don't have relatives here to stay with the children. The only time I watched his show was in Brazil in 1993, during The New World Tour... I was 16 !! Since then there was no other opportunity for me
And now, HE will be in Japan, 2 hours flight from Shanghai.... My son is 6, I'm sure he will be fine, but I have a 3 years old girl.... not easy at all.... Anyway, thank you all for the replies and advices .... Probably someday in the future they will be grateful to have had a chance to watch a Beatle show !!! -
Deaschumi:
dappa-macca:
joemcook:
We just took our 6 year old (he'll be 7 next month) to the show in Washington D.C. and it was a great experience! He loves Paul's music, so I thought he would enjoy the concert. That said, we all know our individual kids and what works for one kid may not work for another. We prepared in advance to make it the best experience possible for whole family and every worked out great! He never complained once the entire night, even though the show started an hour late and ended at nearly midnight. He stayed awake the whole show and was really into much of it... especially his favorite songs, which are all the upbeat tunes!! We brought ear protection for him so that he wouldn't be alarmed by the sudden loud noise of 70,000 people screaming. We made sure that he rested in the afternoon before the show, 'cause we knew it would be a long night for him. We also brought his Nintendo DS which we let him play for some of the slow songs in the middle of the show, as well as at the end. I figured 3 hours would be a lot to make any kid sit through, so we brought his video game with us to insure that he wouldn't get board and overly antsy... worked like a charm! Again, not one single complaint the entire night! And he really enjoyed much of the concert... "Live and Let Die", with all of the fireworks and explosions wound up being his favorite song of the night. Loved "Mrs. Vandebilt" and "All Together Now" a lot, also! At the beginning of the show, when Paul took the stage, my boy was cheering just as loud as any other fan in that audience and he knew the words to every song all the way up until "My Valentine". In fact, he knew the words better than I even realized he knew them!! I was a very proud dad!!!
I'm taking my almost-seven year old tomorrow. Great advice on all accounts. I don't think she'll get bored since we are on the floor and might be a little crazy, but I am taking her for a bathroom break to get some calm down time from all the excitement. She is scared of Live and Let Die but I showed her a bunch of videos to show how far we'll be from the fireworks. I've got earplugs packed.
It's a hard decision for me , as I live in another country ( China ) and don't have relatives here to stay with the children. The only time I watched his show was in Brazil in 1993, during The New World Tour... I was 16 !! Since then there was no other opportunity for me
And now, HE will be in Japan, 2 hours flight from Shanghai.... My son is 6, I'm sure he will be fine, but I have a 3 years old girl.... not easy at all.... Anyway, thank you all for the replies and advices .... Probably someday in the future they will be grateful to have had a chance to watch a Beatle show !!!I've thought about this as I have a three-and-a-half year old daughter and she loves The Beatles. Paul just came through Milwaukee, and, living in Chicago, I thought it would be great to take her. My wife is 39 weeks pregnant, however, and it would not have been wise to go, so we never really even considered it once tickets went on sale. I took my daughter to see Johnny Clegg when she was about 16 months old, and she lasted half of the concert. If we went to see Paul, I would have bought cheaper seats far enough away from the throng of people on the floor, which I think can be intense for a little one. Also, close enough to concession stands and bathrooms. This might be something you want to consider. Your daughter may fall asleep in your arms, she may be awake and engaged the whole time. I know mine would have gotten overtired and uncomfortable enough at a certain point that we'd likely have had to leave early, but I'd have been perfectly fine with that, as she'd have seen Paul, and would have enjoyed at least some of the concert.
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I was thinking about the seats ....and I agree with you....should be far away from the throng of people on the floor and from the stage....I'm sure she will be scared of the "fireworks " ( like in "Live and let die ") .....
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In 2011, I traveled with my 3 year old to NYC to see two shows at Yankee stadium. It was VERY hot and humid and because of the crowds on the subway, I carried her the entire time on my back in a baby carrier. Those Ergo carriers are the best! I brought her some ear muffs to protect her ears, but for most of the show (each night) she was fine. About 2/3 way through, she fell asleep on my lap. I was up in the stands where we could sit instead of stand. It was the furthest I've ever sat at Paul shows and the first time I've actually sat down! haha I think you've received some great advice to bring some things that will keep your child/ren busy and give them naps before the shows. Enjoy! I recently went to DC and did not take my now 5 year old to the show and am so glad I didn't. It felt a bit crazy and disorganized getting in and out and my daughter is now much heavier than she was 2 years ago so I wouldn't have been able to carry her the same way. As mentioned by someone else, only you know your child/ren and know what you can or cannot handle.
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Deaschumi:
I was thinking about the seats ....and I agree with you....should be far away from the throng of people on the floor and from the stage....I'm sure she will be scared of the "fireworks " ( like in "Live and let die ") .....
This was my biggest concern. We chose seats far enough away so that it wouldn't be crazy... we chose the lower level stands, fairly far back. Our son doesn't like heights all that much so these seats were better than being in the upper level nosebleeds. The floor would have been too much, IMO... at least for my kid, anyway. He loved the fireworks and explosions but the ear protection was a MUST. We bought them in the gun department at Dick's sporting goods... the heavy duty headphone kind, and they worked out great!
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joemcook:
Deaschumi:
I was thinking about the seats ....and I agree with you....should be far away from the throng of people on the floor and from the stage....I'm sure she will be scared of the "fireworks " ( like in "Live and let die ") .....
This was my biggest concern. We chose seats far enough away so that it wouldn't be crazy... we chose the lower level stands, fairly far back. Our son doesn't like heights all that much so these seats were better than being in the upper level nosebleeds. The floor would have been too much, IMO... at least for my kid, anyway. He loved the fireworks and explosions but the ear protection was a MUST. We bought them in the gun department at ****'s sporting goods... the heavy duty headphone kind, and they worked out great!
Of course they wouldn't let you type D i c k's!! Deaschumi, Couldn't you find a professional babysitting service for the 3 year old? Are you staying at a hotel? They can refer you to one. -
We talked to a woman with a 4-year-old in Indy who was taking her daughter to her second PM show. That seemed young to me, but the girl seemed really excited so I guess she must have liked the first one. I agree that ear protection is a must at that age. When we saw the St. Louis show, there was a couple on the floor with a kid who couldn't have been more than 2 years old. She was tired and cranky and they kept passing her back and forth trying to keep her from crying, even before the show started. I noticed about halfway through that they had left. I wondered if their babysitter fell through at the last minute, because I couldn't imagine springing for floor seats and bringing a kid that age.
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I think a minimum age would be out of diapers. Same advice as others...Not too many liquids before and during the concert, seats near the bathrooms. And earplugs or headphones are a must. His concerts can be pretty loud, perfect but loud. Hard on little ears.
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Nancy R:
joemcook:
Deaschumi:
I was thinking about the seats ....and I agree with you....should be far away from the throng of people on the floor and from the stage....I'm sure she will be scared of the "fireworks " ( like in "Live and let die ") .....
This was my biggest concern. We chose seats far enough away so that it wouldn't be crazy... we chose the lower level stands, fairly far back. Our son doesn't like heights all that much so these seats were better than being in the upper level nosebleeds. The floor would have been too much, IMO... at least for my kid, anyway. He loved the fireworks and explosions but the ear protection was a MUST. We bought them in the gun department at ****'s sporting goods... the heavy duty headphone kind, and they worked out great!
Of course they wouldn't let you type D i c k's!! Deaschumi, Couldn't you find a professional babysitting service for the 3 year old? Are you staying at a hotel? They can refer you to one.Yes, we are going to stay in a hotel, but honestly, I won't be relaxed and enjoy the show if I leave her with a babysitter that she never saw before...
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DaisyL:
In 2011, I traveled with my 3 year old to NYC to see two shows at Yankee stadium. It was VERY hot and humid and because of the crowds on the subway, I carried her the entire time on my back in a baby carrier. Those Ergo carriers are the best! I brought her some ear muffs to protect her ears, but for most of the show (each night) she was fine. About 2/3 way through, she fell asleep on my lap. I was up in the stands where we could sit instead of stand. It was the furthest I've ever sat at Paul shows and the first time I've actually sat down! haha I think you've received some great advice to bring some things that will keep your child/ren busy and give them naps before the shows. Enjoy! I recently went to DC and did not take my now 5 year old to the show and am so glad I didn't. It felt a bit crazy and disorganized getting in and out and my daughter is now much heavier than she was 2 years ago so I wouldn't have been able to carry her the same way. As mentioned by someone else, only you know your child/ren and know what you can or cannot handle.
DaisyL, I have the Ergo carrier, my husband already told me....if we go, please take the carrier !!! Thanks for helping !
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Deaschumi:
Nancy R:
joemcook:
Deaschumi:
I was thinking about the seats ....and I agree with you....should be far away from the throng of people on the floor and from the stage....I'm sure she will be scared of the "fireworks " ( like in "Live and let die ") .....
This was my biggest concern. We chose seats far enough away so that it wouldn't be crazy... we chose the lower level stands, fairly far back. Our son doesn't like heights all that much so these seats were better than being in the upper level nosebleeds. The floor would have been too much, IMO... at least for my kid, anyway. He loved the fireworks and explosions but the ear protection was a MUST. We bought them in the gun department at ****'s sporting goods... the heavy duty headphone kind, and they worked out great!
Of course they wouldn't let you type D i c k's!! Deaschumi, Couldn't you find a professional babysitting service for the 3 year old? Are you staying at a hotel? They can refer you to one.Yes, we are going to stay in a hotel, but honestly, I won't be relaxed and enjoy the show if I leave her with a babysitter that she never saw before...
Ah, well, I guess I was a terrible mother--in 1990 I left my 3 year old twins with an old friend of mine they'd never met before so I could go see Paul (and they survived--they're now 26 and my son loves Paul & The Beatles! Daughter leans more towards Coldplay, etc!)
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Nancy R:
Deaschumi:
Nancy R:
joemcook:
Deaschumi:
I was thinking about the seats ....and I agree with you....should be far away from the throng of people on the floor and from the stage....I'm sure she will be scared of the "fireworks " ( like in "Live and let die ") .....
This was my biggest concern. We chose seats far enough away so that it wouldn't be crazy... we chose the lower level stands, fairly far back. Our son doesn't like heights all that much so these seats were better than being in the upper level nosebleeds. The floor would have been too much, IMO... at least for my kid, anyway. He loved the fireworks and explosions but the ear protection was a MUST. We bought them in the gun department at ****'s sporting goods... the heavy duty headphone kind, and they worked out great!
Of course they wouldn't let you type D i c k's!! Deaschumi, Couldn't you find a professional babysitting service for the 3 year old? Are you staying at a hotel? They can refer you to one.Yes, we are going to stay in a hotel, but honestly, I won't be relaxed and enjoy the show if I leave her with a babysitter that she never saw before...
Ah, well, I guess I was a terrible mother--in 1990 I left my 3 year old twins with an old friend of mine they'd never met before so I could go see Paul (and they survived--they're now 26 and my son loves Paul & The Beatles! Daughter leans more towards Coldplay, etc!)
I think there's a very big difference between what you did and what she's talking about. At least YOU knew the babysitter, even if the kids didn't. You knew they could be trusted and so you knew they were in safe hands. In her situation, if I understand correctly, she's going to be visiting the city and wouldn't know anybody personally. I would be terrified having a stranger in a strange town babysit my son, even if they were "professionals"! That said, I probably wouldn't want to take a 3 year old to a stadium rock concert but others have done it. I guess in that case, you just have to be prepared for everything, including a willingness to leave early if things get ugly...
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I took my 6 year old (almost 7 in a couple months) last night to the Seattle show. Here's my thoughts... We were on the field, not the tickets I intended to get, I was hoping for lower stands. I showed her lots of videos of past shows to give her a feel, including the fireworks for Live and Let Die. She was adamant that she wanted to do the floor seats (what can I say, she loves him!). We were 13 rows back just to the right, nearly in front of the large video screen. Earplugs were a must. I brought in a collapsable 10 inch step stool so she could see without having to stand on her chair on block the view of the people behind us. I kinda snuck it in, don't think it was allowed but that made a HUGE difference. We had a bathroom stop right before the show and limited liquids. She loved the show and stood for about 75% of it. Considering the show started at her bedtime I was pretty impressed with her stamina. She had to sit through the last encore because she ran out of energy and was getting really sleepy during Helter Skelter with the Nirvana guys, so I know she was beat. She did not want to be on the field during Live and Let Die so we took a break then. I was a little bummed to miss it up close, but when she saw how close we were to the stage she panicked a little. So, I took her up to a bathroom before then and watched the fireworks from afar, which were still incredible. When we got back to our seat the smell was strong so I think we made the right choice. I think stands would be best for most kids. My girl is a huge fan and was super excited and although she did great she was really burnt out by the second encore. I think if Safeco Field did a better job and didn't require a long line to get a wristband for the field she wouldn't have been as tired. We waited in a line for 30 minutes which exhausted her before the show even began. And, considering that Seattle has legalized marijuana I was surprised at how little I smelled. And our section was pretty tame even though it was on the field. Thankfully no out of control drunk people in our immediate area. Just something else to consider when taking kids... being prepared for the adult behavior
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Some adult behavior at concerts is not what you want kids to see. Sounds like your little on had a great time.
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Deaschumi:
DaisyL:
In 2011, I traveled with my 3 year old to NYC to see two shows at Yankee stadium. It was VERY hot and humid and because of the crowds on the subway, I carried her the entire time on my back in a baby carrier. Those Ergo carriers are the best! I brought her some ear muffs to protect her ears, but for most of the show (each night) she was fine. About 2/3 way through, she fell asleep on my lap. I was up in the stands where we could sit instead of stand. It was the furthest I've ever sat at Paul shows and the first time I've actually sat down! haha I think you've received some great advice to bring some things that will keep your child/ren busy and give them naps before the shows. Enjoy! I recently went to DC and did not take my now 5 year old to the show and am so glad I didn't. It felt a bit crazy and disorganized getting in and out and my daughter is now much heavier than she was 2 years ago so I wouldn't have been able to carry her the same way. As mentioned by someone else, only you know your child/ren and know what you can or cannot handle.
DaisyL, I have the Ergo carrier, my husband already told me....if we go, please take the carrier !!! Thanks for helping !
You're welcome. Those Ergo's are the best! If you have a child 4 or under, definitely bring it with you. It is a lifesaver! I think I ordered the earmuffs on Amazon for about $20. When my daughter was tired she took them off so I just covered her ears with my hands, but it is important to protect little ears so I highly recommend getting the earmuffs.
