Chicago, IL, United Center, July 9, 2014 - ARCHIVE
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bentleysmama:
I was standing next to the aisle at sc. I had lime green signs.I happened to turn around & saw something about oobu ! then I didn't see it again.Where were you at show? I was row 3 seat 2...fab seat ,but my pics werent turning out very good I have this funny habit of getting shaky when I see Paul,lol
At the show I was also row 3 but in section 3 & all the way on Brian's side. I posted a couple of pics earlier in this thread & also in the picture thread. But I do know what you mean.
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DrivinFan:
thenightfish:
No On My Way to Work so I think Albany was a test-drive for it, the song didn't get the response he wanted, so I don't think it is going to return.
I don't believe that's the case...I heard Brian gave an interview after the show and explained that Paul threw in "On My Way..." just for Albany to make his first show back a little special. I'll try to find the interview.
Here is the interview (with Joe Johnson from Beatlebrunch)...go to 9:50
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Maybe he will do to "on my way to work" what he did to "all you need is love" in Ecuador and "one after 909" in Uruguay: just once and then back to regular setlist.
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DrivinFan:
DrivinFan:
thenightfish:
No On My Way to Work so I think Albany was a test-drive for it, the song didn't get the response he wanted, so I don't think it is going to return.
I don't believe that's the case...I heard Brian gave an interview after the show and explained that Paul threw in "On My Way..." just for Albany to make his first show back a little special. I'll try to find the interview.
Here is the interview (with Joe Johnson from Beatlebrunch)...go to 9:50
Thanks. Whatever the reason, I don't think it is coming back.
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audi:
yankeefan7:
RamblinRed:
Nice write up in the Tribune this morning. Alot of interesting details http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/chi-paul-mccartney-concert-review-20140709,0,7206684.column FWIW, I think fans are worrying about the illness way to much. He had a virus, anyone can get one. if it had been truly serious you likely would have seen a scaling back of either the show or the dates. Instead the shows are still 2'45 and the dates are being expanded. I think it is being treated as a one time thing that had nothing to do with touring. RamblinRed
" Given the numerous worthy albums and songs he released over that 30-year stretch, it?s a shame he doesn?t make the case for any of this material in concert the way that, say, former collaborator Elvis Costello revisits different phases of his career when playing live. This gets to the crux of a central tension with McCartney: the desire to please vs. the desire to get creative. "His albums are almost always weirder than advertised; ?New? is all over the map stylistically and mostly successful, and his 2008 The Fireman collaboration with producer Youth (?Electric Arguments?) is truly out there. Yet you get the feeling he?s thinking that the people paying hundreds of dollars to see him aren?t expecting a deep catalog exploration, and that's too bad, because McCartney?s catalog is as deep as anyone's, so there are even a lot of hits he never plays." Wow, I feel this part of the article validates what people like Audi and myself and a few others have been saying for years !!
I knew that it was only a matter of time before major media outlets would start voicing this issue.
Good. I'm glad this is finally getting out....
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paulmccartneyfan1:
audi:
yankeefan7:
RamblinRed:
Nice write up in the Tribune this morning. Alot of interesting details http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/chi-paul-mccartney-concert-review-20140709,0,7206684.column FWIW, I think fans are worrying about the illness way to much. He had a virus, anyone can get one. if it had been truly serious you likely would have seen a scaling back of either the show or the dates. Instead the shows are still 2'45 and the dates are being expanded. I think it is being treated as a one time thing that had nothing to do with touring. RamblinRed
" Given the numerous worthy albums and songs he released over that 30-year stretch, it?s a shame he doesn?t make the case for any of this material in concert the way that, say, former collaborator Elvis Costello revisits different phases of his career when playing live. This gets to the crux of a central tension with McCartney: the desire to please vs. the desire to get creative. "His albums are almost always weirder than advertised; ?New? is all over the map stylistically and mostly successful, and his 2008 The Fireman collaboration with producer Youth (?Electric Arguments?) is truly out there. Yet you get the feeling he?s thinking that the people paying hundreds of dollars to see him aren?t expecting a deep catalog exploration, and that's too bad, because McCartney?s catalog is as deep as anyone's, so there are even a lot of hits he never plays." Wow, I feel this part of the article validates what people like Audi and myself and a few others have been saying for years !!
I knew that it was only a matter of time before major media outlets would start voicing this issue.
Good. I'm glad this is finally getting out....
Paul needs to become familiar with the notion that he may one day end up more popular than the Beatles themselves. Dead serious. And perhaps more popular that Jesus.
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yankeefan7:
RamblinRed:
Nice write up in the Tribune this morning. Alot of interesting details http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/chi-paul-mccartney-concert-review-20140709,0,7206684.column FWIW, I think fans are worrying about the illness way to much. He had a virus, anyone can get one. if it had been truly serious you likely would have seen a scaling back of either the show or the dates. Instead the shows are still 2'45 and the dates are being expanded. I think it is being treated as a one time thing that had nothing to do with touring. RamblinRed
" Given the numerous worthy albums and songs he released over that 30-year stretch, it?s a shame he doesn?t make the case for any of this material in concert the way that, say, former collaborator Elvis Costello revisits different phases of his career when playing live. This gets to the crux of a central tension with McCartney: the desire to please vs. the desire to get creative. "His albums are almost always weirder than advertised; ?New? is all over the map stylistically and mostly successful, and his 2008 The Fireman collaboration with producer Youth (?Electric Arguments?) is truly out there. Yet you get the feeling he?s thinking that the people paying hundreds of dollars to see him aren?t expecting a deep catalog exploration, and that's too bad, because McCartney?s catalog is as deep as anyone's, so there are even a lot of hits he never plays." Wow, I feel this part of the article validates what people like Audi and myself and a few others have been saying for years !!
______________________________________________________ Couldn't agree with you guys more and it was a very good review. After the Albany show, I posted that it would have been nice if Paul/Band had done "Put It There" when he mentioned his father's birthday. Well right away came a reply that I was a complainer. Mr. Caro couldn't have put it better about our feelings about the Setlist. I agree with the writer when he states that Macca puts on a better show and more often than any of his 70 year old contemporaries (Rollingstones, Dylan). We are blessed that Paul still has the energy and health to still do it. What I think what so many of us true fans are saying is that it is such a shame that Paul is not giving the Setlist a "true balance" of his entire career. To do a Setlist of close to 40 songs and not do one song from the 80, 90's and the 2000's except for Here Today, My Valentine and the current Album he is promoting does such an injustice to his remarkable career. And let's face it, he wouldn't be doing Here Today except for the subject and My Valentine because he wrote it for his wife. This goes hand in hand with what so many uneducated people say about Paul's Post Beatles' career...mediocre at best. Nothing could be further from the truth. Because of how much Paul has toured, just a little better balance in the Setlist could go a long way in altering this myth. Unfortunately at 72, I don't think it will ever happen. The older you get the less likely any human will change. While I get that 50% of the Setlist would need to be his universal Beatle songs, it is a shame that he didn't just add 3-4 Solo Songs (besides the current album at the time) to each tour. Then maybe people may have heard gems like Little Willow, Young Boy, Somedays, Take It Away, No More Lonely Nights etc. etc. I am still going to one of the shows on this tour (Jacksonville FL). It is mainly out of sentiment more than anything else. I have been a fan for 50 years and he will always be my favorite music artist. But I do understand why some of the "real" fans won't spend the money. If you have gone to practically all the previous tours there is just too much redundancy. I didn't quite get Mr. Caro's comments about many of Paul's Solo albums being "weirder" than advertised. I don't look at albums like New, Memory Almost Full, Flaming PIe being weird at all. I think they are very Paul. I did find interesting Mr. Caro's comment about Maybe I'm Amazed drawing a bigger response than Long and Winding Road. Maybe if Paul would have played more songs from his Solo career he would have found similar respones.
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Awesome post, B J.
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This is not really specific for Chicago but I didn't know where else to put it and this was his most recent concert, so... Am I the only one who thinks it's a bit out of character that Paul has not given any interviews during the tour so far? He usually likes to call up local radio stations or give interviews to local newspapers. Do you think it's because knows or fears that he would probably be asked about his recent illness and it's not something he wants to talk about? Or could there be other reasons he doesn't seem to be in a very talkative mood? I'm not saying he's obligated to give interviews, just wondering and thinking outloud because I usually like his pre-concert interviews.
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Ane:
This is not really specific for Chicago but I didn't know where else to put it and this was his most recent concert, so... Am I the only one who thinks it's a bit out of character that Paul has not given any interviews during the tour so far? He usually likes to call up local radio stations or give interviews to local newspapers. Do you think it's because knows he would probably be asked about his recent illness and it's not something he wants to talk about? Or could there be other reasons he doesn't seem to be in a very talkative mood? I'm not saying he's obligated to give interviews, just wondering and thinking outloud because I usually like his pre-concert interviews.
That's actually a great question. I know that he knows a DJ here in Chicago & she always scores an interview. Terri Hemmert has just had a knee replacement so I'm not even sure she went to the show.
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LOL...I went to check out her page... http://wxrt.cbslocal.com/2014/07/10/terri-hemmert-check-in-3/
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oobu24:
Ane:
This is not really specific for Chicago but I didn't know where else to put it and this was his most recent concert, so... Am I the only one who thinks it's a bit out of character that Paul has not given any interviews during the tour so far? He usually likes to call up local radio stations or give interviews to local newspapers. Do you think it's because knows he would probably be asked about his recent illness and it's not something he wants to talk about? Or could there be other reasons he doesn't seem to be in a very talkative mood? I'm not saying he's obligated to give interviews, just wondering and thinking outloud because I usually like his pre-concert interviews.
That's actually a great question. I know that he knows a DJ here in Chicago & she always scores an interview. Terri Hemmert has just had a knee replacement so I'm not even sure she went to the show.
I don't really want to sound paranoid or start to speculate, it's just something that has really stuck out to me on the tour so far. While it's perfectly understandable if he doesn't want to talk about the hospitalization I'm sure he could quickly deflate those questions if he wanted to and just chat about the shows.
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oobu24:
LOL...I went to check out her page... http://wxrt.cbslocal.com/2014/07/10/terri-hemmert-check-in-3/
I almost bought that one.
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We had 3 groups go. 3 of us were in the VIP section 3rd row right side. Two were in section 112 (elevated a bit, on the side). Four were in the balcony on the far side directly across from the stage. All of us had a GREAT time overall. Here's what we agreed on WHEN THE CROWD-O-METER MAXXED-OUT AT TEN - Eight Days a Week (naturally as the opening song) - All My Loving - I've Just Seen a Face (He seemed surprised by the enthusiastic response) - Everybody Out There (Same kind of smile and nodding. Like..."Well, OK!") - Something - Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da - Back in the U.S.S.R. - Let It Be - Live and Live Die - Hey Jude - Get Back - Yesterday - Helter Skelter - Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End RAISNG THE METER TO NINE - Let Me Roll It - Paperback Writer - Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five - Maybe I'm Amazed - We Can Work It Out - New - Queenie Eye - Lady Madonna - All Together Now - Band on the Run - Day Tripper - Hi, Hi, Hi SOLID EIGHTs INCLUDED - Save Us - And I Love Her - Eleanor Rigby THE "SEVENs" WERE WTILL MIGHTY FINE - Listen to What the Man Said - The Long and Winding Road (Don't know why the lack of energy except it followed a rocking Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five) - Another Day - Blackbird - Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite The only two songs that kind of pulled the plug on the room were "My Valentine" and "Here Today" although "Here Today" got extended applause obviously as a tribute to John. Everybody agreed the sound mixing was messed-up too many times. It was as if the sound crew was either inexperienced or just slow to react/adjust. There were many times when there was a missing guitar or vocal feed. We all noticed that about three-quarters of the way into the set, the volume got turned too far up and the rest of the concert was just too loud, muddied and distorted. You really expect the best mix at the best concerts and this was far from the best. Those of us in the VIP seats LOVED the visual closeness to Paul and the band. But with the "equipment buffer" including the rising platform, even those in the front row were a good 30 feet away. The camera cranes, while serving a necessary purpose, are a constant distraction. Maybe the VIP section should just be in the center because there's definitely an "obstructed view" aspect to the side VIP seats. The entire band including Paul looked pretty tired during the sound check but still put on a good set. "I'll Follow The Sun" was a huge highlight. $1,500 per VIP seat....we're not too sure we'd do it again. The pasta and salads and drinks and whole reception atmosphere was outstanding. The sound check was terrific but, as usual, the fans are WAY TOO FAR BACK. They say its to get the "best sound experience" but that's obviously total b.s. which is a turn-off. As usual, the video camera police were intrusive and snottier than they needed to be. There is a disconnect between the appreciative way people are "VIP treated" at the reception and the regimented distance at the sound check. The sound check "cheerleader" is nice enough and tells you what Paul "likes to see from the crowd" in terms of exaggerated enthusiasm but Paul had to strain and shield his eyes just to see us. So, if he "likes" to see the people, then how about moving them up close. But enough about that nit. Can't wait until the next time!
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Ane:
oobu24:
Ane:
This is not really specific for Chicago but I didn't know where else to put it and this was his most recent concert, so... Am I the only one who thinks it's a bit out of character that Paul has not given any interviews during the tour so far? He usually likes to call up local radio stations or give interviews to local newspapers. Do you think it's because knows he would probably be asked about his recent illness and it's not something he wants to talk about? Or could there be other reasons he doesn't seem to be in a very talkative mood? I'm not saying he's obligated to give interviews, just wondering and thinking outloud because I usually like his pre-concert interviews.
That's actually a great question. I know that he knows a DJ here in Chicago & she always scores an interview. Terri Hemmert has just had a knee replacement so I'm not even sure she went to the show.
I don't really want to sound paranoid or start to speculate, it's just something that has really stuck out to me on the tour so far. While it's perfectly understandable if he doesn't want to talk about the hospitalization I'm sure he could quickly deflate those questions if he wanted to and just chat about the shows.
I thought the same thing, I was surprised when I didn't see interviews from Albany. I thought for sure he'd do a interview in Chicago. Also I think Chicago is the first city I've been in where I didn't see signs around the city or freeways or in the papers saying "Welcome Paul " (except United). Maybe I just missed them !
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bentleysmama:
Ane:
oobu24:
Ane:
This is not really specific for Chicago but I didn't know where else to put it and this was his most recent concert, so... Am I the only one who thinks it's a bit out of character that Paul has not given any interviews during the tour so far? He usually likes to call up local radio stations or give interviews to local newspapers. Do you think it's because knows he would probably be asked about his recent illness and it's not something he wants to talk about? Or could there be other reasons he doesn't seem to be in a very talkative mood? I'm not saying he's obligated to give interviews, just wondering and thinking outloud because I usually like his pre-concert interviews.
That's actually a great question. I know that he knows a DJ here in Chicago & she always scores an interview. Terri Hemmert has just had a knee replacement so I'm not even sure she went to the show.
I don't really want to sound paranoid or start to speculate, it's just something that has really stuck out to me on the tour so far. While it's perfectly understandable if he doesn't want to talk about the hospitalization I'm sure he could quickly deflate those questions if he wanted to and just chat about the shows.
I thought the same thing, I was surprised when I didn't see interviews from Albany. I thought for sure he'd do a interview in Chicago. Also I think Chicago is the first city I've been in where I didn't see signs around the city or freeways or in the papers saying "Welcome Paul " (except United). Maybe I just missed them !
I was looking for banners & such too. That would have more to do with Paul's advertising budget or his people.
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OnTheRunOutThere:
We had 3 groups go. 3 of us were in the VIP section 3rd row right side. Two were in section 112 (elevated a bit, on the side). Four were in the balcony on the far side directly across from the stage. All of us had a GREAT time overall. Here's what we agreed on: ..... see above ...................... The only two songs that kind of pulled the plug on the room were "My Valentine" and "Here Today" although "Here Today" got extended applause obviously as a tribute to John. Everybody agreed the sound mixing was messed-up too many times. It was as if the sound crew was either inexperienced or just slow to react/adjust. There were many times when there was a missing guitar or vocal feed. We all noticed that about three-quarters of the way into the set, the volume got turned too far up and the rest of the concert was just too loud, muddied and distorted. You really expect the best mix at the best concerts and this was far from the best. Those of us in the VIP seats LOVED the visual closeness to Paul and the band. But with the "equipment buffer" including the rising platform, even those in the front row were a good 30 feet away. The camera cranes, while serving a necessary purpose, are a constant distraction. Maybe the VIP section should just be in the center because there's definitely an "obstructed view" aspect to the side VIP seats. The entire band including Paul looked pretty tired during the sound check but still put on a good set. "I'll Follow The Sun" was a huge highlight. $1,500 per VIP seat....we're not too sure we'd do it again. The pasta and salads and drinks and whole reception atmosphere was outstanding. The sound check was terrific but, as usual, the fans are WAY TOO FAR BACK. They say its to get the "best sound experience" but that's obviously total b.s. which is a turn-off. As usual, the video camera police were intrusive and snottier than they needed to be. There is a disconnect between the appreciative way people are "VIP treated" at the reception and the regimented distance at the sound check. The sound check "cheerleader" is nice enough and tells you what Paul "likes to see from the crowd" in terms of exaggerated enthusiasm but Paul had to strain and shield his eyes just to see us. So, if he "likes" to see the people, then how about moving them up close. But enough about that nit. Can't wait until the next time!
Welcome to the board! Fab 1st post & I am in agreement with you. I had that obstructed view with the camera boom. I am ready to write someone to complain about these seats. I was on Paul's left side or Brian's side 3rd row.
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well my wife and I had a blast...great show...great people. We were in the third row of section 2 ....had great seats. It was money well spent.
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For someone who sat on the floor -- what direction did the seat numbers go in? (just so I have an idea of where my seats might be for the LA Dodger Stadium concert)
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From my point of view center floor, the new songs were met with silence from the crowd. Crowd started out red hot, then sort of got tired at times. Could have been louder after song endings. Live and Let Die blew everyone away. The crowd seemed to be the oldest of any Paul show Ive been to.