McCartney Concert Tour Breakdown
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This is what happens when you give an analyst some free time at lunch. Decided I would go back and look at all the concert tours by Macca since the Wings tours of the 70's and see how they breakdown. It's interesting to see how much he has toured and where. Note this doesn't include one off mini performances such as Live Aid, Princes Trust, Super Bowl, etc. Just actually full shows. 1970's - 144 shows 37 in 1972, 21 1973, 22 in 1975, 44 in 1976, 20 in 1979 30 in US, 1 Canada, 68 UK, 36 Europe, 9 Asia 9 (Australia) 1980's 44 shows, all 44 in 1989 (World Tour) 12 in US, 2 Canada, 2 UK, 28 Europe 1990's - 144 shows 61 in 1990 (World Tour), 6 in 1991 (Unplugged), 77 in 1993 (New World) 53 US, 2 Canada, 23 UK, 35 Europe, 21 Asia, 2 Latin America, 6 South America 2000's - 168 shows 58 in 2002, 34 in 2003, 14 in 2004, 37 in 2005, 6 in 2007, 19 in 2009 97 US, 3 Canada, 15 UK, 45 Europe, 5 Asia, 3 Latin America 2010's - 141 (through the announced US summer shows this year) 37 in 2010, 24 in 2011, 19 in 2012, 32 in 2013, 29 in 2014 61 US, 12 Canada, 13 UK, 14 Europe, 11 Asia, 7 Latin America, 23 South America The 70's were primarily Europe except for the 1 World Tour. The 80's were sort of the lost touring decade. The 90's were a North America/Europe split with the Asian legs The 2000's we start to see a shift toward North America, still alot of Europe shows. The 2010's have had a different focus with North America and South America dominating the schedule. Europe has been the left out part the last few years with just 3 shows in 2013 and 5 in 2012 and none so far in 2014. Asia has seen 10 shows in the last 12 months, Latin and South America have been big winners with 43 shows in the last 5 years. Canada has also had a good run with 13 of their 20 shows coming between 2009-2013. He's been pretty consistent in touring in the 2010's, 30-40 shows a year. Based on past touring schedule I would expect another 8-12 shows before year end. Since he is touring Asia in May 2014 I would think Europe would be most likely for fall/winter shows in 2014 if they occur. 2010's schedule has largely been South/Latin America in April/May. Summer touring in US. Fall/winter has been either Europe or Asia. For US fans I also broke down regions of the country. Northeast (basically Washington DC and North, west to Pittsburgh) Midwest (north of Ohio river, west to MN, IO, MO - L'ville and Cincy I included here) SouthEast (South of Ohio River and including Dallas and Houston) Mtn/Plains (Lubbock here, Kansas City, OK, NEB, ND, MT) SW/West Coast (AZ, NM, UT and West Coast states) In the 2010's he's had 15 NE, 11 MW, 15 SE, 12 SW/WC, 8 Mtn/Plain 5 of the Mtn/Plain come this year. Going back a decade it was 29 NE, 19 MW, 17 SE, 5 Mtn/Plain, 27 SW/WC It's amazing how much touring he has done later in his life. He's approaching 80 shows since he turned 70. If he keeps his current pace the 2010's could be his busiest touring decade by next year. He's been more active touring since 2002 (age 60+) than any time since his early Beatles days. The 2000's and 2010's will likely be his 2 biggest touring decades of his post-Beatles career. RamblinRed
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Interesting stuff.
He's been more active touring since 2002 (age 60+) than any time since his early Beatles days. The 2000's and 2010's will likely be his 2 biggest touring decades of his post-Beatles career.
That increase in touring since 2002 coincides with the steady and now all but complete collapse of the market for CDs.
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Interesting analysis, thank you! The 80's was definitely a "lost" period for him, tour-wise. I remember watching every single interview he did with eagle eyes, hoping he would say *something* about touring, or hint about touring, or just mention the word "tour."
So it was very exciting when he finally announced the 1989 tour. 
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Michelley:
Interesting stuff.
He's been more active touring since 2002 (age 60+) than any time since his early Beatles days. The 2000's and 2010's will likely be his 2 biggest touring decades of his post-Beatles career.
That increase in touring since 2002 coincides with the steady and now all but complete collapse of the market for CDs.
It also coincides with his dealing with his loss of Linda & his new marriage. Great job! Very good analysis.
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thenightfish:
Interesting analysis, thank you! The 80's was definitely a "lost" period for him, tour-wise. I remember watching every single interview he did with eagle eyes, hoping he would say *something* about touring, or hint about touring, or just mention the word "tour."
So it was very exciting when he finally announced the 1989 tour. :His kids are about the same age as mine - except for Beatrice. The 80's was a lost period for me, too!
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Very good!!! Hope you got more free time!!!!!
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Thanks for the hard work! 2002 + also marks the period he started up with the current band. Rusty, Brian, Abe, Wix really compliment Paul well. Of course Wix has toured with him pre-2002. Amazing that these guys give up their lives to tour whenever Paul decides to hit the road.
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liv4art:
Thanks for the hard work! 2002 + also marks the period he started up with the current band. Rusty, Brian, Abe, Wix really compliment Paul well. Of course Wix has toured with him pre-2002. Amazing that these guys give up their lives to tour whenever Paul decides to hit the road.
They have the gig of their lifetime. They get famous for playing with Sir Paul.
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Paul's songs never get old, that's for sure.
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RamblinRed:
This is what happens when you give an analyst some free time at lunch. Decided I would go back and look at all the concert tours by Macca since the Wings tours of the 70's and see how they breakdown. It's interesting to see how much he has toured and where. Note this doesn't include one off mini performances such as Live Aid, Princes Trust, Super Bowl, etc. Just actually full shows. 1970's - 144 shows 37 in 1972, 21 1973, 22 in 1975, 44 in 1976, 20 in 1979 30 in US, 1 Canada, 68 UK, 36 Europe, 9 Asia 9 (Australia) 1980's 44 shows, all 44 in 1989 (World Tour) 12 in US, 2 Canada, 2 UK, 28 Europe 1990's - 144 shows 61 in 1990 (World Tour), 6 in 1991 (Unplugged), 77 in 1993 (New World) 53 US, 2 Canada, 23 UK, 35 Europe, 21 Asia, 2 Latin America, 6 South America 2000's - 168 shows 58 in 2002, 34 in 2003, 14 in 2004, 37 in 2005, 6 in 2007, 19 in 2009 97 US, 3 Canada, 15 UK, 45 Europe, 5 Asia, 3 Latin America 2010's - 141 (through the announced US summer shows this year) 37 in 2010, 24 in 2011, 19 in 2012, 32 in 2013, 29 in 2014 61 US, 12 Canada, 13 UK, 14 Europe, 11 Asia, 7 Latin America, 23 South America The 70's were primarily Europe except for the 1 World Tour. The 80's were sort of the lost touring decade. The 90's were a North America/Europe split with the Asian legs The 2000's we start to see a shift toward North America, still alot of Europe shows. The 2010's have had a different focus with North America and South America dominating the schedule. Europe has been the left out part the last few years with just 3 shows in 2013 and 5 in 2012 and none so far in 2014. Asia has seen 10 shows in the last 12 months, Latin and South America have been big winners with 43 shows in the last 5 years. Canada has also had a good run with 13 of their 20 shows coming between 2009-2013. He's been pretty consistent in touring in the 2010's, 30-40 shows a year. Based on past touring schedule I would expect another 8-12 shows before year end. Since he is touring Asia in May 2014 I would think Europe would be most likely for fall/winter shows in 2014 if they occur. 2010's schedule has largely been South/Latin America in April/May. Summer touring in US. Fall/winter has been either Europe or Asia. For US fans I also broke down regions of the country. Northeast (basically Washington DC and North, west to Pittsburgh) Midwest (north of Ohio river, west to MN, IO, MO - L'ville and Cincy I included here) SouthEast (South of Ohio River and including Dallas and Houston) Mtn/Plains (Lubbock here, Kansas City, OK, NEB, ND, MT) SW/West Coast (AZ, NM, UT and West Coast states) In the 2010's he's had 15 NE, 11 MW, 15 SE, 12 SW/WC, 8 Mtn/Plain 5 of the Mtn/Plain come this year. Going back a decade it was 29 NE, 19 MW, 17 SE, 5 Mtn/Plain, 27 SW/WC It's amazing how much touring he has done later in his life. He's approaching 80 shows since he turned 70. If he keeps his current pace the 2010's could be his busiest touring decade by next year. He's been more active touring since 2002 (age 60+) than any time since his early Beatles days. The 2000's and 2010's will likely be his 2 biggest touring decades of his post-Beatles career. RamblinRed
He played shows in Australia and New Zealand in the 90's.
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liv4art:
Paul's songs never get old, that's for sure.
Maybe for you, but when you've heard Hey Jude for the umpteenth time since 1968, it does get a bit old.
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Ramblin' Red, What do you normally analyze?
Glad to see I'm not the only one in the Atlanta area who occasionally goofs off at work! Great job! Now, get back to work!! -
RamblinRed:
This is what happens when you give an analyst some free time at lunch. RamblinRed
Wow RamblingRed, that's a really interesting analysis. In your next lunch break (
) I'd be interested to see how those shows break down by city/metropolitan area. How many times has he played London, Rio, Tokyo etc.? -
oobu24:
Michelley:
Interesting stuff.
He's been more active touring since 2002 (age 60+) than any time since his early Beatles days. The 2000's and 2010's will likely be his 2 biggest touring decades of his post-Beatles career.
That increase in touring since 2002 coincides with the steady and now all but complete collapse of the market for CDs.
It also coincides with his dealing with his loss of Linda & his new marriage. Great job! Very good analysis.
While you are correct about the CD's - and the need for most musicians to tour to make a living, I don't believe that is a primary reason for Paul - as he has been tremendously wealthy since the mid-70's and does not need to tour to make money (heck he makes millions every year just on royalties for song copyrights). I do think Heather had alot to do with it. I think she was able to get him out of his post-Linda depression and since performing is something he obviously loves i think he will continue as long as he can. Over 60% of his shows have come since he turned 55 and almost 50% have occurred since he turned 60. Talk about making up for lost time. That is something we should be eternally grateful for as fans. He does not need to tour to make money, and he could be spending those years completely with his family, but he choses to spend some of his time with his fans at a time when most people are looking to retire and spend time with family/friends. Nancy, i work for a large Financial Services firm in Atlanta. I'll do the cities suggestion - though i'll have to limit it to some of the more major ones. RamblinRed
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oobu24:
Michelley:
Interesting stuff.
He's been more active touring since 2002 (age 60+) than any time since his early Beatles days. The 2000's and 2010's will likely be his 2 biggest touring decades of his post-Beatles career.
That increase in touring since 2002 coincides with the steady and now all but complete collapse of the market for CDs.
It also coincides with his dealing with his loss of Linda & his new marriage. Great job! Very good analysis.
Exactly. It's not like he needs the money and that's why he tours relentlessly, like a lot of far less successful second-raters from the 70s and 80s.
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thenightfish:
Interesting analysis, thank you! The 80's was definitely a "lost" period for him, tour-wise. I remember watching every single interview he did with eagle eyes, hoping he would say *something* about touring, or hint about touring, or just mention the word "tour."
So it was very exciting when he finally announced the 1989 tour. :Paul & Linda could visit the U.S in the late 70's- thru 80's to see family etc,but they couldn't "work"..... they had visa problems.
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Nancy R:
liv4art:
Paul's songs never get old, that's for sure.
Maybe for you, but when you've heard Hey Jude for the umpteenth time since 1968, it does get a bit old.
But the live performance is much more about the experience than just the song. People get into it old and young. Its fun to get swept up in the moment on a song that everyone in the house knows by heart.
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I'll do this in groups over the next few days, but here are cities that have had at least 6 shows. Number and most recent London, England - 46 (2012) New York City, NY, US (including Uniondale and East Rutherford) - 28 (2013) Los Angeles, CA, US (inlcuding Anaheim, Inglewood) - 21 (2014) Tokyo, Japan - 17 (2014) Chicago, IL, US - 15 (2014) Boston, MA, US (including Foxboro and Worcester) - 14 (2013) Paris, France - 12 (2011) Birmingham, England - 12 (2003) Liverpool, England - 10 (2011) Atlanta, GA, US - 10 (2014) Philadelphia, PA, US - 10 (2010) Rotterdam, Netherlands - 9 (2012) Washington DC (including Landover, MD) - 9 (2013) Detroit, MI, US - 9 (2011) Mexico City, Mexico - 9 (2012) Munich, Germany - 8 (2003) Manchester, England - 8 (2011) Stockholm, Sweden - 7 (2011) Toronto, Canada - 7 (2010) Dallas-Ft. Worth, TC, US - 7 (2014) Frankfort, Germany - 6 (1993) Miami, FL, US (including Sunrise) - 6 (2010) Las Vegas, NV, US - 6 (2011) RamblinRed
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I think maybe the increase in his appearances may also have something to do with simply getting older, becoming more aware, as most of us do, of his own mortality, and how quickly time is passing. He also seems concerned with his place in history, wanting to make sure he is not forgotten, and that he gets recognition. I remember first thinking this back when he was in his fifties. I'm sure the deaths of Linda and George, and others, made him even more aware that our time isn't unlimited. We get to that certain age, and suddenly memories really are "longer than the road that stretches out ahead."
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Not surprisingly, The United Kingdom is Macca's most performed country. He has had 123 shows in 71 cities. Alot of it came during the Wings period. 110 shows in England, 26 cities 10 shows in 4 cities in Scotland 3 shows in 1 city in Wales. in the last 10 years only London, Liverpool, Manchester, Ilse of Wight, Glasgow and Cardiff have had shows in UK. On the continent some countries have gotten to see Paul alot more than others. Germany - 39 shows in 12 cities (2011) France - 18 shows in 5 cities (2011) Italy - 14 shows in 7 cities (2013) Netherlands - 13 shows in 4 cities (2012) Sweden - 12 shows in 4 cities (2011) Denmark - 9 shows in 4 cities (2004) Spain - 9 shows in 3 cities (2004) Switzerland - 6 shows in 2 cities Belgium - 5 shows in 2 cities (2012) Norway - 5 shows in 2 cities (2004) Austria - 5 shows in 1 city (2013) Finland - 4 shows in 2 cities (2011) Russia - 3 shows in 2 cities (2011) Ireland - 3 shows in 1 city (2010) Poland - 3 shows in 1 city (2013) 1 show each in Czech Republic (2004), Hungary (2003), Portugal (2004) RamblinRed
