He was always my favorite Beatle.
Paul, the writer, the lyricist. The words, his melody. He inspired me from the first moment I heard him sing. While I wasn’t born in time to see The Beatles tour, I vowed I would see Paul McCartney in concert one day. Wednesday was that day: Paul McCartney, Fenway Park, Boston. It was like traveling back in time…
Sir Paul graced the stage at exactly 8 p.m. His song set included some new tracks from his album “Electric Arguments” and some fan favorites including “Eleanor Rigby,” “My Love,” “Something” and “Band on the Run.” I shed a tear during “Blackbird” and sang along during “Hey Jude”, but the most emotional moment of the night came when Paul payed homage to John with the song he wrote the day after John’s death, “Here Today.” The audience ranged in age at Fenway Park that night, but for a few minutes everyone was taken back to Monday, Dec. 8, 1980, when they received the news that the music, and the legend, died.
Two and half hours later, Paul McCartney was still rocking Fenway. His three encores included “Yesterday,” “Helter Skelter,” “Get Back,” and “Sgt. Pepper” – mesmerized by what I was watching and listening to, I turned to my friend and stated, “I’m buying tickets for tomorrow’s night show – I just don’t want this to end.’
While I admit I was overcome with emotion at seeing my musical idol perform live on stage, Paul McCartney’s message wasn’t lost on me:
Live and love. If you get lost, the long and winding road will lead you home. Whisper words of wisdom, like ‘give peace a chance.’ And never forget that in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
I once had a girl, or should I say, she once had me.
I wish I had gone to Paul’s shows at CitiField this summer. (he will be releasing a live album from those shows this month http://noexpiration.blogspot.com/2009/09/paul-mccartney-to-release-live-album.html ) I saw him in 1989 when he returned to the road after more than a decade away. It was his first tour where he was really comfortable playing Beatles songs, and it was so moving. Linda was still alive and in the band, it was so great to see that partnership on the stage.
I saw him again shortly after 9/11 at MSG (not the concert for New York City). Linda was gone, different band, different era. Still incredibly powerful. The joy and hope in his songs just made me feel better. I always hear people scoffing about “crusty” or “wrinkly” rockers… but if you can’t enjoy the power of Beatles songs being sung by a Beatle, I feel bad for you.
anyway, thanks for the review and the post.
Thanks for your comment, Brian. I agree, there was something special about Paul and Linda performing together. But, as a Beatles fan (and a true Paul fan) I was honored to see him live and performing for his fans, in his perfect way. He’s a true genius!