PAUL McCARTNEY - DETROIT, MI 7-24-11

I've done it. One of the things on my bucket list. I've seen a Beatle perform live. And my favorite Beatle at that! Yes, I've been talking about it for weeks here now folks. I just got back from seeing Sir Paul McCartney live in Detroit and I promised a report and photos. You shall get both.




My seat was on the Detroit Tigers ballpark field. I gotta admit, it was kinda cool to be standing right where the players play. A very interesting view that not many get to see. Its probably the closest I'll ever become to being a pro ball player. Anyway, the weather was sporatic, but luckily it didn't turn into a complete downpour. The show was to be on, RAIN OR SHINE, so no worries on a cancellation. But still, to be electrocuted before I saw Paul? That wouldn't have been fun.

After a long time waiting and watching the two screens scroll some interesting old photos and nostalgia from all of McCartney's life, he came out and launched into some HELLO GOODBYE. Then played into some of his WINGS and solo stuff. Early on, he played ALL MY LOVING and while he played that, images of the young Beatles (footage from A HARD DAYS NIGHT) played. I gotta admit, I teared up a bit. I guess I got caught up in the moment. To hear the first song the Beatles played on Ed Sullivan back when they first came here, shooting to now, me there in Detroit seeing my favorite Beatle and seeing images of them all behind him... I just got choked up a bit. I wasn't ashamed. It meant a lot for me to be there.



What I liked about the concert is that it had a bit of everything. Old, new, some songs that were special for us. They played a Marvin Gaye song cause they just went to see the Motown exhibit while in town. But also in between each song, Paul told stories and played with the audience. It showed that he was having a good time and really cared about being there. Sometimes you don't get that from your concerts you see. This had more of a personal touch, that I think really made it worth the cash we spent to see it.

Paul himself looked and sounded great for a man of 69 years of age. I had seen recent pics of him and heard some concert footage and his voice just wasn't the same ol' thing anymore. And he looked so old in those photos. I was afraid I would feel that at the show. I mean, it wouldn't be a bad thing. The man is almost friggin' 70!!! But man, I gotta say... he was bright, spry and active as ever. His voice was immaculate. Of course he stayed away from some of the harsher screaming lyrics like in I GOT A FEELING and MAYBE I'M AMAZED, but thats fine. Save your voice for the rest of the tour! He's earned that I think. But every song was pitch perfect it seemed. A few missteps in lyrics here and there, but again... he's PAUL FUCKING McCARTNEY and I ain't gotta call him on it!



Later on he played tributes to John, such as HERE TODAY, one of my absolute favorite Paul songs ever. Then later he played SOMETHING with a nice tribute to George Harrison. There was some footage behind him as he played that song of him and a young Harrison recording parts together. I teared up again. Couldn't help it. There's such a history with this man, its hard not to get into it if you are a hardcore fan like I am. This was perhaps the most touching concert I have ever been to. Not that it was played up that way, but it was just touching to me. My whole life has been surrounding the Beatles and Paul's music. I have so many memories of listening to them and jam sessions with friends that its integrated into my soul. Its impossible to separate me from the music. I always say Pink Floyd is my favorite band... but the Beatles, they are not on that list. They are deified. And most of my close friends are musicians or just love music. I can honestly say I cannot get on with a person who doesn't at least ACKNOWLEDGE how great they were. You don't have to be a hardcore nut like me. But if you think they suck, well... Its easy to see why you and I don't get along as well as we could. Its just special. Unexplainable. Unreachable. But tonight, I felt like I reached it a bit. I saw SIR PAUL live. Bucket list item #12 achieved. And as great as he looked playing tonight, I might be seeing him play again, when he's 99 years old! I hope so. A world without McCartney is a world I am not ready for.



SO: I've been thinking where this night ranks on my BEST CONCERT EVER list. I've seen a lot of concerts. A lot of my heroes. I've even got to MEET some of them. Some special memories indeed. Some of those folks are broke up or dead now. So it would have to be damn special. But this one indeed was. It was wonderful. I'd easily put it in my top THREE ever. If not, at #1! Let me sit on it and think. Let me come down off the high I'm feeling right now. But in all honesty, I just got to be in the same place as one of my personal top 5 legends of all time, and man that is tough to beat.

Thanks to the wife for letting me go. Best Father's Day gift ever!!

T