Thirty-two years ago, way back in the last millennium, my Keys writing career began with my review of the two (nearly identical) Paul McCartney shows I got to attend. At that time, Sir Paul hadn’t toured in years, and I was glad to have the opportunity to see an actual Beatle in concert. He did not disappoint.
Fast forward those 3.2 decades to this past weekend. At this point in history, not many people believe that Paul McCartney has anything left to prove – except for, perhaps, Paul McCartney. Since 1990, he has released several albums of new music, toured the world multiple times and kept himself more than a little busy. I guess Tom Petty was correct when he sang, “You never slow down, you never get old.”
Paul McCartney turns 80 (!) this month. He certainly didn’t act like a typical 80-year-old, however, on stage in Orlando this past weekend. From the show opener, “Can’t Buy Me Love,” Paul and his amazing band let us know they meant business. The early part of the show alternated from Beatles classics like “Got To Get You Into My Life” and “Getting Better,” to Wings songs like “Junior’s Farm,” “Let Me Roll It” and “Let ’Em In.” A couple of Paul’s more recent songs showed up as well — “Come On to Me” and “My Valentine,” dedicated to his wife Nancy, in attendance at the Orlando show.
In the middle of the show, McCartney & Co. convened in a more intimate middle-of-the-stage semi-unplugged jam that featured the Beatles’ first single, “Love Me Do,” as well as a song written and recorded by the Quarrymen (the Beatles’ first band name) called “In Spite of All The Danger.” The more recent “Dance Tonight” featured drummer Abe Laboriel Jr.’s incredible dance moves that had the crowd roaring.
The band got a break while Paul played two solo acoustic songs. The White Album classic “Blackbird” was followed by Paul’s heartfelt tribute song to John Lennon, “Here Today.” Newer songs “New” and “Fuh You” were interlaced with “Lady Madonna” and a very cool version of John Lennon’s “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite” from the Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album.
Paul brought out a ukulele, and noting George Harrison’s fondness for ukulele jams, proceeded to start George’s “Something” as a cool uke shuffle. Midway through, the song morphed into the more familiar arrangement as the warm and sincere tribute to George brought fans to their feet.
While everyone was singing along with just about every song, the evening’s first “authorized” sing-along came with “Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da,” as Paul encouraged everyone to join in. “You Never Give Me Your Money” and “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window” led into “Get Back” and “Band on the Run.” Cell phone lights illuminated the stadium for “Let It Be,” while an amazing display of flames, explosions and skyrockets did the job on “Live and Let Die.” Another sing-along, “Hey Jude,” closed the main portion of the show, with audience members giving it their all.
The encore started with “I’ve Got a Feeling,” which featured isolated audio and video of John Lennon at the Apple rooftop concert singing along with Paul and the band — it really was so freaking cool. “Birthday” and “Helter Skelter” led into the finale: the majestic “Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End” from the second side of Abbey Road. And a nearly 80-year-old sauntered off the stage, obviously pleased and jazzed from the show.
This particular band has been with Paul for more than 20 years, and they combine great musicianship with a whole lot of feel-good fun. It’s easy to see that they’re having a blast on stage. And Paul moved effortlessly among bass, guitar, piano, mandolin and ukulele — a musician and a showman extraordinaire. Thirty-two years after I first saw Sir Paul, and more than 60 years after the start of the Beatles, Paul McCartney just isn’t ready to slow down just yet. At the end of the concert, he said, “See you next time.” Who knows? I’m not going to count him out!
– John Bartus’ Perpetual Island Tour resumes tonight at Sparky’s Landing. Catch John next Monday at Boondocks, and Tuesday and Wednesday at the Key Colony Inn. And check out John’s music anywhere you stream or download your music. Or point your browser to: johnbartus.hearnow.com
