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When you see Paul McCartney in concert you’re really getting a history lesson in rock ‘n’ roll. From The Beatles to Wings to McCartney’s solo stuff, he plays it all! I just wonder how he chooses a set list? He has so much material to cover.
On this night, Sir Paul played a lot of stuff from his Wings days. Songs like "Jet," "Live And Let Die," and "Band On The Run" sounded great. I was especially impressed with McCartney’s version of "Let Me Roll It". The song was originally recorded in 1973 for the "Band On The Run" record, but you couldn’t tell. The track sounds better in concert. I credit that to McCartney’s fine new band. Guitarist Rusty Anderson and Drummer Abe Laboriel, Jr. are fantastic. Anderson’s powerful riffs allow the number to explode on stage. I only have one complaint; I think the band needs a live horn section. Take the song, "Coming Up". It’s a great Wings track that relies heavily on brass.
Well, on this tour, McCartney let’s the synthesizers do all the work. Wix Wickens is a fine keyboard player, but does he know how to play the trumpet? I think a live horn section would only add to this powerful band.
Of course, what would a McCartney concert be without a few Beatles tunes thrown into the mix? It really was a treat for me. I’m only 27 years old and I never got a chance to see the fab four perform live. All I know about the group comes from news footage and my older friends. So, to see Sir Paul perform "Yesterday," "Eleanor Rigby" and "Can’t Buy Me Love" was really special. McCartney ends his first set with the classics, "Let It Be" and "Hey Jude". Both are really great concert numbers, especially the latter. What a rock anthem! I love how the crowd gets involved. If you have young children, take them to a McCartney concert. It’s a great way to introduce them to these classic songs.
On a final note, McCartney pays tribute to John Lennon and George Harrison during an acoustic set. The song "Here Today" was written by Sir Paul right after Lennon’s death. Forget that awful VH1 movie, this song depicts a conversation between the two. In it, McCartney tells Lennon that he loves him. What a touching moment! And if the tears weren’t rolling, Sir Paul’s version of "Something" sure brought out the Kleenex. During the Harrison number, images of the late Beatle were shown. You could really tell that these guys loved each other. It’s a shame we’ll never get the chance to see them together again.
Paul McCartney not only played the role of rock star on this night, but also that of history teacher. Thank you Sir Paul for my lesson in rock history 101.
-- Bret J. Callahan
 
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