After a few years as tabloid fodder, Macca is Back !
Paul is on the road, playing occasional concerts ranging from intimate shows to huge outdoor festivals. Tickets recently went on sale for three shows at the "new" Shea Stadium - the first at the new home of the New York Mets - Citi Field. According to Steve at The Beatles Examiner, it looks like two nights at Fenway Park here in Boston are also on the itinerary.
Now, I've pretty much sworn off these type of concerts. While really big shows occasionally turn out to be great, for the most part it's a mess - not really a wonderful musical experience, more like an event.
I don't want to go to an "event". I want to be moved by the music. I don't want some stranger next to me spilling beer and requesting "Hey Jude" for two hours at the top of his lungs. Outdoor events are even worse. I even skipped Paul's shows at Sullivan Stadium in Foxboro back in the 1990's. People are always milling around, and talking throughout the show. It's not about the music. "Peace and Love," my ass.
Yet, like Michael Corleone in "The Godfather III", "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in." I must say I'm intrigued by this tour. Even though there's no way to get a good seat in a baseball stadium without paying through the nose (unlike in an arena, where it is possible to get reasonably priced seats at the side of the stage), there's something about this mini-tour that fascinates me. Even though it made no sense either financially or logistically for me to attend, I did find the idea of going to see Paul at Citi Field an amazing way to experience McCartney live. Shows in John Lennon's adopted home town, as well as the city that hosted most of the Beatles' Ed Sullivan appearances, always seem extra emotional. (And let me start the rumor mill here - do you think he'll bring Ringo along to play at the "New Shea" ? Dhani ? Sean ? Julian? Yoko? )
Luckily, Paul is playing Fenway. I guess I'll go. With Paul's amazing show - and sound system --the experience will be fun at least. While I won't try to get great (expensive) seats, and it will be more of an "event" than a "concert", I feel compelled to attend. I envision an enthusiastic crowd reminiscent of the days of Beatlemania, which is something in itself. It will be exciting, I hope, if I don't expect too much. Then hopefully he'll be back, and play the TD Banknorth Garden, where I can get good, affordable seats, and experience the music.
But Paul is not going to be touring forever. So I will catch him while I can.
So happy birthday, Paul. Glad to have you back in the U.S. See you soon !
2 comments:
I agree completely-- I'll be at Fenway come hell or high water. Although you're right that this kind of thing is never as awesome as it could/should be, Paul is doing amazing things for his age, and anyway I've never had a chance to see him any other way. (I've seen him three times in the Garden, but was always too broke to have anything but bad seats-- this time I'll be able to splurge a little more.)
If he comes to the Banknorth Garden I will be the first one sleeping in the line overnight for tickets.
Paul is definitely doing extremely well for his age, way to go Paul! And happy birthday to you! I hope it's a fantastic one full of love peace and happiness. He's a beautiful man indeed.
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