Sir Paul McCartney at Manchester Co-op Live A Macca concert remains one of the wonders of the pop world – and at two hours and forty minutes this is no exception! writes ADRIAN THRILLS

Sir Paul McCartney at Manchester Co-op Live A Macca concert remains one of the wonders of the pop world - and at two hours and forty minutes this is no exception! writes ADRIAN THRILLS

As a lifelong Beatles fan and a fortunate spectator of Sir Paul McCartney’s recent performance in Manchester, I can confidently say that witnessing such a musical legend live was nothing short of magical. The energy, the passion, and the sheer joy that filled the arena were palpable, even under the Mancunian drizzle outside.

During his performance as the Saturday night headliner at Glastonbury in June 2022, some speculated that perhaps Sir Paul McCartney’s final live show on British soil was taking place.

In full view of millions on television, he could have made a dramatic exit, but hindsight tells us we should have anticipated differently.

On Saturday evening in Manchester, returning for his initial UK performance since then, he was once again delivering what he excels at – spreading arms-in-the-air camaraderie and a melodious extravaganza featuring some of the all-time classic tunes.

Attending a McCartney concert is still an amazing experience within the realm of popular music, and this particular performance, spanning over two hours and forty minutes, was no different.

Even at 82 years old, he may not be able to deliver powerful high notes like before, but his voice continues to shine brightly, making him a reliable crowd favorite.

He connected with 16,000 fans using personal tales, even though the Manchester rain didn’t seem to dim their spirits in the slightest. In fact, many of them were already belting out Beatles tunes aboard the yellow trams as they made their way to the event venue.

Sir Paul McCartney at Manchester Co-op Live A Macca concert remains one of the wonders of the pop world - and at two hours and forty minutes this is no exception! writes ADRIAN THRILLS

Sir Paul McCartney at Manchester Co-op Live A Macca concert remains one of the wonders of the pop world - and at two hours and forty minutes this is no exception! writes ADRIAN THRILLS

After circumnavigating the globe, we find ourselves once more in the northern regions, he declared, eliciting hearty applause. “I’m thrilled to be here!” he exclaimed.

Having opened the show in a blue jacket, he removed it before the Wings song Let Me Roll It. 

‘That’s the one wardrobe change of the evening,’ he quipped. 

2012 saw the composition of a love song titled “My Valentine,” specifically penned for his wife Nancy Shevell. From her vantage point on the sidelines, she watched as it played: ‘This tune is dedicated to you, my dear.’

The playlist, consisting of 36 songs, seamlessly transitioned among tunes from The Beatles, Wings, and his individual career. A dynamic duo of “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Junior’s Farm” by The Beatles and Wings, respectively, established the mood for an initial barrage featuring powerful rock numbers, which showcased the capabilities of a four-piece backing band that has been with him for 21 years and over 500 performances.

As a devoted admirer, I found myself captivated when the lively Hot City Horns, a three-piece ensemble of brass and woodwind instruments, graced the stage during “Letting Go,” infusing the performance with an invigorating energy.

Two songs by Band on the Run, “1985” and “Let Me Roll It,” increased the rhythm’s pace even more. Notably, “Let Me Roll It” featured an instrumental finale where Paul McCartney, strumming a Gibson guitar smeared with paint, paid homage to the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix.

In the central part, there was a significant focus on The Beatles. A rendition of Blackbird, played acoustically, was performed from a 20-foot high stage bathed in blue LED light.

Sir Paul McCartney at Manchester Co-op Live A Macca concert remains one of the wonders of the pop world - and at two hours and forty minutes this is no exception! writes ADRIAN THRILLS
Sir Paul McCartney at Manchester Co-op Live A Macca concert remains one of the wonders of the pop world - and at two hours and forty minutes this is no exception! writes ADRIAN THRILLS

Tributes honoring George Harrison were heartfelt, showcasing a ukulele rendition of Something, as well as a skiffle song, In Spite Of All The Danger, performed by Paul, John, and George’s previous group, The Quarrymen.

Starting from there, our performance progressed to a series of Wings and Beatles classics, such as “Now And Then,” which made its UK premiere live; this fresh piece was crafted from an earlier John Lennon demo using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

On a special occasion, Wonderful Christmastime was performed live (with the holiday approaching). The audience experienced fake snowflakes while listening to the song, and the youth choir from the YSBD Theatre School joined Macca on stage.

At the event, Jude’s performance sparked the largest chorus that lingered into the fresh evening breeze, while Live and Let Die was synchronized with breathtaking fireworks displays.

In a virtual setting, a duet with Lennon on ‘I’ve Got a Feeling’ was created using clips from Peter Jackson’s The Beatles: Get Back documentary, offering fans another delightful journey through the past.

For McCartney, the next stop is London, where his Got Back tour concludes with its last two performances taking place at the O2 Arena on Wednesday and Thursday.

This performance, filled with memories of beloved songs that resonate deeply within countless individuals, was a delightfully upbeat spectacle that thrived in the present moment. It’s no surprise that many of us are left yearning for more of his presence in our own lives.

Sir Paul McCartney at Manchester Co-op Live A Macca concert remains one of the wonders of the pop world - and at two hours and forty minutes this is no exception! writes ADRIAN THRILLS

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2024-12-16 03:48

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