Paul McCartney concerts appear to be recession-proof during his 2009 Summer Tour. Glancing around the near-capacity FedExField sections, empty seats were randomly scattered about the venue. Once the day had arrived, exaggerated prices were slashed online to move any remaining ticket inventories.
The Beatles first performed before an American audience at the Washington Coliseum in February 1964. McCartney came to play at FedExField in neighboring Landover, Maryland, on Saturday, August 1, 2009. Macca returned to the touring circuit only 20 years ago in 1989, in support of Flowers In The Dirt.
McCartney and his touring band of the last seven years launched the gig after the sunrays had receded into dusk. As the musicians were making their way behind the massive stage, fans began to cheer and it spread like wildfire throughout the crowd. A Beatle was in the house!
Ominous rainclouds had been threatening Prince George's County in the hours running up to the show, but thankfully, not a drop was to fall during the spectacular 34 song set. Beatles fans reach across generational lines as grandparents and grandchildren were ecstatic to be experiencing this musical legend live on stage.
Having recently celebrated his 67th birthday in June, Paul McCartney did not appear to be impacted by his advancing age on stage whatsoever. Macca looked fab and belted out his vocals with confidence. He interchanged among a collection of musical instruments from his signature Hofner bass guitar to an electric guitar, an acoustic guitar, a ukulele, a mandolin and a grand piano.
McCartney delivered a stunning performance with calculated comments to welcome the Capitol crowd. He relied heavily on his ubiquitous Beatles heritage while only featuring six songs from his protracted Wings period and another four new songs from his last two recent releases. Still, there were no setlist surprises within his cautious repertoire.
For a few true touching moments while on stage, Paul sang heartfelt tributes to his lost love Linda and to both of his lost mates from Liverpool, fellow Beatles John Lennon and George Harrison. A discernible hush overcame the empathetic audience as McCartney sang those songs. Authentic emotion was evident as Paul bore witness to these losses in his life and career.
Sir James Paul McCartney is a global icon. His Beatle pedigree has propelled him to an elevated position leaving only the Rolling Stones as worthy challengers to rival his starpower out on tour. There are media grumblings that 2010 may usher the final full-scale world tour undertaken by McCartney as he contemplates retirement. With a little luck, Paul will continue to pursue his stage career in a reduced fashion before intimate audiences. Mach shau Macca for the 2012 London Olympics!
Landover setlist: Drive My Car * Jet * Only Mama Knows * Flaming Pie * Got To Get You Into My Life * Let Me Roll It > Foxy Lady * Highway * The Long And Winding Road * My Love * Blackbird * Here Today * Dance Tonight * Calico Skies * Michelle * Mrs. Vandebilt * Eleanor Rigby * Sing The Changes * Band On The Run * Back In The USSR * I'm Down * Something * I've Got A Feeling * Paperback Writer * A Day In The Life > Give Peace A Chance * Let It Be * Live And Let Die * Hey Jude * 1st Encore: Day Tripper * Lady Madonna * I Saw Her Standing There * 2nd Encore: Yesterday * Helter Skelter * Get Back * Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Reprise > The End
RockonTour Issue #95
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