Wait, purchase you’re saying I have to review this show?
Umm, fine, here you go: It’s the single most unbelievable music experience one could pay to see by the single greatest living songwriter from the greatest band that ever lived.
Seriously, what’s to be said about the Beatles that hasn’t already been said, and what’s to read about the Beatles that hasn’t already been read? Probably nothing, but there are many ways that Sir Paul and his band tried, and succeeded in actively NOT making it a Beatles show.
First off, the show lacked a John, a George, and a Ringo, but instead provided a backing band of instrumental mavens including drummer Abe Laboriel Jr., who brought attack-style energy and youthful vibrance to the entire band (see: “Helter Skelter”). Musically, Paul’s simple twists provided for a grab-bag setlist too. Early on McCartney threw in a “Foxy Lady” jam as an homage to Jimi Hendrix, busted out rarities (if you can classify any Beatles song as a rarity) like “Lovely Rita Meter Maid and “All Together Now,” and a ukulele version of “Something” was one of the night’s best moments.
The production provided for some interesting non-musical additions as well. A video display that featured Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman translating McCartney’s recent “My Valentine” to sign language and constant synced video collages, one reading “FREE PUSSY RIOT” acted as small nods to post-baby-boomers. Pyrotechnics during “Live And Let Die” mixed in some Hollywood eccentrics as well, while the setting itself, Fenway Park, added enough novelty to make the occasion even sweeter.
McCartney is fresh off of his 71st birthday, and without any hyperbole, he shows no signs of not being able to continue playing for another 71. Clocking in a set of almost two and a half hours, Sir Paul seemed as sharp physically as he is mentally. He could have easily delivered the cookie-cutter “Beatles 1” set, but that’s not what he wanted you to pay for. And while seeing “Hey Jude” and “Blackbird” played live were bucket-list check-offs, and two of the most goose-bumpy live music moments I’ve ever experienced, they likely aren’t the reasons he still tours.
Once an innovator, always an innovator, and at this point in time, it is the ideas that McCartney continues to produce that keeps his repertoire as a whole timeless.
