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One reader’s take on Sir Paul’s Dallas show
In Tuesday’s story about the Paul McCartney show in Dallas, we asked readers to share their experiences.
Below is a review from reader James Caldera, who writes about taking his twin daughters to the concert:
So officially, I have seen Sir Paul McCartney perform his LAST (so far) concert as the Dallas show wrapped up his summer tour. I knew two months ago that when he came to Dallas I would have to decide whether to take my 10-year- twins, Katie and Kristen, who, through some influence of mine, liked songs from the Beatles and Paul McCartney. Even though the prices for the floor seats were really expensive, I knew this may be the last chance for me and the kids to see such a show/performer. I bought them, and the kids and I counted the days until the day of the show arrived.
For a few fans that arrived early, the show started BEFORE we even went into the stadium. As we walked around the stadium to get to our designated gate, we heard Paul performing his warm-up routine. We found a door that we could peer into and saw the video screen of Paul singing songs that were not performed in concert like “Honey Don’t”, “Coming up” and “C’Moon”.
Doors opened about 30 minutes late as Paul’s practice went a little longer than expected. We bought our shirts and program and as we found our seats, we were amazed at the majesty of the new Cowboy stadium. The arena looked to be a fitting place for such a performer.
The opening act was a band called The Scripts. The band actually sounded better than the crowd’s attention gave them credit for. Once they finished their set and their equipment was cleared, the show started and immediately, the kids were fired up! He started with “Drive My Car” and “Jet.” I sensed it set the stage for a great night for the kids to remember. But unfortunately, because of the intense heat from waiting outside and the extra water I had to buy them to keep them from passing out, Katie turned to me with that “My peppercorn-size bladder is full and I need to go to the bathroom” look and I knew it was time to take them, despite having gone before the show! Though a little disappointed they had to go so early in the show, it was a good thing, because Paul had just started one of his new songs, “Only Mama Knows”, so in they end, they timed their restroom break perfectly.
We returned with Paul starting another new song, “Flaming Pie.” “Got To Get You Into My Life” was next, and the kids went nuts as it was an early favorite that they sang around the house. Paul followed by “Let Me Roll It” with a Jimi Hendrix addition of the end of “Foxy Lady” and “Highway”.
“The Long And Winding Road” brought some emotion, after which he played “My Love” and dedicated it to Linda and all the lovers in the audience; he rounded out the reminiscing trio set with a solo spot-lit rendition of “Blackbird.” A string of new songs showcased his new band, and newer material was next with “Dance Tonight” and “Calico Skies,” followed by older songs “Mrs. Vanderbilt” and “Here Today”. He took a moment to comment on his love for Texas hospitality and played one song he’d never before played in any concert: The crowd cheered as he did a great version of “It’s So Easy.” by Lubbock legend Buddy Holly.
Paul and the band played “Eleanor Rigby” followed by “Sing The Changes” where a subtle dotted image of President Obama could be seen for a couple of seconds.
By this time, my kids were starting to get a little tired and had been sitting on their chairs since the end of “Blackbird.” I thought, “Gee, maybe I spent too much for the kids to come and sit.” But the first five notes of “Band On The Run” were all that was needed to get them, as well as the crowd, back on their feet. While they played the song, a video of the photo shoot of the album cover was playing in the background. They remained standing and screamed even louder as they sang along with a rocking version of “Back In The USSR” and “I’m Down”.
Things calmed down when he introduced his next song and brought out a ukulele given to him by George Harrison. A spotlight came down as they started to play “Something” - just him and the ukulele as images of George were shown on the screen behind him. The band then joined in halfway through and Paul swapped to an acoustic to finish out the song. More Beatle songs followed with “I’ve Got A Feeling” and “Paperback Writer.”
After the applause died down a bit, Paul then brought up his “mate”, John Lennon, and dedicated the next song to him - a PERFECT rendition of “A Day In The Life” with the same orchestral crescendo you hear on the record. At the end of the song, he blended in “Give Peace A Chance” and the crowd joined in. It was pretty emotional to see a revival of the spirit that John had years ago.
Paul further tugged on the crowd’s heart strings with “Let It Be.”
The next highlight was “Live And Let Die” with the traditional firework display and flames, after which Paul tapped his chest with a look of “you’re welcome, but these fireworks are starting to wear on the heart of this ol’ guy!” Next was “Hey Jude” and my kids were standing on the chairs behind me soaking up the best view yelling, singing, screaming and having the best time.
The band joined at the front of the stage for the customary initial farewell and the audience cheered for more as they walked off the stage. They returned with powerful performances of “Day Tripper,” “Lady Madonna” and “I Saw Her Standing There” that left you wondering how someone 67 years young can deliver that kind of performance and showmanship.
For a third roller-coaster encore, he started out softly with “Yesterday” followed by a heavy and powerful version of “Helter Skelter” and then “Get Back.”
Finally, Paul went into the “Sgt. Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band Reprise” that morphed into the song, “The End”, where Paul and his mates all traded their talents in guitar solos that came to the abrupt end with the single piano note and the words, “And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.” Lights came on and you could see everyone on their feet, waving and cheering. A sign was held by one woman close to the front that said, “WE’RE STILL AMAZED.”
In the end, Paul took away from the audience the same love that he had given them not only for that night, but for over 40 years of his life. Music that not only spans decades, but generations that will continue to influence long after he leaves this earth.
So am I glad I took my kids? You bet. I provided them with a memory that will live with them for the rest of their lives, just as it does with everyone that reminisces what artist they saw when they went to their first concert. I can honestly say it was the best show I’ve ever seen, and I was glad I was able to share it with my kids. I don’t think I can put my finger on my best memory of the evening. If I had to pick one moment that I think was the best memory, it was when one of my daughters tugged my shirt and as I leaned over to hear what she had to say, she gave me a kiss on the cheek and said, “Thank You Daddy”.
— James Caldera
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By Vicki Strode
August 21, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this
Hi James Read your comments and balled my eyes out. I took my 32 year old son in Tulsa and have schooled my 4 year old grandson in every thing Beatles. I have a 9 mo old grandson who is next.
By Brian
August 21, 2009 7:08 PM | Link to this
What a great review! I was sorely tempted to go and decided not to fight the crowds and traffic. Now I’m sorry I didn’t. And GOOD FOR YOU for taking your kids; my daughter is now 27 and still loves the Beatles, thanks to me playing their stuff constantly. Thanks for the review!
By Mark
August 22, 2009 8:57 AM | Link to this
Perfect review. This is the way all reviews should be written. Thank you James.