24th May 2015
Who would have thought in 1963 that four young lads from Liverpool would have changed the face of modern music and be the most successful recording artists the world has ever seen. Over 50 years later Beatlemania is still as popular as ever and Paul
McCartney has consistently proved himself to be a huge draw for music fans around the world. His current Out There tour, his first in three years, is no exception with fans travelling from around the globe to bask in the glorious work of a musical legend. Personally I wasn't sure what to expect. Sure, I love the Beatles, who doesn't, but being a youngster I never got caught up in the whole Godlike quality of the Fab Four or understood the magnitude of Sir Paul, despite fully knowing their historical importance. Tonight would change my views and effect me in the same way that it did audiences in the 1960s.
McCartneymania was certainly in full swing on the second show at London's O2 Arena. The 3 hour performance was a non stop celebration of a staggering career. At 72 Paul's energy is to be admired - it must be down to the vegetarian diet, or the joy of performing that keeps him looking so young and exuberant. His 4 piece band are also on stella form too, ensuring that every song is filled with rhythmic precision and hearty arrangements.
The set jumps into life from the get go with Eight Days A Week, Save Us, Gotta Get You Into My Life and Listen To What The Man Said. Temporary Secretary from McCartney II had been given its performance premier the night before and was an interesting song to drop into the set list. It's electro pop and synth heavy sound that we are so familiar with today, just seems like a Beatles song put to a electro beat. Back in 1980 when electro was still in its infancy the song was heralded by critics for being ahead of it's time, so much so that it lacked the commercial appeal and it failed to chart.
Paul made reference throughout the concert to those dear to him, including his grandchildren and performed songs My Valentine and Maybe I'm Amazed to honour his current wife Nancy who was in the audience and the late Linda McCartney. He also performed touching solo renditions of Here Today and Something as tributes to John and George.
Interspersed through the evening were newer songs; New, Queenie Eye and Hope For The Future, alongside some Wings repertoire and the classics; Paperback Writer, And I Love Her, The Long And Winding Road, Lady Madonna, Let It Be and a electrifying version of Eleanor Rigby, you could have heard a pin drop - and still the hits keep coming! Towards the end of the night the theatrics get knocked up to the maximum with a light show that would rival a Pink Floyd show during Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite, a spectacular bit of pyrotechnics during Live and Let Die and a rousing rendition of Hey Jude finished the set.
Two impressive encores later, Another Girl, Hi, Hi, Hi, Can't Buy Me Love,Yesterday, Helter Skelter, Carry that Weight/ Golden Slumbers/ The End, bring this amazingly enjoyable show to a close.
The diverse age range of the fans is a testament to the longevity of the songs of The Beatles. Paul McCartney not only has an immense back catalogue to choose from, he proves that he is still able to write a great song, put on a phenomenal show and sell out arenas worldwide. After seeing him in concert it's not hard to see why - I'm now officially a McCartney convert and proud to have seen this musical icon on top form.