Oh well, here it is 2 weeks plus since we went to the concert and every single moment of it is etched in my memory. There is not much more to say than what everyone else in the previous reviews stated.

It was the high light of my life. I waited 38 years to see this man. Believe it or not I was too young to see them when The Beatles came to Pittsburgh in "64" or so my parents said. As I grew older my love for The Beatles, solo and together never faltered, and only grew stronger with time. Having a young family when Paul and Ringo came to town by themselves other priorites were always looming. I vowed the next trip any of them made I would make it.

Well I did. Saw Ringo in 2001 and then...April 29 2002 will be forever in my heart and my memory. I never was a screamer, just a looker and totally in awe of the music. All I can say is "There's nothing like the real thing". I couldn't believe my eyes when the guritar and then Paul coming to the front of the stage. I cried the first three songs just because I couldn't believe my wait was finally over and there he was standing in front of me. Nothing left to do now except retire in a few more years. Paul's song to John was very moving but at the end of the song he sang for Linda and patted his heart, shivers went down my spine and I cried again. I was very glad to see that Linda is still a big part of Paul's life and always will be. We all wish she was still here with us.

Yes, we had wonderful seats, center aisle row "V" The highest price seats available and it was worth every single cent and I would do it again even if I had to spend more. Our seats weren't front row but the view was spectacular. Only the week before I attended an art conference (I am an art teacher) and it was all about videos and how monitors using videos are becomimg art forms in themselves. The staging videos were great so you were able to see everthing up close and personal. I'm sure the people in peanut heaven were greatful for this. Did you know that The Beatles along with John and Yoko were some of the early founders of using this type of videos as art forms?

If anyone reading this was at the concert and saw the beginning act with the Knug Fu Master Pantomine he used our binoculars in his act. My husband was busy looking at the stage with all its going on when he stopped right there at our seat. He stuck his hand under my husband's nose. He did this twice. My husband said, " What does he want?" I replied, "I think he wants something." He nodded his head. "I think he wants our binoculars" He shock his head for yes and never smiled or flinched. My husband took the binoculars from his neck and handed them over. It was neat because this performer actually used our binoculars in his act for about three minutes. This was the closest I could say that we were coming in contact with Paul. Being an art teacher I wanted to make and give Paul something.

I made matching necklaces for him and myself. With security as tight as it was I couldn't get near enough and was even afraid to ask security to pass it along. The audience was very well behaved but rocked the place and enjeyed every minute of it. One of the other neat things that was never done was the audience was showered with a sweet smell of incense. It then changed to another smell and we all looked to see who was lighting up. You know what, it turned out no one was. The one band member even remarked on the smell and the good time we were having. I read that this was also done in other cities along the tour.

My other favorite song was Freedom and the large drop cloth of the Staute of Liberty was another great piece of art. The song holds alot to me because I live in town called FREEDOM PA. This night will be with me forever along with the sweet smile and voice of the most admired musician and composer voted as number one in the last thousand years and I saw him in person.

Thank you Sir Paul for giving me and your adorning fans the best time of our lives...THEN...NOW...and FOREVER.

Karen

Update (5/6/02) From Andrew S.:

Well, where do I start? First, this was the single greatest show I have ever seen! I am only 25 so it was safe to say I was one of the younger people in the crowd. The diversity was of the crowd was unbelievable. I hate to admit this (being a guy) but there were a few different times during the show I wanted to cry. About a third of the way through the show Paul grabbed his acoustic and went into Blackbird. My brother and I often wondered if Paul could still finger pick the difficult song and stay in key at 60 years old. He almost nailed perfectly!! It was as if I just plugged the White Album in.

Pauls tribute to John was also a tear jerker. He was saying how much he missed John and how he wished he could of told him how much he loved him before he died. The crowd then gave John a standing O! Paul then goes into the song "Here Today" which is a song Paul wrote that is an imaginary conversation that Paul would have with John today. It was really hard to keep the tears from rolling.

Then he did his tribute to George with the ukalele that George gave to Paul with "Something". As he played Something, there were pictures of George flashing on the screens behind Paul.

I was very surprised of all the songs Paul did off of Abbey Road (one of my personal favorites) including You Never Give Me All Your Money, Carry That Weight, Something, and The End which he ended the show with. All of which were wonderful!

I'm not a huge fan of Paul's solo career but I must admit, Band On The Run was absolutely rocking!! One of the highlights of the evening. Hey Jude was also very fun as Paul got the crowd involved in the singing. Other songs that were just awesome included; Hello Goodbye, All My Loving, We Can Work It Out, Mother Natures Son, Fool On The Hill, Getting Better (first time ever played in concert), Elenor Rigby, Here There and Everywhere, Back in the USSR, Can't Buy Me Love, Lady Madonna, Let It be, and Saw Her Standing There. I could easily write a page of notes on how great these songs were but I'll leave that up to your imagination.

I will end this like Paul did. On his second encore Paul grabbed his Epiphone acoustic and proceeded into Yesterday. I had to pinch myself to make sure this wasn't all just a dream. Paul nailed Yesterday perfectly and again it was hard to hold back the tears. Then he ended the show with Sgt. Peppers reprise and The End. WOW!

This was a perfect evening and a perfect show which far exceeded my already high expectations. This show was an asolute 10 out of 10!!! Bravo Paul, Keep Rocking!! Thank you.

Update II (5/4/02) From Ben Okuly:

It seems that a tradition of mine after seeing a Beatle in concert is to e-mail a review of the show to the Abbeyrd Beatles Webpage.

Well, after seeing Paul last night in Cleveland I am proud to say that the tradition continues!

Last night was my first McCartney concert, and I must say that it was worth waiting the 23 years I've been on this planet to see the show! I can't really describe in words how the show was, all I keep saying is WOW! The man sounded great, and after seeing and hearing him, I keep thinking, "Is the dude really almost 60 years old? He CAN'T be, honestly, he can't!!!" The man still has it, and I must say that out of the three live albums of his that I have (Wings Over America, Tripping, and Paul is Live) the guy sounded better than I have ever heard!

The setlist was the same as he's been playing, so nothing new to report there. The preshow was kind of funky, but I kept thinking that he'll be out any moment, and then there was the bass on the screen and The Man running up behind it! And out he comes, and I heard a sound like I've never heard before in my life! Still thinking of it sends shivers down my spine, never did I think that the day would come when I would see him! And here it was, a dream come true!

And my buddy Adam, who I took to the show as a college graduation gift to him had a blast! It was his first major rock concert, and what a show to get him started on concerts! Like he said, I spoiled it for him because now all concerts will have to measure up to his first one!!! Thank you Paul for the wonderful show!

A couple of after thoughts. First of all, when Paul mentioned Japan I let out a really low, loud scream - almost a bellow - and Paul looked into our direction and said, "No, not THAT trip!" I don't know if it was planned or not, but I like to think that maybe he was talking to me! Even if not, it's a nice thought! To think, Paul answered a question of mine on webchat a couple of years ago after Linda's CD came out, Ringo thanked my friend and I for "being the only two in the audience for buying Vertical Man" at his Detroit show in 2000, and now Paul said something to me last night! I guess I have a pretty good track record going!

Also, if the jerk that wouldn't let the girls that were sitting in front of us stand up and dance happens to be reading this, I hope you had a rotten time because you certainly ruined theirs! I don't understand why people will pay good money to go have fun at something then sit there the entire time and try and ruin someone else's fun. You didn't ruin mine, and they had a blast, but let me say it was nice to see you and your wife stand up and walk out in the middle of the first encore because you weren't missed!

Anyway, I've gone on too long and I need to get ready for work. Once again, it was a wonderful night to remember and I'm looking forward to tomorrow night's show at the Palace of Auburn Hills up near Detroit. Floor seats, baby, just a few rows back from the stage! I'll send a review about that show, too!

Rock On!!!

From Bonnie Stobierski:

Hi,

Last night at the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, I sat in total awe of a performer who I grew up and who's music did so much for me over the years.

From the moment I saw the silhouette of Paul standing there holding his guitar, I was in heaven. He started with Hello Goodbye, and just kept getting better and better. His choice of songs was perfect! Seeing the song list before the concert, I of course wondered why he didn't do some songs....but the songs he choose covered everything.

His acoustical sets were superb! Blackbird was done beautifully. He had the whole arena rocking all night long. His tribute to John and George was very tastefully done......I know it had me in tears. He just didn't stop!!! Never took a break. When the rest of the band, who played with him so well, took a break, he went to acoustic songs.....just him and his guitar. What a beautiful sight.

It still amazes me the talent that he has. His voice was strong and he looked soooooo good! Can't believe that he's almost 60. And it truly seemed like he really was enjoying what he was doing up there. He had fun, and the audience saw that and had fun with him. One thing I noticed was that the audience had so much respect for this man. Even his new songs from Driving Rain, to me, sounded better live than recorded.

For those who haven't seen him yet, you are in for the treat of your life. Once you get there, don't leave your seat......you'll miss too much. I just wish it never ended!!

From Betty Lou Wacko:

Just Got in from Paul's Cleveland Ohio performance.. I can hardly speak and what I felt last night from the third row magicly lingers with me... "Fantastic" is not enough of a word .. "incredible" leaves out the very realness of being transported both back in time and and carried right back to today as if on a magic carpet ride through his " Driving "..sound.

I don't think one person I saw left with ANY disappointment.. Paul delivered far MORE then the hefty price of the ticket... We ARE talking Master Card commercial here.. YOU SIMPLY CANNOT MEASURE THE PRICELESSNESS OF THE MEMORIES.. Paul certainly filled the treasure chest last night as he rocked Grund Arena for the 2 & 1/2 hours..of SOLID songs... Set list was standard from the Tour.. but he delivered them smoothly and he was very alive, animated... handsome beyond mortal men, sleek and slender .. and in great voice.. He still hits those notes like the first time.. I was awed..

My moment in the sun came in the second song "Jet" when he gestured personally to me with that eternally youthful grin and point... I held my heart with a swoon and he smiled again to me WHILE singing.. To be validated by this icon gave me something I cannot explain .. It lives inside my being now .. and you can bet my feet don't touch the ground...I wore a white shirt as to be seen and even though my buttons on it were small from both the CAVERN CLUB and "Abby Road" ( I was just in England in Febuary ,, In case you get there someday take the Beatles Walking Tour of London"!! ) Anyway Paul semed to acknowledge that he knew I was a die hard fan.. This memory will be mine forever..

To any of you that have the chance to see him in YOUR city.. Please DO NOT Miss it! You don't want to live with the regret of not having done this if the music matters to you.. As Nike says "Just DO IT".. get that ticket.. Just want to go bad enough and you will find the way...

All the Best

From Anthony:

Last night, Cleveland was rockin'. Paul and his band sounded absolutely fantastic. Paul looked terrific and provided the crowd with some great stories and humor. He played for just over 2 1/2 hours with the now standard set list that has already been shared. Paul played almost continously with his only breaks coming while he was addressing the crowd or walking back and forth from the piano. It was definitely an exciting night and I'm feel very fortunate I was able to attend. Thank you for your fabulous and wonderful site, it is the best on the net by far. Anthony

From Christopher Gemma:

I have been reading all the reviews of the tour so far, and thought maybe everyone was exaggerating a bit.

But after see the Cleveland show last night, I 100% agree, this was the BEST concert I have ever seen. Paul's voice was in fine form for the entire 2 1/2 hours. It is amazing that he never took a break, just one great tune to the next. The set list was the same as the previous shows. Debate if you will, but the big majority of the songs he played had the whole place on its feet singing along. He and the band seemed to genuinely be enjoying themselves.

A few random notes:

The pre show circus performers were interrupted by the people still getting to their seats, but it made it more interesting watching them interact with the crowd in the aisles. But I still don't get it.

Security scanned everyone & checked my wife's purse, but we clearly saw at least two camcorder's in the nose bleed seats. Should have brought a camera.
During Freedom, a group of fans held up cardboard signs with "talkin bout freedom" on one side and flags on the other. Paul gave the them a nod during the song.

At the encore, Paul brought out a big US flag & Rusty had an Ohio flag. Wix had the tiny UK one.

At the end of the show, someone threw Paul a copy of "Beatles 65" & a pen. He signed and threw it back to them. Very Cool.
Seeing Paul McCartney playing that Hofner is worth the price of admission.
All in all a great night.

From VKDenney42:

Opening act was a troup of circus performers do a ballet of some sort. Paul I could have done without this!

McCartney was greeted with a roar from the audience as a silhouette of he and his guitar appeared on screen.

The show started with "Hello Goodbye" afterwards Paul said Hello to the audience. Next "Jet", "All My Loving" and "Getting Better" which the audiece really seemed to like. Paul then said" We have come to rock you tonight." Next lively renditions of "Coming Up" and "Let Me roll it".

Video screens flashed kaleidoscopic images and footage of the Beatles and Wings."Driving Rain" "Lonely road" and then he dedicated a song to whom he said was a member of the audience. Heather "Your Loving Flame".Paul then did an unplugged segment. "Blackbird" which he told how it came about. The plight of the black women in the 60's. "WE can work it out" " Mother Natures Son" and "Fool on the Hill"

His ode to John Lennon"Here Today" no pics of John was shown on the screen at this time as in concerts of older days. In honor of George he played "Something" on a ukulele that George had given him. I heard that George was big on giving out ukuleles. Anyway during this there were pics of George on the screen.

I was really surprised he didn't mention Linda at this time, being he was reminiscing about the deceased. So then "Eleanor Rigby" "Back in the U.S.S.R." always one for the crowd to dance to. "Maybe I'm Amazed" it was depressing for me not to see pics of Linda on the screen at this time. "Live and Let die" BOOM!

And at last mention of Linda, a song he said he wrote for her "My Love". I quess its painful to talk about her and also hard to, when your girlfriend is out in the audience. "Freedom" "Here there and everywhere" "Band on the Run" and sing along time "Hey Jude". Truly emotional.

The whole night was a Tripping the emotional experience. Encore time." The long and winding road" "Lady Madonna" "I Saw her standing there" "Yesterday" " Sgt. Pepper" "The End". And now I feel as if I'll never ever get to see him tour again. Paul is turning 60 in two months and getting married as well. George said it best "ALL THINGS MUST PASS". The show was great , a must see for Beatle fans.

(5/4/02)

From Tony in Ohio:

What a show! Having seen Paul on his last two tours, I was expecting a great show. But what I experienced in Cleveland was way beyond anything I could have hoped for.

From the beginning, the atmosphere was electric; everything from the circus troupe to the song positions to the video images flashing in the background was all great. I was really amazed at how great his voice sounded; singing for nearly three straight hours, 37 songs and rotating between bass, electric, acoustic, and pianos was incredible. He didn't let up on any of the vocals, screaming his head off on Maybe I'm Amazed and Hey Jude.

I read once where Bob Dylan said it would take a brave person to sing on stage with just an acoustic guitar after the age of 40, but Paul's voice held up just fine. I really think that he tried to top anything that he has ever done live and I really think that he succeeded! You almost got the feeling that he was pulling out all the stops and was going to make this his swan song. Let's hope this isn't the case! I really enjoyed watching the crowd react to each song.

Quite a mix of ages-- college, baby boomers, kids, all really getting into it. Great song after great song after great song! It's great to be reminded of how great the Beatles and Paul are, and it's even better to see young people discovering it for the first time.

From Donna:

FABulous! he looks and sounds as young as ever! and it seemed that he didn't want to leave any more than we did! everyone had a great time! CLEVELAND ROCKS!

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