Paul Auburn Hills, Mich. 5/1/02 reviews Update (5/10/02) From Kaile J. Lewankowski:

Words could not describe Paul McCartney's show in Auburn Hills. The entire place was on it's feet the entire time, singing, dancing and screaming for Paul. He looked and sounded just like in the sixties, and let me tell you, it was WELL worth the price of tickets!!!! The atmosphere was so friendly too, if you were a Beatle fanatic, you were accepted! (although I got some strange looks, being only 16) He played only the best of the best, and I'm STILL shocked at how wonderful he both sounded and looked. All I can say is, it was phenomenal!

Thanks for the best night of my life, Paul!

Kaile J.

(5/4/02)

From Emily:

Hey Steve!

It's been two days since I went and saw Paul McCartney and I still haven't returned to the real world.

The concert was too good for words! I mean, I love all these other new bands, but when it all boils down to it, I'm first and formost a Beatlemaniac. It was always my dream to see one of the Beatles in concert and now that it's actually happened, it's too amazing for words! (Actually, I could put it into words, but the fact that I'm too young to swear and I'd probley get in major trouble, I won't - but you get my point.)

And the thing is the only Beatle shows I've ever been to (up until this point) were all tribute bands playing the same stuff. But when you go to and see the actual guy who orginionally wrote and recorded Can't Buy Me Love and sing it live right in front of your very eyes, it's just so surreal!

With the exception of Vanillia Sky and a few songs from his new album (excluding Lonely Road which is an awesome song), I knew every song he played, word for word. And the great things is, everybody else in the building knew all the words so it was just like a great big sing-a-long!

The best part? Paul sang I Saw Her Standing There. People, this is my song of the year, soley for the line "Well she was just 17..." I didn't hear it ONCE on my birthday (which was the previous Wednesday) and the fact that Sir Paul played it at the concert which has turned out to be the best birthday present ever just makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside!

There was only one problem with the whole night. When he came out to sing "Yesterday," he thought he'd be smart and put a Red Wings logo on his guitar - which is a nice gesture for the Detroitionians in the audience, but I'm offically convinced he's got bad taste in hockey. (Quick note, this is coming from a Canadian who would love nothing more than a Canadian team to bring the Cup home this year.)

Oh yeah, he didn't play Silly Love Songs. Not a total loss, but I would have liked to have heard it.

You know, my parents gave me this opportunity for my 17th birthday. I still haven't thanked them enough, and I know I never will.

Thanks for your time!

From Gwen Craig in Indianapolis:

Paul's 13th concert of the tour had nothing unlucky about it! Everything was FABulous, especially the man himself!

I haven't read much comment about the music underlying the opening cast---I thought the ever-faster drumbeat was designed to get everybody pumped for the climax of Paul appearing behind the screen. I know my heart was speeding up along with it, and it was a physical jolt when I saw his silhouette. Variations from other shows: Paul reappeared in an encore with a Redwings sticker on his accoustic guitar---a big hit with the Detroit crowd! He also told a story about a previous tour when he greeted the crowd with "HELLO DETROIT!" but unfortunately forgot that he was in Philadelphia! He called us "Detroitians" and made reference to Motown and "music city".

Has Wix been using the line about where performers put their "Hit" in a concert lineup, and in Paul's case, you put the "Hit" right after the Hit, Hit, Hit and before the Hit, Hit Hit? Good line---and so true! As a sign in the audience said, "BEST SONGS EVER WRITTEN!"

From Pat Fabrizio:

Nothing short of spectacular! We had second row, main floor seats - cost a pretty penny, but oh my god, what a blast. We never sat down, mainly because huge people in front of us didn't sit down, but it's nice to have really enthusiastic fans in the first rows, instead of people more interested in being seen than seeing the show. Heather was front row, center, next to a large bodyguard, I assume.

Paul's voice was unbelievable, better than I have ever heard it, including during his 1990 tour, clear as a bell, hit every note, no faking or growling to cover weaknesses. The crowd adored him, he was charming, at ease, told some stories, made the show feel like an intimate, small party, which is no mean feat in a 30,000 seat arena.

His band members were clearly having a blast, too, loving the crowd, loving the music. Not a ton of exchanges between Paul and the bandmates, but Paul seemed focused on the audience first and foremost.

The crowd loved "Here Today" - maybe many didn't have "Tug of War" and didn't know the song, but people hung on every word, and really responded nicely to an unfamiliar song. Paul dedicated "My Love" to Linda expressly - I had read that he didn't mention her name at some shows, but he did here.

The best concert I have ever attended. Paul, we love you.

From Pete Dangerfield:

I attended the May 1 show in Auburn Hills, MI.

While I had a lousy seat (side stage, upper deck), the music and visual show more than made up for it. I attended Paul's 1993 Silverdome show, and all in all, this current show beat it hands down. The set of songs on the current tour is a blend of the 1990 and 1993 tours. In other words, Paul took the best songs from each show, added a few new numbers, and provided an almost unbeatable lineup of standards. From the opening notes of "Hello Goodbye" (complete with Paul's mechanical waves of greeting) to the dual encores, the audience was treated to a show that was visually enticing and in top form. Paul looked great, sounded great, and although seemed a wee bit tired and listless, lived up to his famous showmanship.

I was leery about shelling out nearly $60 for a ticket I knew would place me in the nosebleed area. However, this show was WELL worth the price. Please be advised this show is the real deal and should not be missed.

Even if you can't see it.

From Vic and Linda Fullerton:

It was an amazing show!! When he performed "Band on the Run" he almost blew the roof off the Palace. He looks and sounds 20 years younger than he is. Absolutely the best show I have ever seen!!


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