Mokari MACCA in Osaka!
I went to the last show in Osaka on 18th Nov. This show was precisely not only the last show of "Driving Japan" tour but the last show of "Driving Tour" this year. By the way, media reported that somebody in Osaka was going to be a lucky fan and be awarded the Millionth Attender to see a Paul's concert this year. And a young Japanese girl who lives in Osaka was that lucky fan. According to media, Paul presented her many commemorative items such as an autographed picture stand, the "Back in the US" CD, and a new car from the main sponsor: Mitsubishi during a ceremony before the last show in Osaka.
As for the last show, the set list was the same as previous show in Osaka on 17th Nov. with the addition of "Calico Skies." But the highlight of show in Osaka on 18th Nov. was indeed "Hey Jude," for Paul started "Hey Jude" with a snippet of "Baby Face" like he did on previous tours in 1989-1990 and 1993.
Before "I Saw Her Standing There", Heather Mills came on the stage with a happi coat. After throwing a happi coat on Paul, Heather kissed Paul. Paul introduced Heather to the audience saying "Okusan!" which means "my wife" in Japanese. The members of the band also wore happi coats on that time. Then Paul invited four lucky Japanese fans who are wearing Sgt. Pepper's costumes to the stage. Paul and the band started playing "I Saw Her Standing There" with four Japanese fans singing and dancing on the stage.
When the end came after "Yesterday," the members of the band came on the stage wearing not only happi coats but Japanese wigs with topknot. So Paul introduced the band to the audience saying "Sumo Band!". Then he thanked the band saying "Boku no subarashii band!!" which means "my wonderful band"; and also thanked roadies and the Japanese people saying "YOU!!". Finally, he performed the last song, "Sgt.peppers reprise" and "The End." When they played the last song, by the way, the members of the band kept wearing not only happi coats but Japanese wigs with topknot. Hence, it was indeed a funny, joyous occasion, actually.
And when Paul left the stage, he said "Ja Matane!" which means "See you then!" Yup! Even on the last show, Paul did not say "Sayonara" which means "good bye." Hence, WE DO BELIEVE PAUL WILL COME BACK TO JAPAN FOR TOURING AGAIN!!
(12/1/02) From Takamichi Hijiya:
Macca in Osaka!!] I went to Paul's concert in Osaka Japan on 17th Nov. 2002. Well, this was indeed a great show and performance, actually. This is the first time for Paul to come to Osaka. And this is the 1st night for people in Osaka to see his concert in Osaka. So I thought Osaka Dome was indeed filled with excitement.
The concert began at 6:20pm (the pre-show) and Macca appeared with his bass at 6:40 pm. Once the pre-show started, most of the audience stood up and remained standing throughout the show. Like Tokyo shows, Paul said many words in Japanese. But in Osaka, Paul said many words in Osaka Japanese. Hence, the audience was really surprised to hear that, actually. For example, Paul said "Mokarimakka" which means "How ya living?" in Osaka Japanese. (Of course, we replied, "Bochibochi dennna" which means "Living large" in Osaka Japanese.) That phrase surely conquered the crowd in Osaka Dome. Paul also said many words in Osaka Japanese such as "Ookini" (which means "Thank you") and "Maido" (which means "Thanks") throughout the show. Like Tokyo shows, there was also a live translation system with Japanese subtitles on the video screens, which he said it was the first time ever.
The highlight of shows in Osaka was certainly the addition of "Calico Skies." As for Tokyo shows, the set list was the same as previous shows in Mexico, without "Freedom." But especially for Osaka, Paul added "Calico Skies" between "Here There And Everywhere" and "Michelle." For this song the video screens had a photo of calico skies in the twilight, which was indeed impressive.
The members of the band also spoke some Japanese during their introductions. For example, Abe said "Rock suruzoooo!" which means "Are you ready to ROCK!!" in Japanese. Rusty said "Choshi wa doda!" which means "How have you been?" in Japanese. Brian said "Te wo agero!" which means "Raise your hand!" in Japanese. Wix also said "Domo Arigato" which means "Thank you very much" in Japanese.
And the end came. Paul told us they had to go to sleep and we also had to go to sleep. Then he thanked the band saying "Boku no subarashii band!!" which means "my wonderful band"; and also thanked roadies and the Japanese people saying "YOU!!". Finally, he performed the last song, "Sgt.peppers reprise" and "The End." After that, Paul left by saying "Ja Matane!" which means "See you then!" And at the end of the show, we saw falling from the ceiling confetti in two colours: white and red. Yes, they are the colours of our national flag! Thus, it was indeed a memorable, fabulous concert! Thank you for coming to Osaka, Paul and the band!! And thank you for sharing my show review!!