Paul Phoenix 10/29/02
(10/31/02) From Eric Levake:
Paul McCartney
America West Arena
October 29, 2002
It was kind of amazing to think that this was my 48th McCartney concert
since 1976 but 36 years after the first one here I was. To put it
simply, times have changed.
I had gone to see four shows this spring (Las Vegas, Los Angeles and
Anaheim) but this was my first and only show of this second leg. As it
was the last one and in my hometown, it seemed most appropriate. I
sympathize with all other fans who like myself wanted to go to more
shows this time but Paul priced us out of the market.
Paul arrived late at America West Arena. His black limo pulled up to the
back entrance shortly after 6:00 pm. I was one of the lucky ones who
chose Paul's side of the car to stand on. I managed to get a pretty good
picture of him too.
Sound check started shortly after that. Unlike other reports I had read
of small groups of people being let in to watch, it seemed the only
people being ushered into the arena for the sound check were industry
types and crew friends.
Lines started to form outside the arena about the same time the sound
check started. After a trip to the overpriced merchandise stand, I
decided to get in line. By the way, does anyone else remember the good
old days of the 89/90 and 93 tours when over the course of a few shows
you could afford to buy most of the merchandise if you wanted? As I
settled in to the line I started to ponder this. Anyway, I have
digressed. The crowd seemed to be in a light, fun mood till about 7:15.
At this point, most everyone began to get a little more than upset about
no signs of the venue opening. I heard more than one person say, "I paid
$250.00 for this?". Finally at about 7:25, the doors opened and the
airport-like security check began. I was about 40 people back in line so
it took about 15 minutes from the time the opened to get up to the
security check. After going through nearly everything except a cavity
search, I was dubbed "safe" and let through. Much to my surprise and
dismay I then saw one of the most tackiest things I have ever seen.
There was a table placed outside the entrance doors with a sign saying.
"If you have any gifts for Mr. McCartney, please place them here as they
are not allowed in to the arena." People that had spent some big money
on flowers and other items were forced to leave them with a venue-hired
security guard and I am sure that Paul never saw any of it. What an
insult to people that had already ripped off with exorbitant ticket
prices.
The pre-show performers appeared about 8:35. Most of the crowd had been
seated but there were a few people the performers had to jostle around.
The pre show was better than it was during the first leg. The additions
to the costumes and choreography changes were really nice.
Paul hit the stage shortly before 9:00 to a full house of enthusiastic
fans. I saw many of the long time "fans on the run" as well as lots of
obvious first timers getting into it as "Hello Goodbye" rocked on. The
set was identical to other shows on the second leg. I noted a few
interesting things though. Paul messed up the beginning chord changes to
"Blackbird". He stopped the song and made a joke about being man enough
to admit he had made a mistake. "Band On the Run" seemed a little
slower then normal in the second half of the song, not having seen other
shows on the second leg, perhaps this is now the norm. "She's Leaving
Home " was breathtaking. I found myself with my mouth open in amazement
throughout the song.
The band seemed tighter on some songs than earlier this year and a
little looser (almost messy) in some places on others. Overall, I have
to say this new group of guys does a great job. I am still smarting a
bit over the sudden dismissal and snub for this tour of Robbie McIntosh
and Hamish Stuart. It seems to me that with all the ravings I have seen
over this current tour band that people have very short memories and
need to go back to the recordings of the 89/90 tour. The harmonies, the
instrumentation all was better with that group. Paul's voice is
definitely better on this tour. So maybe a combination of Paul today
with the 89/90 band would be the ultimate mix. What the new band guys
don't have in soul they try to make up with youthful exuberance. It's
nice but I think I would rather have the substance of Hamish and Robbie.
"Live and Let Die" was much better than last spring. It was far more
visually exciting with the addition of the flames etc. Paul seemed
really relaxed but melancholy to a degree, as it was the last night in
America. He thanked all of the crew, the pre show performers, the
audience. He seemed so grateful and proud. He has much to be proud of.
Heather appeared on the big screen during "Hey Jude." She came back out
for the first encore with all the pre show performers and a large
portion of the crew with red, heart-shaped balloons. They all stood
either in the pit area below the stage or in the aisle behind the front
section hold them on long white ribbons. Paul seemed to get a little
choked up as he sang "The Long and Winding Road" to this beautiful
sight. After the song was over and "Lady Madonna" started, it was really
fun to watch the pre show characters dance their way backstage as they
exited. In particular the Chinese sword fighter had some great moves!
At the start of the second encore Paul came out holding a British flag
with Wix behind him holding an Arizona state flag. At the end of
"Sergeant Pepper" Paul again thanked everyone and made a special thanks
to America for making this such a spectacular tour for them. All the pre
show performers came on stage with the band and all took bows with may
hugs all around. Paul signed about five LP jackets thrown on stage. I
saw two Driving Rain jackets signed along with an Unplugged, Sergeant
Pepper and Ram.
As I was walking out of the arena I could hear people all around me
saying how amazed they were with the show. Any inconvenience of getting
into the arena had been forgiven and all were impressed. I even heard
one twenty-something guy in front of me say, "Why should I ever go see
another show? What can top that?"
I have to agree with the young guy, Paul. Even after all these years and
more money spent than I care to think about, you still impress me in a
way no one else ever has. There has been a shrine of records, CDs,
videos, memorabilia and many pounds of paper goods in my house to you
for nearly 40 years and last night you once again proved you were worth
it all and more. From me and all of America, thank you.
Mesa, Arizona
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