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Driving USA: McCartney In Denver Colorado (Continued).

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As we settled into to our high class seats (the nose bleeder econo-specials), I snagged the binoculars from BeanHead and scoped the place out. Zooming in on stage left I spotted a Titanium PowerBook as part of the control center. Perhaps no surprise here - a Beatle on Apple!

The "pre-show" began with exotic music and dancers, as well as a cast from an old time circus-like performance. Though this portion of the show was exceptional in its unique quality, I am still asking myself the age old question: Huh?

Immediately following the climax of the pre-show performance, McCartney and his band mates entered the stage and broke into the warmest of welcomes with "Hello Goodbye." Wow! Not about to slow the show, the quintet fired up a sizzling performance of "Jet" from Paul's days with Wings. Continuing with the "best of the best," Paul and company followed with the classic Beatles tune "All My Loving."

Now, with what do you follow an awesome performance of these three classic songs? How about the first tour ever to perform a song from the Sgt. Pepper's list titled "Getting Better"? Oh yeah! Paul strapped on a Gibson Les Paul and explained that this was one of those songs that was written and recorded, but never performed live (since The Beatles quit touring just prior to the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album).

Sir Paul and company continued to rock the house with classics from the past with the likes of a bombastic, absolutely searing version of "Live and Let Die," to the present with a spirit inspiring version of "Freedom." He about brought down the house with this song!

Toward the mid section of the evening came a time in the concert where the rest of the band exited and Paul played his guitar "unplugged." Here were some beautiful moments with the likes of "Blackbird" and "Mother Nature's Son." But you ain't seen nothin' yet. It was during this time that Paul paid a most heart felt tribute for his former band mates John Lennon and George Harrison. For John, Paul played a tear jerking version of the tune "Here Today," penned shortly after Lennon's death in 1980. And for George, Paul played a heart-warming version of "Something" on the ukelele, expressing his fondness for his "little brother" of a friend. Later, Paul played a touching version of "My Love" for his deceased wife - Linda McCartney.

It was also during this time that I spotted a monitor on stage, just to Paul's right, that scrolled the title and lyrics to all the songs performed. Can't help but wonder if Paul still experiences a bit of stage fright or if age is contributing to some forgetfulness while singing!

Throughout the evening, McCartney was perhaps at his performance best in years. When Paul performed older tunes like "Back In The U.S.S.R.," "I Saw Her Standing There," and "Can't Buy Me Love," it was like Paul had never aged from the time he first put his pen to paper and crafted these classic tunes. Paul really shined when he stood as a Beatle there before us!

The entire night was a rather unique experience. Not only were we privileged to see the legendary Sir James Paul McCartney, but in the audience were some special guests. When Paul performed the title track to the film "Vanilla Sky," he informed us that film maker Cameron Crowe was among us in the audience. Without telling of Crowe's exact whereabouts, McCartney grinned and said, "But that's all I'm gonna say."

Also in the audience was McCartney guitarist Brian Ray's entire family from Durango Colorado. Paul's fiance Heather Mills was also in our midst.

Paul ended the concert with a sing along version of "Hey Jude" that could hear Denver singing for miles! And of course, it wasn't over until Paul came back for two encores including "The Long and Winding Road," "Yesterday," and appropriately ending the concert with "The End" from The Beatles album "Abbey Road."

For this Monkie, Paul McCartney's Driving USA Tour stop in Denver Colorado was the event of a lifetime. I mean, who is there left to see when you have had the opportunity to see one of the four gents from Liverpool who changed music history? I did hear that Ringo Starr was expected for a guest performance at Paul's Vegas stop. Now that would have been the ultimate!

Till next time!

Bradford J. Wiles

Copyright 2002 Purple Punk Productions