Macca in Washington, DC

[revolver323]

My 20-year-old son & I drove down from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC to see McCartney this weekend at FedEx Field, and it was the best decision I've ever made as far as choosing a concert. We had seats about 50 rows back, but two rows up on the side of the field, which neatly allowed us to stay seated through the entire show while those who had paid $200 more per ticket for field seats stood the entire time.

The sound was the best I've heard at any concert -- absolutely pristine. For bassists, there was plenty of bass, and that Hofner sounded great. Paul's still using Mesa Boogie amps. Brian Ray played an EB3 through Ashdown amps, and it also sounded great. Abe Laboriel is excellent on drums. It's hard to believe that five guys put out so much sound. No Rick in sights -- Gibson ( SG, Les Paul, ES335) won the guitar branding battle by far, but there were a few Epiphone casinos floating around as well as Paul's Martin and Texan.

I heard Macca in 1992 in Pittsburgh with the "Flowers in the Dirt Band," and this band smokes 'em. Paul's voice was fine -- no hint of roughness, and he shouts those rockers better than any 67-year-old has a right to: "I'm Down," Helter Skelter," and "Only Mama Knows" were in the set. When I heard him in '92, his voice was shredded. Now, with more time between gigs, he apparently has time to rest. OK -- he doesn't sound like he did at 27, or even 47. But I'll take his current voice over the voice I've had all my life!

There are only a few dates left on this part of the tour, and I haven't heard when it will continue. If you're near Boston, Atlanta, Tulsa or Dallas, make the drive -- you won't regret it.

[rickinroma]

Dave, thanks for the report

[Soulsaman]

Hey Dave...

Funny you mentioned that about Paul's voice sounding shredded back then. I was also at one of the flowers in the dirt concerts back in '89 and I remember thinking that his voice also sounded a little rough then. I thought it was just part of getting older.

Now after seeing him at CitiField, I thought his voice sounded great. Even better even than before.
Do you really think it was just more rest between shows that did it?

-Al

[FretlessOnly]

Fenway Park this Thursday for me. Glad to know the band is cookin'.

[bottom4]

Do you really think it was just more rest between shows that did it?

-Al

I saw him on back to back nights at Citi Field and I can tell you there was no difference in his voices. I wonder if he has been doing some sort of voice training.

I've seen him on every tour and his voice IMO is stronger than anytime I've seen him from 89/90 on.

BTW I sat 15th row center stage for his opening night in Citi Field and I didn't sit once, nor did I want to!

Get to see him this round if you can! The band is having a ton of fun!

[jonpaul]

Took my wife & son. Saw it, loved it, got to go see him again. 1st Level, 40 yard line, great seats. What a show!!!! Macca & band were kickin *** all night. Paul is absolutely amazing, his voice was in brilliant form & as strong as I've heard him in years. Just completely blown away by his performance. This guy is simply the best I've ever seen, even at 67 he's still THE MAN!!!!!

Do yourself a favor, if you get the chance to go see him, do not hesitate, do it!!! I promise you will be glad you did. He's just simply amazing. One of a kind in my book. Cheers!

[peewee]

Ron Sodano, myself and our spouses were at this show as well. What a great night for me as it was the first time I'd ever seen Macca... however, getting there wasn't a lot of fun -- I was gigging in Roanoke, VA the night before, had no sleep and arrived back at my home around 2:00 PM. By the time my wife & I arrived home from the show, I'd been awake for over 36 hours! Well worth the sleep deprivation to see the man who inspired me to become a musician. Next day, it was back in my truck and off to Richmond, VA for a Sunday night gig....

I have to say that the energy that man has at age 67 would put some folks half his age to shame! And, as stated, his voice was vintage McCartney. Crack band, great song selection and a night that I'll remember for the rest of my life.

[revolver323]

Hey Dave...

Funny you mentioned that about Paul's voice sounding shredded back then. I was also at one of the flowers in the dirt concerts back in '89 and I remember thinking that his voice also sounded a little rough then. I thought it was just part of getting older.

Now after seeing him at CitiField, I thought his voice sounded great. Even better even than before.
Do you really think it was just more rest between shows that did it?

-Al

I'd have to say it is a matter of rest, but maybe also he's doing some training or just simply taking better care of his voice. I think on the FITD tour he did many more shows back to back. It's interesting that he has not gone the route of in-ear monitors. I thought the sound was great -- best I've heard in a stadium. very clear, lots of clean bass, nice mix. I'm hoping he comes to Cleveland -- I'll make the trip. he said this is his last tour, but he didn't say how long the tour will be. Could be years.

[bosco64]

Yep, Mike and I, our wives and 50,000 of our closest friends were there at the show. Paul sounded and looked fantastic, I sure as hell wish I could still rock like that when I'm 67! A truly memorable show. Catch him while you can...

[beatlefreak]

The family and I go to see him at Piedmont Park in Atlanta on the 15th.

[kiramdear]

I'm just waiting for him to announce the West coast leg of the tour.

[bottom4]

I'm just waiting for him to announce the West coast leg of the tour.

Heard yesterday that the tour will continue, where is the question...

[revolver323]

I'm just waiting for him to announce the West coast leg of the tour.

Heard yesterday that the tour will continue, where is the question...

I haven't heard more dates, but there was an interview in the Boston papers in which Macca says he isn't retiring -- says that he has mentioned that only once, and that was to say he isn't retiring. So this probably isn't his last tour. He said he works tour dates around the dates that Heather makes Beatrice available to him. Paul onstage at 75? I'll go.

[peewee]

I'm just waiting for him to announce the West coast leg of the tour.

Heard yesterday that the tour will continue, where is the question...

I haven't heard more dates, but there was an interview in the Boston papers in which Macca says he isn't retiring -- says that he has mentioned that only once, and that was to say he isn't retiring. So this probably isn't his last tour. He said he works tour dates around the dates that Heather makes Beatrice available to him. Paul onstage at 75? I'll go.

Read the same thing on-line today. If I can swing it, I'll gladly pony up the money to see him again next year or whenever he decides to make it back this way.

[bosco64]

Read the same thing on-line today. If I can swing it, I'll gladly pony up the money to see him again next year or whenever he decides to make it back this way.

I'm in if he decides to come back to the DC area. Next time Mike, we'll get something to eat before the show!