Paul McCartney

Considering this was Sir Paul McCartney’s only UK date, and the last of his current European Tour, the anticipation seemed somewhat muted upon entering the O2 Arena.

However, any fears about a subdued send-off were quickly quashed, as McCartney took to the stage belting out crowd pleasers Magical Mystery Tour and Drive My Car.

Looking dapper and much younger than his 67 years, it became evident that whilst he was ready to deliver the hits, this wasn’t just to be an evening for Fab Four nostalgia. However, although a string of Wings songs and a tribute to Jimmy Hendrix go down well, it’s noticeable that the early momentum begins to wane a little bit.

Whilst the talent McCartney’s backing band possess should not go unnoticed, the gig turned into a truly special occasion as they left the stage, leaving McCartney alone with his acoustic guitar. Unveiling Blackbird and Here Today, the tender tribute to John Lennon, were truly spine-tingling moments, leaving the packed arena in stunned silence.

Although the fans had obviously paid to hear the old hits, the rush to the bar during his more recent solo offerings was grossly unjust, with Dance Tonight, from 2007’s Memory Almost Full proving to be an unexpected highlight.

Having referenced Jimmy Hendrix and John Lennon, McCartney also took the time to pay tribute to the late George Harrison, singing Something with just a ukulele to accompany him in front of a moving set of images of Harrison and McCartney.

Despite the moving tributes, this was by no means a downbeat occasion, with McCartney, his band, and the packed out arena in high spirits throughout. Whilst arena gigs can often be sterile affairs, McCartney’s affable and easy-going nature meant the huge crowd hung on his every word.

The celebratory mood reached a high with a giddy rendition of the festive hit Wonderful Christmas Time. Whilst it could have come across as tacky, McCartney’s presence and warm nature rendered it truly endearing.

The evening then took an even more thrilling turn, as A Day In The Life segued into John Lennon’s mission statement Give Peace A Chance. With everybody singing along to this simple message of hope, only the hardest of hearts could fail to find fault.

Following the inevitable extended anthems Live and Let Die and Hey Jude, McCartney and his band left the stage to rapturous applause, before returning for two triumphant encores filled with Beatles classics and a surprising rendition of the Wings hit Mull of Kintyre, accompanied by the Balmoral Highlanders on bagpipes.

As Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band signalled the end of an epic 37-song set, after almost 3 hours, McCartney appeared visibly touched by the audience’s reaction. Having recently hinted at a residency here at the 02 Arena in the New Year, despite his advancing years, you wouldn’t bet against it. On this form, McCartney seems unstoppable.

FUTURE GIGS

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