Paul McCartney Setlist at Rio Tinto Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

200th show

I have been an avid concert goer all my life. I’ve been lucky enough to have seen virtually every big name band more than once and countless smaller shows. But of them all it is only the memory of Paul McCartney and Wings that could literally still give me “goose bumps” over 30 years later. Would this second time be as rewarding? After all he is getting up in years. A long and winding road trip from our home near Vancouver, B.C to Salt Lake City, Utah can certainly be equated to a trip to Mecca for a Muslim, a trip to Rome for a Catholic, or of course a trip to Salt Lake City for a Mormon. With music as my religion of choice, for me seeing Sir Paul could only be described as a religious experience.
Getting to the beautiful outdoor venue of the Rio Tinto Stadium early to soak in the ambience and secure our place at Row 18 on the floor only heightened the anticipation. The excitement in the air was palpable; after all, this is a Beatle.
As Paul unassumingly strolled out on stage (no “grand” entrance for him), and we heard the opening notes of Venus and Mars, we knew we were in for the show of a life time. Every song was delivered flawlessly with Paul’s vocals perfect, and his musicianship only being described as getting better with age. The set list had something for everyone, whether you are a fan of the Beatles, Wings or the Fireman. Each song instantly recognizable and sending a true fan to nirvana . The pyrotechnics on Live and Let Die were heart stopping and I enjoyed seeing the same back drop for Band on the Run that was used in 1976. The musicians he is performing with are rock solid and it was an honour to be at their 200th live show. I love that he stays virtually true to the songs as they were recorded, recognizing that each tune means so much to his fans, and these are the versions we’ve come to hear.
As much as I enjoyed the music, listening to Paul in between songs was nothing short of mesmerizing. His shout outs to George and John were pure class, and hearing the story of how much it meant to him to have Jimi Hendrix play his music was enthralling. Think of the history this man has not only made but seen. When he held up his guitar and said this was the original one he played in the 60’s, I swooned like one of those girls in early Beatles clips.
I was on my feet and dancing for the entire show, and cried more times than I can count. I’ve got to admit I’m misting up even now as I relive this concert. I have no doubt the “goose bumps” will never stop from the memory of this show. You have to wonder whether he realizes how deeply he has affected so many people. Cheesy as this may sound; his music is the sound track of our lives.
You know you’ve been to a good show, when you are more exhausted than the 67 year old star looks. When it comes to Paul McCartney there couldn’t be a more fitting closing line than the one he delivered: “The love you take is equal to the love you make.”