Paul McCartney performs during the opening concert of his "Good
Evening Europe" tour in Hamburg, Germany, on Dec. 2.
(Bob Gannon)
Here's a report direct from the Paul McCartney show in Hamburg with text and photos on the show from Bob Gannon. (Thanks again, Bob!) (You can find more photos from Bob in the slideshow at the bottom of the page. And we have more photos we'll be putting online, so check back.)
Here's Bob's report:
Hi Gang,I'm sucking fumes from a long exciting Beatle day here in Hamburg. It started at 1 p.m. where we went to the Beatles Store for a meet & greet with Klaus Voorman who was promoting his new album "A sideman's journey".It started with a tour of the Beatles museum, I must say that it's much better than the Liverpool one. Then came an interview, a preview of the making of the album film with Ringo and Paul in it, followed by a question and answer session and finally an autograph signing. Klaus was in good form and signed an item for everyone. We then left there at 4:40 p.m.and made a beeline for the Color Line Arena where our VIP tickets said that we were to be there by 530 p.m.While on line, we started talking to other fans to find out that a guy from Slovakia was going to be the only person at sound check. We had spoken to several of the travel package employees and asked if we could upgrade to the sound check package. They stated that they would ask Paul's people and get back to us. We then were carted off to a skybox for the VIP reception and dinner. It was vegetarian and pretty good other than the fact we ate very little. Paul's people upgraded us to sound check an we quietly left with the other person. So there we are waiting for Paul to arrive and give three lucky fans a private concert. We were told that Paul was running late as he had just arrived from London where he attended Beatrice's school play. While we waited, Shelly (who works for Paul) brought us up to the stage to see Paul's guitars. While we were talking amongst ourselves, Rusty came off stage to say hi to Shelly and greet the sound check guests. Brian Ray and Wix were next to come down . Abe stayed behind his drum kit but waved and blew kisses from his kit. Really already, this has turned out beyond belief.Shelly then informs us that she is upgrading our seats to the first row right under Paul's mic. Wow!! Christmas prezzie early!! She also gave us each one of Paul's guitar picks. We then went back to our seats as we heard that Paul had arrived. Paul came in and did sound check.Sound check Hamburg:01. Honey Hush02. Honey Don't03. Hamburg jam04. Coming Up05. All my Loving06. I want to Come Home07. Lady Madonna08. Midnight Special09. And I Love Her10. Here Today11. Dance Tonight12. Something13. YesterdayWhile we were there, Nancy came over and introduced herself. She was very nice and looked very pretty. She recognized my friend and gave her a hug while saying hello. Sound check finished and we went back to the skybox very shortly before we were told that we must get to our seats as the show as about to begin. Made our way down to our seats and waited until a little past 9pm when Paul came on stage with a black Beatle coat and black pants with a white shirt with black suspenders underneath.Paul was very chatty al night with the audience and the level of energy was off the charts. He seemed to really be enjoying his return to Hamburg. He welcomed some old friends "Astrid Kircherr, Klaus Voorman who were in the audience. Some small changes to the setist. First, the world premiere of ("I want to) Come Home", which I thought played extremely well live. And then later on we finally got "Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da. He spoke German on several occasions, setting up "My Love", "Here Today" and "Something".For "Here Today" he told the story of the song and then encouraged the audience with "Let' hear it for John". While the crowd roared, Paul leaned back and pointed at the sky and said "are you listening old friend".All in all just a super show with incredible energy. It may have ben the best show i've seen this year. Arena was camera friendly. Staff was friendly and helpful. Here's the set list for HamburgSet List01. Magical Mystery Tour02. Drive my car03. Jet04. Only Mama Knows05. Flaming Pie06. Got to get you into my life07. Let Me roll it/ Foxy Lady outro08. Highway09. Long and winding road10. I want to Come Home11. My Love12. Blackbird13. Here Today14. Dance tonight15. And I love Her16. Mrs Vanderbilt17. Eleanor Rigby18. Band on the run19. Ob-la-di, ob-la-da20. Sing the changes21. Back in the USSR22. Something23. I've got a feeling with extended jam24. Paperback Writer with extended jam25. A Day in the Life/ Give Peace a chance26. Let it Be27. Live and let Die28. Hey JudeEncore #129. Day Tripper30. Lady Madonna31. Get backEncore #232. Yesterday33. Helter Skelter34. Sgt Pepper reprise into The End
Comments
Thanks for the great review, Bob. This sounds like a dream come true, being one of only 3 people to see the sound check! I hope you are following Paul on all his European stops, like you did here in the states. I have really enjoyed your photos from this summer and look forward to seeing more from this concert!
Thanks, Bob! I loved finding out that he was late becuase of his daughter's school play. Those things never start on time.
Is that why he was late? I wondered why.
This was the first time I have seen Sir Paul in concert and I have to say, it's one of the best I have seen. We did get a little teary though when he sang to John and to George. It was very touching.
It makes me proud to be a fellow Liverpudlian.
I always thought "Ob La Di; Ob La Da" would make for a great live performance song. It's a natural. I'm surprised it's taken him this long to dust it off!
Great pic's Bob
Va-va-va-voooom! Nice job Bobbo! Thanks Steve.
Great setlist, but where is I SAW HER STANDING THERE :O??! I really hope he plays that song in The Netherlands!
Great news about Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da. I'm disappointed 'I'm Down' is no longer on the setlist though.
great concert. thank you paul! but i saw her standing there?!?!
Bob, can I travel with you next time?! You got the hook up!
I really regret visiting this show. Legends should be ... well ... legends and remain so. This was an old man, doing a trick he prectised nearly 50 years on. I'm going back to playing the originals. On vinyl.
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