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As promises go, it was a modest one that Paul McCartney issued before his first Liverpool show in five years. “We’re going to have a good night out, that’s all I ever aim to do,” he said. Nevertheless, the 36,000 people who gathered to watch the biggest single event of this year’s European Capital of Culture celebrations couldn’t help but harbour high expectations.
Within seconds of his arrival in a collarless suit, it was clear that McCartney would be dusting down a few songs that hadn’t featured in his set for a long time.
Hofner bass to the fore, he dispensed a Hippy Hippy Shake which, for clattering abandon, matched the Beatles’ 1963 version – then a few minutes later, he dusted down Got To Get You Into My Life, the 1966 come-on to marijuana that John Lennon later referred to as “one of Paul’s best”.
If Macca has always underplayed his 60s’ legacy by repeatedly referring to the Beatles as “a good little rock’n’roll band”, he has long since adopted the opposite approach with Wings. And not without good reason. Armed with a PA better able to do justice to the heaviness of songs like Jet and, later, a pyrotechnically-abetted Live And Let Die, Anfield was a perfect place to unleash them. No less effective though, was Blackbird – which, 40 years after McCartney wrote it, commanded a sort of mass, rapt stillness. Eleanor Rigby should have done the same. But just as McCartney had rehearsed these songs, it felt like we should have rehearsed our reactions. Nevertheless, those who saw fit whooped and punched the air to the single most haunting song in Macca’s canon.
However, it was hard to deny the potency of songs about Liverpool, songs which changed Liverpool, and which returned to Liverpool in such an emphatic fashion. Penny Lane fitted the bill perfectly, of course. Only the response which met a version of George Harrison’s Something – performed on George’s beloved ukelele – exceeded that of McCartney’s own songs.
Radiating a canine sense of glee at his moment of wish-fulfilment, a guesting Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters chorused along with Band On the Run, and bashed at the drums like Animal from the Muppets on Back in the USSR. Over the last decade, Hey Jude has been a staple McCartney set closer, almost to the point of overfamiliarity. On this occasion though, Liverpool saw to it that no such accusations could be levelled – bringing a fervour to it that propelled it closer to prayer. And if – until that point – promised “surprises” didn’t quite come on the scale some had hoped, there was no denying the communal shudder that took hold during A Day in the Life and, better still, a joyous I Saw Her Standing There – which, at least for two minutes, took a few thousand revellers to Shea Stadium in 1965.

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I took my sister (a real Beatles fan) for her 60th brithday treat, and I have to admit I was not particularly a Paul McCartney fan. But I am now converted and hope that he eventually does a concert down here in London. It was a most memorable night, especially when he sang "My Love" for Linda.
Alison Price, Bexleyheath, England
I'm old enough, (and lucky enough) to have seen The Beatles twice and at least one Wings concert, Paul Mac is a legend in every sense, A brilliant night, which shows just how much talent he had then, and still has now. Watched it on the box, must have been magical to be there, very emotional.
Phil Pearson, Lichfield,
Without a doubt one of the best gigs of my life. I was not particularly a Macca fan before the gig, but I am now, which is the mark of a true class performer. All the better for being in Liverpool, where they know how to appreciate legends like Sir Paul. Jewel in the Capital of Culture crown
Sophie, Liverpool,
It was a magical night! All day it rained . While waiting in line it stopped. The atmosphere was electric. The crowd were there for a good time and got it ! I admit I didn't expect to enjoy The Zutons or Kaiser Chief..but I did! He was fantastic, looked /sounded great. Can't thankyou enough Paul
Phyllis, Randolph via Liverpool, USA via England
As a Liverpudlian myself I was full of pride at the brilliant gig at Anfield provided by Sir Paul McCartney. He magically turned back the clock for thousands as he appeared in his Beatle style suit singing his heart out to so many wonderful songs.
An iconic performance that will never be forgotten
Irene, Liverpool, UK
Paul has indeed achieved a lot by writing many classic songs. But these days his performances are woefully bad. Although he does have good session musicians accompanying him, performances are bland and characterless. As to his singing; it is now so painfully bad that I have to turn him off .
Ronald Charles Whitehand, Woking, Surrey, England
What an absolute honour to have Sir Paul McCartney sing his beautiful, genius, timeless songs to us at this concert; it was absolutely amazing & very very special. How
I nearly died when he started singing 'A Day in The Life' - what a treat! The whole show was absolutely amazing..well done Paul!
Paula, London, England
Paul McCartney is a living legend who seems to handle the accolade well. The sheer brilliance of the music stands like a monolith in the backdrop of the late 20 century.
Why Dave Grohl, he appeared to add nothing. Did he win a prize? Why not introduce the rest of the band sometime.
J Neal, Nuneaton, UK
A wonderful night, like nothing I have experienced before.
The whole show was brilliant from begining to end.
We done Liverpool and of course Macca!!
Sharon, Bradford, England
To answer your question Andy......yes indeed....this is the first Macca live performance of , 'A Day In the Life'.
How wonderful the Liverpool audience got to see such a fab show.
We Americans are hopeful to hear these timeless gems in person too.
Cheers!
Monica Fleming-Oltarzewski
USA
Monica Fleming-Oltarzewski, Oakhurst, New Jersey, USA
kiser cheifs were mega
denise, liverpool, mersyside
went to see the show kasier chiefes were a belter the only group who had every one there doing the ,mexicain wave it was so birilliant. Id pay to watch it all again................
denise, liverpool, mersyside
an amazing night which will live forever paul the greatest scouser ever talent dripping from every pore singing mine [and most peoples] memories of growing up ma\gic just doesnt come into it and a liverpool crowd second to none what an atmosphere this can not be bettered well done paul xx
carol stevenson, liverpool, merseyside
Brilliant concert. I had always wanted to see Macca and finally got my chance. The best gig I had been to in 25 years.
Jimmy, Manningtree, UK
All the bands were good! Kaiser Cheifs know how to do their "whooooooo" thing to a stadium and get the crowd involved. The Zutons were great, and Paul was spellbinding. A top night.
peter , Ludlow, uk
Watched it on the TV.
Knowing what Paul has been through recently, I found it a very moving and emotionally charged performance, and when he sang 'My Love' for linda, I too cried.
Martin S., Lancs, UK
It promised to be a memorable night and it was... a brilliant scouse love-in that celebrated the mastery of McCartney's songwriting, and the spirit of Liverpool. A Liverpool crowd knows how to party and the songs were belted out with fervour. Time stood still... it was emotional....thanks Macca!
sally webster, Hewsall, United kingdom
Brilliant gig - who cares if The Beatles never released it in the 60s! I'm still coming to terms with the fact that I saw 50% of the best song writing duo ever to grace the face of this planet!
Kaiser Chiefs - good ending to their set!
Zutons - utterly woeful (as always)
Nice one Paul!
Barney, Liverpool, UK
one of the best nights of my life !
Does any one know if Paul has played "A Day in a life " live before ?
Andy Knight , Leeds
Andrew Knight, Leeds,
I went along expecting that the performances of the Zutons and Kaiser Chiefs would make McCartney sound every bit his 65 years, but was still planning on thoroughly enjoying a chance to see a local hero and living legend live. As it turned out McCartney was excellent and the atmosphere wonderful. Last night was the kind of night you never ever forget.
Paul F, Liverpool,
the single moment of pure emotion for me me was when paul said 'this is for linda' before singing my love, absolute magic. i am 36 years old and i cried like a baby, thanks paul.
Duncan Copley, valle san lorenzo, tenerife, spain
The Beatles might have sung Hippy Hippy Shake but they never actually released the song in the 60s.
It finally surfaced on "Beatles Anthology 2"
It was the Swinging Blue Jeans (another Liverpool group) which found worldwide fame with their recording of Chan Romero's song.
An excellent gig.
Karen Wright, Wallasey, UK