Paul McCartney: The Out There Tour 2015

June 21st: The Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, Pa

June 21st is officially the first day of summer and the arrival of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Yes, Sir Paul McCartney would need all the extra minutes! RoCKING out a 39-song playlist in just over 2 hours including a seven song encore, should have been no easy feat for a 43 year old, never-mind a 73 year old, but the icon proved us wrong. Well into his sixth decade of rock dominance both in pop culture and Live' performance, Paul McCartney showed us why he is the master of the musical universe.

Kicking off the night with a Beatles classic Eight Days A Week and alternating a meaty playlist of Fab Four and Wings songs, Sir Paul engaged us with storytelling and keen musicianship. He rocked a guitar, a mandolin and piano to woo the crowd. He spoke of sharing the stage with a young Jimi Hendrix during a 1960's Beatles concert in London.. He spoke of loving thoughts he wanted to share with his former songwriting partner in late 1980, but never got the chance due to his untimely death. He spoke of riding the school bus as a youngster with a future band mate, George Harrison. George would first introduce the mandolin instrument to young Paul and they would jam regularly.
Storytelling and stage presence: A+ 

Setlist: Sir Paul demonstrated how 73 is the new 33 as he sealed us all in the time machine for a memorable journey. Songs we remember and have emotional ties to our youth were brought to life, one after another, Sir Paul showed us the power of music. The power of his music. A standing room crowd from 17-70 became one, with no generational divide.  From Blackbird from the White Album to 1974's multi million seller Band On The Run, McCartney provided the sizzle for all. Pyrotechnics included multiple flame torch explosions front and back of stage while Sir Paul tickled the Ivories and held his ears during Live And Let Die!  It way my personal treat of the night!
Song rotation: A++