Can’t Buy Me Love… But You Can Buy a Ticket to See Sir Paul McCartney
There is no doubt The Beatles influenced a vast number of bands in the rock industry and no doubt a fair chunk of the artists we cover here at Wall of Sound. From punk to metal to hard rock, there is likely a six degrees of separation link to a Beatles song or riff eventually down the line for everyone. And whilst longevity can sometimes kill the charisma or charm of the band, there was always, at the very least, that long held conspiracy that The Beatles could claim they were in fact the first punks of their generation. Yes I said punks. Think about it. Punk songs, 2-3 minute gems, attitude that your parents hated at the time and even McCartney leading in some songs with the “1,2,3,4” count. In fact even the great man himself, the late Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, a massive Beatles fan, had this to say in his book, White Line Fever: The Autobiography,
“…the Beatles were hard men too. Brian Epstein cleaned them up for mass consumption, but they were anything but sissies. They were from Liverpool, which is like Hamburg or Norfolk, Virginia–a hard, sea-farin’ town, all these dockers and sailors around all the time who would beat the piss out of you if you so much as winked at them. Ringo’s from the Dingle, which is like the fucking Bronx. The Rolling Stones were the mummy’s boys–they were all college students from the outskirts of London. They went to starve in London, but it was by choice, to give themselves some sort of aura of disrespectability. I did like the Stones, but they were never anywhere near the Beatles–not for humour, not for originality, not for songs, not for presentation. All they had was Mick Jagger dancing about. Fair enough, the Stones made great records, but they were always shit on stage, whereas the Beatles were the gear.”
So, now we have Paul McCartney, all 75 years of age touring down under this December, some 24 years since he last played our shores. No doubt one of the most successful singer-songwriters and performers of all time, this tour entitled, One On One celebrates McCartney’s entire career – from his earliest work with The Quarrymen through to his most recent collaboration with Kanye West and Rihanna – as well as classics from The Beatles, Wings and his vast solo catalogue. Almost 3 hours of power! Well….cool music anyway and despite his age the guy can still rock out! Check out this fan video footage from the U.S shot just last year….
So with such a gigantic discography from several bands, collaborations and his solo material what is Wall of Sound hoping the knighted legend will play? Here are our unique picks to add to a dream setlist……
The Quarrymen – ‘That’ll Be the Day’
Basically the birth of what would become The Beatles, The Quarrymen recorded this Buddy Holly cover when they were basically kids in 1958, and though John Lennon was on vocals for this rendition, surely amongst almost 3 hours of McCartney magic he can throw this gem in with a nod to his beginnings?
The Beatles – ‘I Want You (She’s So Heavy) Take 1
Chances of McCartney playing this track is slim to none. He has never performed this track as a solo artist live, unfortunately, but we can only dream. The track has been likened to early Black Sabbath in some circles. The start of doom metal? Just listen to that heavy bass!! This take has McCartney on vocals.
Wings – ‘Live and Let Die’
Always a victim of his Beatles past, Wings never quite reached the heights (how could they!) of his former band but damn, they still had some cracking songs. This song was made even more famous by Guns ‘N Roses in the early 90’s some 20 years following it’s 1973 release as part of the Bond film of the same name. Simply a classic. Who does it better?
Paul McCartney – ‘Coming Up’
Pure 80’s, funky guitar riff and perhaps even a step or two ahead of what was to come throughout the 80s. From McCartney’s second solo album, simply named McCartney II.
So, there’s some old gems to argue about for a potential dream setlist, McCartney’s One on One tour will be one for the ages or ageing….either way it’ll be cool.
Paul McCartney – ONE ON ONE | TOUR DATES
Sat 2 Dec • PERTH • nib Stadium
Tue 5 Dec • MELBOURNE • AAMI Park
Sat 9 Dec • BRISBANE • Suncorp Stadium
Mon 11 Dec • SYDNEY • Qudos Bank Arena
All the information on dates, pre-sales, VIP’s, seating charts, how much, when, where and why – head here
