Mac & Macca (or Number 1: See Sir Paul McCartney in concert)

My Mom really loves The Beatles. She was (and still is) a young, hip, fun mom and although I was a bit embarrassed about it at the time, I remember her always dancing and singing to The Beatles when I was younger. She would drag my brother Ulrik and I onto the living room “dance floor” where she would sing, shimmy and twist. So, I really love The Beatles. Their music reminds me of that happy, sweet, fun part of my childhood.

Paul McCartney is my Beatle. I have a thing for him. A big thing. I love the catchy tunes. And those cheeks. Some people think it's way cooler to be part of the Lennon camp. They say John was dark, dangerous and interesting, and that his lyrics were more personal and deep. But not me. It's Sir Paul all the way. 

So, when I play Beatles Rockband, I AM Paul McCartney. Having a bad day? Writer’s block? Irritated? I strap on my Rickenbacker 325 replica and belt out “Paperback Writer.” Solves everything. A Beatles song a day keeps the blues away.  

And Paul McCartney & Wings...is there a cooler song than “Band on the Run?” I can’t not grin to “Silly Love Songs,” and my feet spasm into some pretty ridiculous dance moves when I hear “Coming Up." 

But let’s get to the point. Number 1: Sir Paul McCartney in Concert. The perfect way to start off the Forty By Forty project. And so it was that I made my way down to the Hollywood Bowl this evening with one of my best friends…Ron...we've seen many, many shows together, the highlight was Bruce in Stockholm on my birthday a couple of years ago. At least until tonight.

Tonight's show was...well, it was everything. Waves of warm energy all over my body. I was overflowing with happiness. Sweet and moving with songs like "Blackbird," "My Love," "Yesterday," "Hey Jude," "Something," "Give Peace a Chance" and "The Long and Winding Road." 

It was nostalgic and outrageously fun with songs like "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," "Paperback Writer," "Get Back," "Jet" and "Let Em In." And crazy hardcore with "Helter Skelter," "Back in the USSR," "Live and Let Die," "I Gotta Feeling," and of course, "Band on the Run." 

The set list 

So, tonight...my face is sore from grinning from ear to ear for 2 hours and 45 minutes. My feet are tired and my body achy from dancing and jumping up and down. My voice is hoarse from screaming like a teenager during Beatlemania. But most importantly, my heart is full. And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. 

 

Comments

[julie]

Love your story! I was there too. What a memorable evening. He was wonderful :)

[Patty Herwick]

Marika,

This experience sounds like it was unbelievable, and most importantly..meaningful!! I also grew up listening to The Beatles and my mom always favored Paul! I can't wait to read more of your adventures! XO Patty