McCartney plays ‘Long Winding Road’ of hits in park debut
Sir Paul McCartney on stage at The Green Concert in Piedmont Park Saturday night. Photo: HYOSUB SHIN, HSHIN@AJC.COM
“You can only get so wet,” one drenched concert-goer sunnily explained approximately 15 minutes into the downpour that soaked the 40,000 attendees at Sir Paul McCartney’s Green Concert Saturday night in Piedmont Park.
Indeed, while the sheets of rain encouraged a pair of Beatles fans to temporarily seek shelter beneath a soggy discarded pizza box in the park’s meadow, no one was focused on the gallons of water being absorbed into their socks with McCartney’s hit-laden set list unspooling on stage.
At two-and-a-half hours, McCartney’s energetic set was roughly 120 minutes longer than the 30-minute concert he did as a Beatle at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium nearly 44 years on Aug. 18, 1965. The 40,000 in the crowd was also larger than 1965’s estimated 34,000.
The only song repeated from that original set list? The McCartney-penned Beatles classic “I’m Down.”
Noting the anniversary of that tour, McCartney recalled: “The only thing was, we couldn’t hear a thing we were playing ’cause all the girls were screaming.”
Middle-aged women in the crowd instantly recreated the screeching for the 67-year-old.
“Like that !” McCartney said grinning. “The difference now? We’ve got bigger amps!”
As he launched into “Blackbird,” the songwriter revealed to the crowd the song was partially inspired by children in the black-and-white civil rights protest news footage the band saw on television four decades ago.
He also lovingly paid tribute to his fallen bandmates George Harrison and John Lennon during the concert. He opened Harrison’s classic “Something” playing a ukulele that Harrison had given him. He also riffed on Lennon’s famous anti war anthem “Give Peace a Chance” as the crowd sang along and flashed peace signs that were transmitted throughout the park via 50-foot video screens.
McCartney also pulled out the acoustic guitar to perform “Here Today,” the heartbreaking tribute he wrote for Lennon in the wake of his 1980 assassination.
After banging through an accelerated rendition of “Paperback Writer,” McCartney pointed to a couple down front gamely holding up a rain saturated sign that read: “Our Baby’s 1st McCartney Concert. Baby Due Feb. 10.”
“Wonder if the baby can hear all this,” mused McCartney.
Perhaps fittingly then, the Beatle closed the evening with the bombastic finale “The End” from “Abbey Road, “the band’s final studio recording together with these words: “And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.”
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62 comments Add your comment
Brandon
August 16th, 2009
11:19 am
You didn’t mention the 2 awesome encores he did or Live and Let Die with the pyrotechnics. Or the small Hendrix riff he played at the end of one song, where after he talked about Hendrix playing Sgt Pepper.
Mathew
August 16th, 2009
1:05 pm
Richard:
Thank you for the excellent review of the incredible show we all witnessed last night. The show fell beautifully on my son, Garren’s 10th Birthday. He and his younger brother, Gaines, have been fans of the Beetle’s for the past 5 or 6 years so as a surprise Birthday gift we drove down from Chattanooga under the guise of a business meeting with a client of mine named “Paul”. They were very curious why my meeting was outdoors and in the middle of Piedmont Park. Naturally they were pleasantly surprised when it was revealed that our meeting was to be with the iconic musician and former Beetle, Sir Paul McCartney. We had a great time meeting and talking with many of the multigenerational fans who assembled for this special outing. Despite the rain, it was a real treat to share the evening with my two son’s in the beauty of Piedmont Park with one of the true pioneers of modern Rock-and-Roll…singing-a-long to timeless tunes like Something, Band on the Run, Let it Be and Hey Jude. What a great experience, we will always have this memory of fellowship to share though out the rest of our lives. THANKS Paul and thanks to all those behind the scenes who made this a super-special Birthday for my son.
Mathew Miller
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Jerry/Tennessee
August 16th, 2009
1:05 pm
THIS was an indescribable night of a lifetime! I have been an avid fan of the BEATLES since Feb. 1964 and never dreamed I would have the opportunity I was given last night! I brought my whole family; wife, 24 year old daughter, 20 year old son, 15 year old daughter, 11 year old son, to see this seeming ‘friend of the family’ Paul McCartney perform. There were tears of joy, of honor, and just plain ‘life relational’ tears. Laughter with accompanying lyrical unison! I will ALWAYS remember the experience as a HALMARK experience of family and the way Paul made us all feel he himself was connected as ‘family’. He had so much to offer and DID offer it. And we, with the entire crowd, felt the connection and didn’t want it to end. We had, too, one of our dearest friends with us who was such a joy and wealth of memorabilic knowledge and facts. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE NIGHT!
Mary
August 16th, 2009
1:37 pm
PHENOMENAL SHOW! We will never forget this amazing night. What a thrill to see Sir Paul perform such an extensive set list.
DavidT
August 16th, 2009
1:38 pm
Good review Richard. I posted some pix and that Live and Let Die video on my facebook site. What a scene!
Carson
August 16th, 2009
2:06 pm
The event of a lifetime! The impact of seeing Paul and his band perform live will never leave me. I guess you could say I had an epiphany! How can one person write so many amazing songs that people of all ages, cultures and walks of life feel connected to? How many songs can move people and retain their relevance 50 years after they were first released? What a tremendous honor to get to share 2 1/2 hours watching and listening to the greatest showman and consummate musician on the planet!
JimG
August 16th, 2009
2:26 pm
Excellent review, thanks…Here’s my 5 cents worth:
I had never seen McCartney and figured this might be my last chance, although to see him last night you would never think he was 67– so perhaps we will get another chance before he hangs his Hofner Bass up for good.
As time passes by I realize that this revolutionary who our parents feared would take us off the road of the straight and narrow has actually been the best role model for life that we could ever have hoped for. I am SO GLAD I went to the show!
Kay
August 16th, 2009
3:24 pm
What do you mean “middle-aged women”? Girls of all ages were screaming for Paul. He still has teenaged fans who find him devastatingly amazing, me included.
AndyB
August 16th, 2009
4:27 pm
I was pleased to see people of all ages turning-out for this experience. Singing and dancing in the rain will be an experience I NEVER forget. I would love to see that “Live and Let Die” video, David.
Aaron
August 16th, 2009
5:11 pm
Middle-aged women? I saw mostly young women down front … mostly younger fans were at this show.
Reuben Haller
August 16th, 2009
6:01 pm
As someone who wore out every Beatle album, knew every note of every song–and even bought a Beatle wig as an 9 year old back in 1965; I eagerly awaited seeing a Beatle live for the first time. Paul truly delivered–great voice, great band, great evening. I was so impressed by Paul’s unassuming and engaging stage presence. Thanks Paul–hope you keep rocking for another 40 years!! A long and winding road indeed!
Richard P.
August 16th, 2009
6:02 pm
The time allowed for great moments is governed by the life you live. I seem to complain of late, but sure as I do the love of true friends injects me. It’s always a different kind of rare magic that sets me straight and last night was the truest of all. I can never convey the experience other then one of friends, music and love. As the rain fell so did all the petty days of past and as I looked on over the 40k people who too were now alive and free from the grind I said thank you to the maker, even if it’s just for this one night.
Liv
August 16th, 2009
6:21 pm
Middle-aged women? I was in the front row, and let me tell you, it was nothing but us young ladies screaming for him! We probably would have thrown our panties at him too if the stage wasn’t so high off the ground!
Craig
August 16th, 2009
6:28 pm
I woke this morning, wondering if I was just dreaming, Last night couldn’t have been more perfect. I would have stood in a hurricane to see that performance again. I’m still amazed at the band, the energy and the performance of the entire band. Paul at 67? Are you kidding me. I’m in my 40s and he was wearing me out. We Love you Paul. Come back soon.
marc cardwell
August 16th, 2009
6:35 pm
i was at the show w/ my 10 y.o. son and was blown away by the show and crowd. my phone takes poor pics and vids. if anyone has stuff to share, please post a link.
Heidi C
August 16th, 2009
7:18 pm
My friends and I drove down from Chattanooga for the night. OMG… what an AMAZING and INCREDIBLE concert.. I have seen Sir Paul 3 other times over the last 20 years and I have to say.. he really does get better with age.. if that is even possible! The rain only seemed to have made him hesitate (or was it the crowd as we pulled our blankets over our heads.. until they were so soaked we just dropped them to the ground?). Blackbird will always have a different meaning to me now! A couple of favorite points (there are so many) was the George and John tribute and the Live and Let Die Fireworks (WOW)… just blew me away! Yes… this was an amazing night… I am SO glad I was able to experience this with my best friends!
Rob
August 16th, 2009
7:24 pm
I could not have imagined a better night. It was the most moving musical experience I’ve experienced in my 38 years. Sir Paul was gracious and brilliant and I thank him for sharing his talent with me and the 40,000 others fortunate enough to be there. Even the torrential downpour could not dampen my spirits; in-fact, it may have made the experience even more transcendental. It was beautiful to see so many ages represented in the crowd–he has touched so many with his tremendous talent.
There were so many moving moments: “A Day in the Life” morphing into “Give Peace a Chance”, with the a capella chorus from the crowd; “Live and Let Die” with the unexpected pyrotechnics!; “Hey Jude”; “Blackbird”; playing “Something” with the ukulele given to him by George Harrison; “Here Today”, the tribute to John; “My Love” dedicated to Linda; taking us back to the first time he played Atlanta in 1965 with the raucous “I’m Down”. It seems that every song had a story; a fact that I think was true of everyone in the audience, as well–his music has been the soundtrack of so many lives. I will treasure the memory of this perfect night forever! Thank you, Paul McCartney.
Damon
August 16th, 2009
8:15 pm
Well I was a fan of the Beatles from the start and a fan of McCartney and Wings. I wanted to see the Wings over America tour but never did sadly. I figured if I was ever to see a Beatle I’d best go to this show since I live near Atlanta. I have to say there was no disappoints at all. I would love to have heard many other Beatles/ McCartney songs….but that could have lasted way longer than the generous 2.5 hours we shared of his legendary music.
The crowd was no joke of all ages and amazingly so many were singing right along with the rest of us that know his library of songs well. From the crowd , to the huge and beautiful stage it was a night I won’t soon forget and to share with friends was just icing on the cake……oh and hearing a 15 year old boy there with his grandmother singing loud and word for word of ” Get Back” was great too!
TERRY WHITE
August 16th, 2009
8:25 pm
THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH – NUFF SAID
Lori
August 16th, 2009
8:39 pm
I had so much fun – I’m sore!!! Too much to say, but I LOVE PAUL!!!!!
Alb
August 16th, 2009
8:57 pm
He’s Sir Paul – the greatest that ever was and will ever be.
And The Varsity catering wasn’t bad either!
Lawson Owens
August 16th, 2009
10:28 pm
I really enjoyed “I’ve Got A Feeling.” That was one of my favorite songs off of The “Let It Be” LP. “Let Me Roll It” has also been one of my favorite songs from “Band On The Run.” Paul McCartney did the best show I have seen lately. My two sons who attend GA. Tech went with me. They had several of their young Tech friends there, including my youngest sons girlfriend. They all seemed to have had a blast.
Dan
August 17th, 2009
1:56 am
I have seen Paul three other times this year,The Joint InVegas,Radio City (with Ringo) and Fed Ex field.Those were expensive tickets too.I only had the standard ticket for this show but I consider this the best of the four. Paul really seemed on fire last night.I think the seeing all the young people dancing and really just digging it despite the rain really lit him up.He even commented on the “all the young people in the audience”
.At Fed Ex I saw a lot of mostly older people in the best sections just sitting on their hands like it was a Barry Manilow concert or something.At this show people of all ages were dancing, singing and just going crazy all night.
Take it from someone who has seen hundreds of bands(many legendary) perform in concert.It does not get any better than it did last night.On the way out I heard at least a dozen people say it was the best concert of their life!
Consider your self lucky if you were there!I Do.
Madeline
August 17th, 2009
10:12 am
AMAZING concert! Far exceeded my expectations – and I had BIG expectations – enough to arrive at 9am and wait in the VIP line all day in the hot sun – we had our chairs set up at the head of the line and got to know Mary Alice who got there at 5:30 am! This effort was no small feat for my friend Cathy and I who are both 55 years old! Also no small feat to spend 5 hours on my feet front (about 5 rows back) and center stage – singing and dancing – like a teenager. In fact, I was surrounded by teenagers up there! To the three teenage brothers from Athens Ga – it was a joy meeting you and thanks for loaning me your cap to wear during the downpour so that I could see thru my glasses!!!. To you boys and the young girls beside them – can you please email me your photos or post a link to them? Mary Alice you too! To Collin from S. Africa – I have lost your email address and hope you are reading this so you can send it to me! We didn’t make it back home to Gainesville Ga till 2 AM! IT WAS SO WORTH IT!! This concert was incredible! I loved reading all the posts and agree with every one of them. I think we all agree with Carson that Sir Paul is the greatest showman and consummate musician on the planet!!!
Joe T.
August 17th, 2009
12:51 pm
Ditto to all comments above. But one question… we were approx 15 rows back & slightly right of center stage and seemed to get periodic distortion/garbled/poor acoustics from the sound system. Didn’t notice this problem when the “Script” was playing… was it just us/our location??? Anyone else notice? Long live Sir Paul!
Dan
August 17th, 2009
2:07 pm
I had a great time at a great event but also noticed a bit of sound troubles. Mostly, Paul’s famous Hofner violin bass seemed very low in the mix at times! The volume was fine when the other guy played bass, however. Overall, a very minor blip on the evening.
Becky
August 17th, 2009
2:36 pm
Reading all of these comments confirms my suspisions that everyone in the crowd felt exactly like me. It was a moment of a lifetime! Indescribable. It was a “bucket list” moment for me. The heat and the rain just added to the story. I remember sitting in our den with my family on Feb. 9, 1964 watching the Beatles American debut on the Ed Sullivan show. It was a moment I’ll never forget. The Beatles seemed to define my generation. But Sat., Aug. 15, 2009, I sat in Piedmont Park along with my husband and 19-year-old son and realized that Paul McCartney and the other “Fab Four” had a reach far beyond just my generation. My son was as close to tears as I was. Paul exceeded expectations if that is at all possible!
Stuart D
August 17th, 2009
4:44 pm
I too have seen hundreds of concerts and luckily, Paul three times, beginning with Wings Over America. I am having a tough time trying to decide in which order to rate his three concerts as best but of the hundreds of shows his three have been the best (apologies to Stevie Wonder). I love my mom but to see Paul one more time I’ll sell her down the river cheap.
The more interesting thing about this show is how incredibly hard Paul rocked. The backbeat on Helter Skelter is as raw and hard driving as any metal band. Also, I was impressed with Paul’s jamming on the Les Paul lead guitar. Paul has nothing to prove and he proved it again!
Contrary to others I was about 100 feet from the stage and the sound was incredible; crisp, clear, effortless, non-tiring, and LOUD. Actually Paul sound efforts are better than any band (what would you do with a $B). I wonder how it sounded in mid-town?
As for the trash, it took 30-40 minutes to get the food, etc. a tough call to fight back through the crowd to dispose. It was a mess though.
Bottom line. I went with high expectations and he just blew me away. Paul killed! Once in a lifetime show/experience – surreal.
william
August 17th, 2009
5:11 pm
Paul is one of the most gifted, smart, and humble muscians of our era. What a wonderful experience. Saturday evening was a gathering of all ages and types. There was so much energy and excitement in the air. And certain air of calm and peace filled the air as well. Looking back on the evening, I would have to say it ranks in the the top three of experiences that I have had in Atlanta since moving here 11 years ago. As of late, I had become a little jaded with Atlanta and its ever growing population and fast pace. This concert helped remind why I live in this great city we all call Atlanta. Piedmont Park looked beautiful and I’m proud of the work the Conservancy has done to restore it to its glory over the last 20 years.
Edvis
August 17th, 2009
5:22 pm
I came from Memphis with 3 of my kids 23 years old 8 and 5 to meet my oldest son 28 years old with his girlfriend!!! what a concert….it was great having all 4 kids there with me….I told them this was a part of their inheritence…seeing a living legend…..Paul McCartney…a once in a lifetime experience!!!!
I wouldnt take anything for this!!!
Linda Tonge
August 17th, 2009
5:25 pm
I, too, decided to go to Paul’s concert because I thought this would be his last. Boy, was I wrong!!!! I was blown away by his animated facial expressions, vitality, and connection with the audience. I was 14 when the Beatles came to the Fulton Co. Stadium, but I did not get to go. This concert, as mentioned, transcended generations, heat, and rain. Unbelievable.After learning of the “Blackbird” meaning, I was teary, as I grew up in the South. I sensed that a lot of people were moved more than ever by that song after Paul’s comments. You could also see he almost got teary talking about Linda. He still loves her.I was so proud that very few people moved an inch during the torrential downpour.
Rob H
August 17th, 2009
5:28 pm
I’m glad everyone had such a great time. I did not. I fail to believe I was the ONLY person screwed by Piedmont Park on the 4pm admission. I purchased tickets with an American Express card so that I could get in early, at 4pm, and get a good seat.
Only to arrive there and find the incompetent staff letting EVERYONE in at 4pm. False advertising, broken contract, etc… I was WAY too pissed off after arguing with police and “volunteers” at that point to enjoy anything… oh yeah, and then it rained. Perfect.
Of course, none of this Paul McCartney’s fault, so yes, he was amazing. A Legend. But the venue, staff, etc… sucked.
Kyle S
August 17th, 2009
6:07 pm
What a moment in a lifetime. Fantastic concert and it was a pleasure to see Paul and rock with everyone. Lets not forget to mention the crowd singing the Na’s of Hey Jude after the concert as we walked down 10th street…incredible moment.
Dusty Dan
August 17th, 2009
6:17 pm
I have been waiting since I was in the 4th grade watching the Beatles on Ed Sullivan to see Paul McCartney. His concert was absolutely fabulous and a testament to one of THE best musical talents of all time. His charm, grace and yes, “royal” presence brought a real sense of class to the evening. There certainly was no class anywhere else.
This was absolutely the WORST run event I have ever attended and I have worked, supervised and attended a few. The “scam” of buying advance tickets for early entry was enough. However, those of us that stood in line for two hours waiting our turn to get in at 4:00pm, which was supposed to 3pm, got the shaft when we learned that EVERYONE got in at 4pm. The Police were no where to be seen in the park venue, as were the volunteers. If an emergency had occurred and thank God it didn’t, emergency personnel nor vehicles would have never been able to manuever the inconsiderate, rude attendees that forged their way into the concert at 7:30pm and poised themselves in front of the rest of us that had followed the rules.
The Conservatory owes huge apologies to Sir Paul’s real fans….the people that grew up with him and know him for the real treasure that he is. As far as the youth that attended, they have no idea who this man is or what he brought to the world. They were rude, foul-mouthed and utterly intolerable. Sir Paul’s absolute control over this concert brought to me the only solace to be had. I hope the 53-acres purchased was worth losing the support of so many of us. I will travel to any other venue to see Sir Paul again. I will NEVER again attend or support anything at Piedmont Park.
Steve
August 17th, 2009
6:32 pm
The concert was one to remember! I can’t believe paying the money we did to be treated so rude by the event staff, watching homeless people walk around in the venue, and only a couple of stands to buy shirts (only to sell out of most by 6:00). The ONLY reason I would ever consider going back to Piedmont Park is to see a legend like Saturday night.
William
August 17th, 2009
8:12 pm
I am not a Beatles fan. I bought my best friend and me tickets for his birthday because he is. How could I have known that I would be getting the gift. On the anniversary of Shea Stadium and Woodstock I found myself in the midst of 40000 people who wanted to create a moment that reveled in our commonality and left our worries at the gate. Although he gave a mention to the history of Blackbird he also gave a nod to how far we have come. In the end how fotunate we all are to have seen a master still at the top of his game.
Clair
August 17th, 2009
8:46 pm
Incredible concert but cant let the folks at the Conservancy off the hook for a really mismanaged issue with the American Express access fans who were promised early entry with their purchased. None of the volunteers or event personnel or even the police had a clue what was going on.
spine
August 18th, 2009
7:42 am
Paul was great, but Piedmont Park’s organization of the concert was not. Port-a-Potties were not distrubuted well. If you were near the front of the concert venue, it took 30-40 min for the round trip. No designated walk-ways made it difficult to get around. All information regarding the concert should have been posted well in advance, not a day or hours before the concert. When we arrived we were very disappointed that early entrance was not being honored.
Edvis
August 18th, 2009
9:56 am
My 2nd review…..this one concerns the volunteer staff,security and Atlanta police……
we were called by Ticketmaster and received emails stating that the gate opening time was moved to 5pm….we stood in line with thousands of others to enter the park at 5….as we got closer..we were told by a volunteer on the street that there were 2 lines and to stay to the right and we would get in faster and not have to wait in the other line…after getting halfway to the gate…we were turned around and told there was only 1 line…at this time we lost our place in line and had to go all the way back to the end….someone needs to inform the volunteers of what is going on!!! By the time we made it inside…at approx 520pm….half of the area was already filled up..all on the side and past the soundbooth on the grounds in front of the stage….amazing 20,000 people could get in and be seated in 15 minutes….and I know there couldnt have been that many VIPS’s
As for security..we were lucky enough to have a drunk passed out behind us..throwing up in his neighbors blanket….what a treat for my 8 year old and 5 year old to witness….one of the people whose blanket he was throwing up in went to get security to have him removed…they did NOTHING!!
The Atlanta Police…were just plain rude…yelling at people trying to walk across the street…making comments…not a good example you want to set for so many people bringing in money to your city
overall a great concert….the people behind the scene could have been a lot better
Jeanne
August 18th, 2009
2:30 pm
Paul was fantastic, but the whole event organizing was pitiful. We, who shelled out $400 for VIP tix, were treated poorly. Originally said we would have access to a sound check and souvenir lanyards of some sort, but then AFTER we bought the tix, the Conservancy decided they could raise additional money by selling higher level Patron tix. So we heard nothing more about a sound check or souvenirs and for $400 merely got to sit on a hillside MANY feet away from the stage and had some decent food, beer and wine included. Definitely not worth the cost. The Conservany should have at least roped off 50 ft in front of stage for VIPs and Patrons considering the prices they got charged.
Randi
August 18th, 2009
3:28 pm
Let me just start by saying that Paul is an absolute legend. My dad raised me and the rest of my siblings on the genius of The Beatles, and every time we see Paul we’re never disappointed. He is as energetic, charismatic, and funny as he was in the 1960’s. His voice is as strong, emotional, and beautiful as ever. His music connects every single fan that comes to see him, regardless of age, race, or background. This show, on his and the band’s part, was as amazing as the rest. On the other hand, I think Paul would have been disappointed to discover how his fans, some of whom traveled hundreds of miles to see him (as my family did,) were treated.
Piedmont Park was a disrespectful, unorganized joke. We were informed days in advance that the door time was changed from 3 to 4 for VIP’s, and from 4 to 5pm for the rest of us ticketholders. My family and I walked over from our hotel to reach a line of hundreds and hundreds of people at 4:45. Most of the “volunteers” did absolutely nothing to guide the way of where we needed to be standing, what direction we needed to be walking, etc. In fact, the ONE volunteer who did try to direct us sent us to the wrong side of the street by saying they were starting a second line to let us in. By the time we reached the line, we were informed by a police officer that we were given false information and hundreds of us had to turn around and go all the way to the end of the line on the opposite side of the street. Was there not a meeting for volunteers to inform them of correct information and what their duties included?
By the time we reached the gates, the staff was rude and herding us like barnyard animals through the gates. They didn’t do any kind of metal detecting to make sure people werent carrying weapons or drugs or so on. After all, this WAS a family event. And imagine my shock when I finally get through the lines only to see that 20,000 or more people were already seated and “blocking off” areas with their GIGANTIC blankets to keep people from being able to get anywhere close to the stage. This was something that was absolutely unnecessary,and I don’t believe blankets should have been allowed when they were used as a tool to keep people from having a little bit of space for their own. Atleast enforce a blanket size to where there’s a little more equality. You know, we all paid the same price for the ticket.
Thirdly, for an “eco-friendly” concert, there was absolutely NOTHING green about this show. Trash was EVERYWHERE. Beer cans, food boxes, water and coke bottles….it was disgusting! I’ve traveled this far to stand in a pig sty? Why didn’t Piedmont Park sell some kind of collectible Paul/Green concert re-fillable cup that allowed you to use the SAME container for your drinks and have some kind of souvenir for attendance? This would have cut down on trash, and racked up extra money considering merchandise was hard to come by at the show. There were only two merch tents and they were all the way at the front of the gates with only a limited number of sizes available in t-shirts! This couldn’t have been the first major event that P.P. has hosted. Get your act together!
And lastly, there should have been some kind of drink limit implemented for concert goers. Not only did I have a drunk guy vomiting on an unknown couple’s blanket right behind my family until he passed out (that security refused to remove,take to first aid, or kick out,) but there were also random drunk women who would come up to both the 5 and 8 year old in my family and kiss them. Do you even understand how confusing and scary that is for a little child who is at their first concert, and trying to have a good time despite a rainstorm? I have nothing against people who want to have a good time, (I am 24 for God’s sake,) but be respectful of the other people around you who were excited and anxious to see the legendary artist that they love and respect. If you’re going to drink to the point of oblivion, don’t include complete strangers in your immature shenanigans. I’m all about peace and love but I’m not about to let someone vomit on me. I would NEVER recommend anyone see a show at Piedmont Park, and I will NEVER attend another show at Piedmont Park. I’d rather spend my life’s savings to see Paul in Moscow or Timbuktu before going back to Atlanta, Georgia to be yelled at and talked down to by park staff, security, and police officers working the event.
What a shame for the people who had to see Paul for the first time in that environment…and what a disrespect to the musical genius of McCartney.
Danica
August 18th, 2009
6:47 pm
It wasn’t just middle-aged women screaming! I’m almost 19, front row for the concert and I was screaming my heart out!
Wonderful review for a wonderful concert.
joy
August 18th, 2009
9:34 pm
My dad wouldn’t let me attend the Beatles concert in 1964 at New Orleans City Park stadium, so for 45 years, I’ve never let him forget! So when my adult kids told me of the upcoming concert in Atlanta, I traveled from Dallas to share this amazing night with my kids. I was not disappointed!! This was one of the best experiences of my life and certainly THE best concert I’ve ever seen- a memory that will last the rest of my life made all the more special by sharing it with my kids who grew up with my Beatle records. Despite the problems with venue, I loved the outdoor experience and the rain made me feel I was at my own private Woodstock!
Becky Christo
August 19th, 2009
10:00 am
My twin and I were two little girls with a huge crush when our uncle took us to Fulton Co Stadium to see our idols. I have never forgotten the moment the Beatles stepped out on the field. It was a bucket list moment to see Paul with my twin and our other sister at Piedmont park.Thank you for a night of a lifetime.What goes around comes around only better.
Becky Christo
August 19th, 2009
10:11 am
My twin sister and I were two little girls when our uncle took us to see the Beatles at Fulton county stadium in 1965. It was the best concert we had ever seen until this one. Thank you for a great bucket list experience. How exciting to be with my twin and my other sister . The evening could not have been more perfect.
Sherry
August 19th, 2009
10:57 am
Paul and his band were absolutely amazing — I fell in love with the Beatles all over again!
However, I ditto some of the comments regarding the Piedmont Park Conservancy — what a disorganized mess! The “pre-sale ticket” early entry was only a bad gimmick — what fools we must’ve been to believe that sales pitch… the lack of crowd control when the gates opened was a dangerous situation, and there was no excuse for lack of recycle and garbage bins down in the meadow area in front of the stage — what, they couldn’t spare any of the $$ from that million-dollar benefit and invest in plenty of garbage containers for 40,000 concert-goers???
Josh Lennon
August 19th, 2009
11:20 am
I thought the concert was amazing. It was great being there with my family that I don’t get to see much, my girlfriend got to meet them for the first time too. What a great place to meet a family for the first time, at a PAUL MCCARTNEY concert! My best friend tagged along too that I hadn’t seen in a year.
As for the show, Paul was awesome as usual. The band is great. The music was perfect, I was impressed with the sound and stage. The fireworks were cool too! This was my third Paul show and no doubt the third time was a charm.
As for Piedmont Park, I am willing to become Director of Events. I drove a few hundred miles to get here. I have been to outdoor shows in Atlanta, including the Lakewood. As stated, what was green about this concert other than not being able to park at the venue? Now, I really could care less about the trees, I have done my part and switched to the special light bulb. But really, the place was a mess at the end of the night. I figured there would be recycling bins everywhere. There were a few. My next problem is I had some guy throwing up everywhere sitting behind me because he drank too much. He puked on the people next to my party. They went and got security and what did security do? Security asked the guy if he was ok, he drunkenly responded “yes” and they walked off. Way to go guys, hope he didn’t drive home after he was carried out of the park. Call me old fashioned. Finally, my last gripe is the volunteer that told us to go a certain way down Piedmont to get to the park, only to be told by the fuzz as we are forming a line we are on the wrong side and had to go to the back of the line. Are you kidding me? We probably had to sit 200 feet further back due to this. I know the guy was a volunteer, but does that include just putting on a tshirt and calling oneself a volunteer? GET IT TOGETHER FOR A SHOW FEATURING A LEGEND. If it is someone like Dave Matthews that you can see every month somewhere, be unorganized. But for a show like PAUL FRIGGIN MCCARTNEY, you need to have your head on. My dollars worth of comments.
david brown
August 19th, 2009
3:25 pm
i agree with the rants about McCartney’s perfomance. It was my 2nd time seeing him, having seen him in the 90’s @ Tampa Stadium. This concert had, BY FAR, the most amazing performance by Paul.
i also agree with the rants about Piedmont Park’s organization. They did not have a clue. We were marched from gate to gate, with no one knowing which way to go or direct us. One guy said if our tix said 4 p.m., we can come in this way. Fifteen feet away, another guy said to go to the back of the line. it was totally, 100%, disorganized.
singing beatle songs with my wife, Paul McCartney, and 40,000 others, from under a blanket, in the pouring rain, while i cried like a baby….. i’ll take that memory to my grave with me.
Scotty Lisenbe
August 19th, 2009
3:42 pm
This was an amazing show. AMMAZING. I have been to a lot of concerts, but this one tops all. I felt like I was at Woodstock, the crowd was polite, the band rocked. The energy was amazing. Non stop. The rain added to the effect, and really cooled everything off. I agree about security, but I got to see Paul McCartney. I have been singing since Saturday night. Wonderful, excellent, WOW!!!!!!!!
RodD
August 19th, 2009
3:49 pm
One of all time greatest concerts I have ever been to. Extra special to take my 14 and 16 year old boys to their first concert and be able to make it the first row right below the jumbo tron. It was a blast to park at my midtown building and bike to the concert which was perfect especially for getting out of downtown Atlanta after the concert.
Every song was incredible and Paul looked great. Especially loved Paul’s song “My Love” which was in dedication to his passed wife Linda and is my personal dedication to my wife Deb too.
I just hope that Paul comes back next year because he will be on the top of my list of concerts.
Hi to all the great fans we met and shared an amazing experience with that night.
Thank you Paul and give peace a chance,
Rod
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