Written by: Ty Goodwin

Edited by: Rosemary A.W. Roberts

On Sunday, July 14th, 2013, Paul McCartney took the stage to a roaring ovation in front of a sold out crowd at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, in Indianapolis. McCartney, one of the most iconic and influential musicians in the history of music, lived up to his reputation for being the perfect showman. For almost three full hours, the fans were treated to a 38 song setlist that was laden with hit after hit. The classic “Eight Days A Week” kicked things off, a song which had never been played live until the current McCartney tour. This live debut was followed by the Wings classic “Junior’s Farm”, before quickly slipping back to the Beatles era for a quite memorable performance of “All My Loving.” The hits never ceased, and every song’s performance was just as appealing as the next. Two other un-performed Beatles classics off of the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite,” and “Lovely Rita” were personal favorites of mine, both were just breathtaking.

In addition to the stellar performances of all the classic tunes, the fans were treated to a mind blowing visual show giving each song a wonderful aesthetic of charm. From the arena shaking pyrotechnics on “Live and Let Die,” to the projection screen mind trip on “Helter Skelter” I was completely floored with the production on display. Other notable highlights included “Something,” “Band On The Run,” and “Lady Madonna”. The crowd even participated as backup singers as Sir Paul led quite an orchestrated sing along, with the highly recognized Na-na-na-na’s at the end of “Hey Jude.” Every tune had something else to offer, and as a fan you couldn’t help but be magnetized by the experience.

McCartney’s sense of humor and personable charm also shined, as his quite concrete storytelling drew all ears, and personal moments spanning throughout his musical career became quite the added bonus. Stories about Jimi Hendrix and about meeting the Russian government led us on a ‘magical history tour’. McCartney was flamboyant but accessible, because he made you feel as though you were right on stage with him, singing those great songs of yesterday. McCartney delivered in Indianapolis, and if he comes back I might have to go for round 2. I could honestly say, this was quite possibly my favorite concert that I‘ve ever attended. I’m still in awe of how a 71 year old could have so much energy, and deliver such an incredible performance. I guess that’s why he is considered one of the best in the history of music. I wouldn’t or shouldn’t have expected anything less.