Paul's future as a live performer

[oobujoobu1971]

I mean this with the greatest respect (as my few previous posts hopefully show what a dedicated fan I am), but I feel the time is right for Paul to bow out from these kind of public live events, like the Queen's Jubilee/Olympics etc., as he is no longer doing himself any favours with the casual viewer, for whom he is unfortunately becoming an easy target to ridicule (as I'm seeing a lot of examples of in social media and amongst my own friends). I feel this is harming his legacy with the overall public (though not with fans and critics so much)

It's clear that over the past 2 or 3 years that there has been a marked downturn in Paul's live vocal abilities, which has even extended to his regular speaking voice. I'm not trying to unfairly criticise, he's 70 in less than 2 weeks time so it's absolutely understandable, especially with his continued regular live performances at pushing 3 hours a time, it's bound to have an effect.

I think Bob Dylan and Elton John are two other examples of legends whose prolific live schedule has taken a toll on their voices, so it's not just Paul. Contrast with Tom Jones last night at Buckingham Palace, now I'm not aware of him having a particularly hectic tour schedule over the last few years, and certainly not of 3 hour shows like Paul would pull off, and it shows as his voice is still in great condition. He'll be 72 in a couple of days!

I'd love to see Paul do more work in the studio, where I believe his changing voice is being used in really interesting ways; Kisses On The Bottom sounds great, he sings them with a great "old man" voice (not intended as a criticism!). He's used that same kind of voice on things like "Growing Up Falling Down" and "The End Of The End" and I love it, it's all part of making up a full life times body of work of the greatest popular musician the world has ever produced. I'd love to hear what a 2022 album with an 80 year old Paul would sound like!

I know there were rumours, never publically, that Paul is planning to retire from live performances when he hits 70. I have to say, for his sake, I'm kind of hoping that's the case. I know he still puts on a great show, and if I went to see him in concert now I'd have a great night, I just really feel that if he's not careful he is going to really screw up his voice and have to live with the consequences for the rest of his life.

[lobbybobby]

I agree 100%. I believe he still has great music in him, and will until the day he dies. I would love for him to save his voice for new recordings. There is a vast library of live recordings for all of us to look back on and listen to. I don't think he will ever improve what's already been preserved on tape for all time. I'm a lifelong fan, I've never seen him live, and I would much prefer 3 or 4 (or 10) more albums than to go see him live.

[Girl4Beats]

Well . . . . his voice could use a rest but he has been having a few lengthy tours back to back, getting married and all, he voice is bound to sound a little ragged around the edges and cracking in places. But I think that if he rested a bit and kicked back I think he could go on touring as long as the fans want him to. Age notwithstanding, I think he could go a few more years, but YES, YES, YES I would love to hear more studio albums.

I know NOTHING about Tom Jones. I am really not a fan of Elton either. Used to be in his early years.

[mr h atom]

i'm afraid, at least at the moment, i have to agree with the oob...

the voice is fine for me, i expect it...but the not-so-casual fan...or the critics...they will not understand

and, as so many have said, i would hate to see the possibility of there being a real problem...and his trudging ahead doing real, permanent damage

i dont' want to to make it seem like i, or we, want to bring out the doomsayer brigade...or , worse, go around calling him an embarrasment to all beatle-dom...but this weakness has suddenly been all too often prevelant, stayed around too long for it to be only a mere fluke.

the man should take some serious time off, check with some Dr.s. do whatever they tell him, ...realistically judge whether he can continue on like this (2.5 + hrs of real out 'n out singing in concert) w/o physically impairing himself...or harpooning what should be the last glorious days of an illustrious career.

as so many pointed out a few years back, johnny cash found a way to use his voice rather effectively...but that sort of thing requires a voice not damaged beyond reason: that is not to say that is the point macca has reached...but a realistic worry is beginning to set in

[jgkojak]

I would say time off would be the best idea for Paul. And he could probably do accoustic/solo piano shows -- just not the screamin Jet-type rock n roll.

[mhnso]

Friends
There are no such thing as eternal youth. In fact 70 year is a rather old age. I am 55 and actually starts to feel some of the years already
So if Pauls voice sounds a bit thin and ragged it s just s natural thing. Just like many old champs he might have difficulties in leaving the spotlight and of course there is a risqué this can damage his reputation.
Personally I really don t care it s up to Paul and his staff I am sure Paul still has a lot of music in him but to be honest -his legacy is already there and everything that comes from now is a bonus
We all have to accept the fact that -to put it with Pauls old bandMates world -ALL THINGS MUST PASS.

[bravefan]

I really hope this is the last year for touring. It's killing his voice and yes as a previous poster stated, it even shows in his speaking voice. Ive said this on here for a while now, to some criticism, it's time to stop the live performances and rest the wonderful voice he has left. Save it for the studio and give us a few more gifts of wonderful music. I'm wondering how much of his voice would return with extended rest to it. Long live Macca!!

[EddieV]

Smaller venues, a break and a new album!! If he continues the way he does his voice will be worse.

[Craigerb]

I recently saw John Sebastian (Lovin' Spoonful) live. His voice has weakened similar to Paul's (they're close in age). Rest would help. But the real culprit--cigarettes.

[SgtMacca]

I think he really needs to stop touring.