McCartney Plays Brooklin: Soundcheck and Concert Report

Hi gang,

Brooklyn night one is in the books. After a great soundcheck, the party kept going. Paul came out late again, film started around 8:15PM and he came out right around 8:45. Just prior to him taking stage, an entourage came out from the back stage area and was seated a few rows behind me. New York Mayor Bloomberg was seated and was very gracious taking pictures with quite a few fans around him. On the other end of the row was Tommy Hilfiger. Paul came out shortly after in a smart looking three quarter length black jacket. A lot of the same old signs were flashed asking for hugs and what not but one that he read was from James Liverani which said "I named by English Bulldog "Macca". " Paul said "really, well that's a good name for an English Bulldog". Didn't really acknowledge any other sings verbally but did nod at people. He started out announcing that there were a lot of friends and family in the audience tonight. I'm pretty sure that it was "Another Day" that he dedicated to Phil Ramone who has since passed. He told a new story of Phil visiting Paul in England and wearing this big cowboy hat. He said that an English Police Officer walked over to him and asked him if he had a license for it which he did not. He said that the Policeman penned out a license and gave it to him. He said that he believed that Phil mailed the officer a hat just like it. I must say, seating on the floor was much tighter than usual even with them not using one continuous row. It was hard to keep my shoulders square and not much room to move around. A lot of the front rows did sit quite a bit and I think that this was a factor in that. I know it was very uncomfortable for me. Other than that, Barclays was a wonderful, modern arena and the staff was ultra friendly. I don't think I've ever noticed so many staff members thanking me for coming and wishing me safe journey home. Paul remained very animated from soundcheck and did a lot of dancing around and pointing to folks in the audience. Even struck a few poses. There were a few very excited youngsters who got upgraded and were calling their friends that were left up top to tell of their good fortune. There was also a lady that had brought her son to the front row and when the real seat owner arrived, was escorted out of the floor area. Although not off the charts, this was a solid 8 out of 10. The setlist continues to play out well in my opinion and friends that had not seen the show or heard the new songs all gushed. I have to also comment that I love the new rising stage, when Paul initially walks out on it, he is very close to the crowd. Well, I think that's it for now...patiently waiting for show #2 on Monday!! Here's the setlist (Thanks to Jorie Gracen who I swiped it off as I was too tired to list them from my notes!!)

1. Eight Days A Week
2. Junior's Farm
3. All My Loving
4. Listen To What The Man Said
5. Let Me Roll It/Foxy Lady coda
6. Paperback Writer
7. My Valentine
8. Nineteen Hundred And Eighty-Five
9. The Long And Winding Road
10. Maybe I'm Amazed
11. I've Just Seen A Face
12. We Can Work It Out
13. Another Day
14. And I Love Her
15. Blackbird
16. Here Today
17. Your Mother Should Know
18. Lady Madonna
19. All Together Now
20. Lovely Rita
21. Mrs. Vandebilt
22. Eleanor Rigby
23. Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!
24. Something
25. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
26. Band On The Run
27. Back In The USSR
28. Let It Be
29. Live And Let Die
30. Hey Jude

Encore One
31. Day Tripper
32. Hi Hi Hi
33. Get Back

Encore Two
34. Yesterday
35. Helter Skelter
36. Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End

photos coming soon