A page put together by MACCA-Central for the series of concerts put together by Linda's friends Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, director Kevin Godley and scriptwriter Carla Lane. If you find other relevant stories or pictures please let me know and I will add them to this page.
Pictures from the concert
originally from OK Magazine April 23rd, 1999 issue - thanks to Mari for scanning pics

(click on each pic to see larger version)

Here is a picture sent by a fan who was at the concert

Below are pics from articles found online
Pic from BBC

BBC real video report

A 1st hand reports by fans at the concert:
Report by Jane Alexander:
used with permission

What a concert. It started off well, when I noticed Paul's car in the car park guarded by a lone security guard who wouldn't let anybody get near it. So I knew he was here.

It took a while to get going, but by the end of the first half we were nearly there. When Tom Jones came on in the second half of the show, the audience erupted. Everyone went mad as he started to sing She's a woman, then Green, green grass of home and finally When a man loves a woman. He really got the place rocking! Marianne Faithful was next up with Johnny Marr (ex-pretenders) she sang As tears go by an old hit of hers from the 60's. Elvis Costello sang a song Paul had written for Linda - Warm and Beautiful with the Duke String Quartet and then That Day is Done taken from the Flowers in the Dirt album which he had co-written with Paul. Then it was the turn of George Michael who appeared on stage making the audience go mad. They were shouting, screaming, jumping up and down just at the sight of him. Sinead O'Conner appeared from back stage and threw some underwear at him (unattractive Y-fronts). I don't know what the joke was. Then he launched into a fabulous rendition of Eleanor Rigby followed by The long and winding road and then he finished with Faith, accompanied by seven guitarists which got everyone up on their feet rocking.

The compare for the evening Eddie Izzard then came on stage and announced that the Mac was here. Everyone jumped up and then the screaming started. I didn't think anybody could beat the reception that George Michael had received, but then I wasn't counting on Paul showing up. When Paul appeared on stage the place went mad. He was wearing a nice blue suit, T-shirt and trainers. He then said how overwhelmed he had been and you could tell he was fighting back the tears. He said that he didn't think people really knew what Linda stood for, but after reading the letters fans had sent he realises that we all do know. He then said that he had been in the audience watching the first half of the show with his family which included his week old baby grandson. (nobody had recognised him!) Which then received an enormous cheer from the audience. He said that when Chrissie had first told him about the concert he really didn't know if he would be able to do it. Then Chrissie Hynde appeared carrying Paul's Hofner bass, which he then put on and with Elvis Costello performed an old 50's song written by Ricky Nelson called Lonesome Town. Next up was All My Loving which got everyone up on their feet dancing away. Then while Paul put his guitar down he was joined on stage by most of the other acts to sing Let it Be. Paul seemed to really be enjoying himself he had his arm round Tom as they both sung the chorus. What a finish to a wonderful show.

As Paul was about to leave the stage he spotted a girl in the front row with a yellow poster. He took it from her and held it up to the audience it was a red heart with LINDA written in the middle, he held it up then tapped his heart and walked off stage.

What a night! There was fans hanging around outside by his car waiting to catch a glimpse of him, but unfortunately I left before he came out.

Now all I have to do is wait until next Sunday when they show it on TV. I can't wait to relive it all again.

Nice report Jane, thank you for sharing it with other Paul fans who couldn't be there. I asked Jane what instruments Paul played. She said. "He played his Hofner bass on Lonesome Town and All My Loving. For Let it Be he was just standing around with a microphone and putting his arms around people like Chrissie Hynde, Tom Jones and then Des'ree."


Report by Gemma Watts: used with permission

I don't know how i'm finding the strength to write this e-mail, especially because it means I have to think about it, and my eyes are filling with tears right this second.

The concert was ....... beyond words for me.

ok, how it started: It was really good, I was in a bad seat, but still loved the brilliant singers, talking about Linda, and Paul. And wondeful charities, and supporting the needy.

The songs were great, especially the heart felt beatle ones, and Paul McCartney ones. Many made me cry, with pictures of Linda on the screens, and beautiful music from very talented stars.

But then in the second half after the interval, my sister and me tried to get a seat together, but the poeple we were around were really - sorry to say it but, stuck up, they wouldn't clap or cheer at hardly any of the acts, and I mean this is for Linda, we were cheering all we could.=0)

Anyway so we spotted 2 spare seats even nearer to the stage, and we were around loads of Veggie, Paul, Linda fans. A dream for me. =0) And my sister is a huge Goerge Micheal fan, and there were loads of George fans there too.=0)

So I sat there with my 27 year old sister, who's got a 8 year old child, as she bawled her eyes out when george came on. Then the guy behind me, who was a Paul lookilikey(!) told us how Paul was up in one of the balconies, with Stella, and some other family - he wasn't sure all the family was there. (i found out later his grandson was!)

I made myself promise myself that Paul wouldn't turn up, because then i wouldn't be heartbroken if he didn't come. But after staring at the balcony he was in for many acts, I gave up becuase it was too dark, even though i'd taken high powered binocholors.

Then Eddie said it.... my heart jumped out, screamed for air, then didn't beat for a long time... "Paul McCartney!"....

First I stared in dis-belief, he was about 7 metres, less even, in front of ME!!!

I never thought i'd ever see him in concert, and there he was, looking F***ing FANTASTIC. The crowds went wild, but I couldn't hear them, then I realised how much I love him, and started to scream as loud, and as high pitched as my body could take.

Then when I realised he was going to sing, I broke down into tears, shaking even more then I already was, my sister had to take the pictures I was too far gone, he was in front of me for gods sakes!!!!!!

Twice during it; either the speaking or the start of singing, I can't remeber, I was too hysterical. He looked up, because we were with all the really big loyal fans, with the t-shirts and banners and everything, and I waved for quite a while, just on my own, and he looked straight at me and smiled, ....right then I could have died.

Then later on, the same thing happened. Everyone calmed down for a bit, and he was looking round stopping at us, since we were obvious worshipers of his, and no-one was clapping him, or waving him, so i waved then too, and it was just me, and he smiled at me. ..

I'm never going to live this down.

When he ended and everyone had been shouting the let it be words, clapping above there heads, stamping there feet, and waving peace signs at him as he looked round, I broke down for the 6th time as I realised the dream I don't even dream about becuase I don't want to tempt fate, ended. =0(

He held up someones Linda heart, and put his hand to his heart and everyone screamed out there final cheers, ....it was so emotional.

The reception all the stars got were great, and then George Micheal got an amazing reception. Most stood through most of it.

But when I realised my life ambition was about to come true and he stepped out, the poeple went mad. By then though I was past caring, if it was just me standing up screaming crying, I wouldn't have cared, i was wrought with all different emotions, but all of them were at the highest theyv'e ever been. Everyone stood, through till the end, from there on, he is the biggest.

For some of you, you'll have already had this, seen him in concert. But for this to be my first ever concert, of any kind, and for it to be based soley on Linda, and then Paul McCartney being metres away, and very emotional with his words about Linda, and his bueatiful singing, I..I .. can't explain it. I always knew if I saw him i'd never, ever forget it, but its even more powerful than that, I will never get over it.

Physically I was wrecked, I still shake when talking about it, still cry, like right now. I haven't lost the feeling in my stomach, its just constantly churning.

I waited outside for an hour, with my dog, that my mum had brought not realising Paul was a huge animal fan, (though i've told her this many times, she's not into the fact I adore a singer, she doesn't know what 'idol' means), anyway I clung on to barney, with a pen and leaflet, thinking if I get this signed I don't know how I can get much happier anyway, so i'll be far gone, to another world!

But the crowd control man pushed me out of the way, just as he came by, and my sister got a wave from him, and not me!! =0(

Anyway now my sister has also fallen in love with paul, and I am not in the least bit surprised. =0) I know i'm only 15, but he has always looked gorgueos, and is ageing even more attractively. Everyone said that, and you'll understand how good this concert was, to a certain extent, when you see it on t.v. (thankgod we got some wicked spare seats, fate or what!).

All I can say is PEOPLE WATCH THE T.V. on 18th

I remember Chrissie, kept kissing Paul on the cheek, she is in love with the guy, not like in a funny way, it was obviuos she loved him and Linda, and looked so proud of him when he decided he could perform. After all it was her that organised it for Linda.

I was so distressed I can't remeber all of it, so thank god its gonna be showed, otherwise i'd be upset even more.

It was like I was drunk and on drugs at the same time, I will never get over this, I can't believe how one man can change me so much.

Right, I'm calmed a bit better now, but its like...everything i've done, and do from now on is incignicant now, he is colossal. I just wanted to jump on stage, I could have done aswell - he was that near!

Oh by the way, I waited at the celeb entrance, and met Eddie Izzard, i've always thought he's fab, really down to earth, but I couldn't believe it when I turned round and he was walking in normal, like any bloke.

emm, oh yeah, Paul didn't look his usual self, coming out, in his car. I know he was upset when speaking to the audience, that was obvious, but then he really did look upset, when waving to us in his car.

Normally i've seen and heard, he smiles winks, peace signs, says things. But he had tears in his eyes, and worried sort of look, and just meekly hung his head down in the car, waving at the crowd.

I'd better go now, but i'm not going to have a normal life after this. I really can't.

He looked at me, smiled at me!!!! sigh, calm down girl.

Its so different seeing him on t.v. or pictures, live is the ultimate dieing of my emotions. My body still hasn't got over it. I normally never cry at anything, I just can't.

But I broke down many times, and still do.

I never thought i'd see him live, and sing! f***ing heart wrenching songs.

I'm going to die happy.


Report by Patrice: used with permission

First of all, congratulations for your website and I would like to thank you, because thanks to you I was informed about the concert just in time and got the opportunity to buy a ticket; hopefully I check your website everyday day !

I was very nervous last saturday when I arrived at the Albert Hall, even if people told me that Paul will play . At the Albert Hall I saw the famous blue Mercedes and at that time I was convinced he will play. I was just in front of the stage at raw 16th. During the first moments of the concert- as other fans did, we looked around and finally saw Paul who was at the opposite of the stage, at the first or second floor.We recognized him, and during the concert we observed him, looking behind us ! Paul, from what I saw, looked very cool, hands joined; he was apparently with Stella.

During Tom JONES performance of "She's a Woman" he made the rythm with his fingers. We heard good versions of "Here There and Everywhere" by Lynden David Hall, of "Blackbird" by Des'ree.

The concert was a very emotionnal one, and during the "Warm and Beautiful" version by Elvis Costello, I cannot back the tears. During this song, my hands joined together and I made the Wings logo over my head, as Linda did. Elvis Costello played also a version of "That Day Is Done" only accompanied by a piano and his guitar.

The concert was running and Paul stayed at his seat. He made a standing ovation when George Michael arrived on stage, as everybody did in the audience. George Michael asked the audience to stay calm and he sung "Eleanor Rigby" and "The Long and Winding Road"; after that the audience became crazy with a version of "Faith" with many musicians on stage playing guitars.

At that time, I thought the concert was over, but looking again behind me I observed that Paul was not there anymore and my heart became crazy.

Paul arrived on stage, alone without any instruments and made a speech. He looked good but I was afraid to hear that he cannot play, but I was wrong.

During the 2 songs he played, Elvis Costello was also there and I observed them, and they looked very happy to be there and to play together. Let it be seemed to be not scheduled because when Paul tried to make the other artists to sing, many of them didn't know the lyrics.

What a great emotion !

After the concert, I went to look at the blue Mercedes, but Paul went out from gate 2 as the other artists did. Elvis Costello signed a lot of autographs.

Paul apparently didn't signed any autographs, but when the blue Mercedes passed just in front of me (one meter far) the window of his car was opened and he told us hello. A girl just near me clapped into his hand.

I was there for the "Standing Stone" premiere and it's still a marvelous souvenir. That concert with all the pictures of Linda or made by Linda will stay in my mind for the rest of my Life as the music of Paul will.

Again thanks a lot, you're the best website.

Patrice


 
News stories from the web:
Sir Paul McCartney joined a host of pop stars on Saturday night to pay tribute to the life and works of his wife Linda at a special concert in London's Royal Albert Hall.

It had been thought that Sir Paul would not attend, having made few public appearances since Linda died, aged 56, last year following a long battle with breast cancer.

The evening was hosted by comedian Eddie Izzard, who reminded the audience that proceeds from the event were going to animal charities.

"Some bunny rabbit's going to go: 'Hey, those guys rocked for us'," he said.

Sinead O'Connor, Des'ree and M People vocalist Heather Small also appeared, along with Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, Neil Finn, Marianne Faithfull and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Sir Paul arrived on stage to tumultuous cheers from the 5,000-strong audience, as a chorus of famous names joined him in a rendition of The Beatles' Let It Be.

'There was a power'

It was his first public performance since his wife died and only his second in two years. He also played one of the couple's favourite songs, Ricky Nelson's Lonesome Town, and his 1963 hit All My Loving.

His voice cracked with emotion as he told the audience: "She's with us, she's loving it."

He said fans' expressions of support had convinced him to attend.

"We could see there was a power," he said.

'Go veggie'

The evening was organised by Linda's friends Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, director Kevin Godley and scriptwriter Carla Lane to "reflect something of Linda's personality and her upbeat sense of humour".

Chrissie Hynde, herself an enthusiastic animal rights campaigner, told the crowd to "go veggie".

George Michael, playing his first live concert for nearly three years, said he was supporting the event because "my mother lost the same fight, the same battle that Linda lost" against breast cancer.

The show will be broadcast on BBC One on Sunday.


From UK News Sir Paul watched the show along with the 5,000 strong crowd who had paid £35 a head upwards - although he and his family did have their own private box.

Among the other stars they saw were Tom Jones who had the crowd dancing with a version of the Beatles' She's A Woman and Elvis Costello, who played Sir Paul's love song for Linda Warm And Beautiful.

George Michael managed a standing ovation for merely stepping on to the stage for his first proper show for three years. After performing Eleanor Rigby and Long And Winding Road the star was joined by seven guitarists for a version of his hit Faith.

But even Michael's rousing welcome paled into comparison when Sir Paul McCartney took the stage.

He thanked the guests and paid tribute to his wife who he called his "beautiful baby" as he dedicated his first song to her - Lonesome Town - a 50s hit for Ricky Nelson which the couple both loved before they had even met.

He also sang his Beatles hit All My Loving before joining a chorus of all the evening's stars to play Let It Be.

The clearly touched star then held up a poster handed to him by a member of the crowd which bore the name Linda surrounded by the outline of a red heart. He put his hand to his heart and left the stage to cheers.


McCARTNEY FIGHTS BACK THE TEARS IN LINDA TRIBUTE

Paul McCartney joined a chorus of stars to sing an emotional tribute to his late wife Linda as he made a rare public appearance at the charity concert in her memory.

In front of a 5,000 strong audience at London's Royal Albert Hall he teamed up with stars Elvis Costello, George Michael and Chrissie Hynde to perform the Beatles hit Let It Be.

In his first British performance since Linda's death almost a year ago he also played a song beloved by both of them as teenagers years before they met, Ricky Nelson's Lonesome Town.

Clearly touched by the standing ovation he received when he took the stage and the sheer emotion of the evening Sir Paul's voice was shaky as he revealed he did not think he would be able to attend the show when it was first suggested by Hynde.

He doubted whether the public strength of feeling was there. But he said the number of letters he received from fans convinced him otherwise. "We could see there was a power there," he said. Sir Paul, wearing a blue linen suit and trainers, added: "She's with us, she's loving it."

He dedicated his songs, which also included his 1963 hit All My Loving to "My beautiful baby and our beautiful children who are here tonight."

The performance was only his second in the past two years, following a brief US appearance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction last month.

The stars were out in force to support the event which was in aid of animal charities which were close to Linda's heart.

Also on the bill were ex-Crowded House front man Neil Finn, Tom Jones and Marianne Faithfull. For George Michael it was also a rare public appearance, it being the first proper show he has performed apart from TV specials in the past three years.

He paid tribute to, as did the other stars, to Linda's qualities.

Post-Concert Links to news on the net:
www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,4599,00.htm
www.freeserve.net/entment/story0.htm
news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/newsid_316000/316419.htm

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