Paul McCartney's Beatles Songs in Live Performances
Paul McCartney has a long-standing tradition of performing Beatles songs in his live shows, a fact that is often celebrated by both longtime fans and newcomers to his music. This article delves into the extent to which McCartney includes Beatles songs in his performances, covers some notable moments of Beatles-inspired concerts, and explores the reasoning behind his music choices.Extensive Beatles Song Selection in McCartney's Shows
Absolutely, Paul McCartney is known for playing an impressive number of Beatles songs during his live performances. Despite occasional complaints from fans, particularly at major festivals like Glastonbury, where some may wish for a more extensive Beatles repertoire, McCartney has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the Beatles' catalog. Fans can easily verify this by checking set lists from various concerts on available websites.Over the years, it has been calculated that McCartney has performed over 100 different songs from his entire career at various live shows. This impressive diversity not only satisfies the curiosity of Beatles fans but also showcases McCartney's extensive and diverse musical repertoire. For instance, in May 2022, McCartney performed at a concert in Knoxville, Tennessee, opening with "Can't Buy Me Love." He also played "Helter Skelter" and the fascinating highlight was when he sang along with John Lennon's voice on "I Got a Feeling." This achievement was made possible through the use of advanced audio technology, which Peter Jackson, the creator of the "Get Back" documentary, employed to isolate John Lennon's voice.
Set List Breakdown and Tour Highlights
McCartney's live performances typically feature around 35 to 40 songs, with a strong emphasis on Beatles tunes. During his recent "Get Back" tour, he played 36 songs, of which 22 were Beatles songs, making up almost two-thirds of the set. On the last night of the tour, he performed 39 songs, with 23 being Beatles songs. The show structure usually has the first half featuring McCartney and Wings songs, while the second half, especially the encore, focuses on Beatles music.During his appearance in my region on the "Get Back" tour, the set list showcased 22 out of 40 songs as Beatles tunes, further emphasizing his commitment to his former band's legacy. This intimate concert proved once again that McCartney has always known what his fans want, prioritizing Beatles songs that resonate with the audience. Another notable fact is that although many of his solo hits were personal love songs inspired by his first wife, Linda McCartney, he tends to avoid revisiting these songs in his live performances, opting instead for less Beatles-related solo tracks like "Live and Let Die," "Jet," and "Band on the Run."