This summer, Sir Paul McCartney had one of the best Glastonbury performances ever, performing songs like Can’t Buy Me Love and The End all the way through to its climactic chords.
He revived the masterpieces that made him the most popular and influential living songwriter on the planet over the course of three hours.
Along the way, he sparred with Dave Grohl and Bruce Springsteen, played Something on George Harrison’s ukulele, and spent all of the funds on pyrotechnics for an exhilarating Live And Let Die.
From the moment supporters stopped Sir Paul in his tracks to shout Happy Birthday, the evening was emotional.
The celebrity, who had turned 80 a week earlier, questioned, “For me?”
The performance of I Got A Feeling by Sir Paul and John Lennon, whose voices had been removed for Peter Jackson’s Get Back documentary, was equally touching.
Lennon was stuck in place as Sir Paul looked out at an audience that, in an alternate reality, the two buddies may have shared. For a brief moment, the two were reconnected and exchanged melodies once more.
The star remarked,
“That is really special for me.” Even though it’s virtual, there I am again singing with John. We’ve reconnected.
Helter Skelter was played as he put on his guitar, breaking the tension with a burst of pure hedonistic energy.
Sir Paul has such a nonchalant command of the stage that he makes it seem simple. But it’s not. This is true magic.
According to Glastonbury festival director Emily Eavis, “it was the comeback that lived up to every bit of anticipation after two years of lockdown, and it brought the entire festival to tears of delight.”
“Occasionally a performance occurs where everything comes together, and for us, this was it. Truly unforgettable due to the amazing band and guests, the unbeatable set list, the crowded field shouting along to every word, the clear sky, and the beauty of the evening.
With BBC News, Sir Paul is now sharing his own thoughts on Glastonbury together with a collection of backstage images and films, many of which have never been seen before.
On performing at Glastonbury, Paul McCartney
“Festivals are unique, but Glastonbury is especially so, and it’s a significant occasion in many people’s calendars. It became more crucial to complete it since Covid caused it to be postponed in 2020 and 2021.
“I asked Bruce Springsteen if he’d be glad to join in 2020, and he said yes. Two years later, he kept his word. So having him and Dave Grohl on stage was incredibly amazing.
“For the audience members, it’s a very stunning scene, but we have the entire perspective from up on the stage, with the flags and the hills stretching back indefinitely, so it was quite a huge deal that they agreed to join me in that experience.
Obviously, from the stage, I can’t really see the audience’s emotions, but I still enjoy hearing them because I often find myself doing it at shows. When I saw James Taylor perform, I started sobbing because it was so beautiful! Oh, I love this guy, I was thinking. I’m crying even now.
“Knowing that music can affect people in such a way is a fantastic thing. The only animals on the planet that do that are us.
Then there is the spirituality of the location, including knowledge of the ley lines and other things. I’m thrilled to be a part of events like Glastonbury where everyone comes together with positive vibes and energy.
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