McCartney Super Bowl Halftime Show

Being the big McCartney fan that I am (heard he is gonna start another US tour next September- 10 cities so far), I watched his Super Bowl interview the other day concerning the halftime show. He is keeping the songlist secret, but this reporter says he knows the 4 songs Macca is gonna play (and hints are given in this article). Don't ya just love it when the media just can't keep a secret. They always have to try and get that "scoop" and spoil things.

SFM Exclusive: The Walrus Was Paul
By Owen Perkins
Friday, February 04, 2005

Owen Perkins will be in Jacksonville during Super Bowl week, filing daily reports and photos for SportsFan Magazine. Check back often for feature stories on the teams, both fan bases, and on-the-scene coverage of the biggest buildup in sports.

Jacksonville—Listen. Do you want to know a secret? For those who’d rather save the surprise for later than savor the scoop now, I’ll disguise the carefully guarded information regarding the choice of songs at Paul McCartney’s Super Bowl half time show so you’ll never know the songs until he strikes the first chord changes on his electric left-handed rockin’ guitar.

“I’m not going to say what we’re doing, because, you know, that spoils it,” McCartney told the biggest press gathering in Super Bowl memory Thursday, eager for any access to the man and his band. “We pretty much will get up there and use the time allotted to just rock. We want to go straight through. It will all be over in an instant, but we’re having fun rehearsing. I think the crowd will like it, hopefully, but we’re certainly going to have a good time and just rock through.”

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Out of respect for Paul, I’ll avoid spoiling the surprise as well. In fact, take my keys, baby. You can drive me car down to the stadium and check out the parking situation while I dispense with this entertainment issue. Just be sure to get back before we return to the subject of football. Personally, I’m staying put. There’s a live-and-let-die quality to Super Bowl traffic, and I’m content to have a quiet evening with a video, maybe that Cold Mountain I've wanted to see with that actor, um...it's...I know his name--oh, yeah, hey, Jude Law. Supposed to be lots of snow in it, shoot 'em up scenes, a love story or two, the mountains, yada yada yada, na na na na.

McCartney thrilled the gathering of journalists turned Beatle-maniacs Thursday, casually tossing a souvenir Super Bowl ball, looking relaxed and comfortable center stage in a gig bigger than most musicians can ever dream of playing, but that arguably might not crack his hot 100 list of classic concerts.

Paul is an Englander, of course, and you get the feeling that he’s familiar with the hoopla-palooza this event has evolved into, but he certainly showed no remorse over his football shortcomings from years past.

“To tell you the truth, I didn’t see last year’s,” McCartney confessed when asked if Janet Jackson’s nipple incident put extra pressure on this performance. “Everyone told me about it, but I can tell you that I won’t have a wardrobe to malfunction.”

McCartney had earlier guaranteed he had found a solution to the potential wardrobe malfunction, promising the press “I’m going to play naked.”

But don’t hold your breath. I’ve heard these championship proclamations before. They hold about as much water as fox-hole conversions. Johnny Pesky promised to run naked through Fenway Park if the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series, but the octogenarian has yet to make his Fenway Flash and Dash.

As for the game itself, Paul has done some quick research, but you get the feeling he’s happy just to know a field goal from a fumble.

“I’ve asked a lot of people, and I know who the favorites are,” McCartney said, declining to declare a rooting interest in the match up. “I like American football. Our game is soccer. We play soccer, but I’ve loved American football for a long time, because I’ve got a lot of American relatives, and at first, I couldn’t get the game. I was looking at it saying, ‘What’s he doing?’”

“Then someone said, ‘Watch that guy in the middle; he’s going to pass the ball,’ and that was the quarterback. The minute I spotted him, then, I understood the game. It’s a great game. I really love it, and I’m excited to see this one.”

Even if the game isn’t enough on its own to stir McCartney’s spirit, a return engagement to a city—and a field—he last played forty years ago clearly put a sparkle in his eye. McCartney vividly recalled the trip to Jacksonville with his fellow Liverpudlians in 1964, following in the wake of Hurricane Dora.

“My last memories of Jacksonville are exactly that,” McCartney confirmed. “We were coming in, and we were told that there was a hurricane and that we weren’t going to be able to play here. For some unknown reason, we went down to Key West and stayed in a hotel for a couple of days, probably to get out of the path of the hurricane. Then we came back here, so that’s actually what I remember Jacksonville for, is that hurricane.”

Though the week’s weather is far from being hurricane class, it has been cold and wet enough for people to check their geography to verify rumors that we’re not in Florida any more. McCartney cast off any concern about weather threatening his performance.

“It will not rain,” he stated with assurance. “It will not. I know these things.” And the funny thing is, when Paul McCartney tells you he has divine knowledge about near-distant weather patterns, he convinces you as easily as he once convinced you there was nothing you could sing that can’t be sung.

But for all his bottom end IQ in all things football, McCartney’s performance marks his second on the Super Bowl stage, having played his 9/11 tribute, “Freedom,” before the 2002 Super Bowl.

“That performance was sort of a special one, because I just came on to do that song, and it was a special song at the time because of 9/11,” McCartney explained. “Freedom was my response to it, which I did on the concept of New York. I did that to get that message to America that, you know, I have a right to freedom, and to show that we were with you on that one. It was strange times, but I’m very proud of it.”

McCartney closed his time with the press by reflecting on his music’s ongoing ability to inspire listeners, particularly younger generations he might have thought he’d lost touch with.

“One of the great things for me about touring the world is that I’m surprised to have a lot of young fans,” McCartney pointed out. “I expect [my fans] to be kind of my age, but what happens is you get their kids and their kids’ kids.

“I think the message of my songs is generally peace, love, come together. I think that’s as good a message as I can deliver. I hope they are going to enjoy it and take a good message of peace and love. And you know, it’s the same old one, but I can’t think of anything better.”

I know of some twenty young girls who are as inspired as any generation has ever been by Paul’s message, finding his mere presence every bit as hysteria-inducing as back in the day. SFM’s inside source on the half-time set list is a young woman taking time away from college, volunteering to take part in the show. I’ll maintain her anonymity, since I don’t want to be responsible for bringing about any sudden “accidents” if word gets out that she was coaxed out of her highly confidential information, but I will say that she shares the same name as Paul’s old sheepdog, immortalized in my favorite Beatles song, “Martha, My Dear.”

At any rate, “Marta,” as I’ll call her, has been practicing with McCartney for the last two days, going through the four-song set and honing the craft of synchronized hysteria, recreating the shrieking and fainting that greeted the fabsmen on those too few trips across the pond.

She’ll be shuttled to the stadium in time for the half-time performance and whisked away immediately after its conclusion, but Marta is living a dream already. While many of her colleagues are only in it for the football, Marta understands as well as anyone the once-in-lifetime opportunity to celebrate peace, love, and come togethering while screaming hysterically at the feet of a naked Beatle.

I think it would be funny if he did a Randy Moss-like moon shot to the crowd.:allovrjr:

Well, before reading that article, I guessed he'd do "Live and Let Die" (Well known solo song, plus he always does great visual effects with) I guessed he'd do a "Hey Jude" sing a long.

I didn't guess "Get Back".. but should have.

I liked the show, too, but the switch from last year's show to this year's represents a huge demographic shift.

You really do have to ponder the larger implications of the world's most prominent entertainment billing going to a 62 year-old British knight.

Mostly, I'm thankful that the gig didn't go to Gwen Stefani. I saw enough of her in the commercials. ;)

My 11 yr. old asked "are those the Beatles he's playing with?".

I'm thrilled with the choice of Paul and with what he did. Yeah, I'm not a teenager, I don't think MTV has had any social or entertainment relevance in some 15-20 years if it ever had it. I just think America as a whole is tired of the Spears, Timberlakes, boy bands etal and would prefer to have some more laid back entertainers. Its obvious he doesn't have to try to further his career by doing anything outrageous. His place in history is sealed and safe. All these others seem to feel the need to do something major and boost their notoriety. Here's an idea, make a good record.

Anyway, here's to more halftime shows like this years instead of last years.

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Originally Posted by Joseph

Anyway, here's to more halftime shows like this years instead of last years.

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Yep. It was a good show and the shows will probably be more like this for the next several years. Then they will probably go back to a more outrageous show.

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Originally Posted by Roy Tucker

My 11 yr. old asked "are those the Beatles he's playing with?".

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Originally Posted by Roy Tucker

My 11 yr. old asked "are those the Beatles he's playing with?".

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:)

Would've been cool if Paul did his version of "Here comes the Sun", but I understand that with only 4 "song slots", he was pretty limited (Particularly since he pretty much had to do "live and let die" and "hey jude")

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Originally Posted by westofyou

http://www.oldmencrying.com/images/cody.jpeg

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She should have known better. Roy launched into one of his long monologues starting with "how the Beatles saved civilization" and ending with substance-abused Roy at a 1976 McCartney/Wings concert at Riverfront Coliseum shouting "hi Paul, hi Paul, it's me, Roy".

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Originally Posted by Roy Tucker

She should have known better. Roy launched into one of his long monologues starting with "how the Beatles saved civilization" and ending with substance-abused Roy at a 1976 McCartney/Wings concert at Riverfront Coliseum shouting "hi Paul, hi Paul, it's me, Roy".

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Ok... I'm jealous..... I so wanted to go to that show.

But I didn't.

I saw him in Sun Devil Stadium back in 1991, I believe.

Linda had way too big a part in that show.

I believe I saw him in Ames IA at the football stadium back in the early 90s.

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Originally Posted by RFS62

I saw him in Sun Devil Stadium back in 1991, I believe.

Linda had way too big a part in that show.

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Not a big tambourine fan, eh? ;)

I was disappointed not to see Paul's nipple ring. :(

I enjoyed McCartney's show, but it probably says something about him, and perhaps us, that a former Beatle is now the "safe", family oriented act. 40 years ago the Beatles were cutting edge.
This is absolutely no criticism of McCartney or anyone BTW-I generally don't care for most of today's "cutting edge" entertainment.

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Originally Posted by RFS62

I saw him in Sun Devil Stadium back in 1991, I believe.

Linda had way too big a part in that show.

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When she died a few years ago, I read that a cruel concert engineer somewhere had mixed down a recording of a Wings concert and put Linda's vocals front and center. The result wasn't pretty.

The same article said that she was mainly in the band so she could keep Paul from straying.

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Originally Posted by RFS62

I saw him in Sun Devil Stadium back in 1991, I believe.

Linda had way too big a part in that show.

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I saw him on that same tour. I agree with you on Linda, but it was still a good tour, IMO.

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Originally Posted by Joseph

Here's an idea, make a good record.

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Hve you ever heard his last couple of albums.... Flaming Pie and Driving Rain? Both very solid efforts IMO compared to some of his previous stuff.

Maybe you're doing what so many, including myself, did for years.... compared his solo work with what he did as a Beatle. And that is hard for anyone to match up to - including an ex-Beatle. ;)

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Originally Posted by Roy Tucker

My 11 yr. old asked "are those the Beatles he's playing with?".

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My 13 yr old daughter Rachel loved the very first song he sang .... Drive My Car.

She borrowed my English version of Rubber Soul a couple years ago and was immediately hooked.

She did ask how old he was. When I said he was 62, she responded that that is too old to be playing a guitar. I would have smacked her, but I'm still paying for the dental work. ;)

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Originally Posted by RedsBaron

I enjoyed McCartney's show, but it probably says something about him, and perhaps us, that a former Beatle is now the "safe", family oriented act. 40 years ago the Beatles were cutting edge.
This is absolutely no criticism of McCartney or anyone BTW-I generally don't care for most of today's "cutting edge" entertainment.

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He should've sung "Why Don't We Do It In The Road?" :allovrjr:

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Originally Posted by Unassisted

The same article said that she was mainly in the band so she could keep Paul from straying.

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I respectfull disagree with that article. She was in the band, and the kids came along also while on tour, because Paul wanted them there. Paul, and his younger brother, had a strong family upbringing. And after Beatlemania (one can only imagine what that brought on those 4 guys), the stability of family was of utmost importance to both Paul and Linda. It brought him sanity out of what was once insane.

John found that out too when he basically retired from public life when they had Sean. He and Yoko use to attach themselves to all types of social causes and philosophies in the late 60's-early 70's, and what brought them the most peace and contentment was family. That's why I was so saddened when he was murdered. It wasn't just the loss of a great musical genius IMO, but that the poor guy had basically been searching for so long (beginning with the Beatles), and when he found it, he never had the time to really enjoy and savor it. He came from a broken home where his father abandoned them. Then he watched as his mother was run over by a drunk driver, and he was raised by his Aunt. So he never knew the joys of family. It sent him on a search that ended with him finding family.

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When she died a few years ago, I read that a cruel concert engineer somewhere had mixed down a recording of a Wings concert and put Linda's vocals front and center. The result wasn't pretty.

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I've heard that recording. She shouldn't have been singing. Ever.

I was hoping he'd play "Helter Skelter". Apparantly he played it during his summer tour in Europe. Can't wait 'till he tours the states this Fall!

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3382388

Last year, Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" resulted in more than 500,000 complaints to the Federal Communications Commission.

This year, Paul McCartney's halftime performance resulted in just two ... by viewers who found the show to be far less titillating than last year's.

According to a report on Eonline.com, FCC spokeswoman Rosemary Kimball said both complaints were by viewers who were "bored" by McCartney's 12-minute set, during he which he sang Beatles and Wings classics.

Critics seemed to agree. Daily Variety called the show "damage control for last year's Janet Jackson incident," although the Variety did say, "Sir Paul delivered."

Other halftime watchers noted that while the Jackson fiasco sent the NFL scrambling, the league apparently had no issues with McCartney singing "Get Back," complete with its references to "California grass" and cross-dressing.

According to the report, even when complaints about the commercials were factored into the equation, the FCC still had just 33 to sort through Monday. GoDaddy.com's ad, which featured a buxom model testifying before a Salem panel in a clear send-up of the Jackson incident, prompted eight, more than any other commercial. Five viewers were moved to register their displeasure with Cialis and the "four-hour erection" warning.

And three were still so riled up about last year's halftime show, they felt compelled to complain about Jackson again, just for good measure.

I know this is an old post but here we go. I have seen Paul 3 times twice on the 89-90 tour once in Indy and once in Cleveland, and I saw him in 94 in Cincinnati. Paul is fantastic live. His last few albums have been pretty good but I wish he would stop/retire. There is something sad about a 62 year old man playing songs he wrote in his 20's. Paul has become an oldies act. There comes a time to stop and that time was about 10 years ago.

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Originally Posted by redsfanmia

I know this is an old post but here we go. I have seen Paul 3 times twice on the 89-90 tour once in Indy and once in Cleveland, and I saw him in 94 in Cincinnati. Paul is fantastic live. His last few albums have been pretty good but I wish he would stop/retire. There is something sad about a 62 year old man playing songs he wrote in his 20's. Paul has become an oldies act. There comes a time to stop and that time was about 10 years ago.

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How can you tell someone to retire when they continue to sell-out concert halls, and give such live, vibrant performances? When you can see both the young and old connecting with the musician and his music? And he plays alot of his current stuff in his concerts. But in a Super Bowl halftime show, when he can play only 4 songs, then what should one expect?

Oldies show? It's not like he is Elvis or Wayne Newton and relocated his act to Las Vegas. No one can explain the mystique that the Beatles has held over our culture for over 40 years, but it has. Lennon once was asked that question and he responded that if they knew the answer they'd become managers. :lol:

That mystique may very well fade away as that generation who grew up with them and experienced them starts to fade away. New generations bring new challenges and experiences. But when something as unique and "life changing" as the Beatles (or whatever) comes around, people want to hold onto it as long as they can. They don't want to let go because it takes them back to a certain period of time in their lives they cherish and try to relive. Yeah, that may be sad in a way; but it's just human nature. But that is what McCartney's concerts do in alot of ways. To the young who weren't around - it gives them a glimpse of what they missed. ;)

The problem some people have is that they are trying to hold him (and his music) up to his time as a Beatle. And even an ex-Beatle cannot live up to that image. I learned along time to differentiate the two.

I've loved his last 3-4 albums. No, they aren't the huge commercial success of his earlier days; but does that really measure the goodness of an album and it's musicial craftmanship? There have been alot of great bands/singers who never had huge commercial success. And when I look at some of the so-called "super stars" of music today, McCartney still has more talent in his little pinky then alot of them.

Hes a talent that I hope fades away gracefully. And the day he disappears from the music/performing scene will be a sad day for all of us.

I wouldn't call Mccartney an 'oldies' act. Considering the fact that on his last tour he played 34 songs (i think that's right) without a single break at his concerts. And all of these songs spanned from his early Beatlemania songs to songs off of his recent albums. I mean what other artist (who's over 62 years old) plays 30+ songs without a break at a single concert. His last US tour was the best concert I have ever seen and I can't wait till he tours again!

Dont get me wrong I love Paul. I am 32 and have loved the Beatles since I was 10, and I think that Paul is fantastic in concert. I am not saying that I think he is no good now infact I really like his last few albums especially Flaming Pie. I just think it would be beneficial for his legacy to quit thats all.

Anyone who was concerned about his legacy would have never let his wife on perform on stage! :lol:

I just read in the recent SI that Mac made some demands during his press/PR interview on the day of the Super Bowl.... no pigskin appearances! When his picture was taken holding a pigskin.... it was made of styrofoam. ;)

I hope he was able to survive watching the game while watching that actual pigskin being tormented out on the field. :lol: