Sir Paul McCartney delivers stellar performance at Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, IN

I must admit that when I initially heard that Paul McCartney’s tour was coming through Indiana, my first response was, “Yeah, that would be cool but I doubt I’ll go”. There’s plenty of reasons to skip it like the high ticket prices, the hundred mile drive to Fort Wayne, and besides all that, The Beatles were more of my Mom’s thing, right?

Then I started thinking about that, and remembering how much my Mom loved The Beatles, Wings, and Paul McCartney in general. When I was little, she’d put her Beatles records on the turntable of the old, Magnavox stereo in the dining room and we’d sing, “I Saw Her Standing There” and “Blackbird” at the top of our lungs.

She would tell me the story of how they all gathered around the TV on that historical night in 1964 to watch The Beatles first American performance when they played on The Ed Sullivan Show and she would gleam with pride when she’d show me her ticket stub from their concert at The Indiana State Fairgrounds Grandstands.

But I was born in 1971, the year Wings was formed. I was two when “Live and Let Die” was released and I can clearly remember my Mom cranking up the radio in her old, orange VW Slug-Bug when it would come on. I still love that song.

Anyway, I thought about all that and how much impact Sir Paul has had on my musical life, even if it was through my Mom’s influence. Then I thought about how next week on June 13th she would be turning 70 but instead on June 10 we’ll be remembering the 12th anniversary of her passing.

So, I decided I should go.

Boy, am I ever glad I did! What a killer show! That 76 year old, Fab-Four-Founder put on a three hour, non-stop, mega-hit filled performance that was easily one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen! His band was tight, the set list covered basically everything you’d ever want to hear, and he’s just as sharp, witty, cool and talented as ever! Over the course of the night he played piano, lead guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and of course my favorite is when he’s thumping that sweet, Hofner Bass. As a bass player/ front man myself, it was particularly significant to see a pioneer of that craft and appreciate his work after all the years he’s spent mastering his skills in that roll.

I’m exhausted just from watching the concert and I hope to have half that much energy when I’m his age! I am so glad that I was able to see this show and would recommend it highly.

Even though my Mom couldn’t be there, I definitely felt her presence in spirit. I had an absolute blast tonight, watching a first class, living legend giving a performance I will never forget and I have my Mother to thank for introducing me to his music so many years ago. Thanks Mom!