By Ian Woolley
As the former Beatle turned 80, Paul McCartney can still electrify a new generation of fans…
Sir Paul on stage ©BBC
On Saturday, the festival’s headlining act Macca delivered what many believed was one of his best performances when he took centre stage on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury – with a few surprise big names!
Becoming the oldest star to headline at the World famous festival, it was the night before when it was announced he’d perform an intimate warm-up gig at the Cheese & Grain venue in nearby Frome. Around 500 lucky fans managed to pack in the small venue and although no cameras were allowed, they were treated to a very special night.
The following night he once again took centre stage. His last appearance was some 18 years ago and a few wondered would he be able to win over a younger crowd that wouldn’t remember his last time at Worthy Farm.
The two-and-a-half-hour set included songs old and new, and dipped into his Beatles days as well as his time with Wings.
Tributes were made to former band members George Harrison and John Lennon, as well as Jimi Hendrix. Even Johnny Depp was paid homage by him singing his 2012 song Valentine. Namechecking his home city of Liverpool during his show, his performance included Beatles hits across their full back catalogue.
Yes, the big hits like Love Me Do, Something, Hey Jude, Can’t Buy Me Love, Get Back and Let It Be but there were also a few more obscure album tracks included. Being For The Benefit Of Mr.Kite!, I’ve Just Seen A Face, Blackbird, She Came In Through The Bathroom Window and I’ve Got A Feeling (the latter a tribute to John).
Paul with Dave Grohl ©BBC
When he announced that he had flown over a few special guests, the crowd went wild. First on stage was Dave Grohl. The founder of the Foo Fighters and former Nirvana drummer joined him on stage and duetted on Saw Her Standing There and Live And Let Die.
No sooner had his guest left the stage he announced there would be another guest surprise.
Paul with Bruce Springsteen ©BBC
This time from the East Coast of the States – Bruce Springsteen. First up was a rocking Glory Days and then I Wanna Be Your Man. It was clear from his face that The Boss was enjoying playing every second with the superstar.
In the end, he even answered his encore entrance by waving the Ukranian national flag as he came into view along with his guests Springsteen and Grohl. For his encore, the trio delivered five classics. I’ve Got A Feeling, Helter Skelter, Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight. With a huge back catalogue like Sir Paul has, there are so many of his songs he could have ended on.
Fans in the crowd loved the set ©BBC
In The End (excuse the intended pun), with the crowd in his hand, the trio of performers had delivered a night to savour for a long time. In all, 38 songs were delivered.
Around 200,000 people are attending the four-day festival at Somerset’s Worthy Farm which is celebrating its belated 50th anniversary.
Over 3,000 performers included Billie Eilish, Ziggy Marley, Megan Thee Stallion, Foals, Olivia Rodrigo, Herbie Hancock, and the Pet Shop Boys. Tonight though all eyes will be on Diana Ross as she closes the show. At a mere 78 years old, the ex-Supreme will find it difficult to eclipse Sir Paul.
One thing is for sure, the crowd knew they were witnessing one of music’s greatest performances from a man who still can deliver.
Would this be Sir Paul’s last time at Glastonbury?
I for one hope not.
EDITORS NOTE