I think Stevie’s highlights were close to mine as well. Blackbird I think came off very well. Seemed to fit comfortably in his range. And as Stevie said the band is excellent. It was good to forget you were hearing classic familiar songs and simply appreciate the intricate musicianship that was taking place.
Although to be honest it was hard to pick a particular highlight. Eleanor Rigby, the Golden Slumbers medley to finish, the jump scare fireworks on live and let die, the Scottish band on Mull of Kintyre, his ukulele version of Something, all made up for a great show.
One I think deserves a mention was a great version of You Won’t See Me. It was done in the stripped down unplugged set. For a song that was basically filler on Rubber Soul, the performance really brought out what a well-constructed catchy song it was.
Another fun highlight was In Spite of all the Danger. For one because of the lighthearted performance of a sweet tune but also since my daughter knew all the words.
His voice is unsteady when singing at the higher party of his range. And, after kicking off with A Hard Days Night and Letting Go, when he first spoke to the audience his voice had an audible croak. I think everyone probably though then he could be completely losing his voice. But he settled in. Funnily enough his falsetto is still good. As are his screams. His vocal deficiencies are generally pretty well covered by the instruments and harmonies.
His stories are fun and well delivered. His recounting of the first quarrymen recording and the fate of the disc was genuinely funny.
Funniest part of the night though was when he mucked up Maybe I’m Amazed and stopped it to restart. He’d sung the wrong words and played some strange chords. (Unless he’s doing it on purpose every show for a laugh -Stevie?)
Cutest part was him interviewing the ten year old drummer in the Scottish pipe band after Mull of Kintyre.
All in all it was a great experience and well worth the money and effort. It would have been great to see him at the height of his powers but even at this part of his career he’s a fantastic performer and entertainer.
I’m going to sleep a happy chap.
