I Got a Ticket To Paul 🎸
I’m a firm believer that if you really want something, tell the universe. Tell everyone. Something or someone will hear you.
Which is what I did after I experienced a severe case of not-buying remorse for those super pricey Paul McCartney tickets via the lottery. I flinched at the $ and they were gone.
What was I thinking? I let the principle have its way with me. But life is short. One day shorter every day.
I sulked for 48 hours. I told everyone I wished I’d bought them. And lo and behold Adam’s friend had an extra ticket. But he was waiting to hear from one other person and would let me know by 8am the next morning if I could have it. (The morning of the Saturday show.)
I didn’t sleep well. I dreamed I got the ticket. I went back to sleep and dreamed I didn’t get the ticket. 😳
I woke up at 8:30. The verdict was on Adam’s phone. But he was still sleeping. I considered checking his iPad (I know the password) but then I thought … I’m not gonna be that girl. I made a cup of coffee, went into the yard and pretended to be Zen about it. If it’s meant to be, it will be.
Adam woke up. The ticket was mine. VIP. Sound check included! OMEEEGOD.
I fetched my husband’s friend at 2:30. I brought snacks.
We put our phones in pouches at the door. No prob. The way life used to be. There was a lot of standing before anything happened, and in-between the happenings. No Wordle or Connections, or texting or selfies. So, I actually got to know Adam’s friend. Nice guy.
We were directed to the roof deck where we chilled for about an hour or so.
At 4pm we filed into the rear left-side of the standing area of the theatre. Heads in front of me. Not Okay. Ever the sleuth, I noticed the right side was empty. Why? When Paul arrived there was massive cheering. Now I knew why.
I poked Adam’s friend and said, uh huh… they’re gonna walk Paul in on the other side. As soon as he’s through, they’re gonna open it up. When they did just that, we were ready. We hightailed to the front where nobody’s big head could bum me out.
Then we stood another hour before he came out.
“Drive My Car.” THANK YOU. I sang the harmony I sing when I hear it in my car. Deliriously happy. They played for a good hour. A pre-concert.
Then upstairs again for another hour. Then down again where I beelined for the stage. Right up against it. Closer than soundcheck. I mean … C’mon.
Then another hour and a half of waiting. I kid you not.
Up in the VVIP seats I spotted Taylor, Larry D, Steven T, Jimmy K, Jason B and … Ringo. 🥺
Finally.
“Help.” “A John song,” Paul called it. We knew that. But nice for him to say.
Then … “Let Me Roll It,” “Maybe I’m Amazed…”
Yeah, they did the cringy “Come On To Me,” but what can you do?
Because, “Golden Slumbers,” “Ram On,” “Hey Jude,” “Lady Ladonna.”
Must I go on? Ok.
“Blackbird.” Solo.
“Something.”
Paul is skinny. He’s got NO butt. But he can still move around. His fingers are nimble and he’s got full command of his instruments. I wondered if he still practices every day or whether 70 years of playing as much as he has makes practicing unnecessary.
He can sing the rock stuff just fine but (imo) has trouble on the ballads. I’m not mad.
He’s funny. Gentle. Humble.
I was close enough to see the sweat on his temples.
The band is as tight as they come. I happen to love the eye candy on either side of Paul. Brian Ray is a stud. His fast fingers. His dedication. His switching guitars mid-song. Even with all the white-man’s overbite I can’t help it. He’s like, dirty hot to me.
Rusty’s a stud too but I can’t say anything else because I know his wife. Renee if you’re reading this … 😳
No phones, no cameras. Just the few photographers up front. I hope I got into some B-roll. Believe me, I tried.
Remember when we thought Paul would never be 64? Well, he was 64 twenty years ago today. When Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play.
That’s why I went.
Because Time! One day shorter every day.
Needless to say I was exhausted when I got home. I did the math. 5 hours of just standing. Without a phone.
Was it worth it? What do you think?
I’m a firm believer that if you really want something, tell the universe. Tell everyone. Something or someone will hear you.
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