My slight dislike for Paul McCartney has always made me feel a little uneasy. I have never been sure why I have never taken to him...maybe envy, or the fact that he has always, in my opinion, overdone the professional Liverpudlian, humble musician bit, when anyone who has dealings with him would know how difficult he can be.
But then, this is the man who, with the rest of The Beatles, helped start a social revolution in the 60s, making it acceptable for working-class boys and girls to achieve success in fields of activity previously closed to them. From the Sixties came not just the music, but realistic films, flower-power and protests against war and discrimination. Much of it may have been naive, but it was all well-meant.
I have been reminded of McCartney because he has just embarked on a UK tour, starting off in London the other night, for what must have been an amazing show. The reviews have been spectacular and his performance a reminder of how many great songs he has written over the years. What warmed me to him was his awareness that people want to see him perform songs from his Beatles period and he duly delivered.
John Lennon was a fake, full of slogans, platitudes and with a cruel streak that somehow passed for humour. His early death was sad, but he was no saint. Paul McCartney didn't hide himself away in a New York apartment, but stayed close to his musical roots and for some weird reason I am really pleased that his latest tour has opened to universal acclaim.
The Beatle with the magic touch.
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