Did Reviewer See Same Show as Fans?

I am writing regarding Mike Boehm’s review of Paul McCartney’s concert (“Still Believing in Yesterday”) at Anaheim Stadium on April 17:

Why are concert reviews so disappointing? I am angry because you did not describe the concert as it really was. I, along with six friends, have never had so much fun at a concert. What a show! I’ve seen, recently, other performers such as Phil Collins, Rod Stewart and Michael Bolton who all were excellent, but nothing as exciting or spectacular as Paul McCartney.

He stood out again, as he did with the Beatles. His dynamic performance included an opening film, outstanding visuals, videos and even fireworks.

I especially disagree with your statement that “a concert should venture something, and McCartney merely recreated his past instead of using it as a taking-off point.” I don’t think a concert like this would have been the right setting for this type of “venturing.” All the Beatle songs and solo hits he has written already are classics, so well loved that they are preserved in our memories forever--note by note. I doubt that any of the 50,000 excited fans at Anaheim Stadium would have wanted to hear them any other way. McCartney already has proven his extraordinary musical talent. Calling for more venturing on his part was a very weak criticism made by you.

I also was insulted by your use of the word conservatism (You wrote: “Evidence of conservatism came in the show’s prevailing mellowness”). Mellowness? That’s ridiculous. I and the people all around me were screaming, applauding, dancing, singing and cheering throughout the 2 1/2-hour concert.

Please inform your readers that John Lennon’s lyric “the only thing you done was yesterday” was written during a very troublesome time in John’s life and most likely was not truly meant.

I, for one, had a fabulous time at the concert and enjoyed celebrating the music from rock and roll’s most creative and influential band. May “Magical Mystery Tour,” “Sgt. Pepper,” “Michelle,” “And I Love Her” etc. go on forever.

DIANE BROWN

Irvine