In light of the new McCartney compilation due to be released next week, I have chosen to review Sir Paul’s October 11^th show at the Smoothie King Center.
Let me first say that McCartney is 72 years old and put on a three hour rock concert for over 18,000 people (a sold-out show) in New Orleans that night. He did so without a sip of water and he was marvelous. The original date of the show was June 19, 2014. It was postponed due to a viral infection McCartney picked up during his two-year long “Out There” tour.
Per usual, there was no warm-up act. McCartney’s band is comprised of top-notch musicians led by Musical Director, Paul “Wix ” Wickens.
Sir Paul’s set list was mostly songs of the “Fab Four”, ranging from the Beatles Ed Sullivan opener,  “All My Loving” to the quirky White Album gem, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da to the tear-inducing “Hey Jude” to the rockin’ “Helter Skelter.” He included songs from Wings band, such as the James Bond theme “Live and Let Die” (accompanied by a killer laser light show and major fire explosions) and “Let Me Roll It” (playing dual lead guitar parts with Rusty Anderson).
He only performed a few songs from his recent album “New.” The crowd was, as expected, more into the Beatles songs but every moment felt special because we all knew the guy on stage was the real thing.
As if the show wasn’t emotional enough, McCartney paid tribute to many famous icons throughout the show. As the band performed “Lady Madonna,” images of influential women flashed across the screen, ranging from pop stars to religious figures to civil rights activists.  In tribute to John Lennon, McCartney performed the ballad “Here Today” from an elevated riser with nothing but an acoustic guitar, spotlight and moon on the big screen.
George Harrison’s tribute included solo Paul again, but this time playing a ukulele as images of the “quiet Beatle” drew the crowd in to the images on display. Halfway through the song, Paul strapped on an electric guitar and rocked out the second part with his full band true to the perfect Abbey Road arrangement. This tribute easily brought the most applause and adulation of them all. The loving husband dedicated the brilliant “Maybe I’m Amazed” to his late wife Linda McCartney and the new “My Valentine” to his current wife standing in the front row, Nancy Shevell.
McCartney performed 2 encores comprised of Beatles songs. The show ended with the last three tracks from the epic Abbey Road album—the last album the Beatles recorded together.
The show was phenomenal. I’m always astounded by the way a great concert can bring people together in such this night was a prime example of that. The crowd of all ages danced, clapped and sang along with Get Back and Band On the Run, and stood and swayed during Yesterday, Let It Be, The Long and Winding Road and Hey Jude. 
I don’t know how much longer Paul will be able to continue at this pace, but I can tell you a couple things: He certainly doesn’t do it for the money, because he has more than he knows what to do with.  Also, there is no other musician living today as prolific on 4 instruments, with as many self-penned hit songs under his belt and the kind of fame and success Paul McCartney has amassed. For crying out loud, he is the heart and soul of the most successful band in the history of the world. Not a bad resume.  Rock on, Paul. God bless you!
  
The Art of McCartney is a tribute album featuring covers of Paul McCartney songs from The Beatles, Wings and his solo career. The compilation includes artists such as Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Brian Wilson, The Cure, Willie Nelson, Alice Cooper, Smokey Robinson, Barry Gibbb, Kiss, Def Leppard, and Dr. John. The album has been in-the-making for 11 years. It will be available in a variety of formats including a 24 track cd, vinyl and digital releases, a deluxe set, DVD documentary and a deluxe box set.