Imagine Paul McCartney Celebrating Your Birthday with You
Paul McCartney Delights Fans at Historic Fonda Theatre
Legendary musician Paul McCartney took the stage at the Fonda Theatre on Friday night, engaging the audience of 1,200 with his signature charm. “I can see the whites of your eyes,” he remarked, offering both a personal touch and a brief history of the venue, which opened a century ago as the Music Box. “Cool little place, innit?” he added, embodying the intimate atmosphere of the historic location.
At 83, McCartney continues to thrive in such settings. Last year, he performed at New York’s Bowery Ballroom, coinciding with “Saturday Night Live’s” 50th anniversary. Recently, he warmed up for his current tour with a performance at the Santa Barbara Bowl. The Fonda show, which sold out almost instantly, comes as anticipation builds for his upcoming studio album, “The Boys of Dungeon Lane,” set to release in May. Outside the venue, a double-decker bus promoted the album, named after a street in McCartney’s Liverpool hometown.
However, the focus of the night was not solely promotional. The concert lasted approximately an hour and 40 minutes and notably did not feature the album’s lead single. Instead, McCartney appeared to relish the opportunity to perform in an intimate setting, effortlessly delivering hits like “Get Back,” “Jet,” and “Got to Get You Into My Life.”
While arena concerts embody a finely tuned spectacle, shows like this evoke a more personal connection with the music—something that still inspires McCartney after six and a half decades. These performances serve as a reminder of his immense talent and how he became a beloved figure in music, reflecting his lifelong exploration of love and transformation.
Performing with a seven-piece band, including three horn players, McCartney presented a selected mix from his current tour. The evening began with a punchy opening of “Help!” followed by “Coming Up,” showcasing his enduring range. The tracks “Let Me Roll It” and “Getting Better” highlighted the band’s tight rhythms and engaging harmonies. At one point, McCartney invited his bandmate Brian Ray to spotlight the crucial bass line of “Let ’Em In,” which elicited laughter and applause.
Interspersed with humor, McCartney recalled a moment involving the late Tony Bennett and playfully teased fans seated in the balcony, which included Morgan Neville, the director of the recent documentary “Man on the Run.” He also dedicated “My Valentine” to his wife, Nancy Shevell, though it tempered the upbeat momentum of the set.
As the show progressed, classics like “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” and a medley of “Let It Be” and “Hey Jude” prompted an enthusiastic singalong from the audience. McCartney’s genuine connection with his fans was palpable, underscoring why performances like this remain vital for both the artist and his admirers. Ultimately, his engagement with the crowd reaffirmed his enduring relevance in the music world.
