Paris • Tuesday, March 25, 2003

About

From The Macca Report:

Paul was staying at the Hotel Bristol in Paris. He did some radio interviews before the concert and some songs were broadcast on the radio thought to be from the show. Paul arrived at the arena at 5:30pm for the sound check. 

The concert started a half-hour late due to a large anti-war demonstration that held up traffic around city center. Paul was in great voice and the Paris audience was very enthusiastic.

At 9pm the pre-show began and was the same as the 2002 tour.

Paul wore a new black Nehru jacket with an embroidered collar and cuffs and a banded embroidered edging at the bottom of the jacket. He had on a long sleeved red T-shirt and blue jeans. The concert was sold out with a capacity of more than 15,000 with a general admission (no seats) floor.

He introduced “Getting Better” saying, “This song was from the Sixties – the decade that gets applause.”

In the audience were French politicians, atheletes, actors, recording artists, VIPs and celebrities. Sting was also spotted.

Paul spoke some French in his introductions warning the audience that he would try out his French on. He told them, saying in French, that he speaks “un petit peu” (a little bit). For “Your Loving Flame” he dedicated it to “Pour ma femme Heather.” (for my wife, Heather). Before he started “All My Loving” he said, “Bonsoir Paris! Salut les copains! – We have come to rock you tonight.” (Good evening Paris! Hello buddies!)

For the introduction to “Getting Better” Paul said in French, “C’est la première fois qe je fais cette chanson en France !” (this is the first time I am doing this song in France)

He said before “Lonely Road” the first new song performed in the show, “Une nouvelle chanson, maintenant.” (a new song now)

At the beginning of the acoustic set when the band left Paul alone on stage, Paul said, “Je suis seul…” (I’m alone) “… Avec vous !” (with you)

He played the ‘massage’ music on the piano before “The Fool On The Hill” but didn’t tell his massage stories.

He did the fake beginning of “We Can Work It Out” singing “As I was walking down the road..” stopping abruptly as the crowd egged him on. Paul told the audience, “I know you like it, but I’m not playing this tonight.” Then he launched into “We Can Work It Out.”

His song introductions were similar to the 2002 tour. For “Here Today” the tribute to John Lennon he said, “Sometimes you don’t say what you mean to say to people in life. Sometimes you miss the opportunity, sometimes it’s too late and you regret it.” Part way through his introduction a fan in the front row yelled out Paul’s next sentence before Paul could say it. Paul not missing beat said, “You probably were here before, but I was going to say, ‘Je vais chanter cette chanson pour mon ami John.’ (I will sing this song for my friend John) When Paul finished the song the 15,000 + Paris audience starting singing “Give Peace A Chance.” A very surprised Paul gave the peace sign and joined them in singing the song a capella.

He performed “Calico Skies” right after “Here There and Everywhere” on acoustic guitar with the band. “Freedom” was not performed.

For part of his “Michelle” introduction he spoke French. “…et maintenant une chanson dont vous allez facilement comprendre les paroles …” (this song will be easy to understand the words)

For “My Love,” Paul said, “I wrote this next song for Linda. C’est une chanson pour les amoureux. (it’s a song for the loved ones) Now it’s for the lovers in the audience, you know who you are.”

Paul introduced “She’s Leaving Home” in English. “Now it’s a song from the sixties …”, and added “It’s probably the first time this song is played in France.”

Right after “Can’t Buy Me Love” Paul said, “Bon anniversaire !” (Happy birthday) and launched into “Birthday.” After “Birthday” Wix said in French “Un jour tres special pour moi.” (one day very special for me). 

Paul appeared to be having ‘private jokes’ with audience members in the front row throughout the show.

At the encore he came out wearing the “no more land mines” red T-shirt and waved the French flag which brought thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the French audience.

After “The End” when the band was waving their goodbyes, the crowd started singing “She Loves You.” Paul went over to the microphone and sang the chorus of “Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!” at the appropriate time. Paul did not sign any autographs from the stage.

From IndiePopRock, March 25, 2003:

Ce soir, au Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy, débute la tournée européenne de Paul McCartney. La première partie n’en est pas vraiment une. Il s’agit de danseurs et de jongleurs se trémoussant sur la scène au son de The Fireman, side-project electro de… Paul McCartney. La surprise est de taille, mais le public n’adhère pas vraiment à ce concept un peu particulier. Un groupe de rock aurait mieux fait l’affaire. On aurait bien proposé Laurent Voulzy, grand fan de l’ex-Beatles, et présent dans la salle ce soir.

Ce n’est qu’au bout d’une demi-heure que résonnent les premières notes de “Hello Goodbye”. Le public est “hot” (comme le dira Macca lui-même), et “Jet”, enchaîné immédiatement après, ne fait que contribuer à cet enthousiasme. Pendant plus de deux heures, l’ex-Fab Four piochera dans ses quarante ans de carrière (avec les Beatles, les Wings et en solo), et ne cessera de nous prouver qu’à soixante balais, il a encore la pêche.

Il l’avait dit, le public français aurait droit à quelques surprises. “Michelle”, bien évidemment (Michelle, ma belle, sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble…), mais aussi une vieillerie ressortie de la boîte à tubes Beatles, et un inédit, accueilli assez mollement par les 15000 spectateurs présents ce soir.

Mais la qualité indéniable de ces titres ne serait rien sans le groupe qui entoure la star de la soirée. Mentions spéciales à Abe Laboriel Jr., le batteur, et à Rusty Anderson, le guitariste lead. Sans eux, les morceaux, aussi bons soient-ils, ne seraient que de vieux souvenirs ressortis tels quels. Là, sur scène, ils prennent une toute autre ampleur.

Le public est conquis, et McCartney le sait, baragouinant quelques mots en français (en lisant son prompteur, un p’tit peu quand même). Puis c’est l’heure des hommages, avec tout d’abord “Here Today”, dédié à John Lennon (le public reprendra d’ailleurs en chœurs “Give Peace A Chance”), et surtout “Something”, joué au ukulélé en hommage à George Harrison, disparu il y a peu. Le concert se termine en fanfare, avec “Sergent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band”, et “The End”, enchaînés l’un à la suite de l’autre, et ce après deux rappels on ne peut plus calculés. Ca y est, pour la France, c’est déjà fini, mais ça s’annonce plutôt bien pour le reste de l’Europe.

Last updated on May 16, 2019

Bercy Omnisport Arena

This was the 4th concert played at Bercy Omnisport Arena.

A total of 5 concerts have been played there • 1989 • Oct 9th • Oct 10th • Oct 11th • 2003 • Mar 25th • 2011 • Nov 30th

Setlist for the concert