Miami • Friday, September 16, 2005

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From Photo Revolution:

Baby-Boomers and their children gathered by the thousands to experience Paul McCartney’s 2005 premiere in Miami’s American Airlines Arena on Friday, September 16th. The icon is heading through North America in support of the critically acclaimed Chaos and Creation in the Backyard, Paul’s 20th release, which hit stores in mid-September. His band, Wings, broke records for global ticket sales on their 1976 trek, and Paul’s last venture was the top-grossing tour of 2002, earning $103.3 million, with ticket prices now up to $245 each. Utilizing forty years worth of timeless material from the Quarrymen, the Beatles, Wings and his solo career, the concert was magnificent.

Rather than sharing a bill, Paul broadcasted a 10-minute opening documentary on his career to the sold-out stadium of 17,000. “McCartney doesn’t really do opening acts,” Paul’s lead guitarist, Rusty Anderson explained to me before the Miami engagement. “He’s had pre-show conceptual things, but never really rock bands playing.”

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From 9 o’clock ‘till 11, Miami’s concert was filled with a sublime mix of both obscure and classic material, rather than an uninspiring set-list taken exclusively from the Beatles’ number 1 collection or Chaos and Creation. Paul’s concert will conquer the continent night after night, until the November 30th finale in Los Angeles. McCartney’s 2005 journey will not be the top grossing tour of the year, as its span is minuscule compared to this fall’s Ultimate Rock Stars, the Stones and U2. Regardless, Paul’s still got it and his revolutionary music will continue to shine on.

Last updated on January 20, 2021