Expectations were low going into the Paul McCartney show at Acrisure Arena, simply because the thought of an 83-year-old rock legend performing for over three hours seemed almost impossible to reconcile with the energy and stamina required for a modern concert. I saw The Who a few weeks ago where they clearly ran out of gas around the 75 minute mark. Yet, from the moment the lights dimmed and the first notes of Help! rang out, it became clear that Paul McCartney was not just performing—he was commanding the stage, holding the audience in rapt attention, and delivering one of the most exhilarating shows of the year. What followed was a masterclass in musicianship, showmanship, and sheer vitality, proving that age truly is just a number when it comes to one of music’s most enduring icons.
The crowd was electric from the beginning, a mix of die-hard Beatles fans who had been following McCartney since the 1960s, younger generations who grew up with Wings and his solo catalog, and casual listeners drawn to the cultural legend of the man himself. From the opening chords of Help!, McCartney set the tone for the night: upbeat, playful, and utterly infectious. Even at 83, his voice was clear, warm, and surprisingly agile, carrying the iconic melodies with precision and passion.
The Setlist: A Journey Through Musical History
One of the most remarkable aspects of the show was the setlist itself, which spanned McCartney’s entire career—from his early days with The Beatles, through Wings, and into his solo catalog. Each song was a reminder of his versatility as a songwriter and performer. The energy he maintained throughout was astonishing, especially given the sheer length of the set.
The night began with the energetic Help!, immediately connecting with the audience and setting a high bar for the rest of the evening. The mix of Beatles classics like Drive My Car, Getting Better, and Blackbird with Wings staples like Letting Go, Jet, and Live and Let Die created a dynamic flow that kept the audience engaged and on their feet. McCartney seamlessly shifted between moods, tempos, and genres, demonstrating not only his vocal and instrumental skills but also a deep understanding of how to construct a live show that never felt static or predictable.
Highlights included Let Me Roll It, which incorporated a coda of Jimi Hendrix’s Foxy Lady, showcasing McCartney’s playful approach to live performance and his ability to surprise even the most seasoned fans. The crowd’s reaction was electric, cheering for every unexpected twist and turn, proving that McCartney’s influence remains as relevant today as it ever was.
Vocal and Instrumental Mastery
McCartney’s vocal performance was, without exaggeration, remarkable for someone in their eighth decade of life. Songs like Maybe I’m Amazed and Here Today required emotional depth and dynamic control, and McCartney delivered both with warmth and clarity. His voice retained its signature timbre, with the slight huskiness adding character rather than detracting from the performance.
Instrumentally, McCartney demonstrated a level of skill and dexterity that is rare even among much younger performers. His bass playing was tight and inventive, whether in the driving lines of Get Back or the melodic flourishes of Blackbird. On acoustic guitar, he moved fluidly between intricate fingerpicking and full-bodied strumming, showcasing his command of both technique and musicality. When he switched to piano for songs like Let ‘Em In and Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five, his timing and touch were impeccable, adding depth and emotional resonance to the performance.
Even more impressive was the stamina McCartney displayed. Over the course of a three-hour set, he moved effortlessly between instruments, engaged the audience, and maintained a level of energy that many performers half his age would envy. Every note, every movement, and every interaction with the audience demonstrated that McCartney was not merely playing through his catalog—he was living it, breathing life into every song with care and vitality.
Audience Interaction and Stage Presence
Another standout element of the performance was McCartney’s stage presence. He has always been known for his charisma and ability to connect with audiences, and at Acrisure Arena, he demonstrated that these qualities have only grown more refined with age. Between songs, he shared anecdotes, reflected on the history behind the music, and engaged in playful banter that elicited laughter and applause.
During In Spite of All the Danger, a nod to The Quarrymen and his earliest musical beginnings, McCartney took a moment to reflect on the journey that brought him to this stage. It was a reminder of the decades of work, innovation, and evolution that have defined his career, and it added a layer of poignancy to the show. The crowd responded enthusiastically, appreciating both the music and the stories that framed it.
McCartney’s ability to read and respond to the audience was equally impressive. He had a keen sense of when to push for energy and when to allow the music to breathe, creating a dynamic ebb and flow that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Every cheer, clap, and singalong felt earned, a testament to his mastery of live performance as both an art form and a shared communal experience.
Standout Moments
Several moments during the concert stood out as particularly memorable. The combination of Let Me Roll It with the Foxy Lady coda showcased McCartney’s playful spirit and willingness to bend expectations. The crowd erupted in surprise and delight, proving that even at 83, he could still inject spontaneity and fun into a performance.
Another highlight was Here Today, McCartney’s tribute to John Lennon. The song’s intimate lyrics and gentle melody were delivered with sincerity and emotional depth, bringing many audience members to tears. It was a stark reminder of the personal and cultural significance of McCartney’s music, and the song’s placement in the setlist allowed for a reflective moment amidst the high-energy rockers.
The finale, which included Hey Jude, was a unifying moment of pure joy. The audience sang along in unison, creating a communal celebration of music, memory, and legacy. McCartney’s ability to lead the crowd while still maintaining his own performance integrity was a masterclass in showmanship.
The Band and Supporting Musicians
McCartney’s band played a critical role in bringing the show to life. Each member contributed to the rich textures and dynamic shifts that defined the evening. Guitarists, keyboardists, and percussionists seamlessly supported McCartney’s vision, providing both power and subtlety as the songs demanded.
The cohesion of the band allowed for complex arrangements to be performed live without losing clarity or energy. Songs like Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite! and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) required precision and attention to detail, and the band executed these moments flawlessly, allowing McCartney to shine while maintaining musical integrity.
Backing vocals were equally essential, enhancing choruses and providing harmonic depth. Whether supporting the soaring vocals of Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da or the dramatic peaks of Live and Let Die, the ensemble created a sound that was both full and nuanced, complementing McCartney’s performance without overshadowing it.
Setlist Flow and Emotional Arc
One of the most remarkable aspects of the show was the thoughtful sequencing of the setlist. McCartney alternated between Beatles classics, Wings hits, and solo material in a way that maintained momentum while creating moments of reflection. Energetic rockers like Coming Up and Get Back were balanced with introspective songs like My Valentine and Now and Then, creating a narrative arc that took the audience on an emotional journey.
The encore further highlighted McCartney’s skill in constructing a live experience. Starting with I’ve Got a Feeling and moving through the Beatles’ catalog in medleys and full performances, the encore delivered a climactic resolution that felt both celebratory and cathartic. The final performance of The End was a perfect capstone, leaving the audience in awe of what they had witnessed.
Audience Reaction and Overall Experience
The crowd’s response throughout the night was a testament to the power of McCartney’s music and performance. From the first note to the final bow, fans were engaged, enthusiastic, and deeply connected to the songs. The energy in Acrisure Arena was palpable, with waves of applause, cheers, and singalongs marking every high point in the set.
For many attendees, the show exceeded expectations, particularly considering McCartney’s age. The vitality, charisma, and musicianship he displayed were astonishing, proving that the essence of rock and roll—energy, passion, and connection—transcends decades and defies age. The collective experience of sharing these songs in a live setting created a sense of communal joy that lingered long after the final note.
Conclusion: Paul McCartney at 83
Paul McCartney’s performance at Acrisure Arena was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of a lifetime of music, innovation, and artistry. At 83 years old, McCartney demonstrated that his creative energy and stage presence remain undiminished. The show was a masterclass in live performance, blending technical skill, emotional resonance, and audience engagement into a seamless and unforgettable experience.
From the opening notes of Help! to the closing moments of The End, McCartney reminded everyone why he remains one of the most influential and beloved figures in music history. The combination of Beatles classics, Wings hits, and solo material, delivered with precision, passion, and vitality, made this show not just better than expected—it was a triumph.
Fans left Acrisure Arena with memories of an extraordinary night, witnessing a legend who, despite the passing decades, continues to perform with energy, charisma, and musical brilliance that defies age. Paul McCartney at 83 is not just performing; he is reminding the world of the enduring magic of music, and that magic was on full display at Acrisure Arena.
Setlist
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Help! (The Beatles)
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Coming Up
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Got to Get You Into My Life (The Beatles)
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Letting Go (Wings)
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Drive My Car (The Beatles)
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Come On to Me
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Let Me Roll It (Wings) (With Foxy Lady by Jimi Hendrix coda)
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Getting Better (The Beatles)
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Let ‘Em In (Wings)
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My Valentine
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Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five (Wings)
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Maybe I’m Amazed
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I’ve Just Seen a Face (The Beatles)
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In Spite of All the Danger (The Quarrymen)
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Love Me Do (The Beatles)
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Dance Tonight
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Blackbird (The Beatles)
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Here Today
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Now and Then (The Beatles)
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Lady Madonna (The Beatles)
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Jet (Wings)
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Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite! (The Beatles)
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Something (The Beatles)
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Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da (The Beatles)
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Band on the Run (Wings)
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Get Back (The Beatles)
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Let It Be (The Beatles)
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Live and Let Die (Wings)
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Hey Jude (The Beatles)
Encore:
30. I’ve Got a Feeling (The Beatles)
31. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) (The Beatles)
32. Helter Skelter (The Beatles)
33. Golden Slumbers (The Beatles)
34. Carry That Weight (The Beatles)
35. The End (The Beatles)
This show was proof positive that Paul McCartney’s music is timeless, his energy contagious, and his artistry undiminished, even at 83. Watching him perform at Acrisure Arena was not just a concert—it was a living history lesson, a joyous celebration of rock and roll, and a reminder that legends never truly age.