Watching Paul McCartney at the age of 80 command the stage for almost three hours at Glastonbury must rank as one of the greatest performances of all time. A back catalogue of songs dating back to 1960 and four generations turning out to celebrate his extraordinary career. His energy, humility and musicianship were astonishing. It almost had me reaching for my guitar. But what struck me most was that at 80 he is still performing, writing, recording and remains fully engaged with his audience, peers and the wider musical world.
I remember when the Beatles played at the Carlton Cinema in Kirkcaldy in 1963 and how the excitement built up throughout the day of the concert – the electricity was palpable.
It is too easy to forget that the Beatles represented and prompted a massive shift in this country:
Young people’s identity and ideas were suddenly centre stage and the focus of media attention – prompting a fashion revolution and so much more.
The received pronunciation that had dominated the BBC since its inception, was punctured by four Scouse voices and a long tradition of excluding regional accents was ended.
It was the start of globalisation and within a short space of time, they were lauded across the World.
It was the Beatles that prompted me to learn the guitar and go on and perform. It showed that the arts are one of the great routes for young working class people to express themselves.
Paul McCartney reminded me above all that age is not an inhibitor, it is simply an assumption and an attitude of mind.
I am still in the flush of youth.
Thanks for the memories and the inspiration Paul.
F*** RETIREMENT, ‘I FEEL FINE’ AND I DON’T NEED ‘HELP’
