Paul McCartney, the iconic former Beatle, set the stage alight with two intimate concerts at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles over the weekend. The legendary musician delighted fans with a vibrant setlist that included a selection of 23 cherished hits spanning his illustrious career, prompting nostalgia among the audience.
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As he took to the stage on Friday, March 27, McCartney greeted the crowd with enthusiasm, “Welcome to Hollywood! We’re gonna have some fun!” The energy was palpable as the 83-year-old singer brought a sense of intimacy to the venue, which is significantly smaller than the vast arenas he typically performs in. The Fonda Theatre, a mere 1,200-capacity venue that once operated as the Hollywood Music Box Theatre, offered a throwback feel reminiscent of The Beatles’ early days performing in small clubs back in Liverpool.
McCartney acknowledged the special nature of the occasion during his performance, stating, “It’s great to be at these little gigs — I mean, it’s not that little.” The audience, a mix of younger fans and seasoned followers alike, were treated to an exclusive experience, sharing tight quarters with the performer. “It’s very lovely,” he remarked, before adding, “It’s good to see the whites of your eyes,” evoking laughter and cheers from his dedicated following.
While the shows were timed to launch his upcoming album, “The Boys of Dungeon Lane”, his 19th solo studio release set to drop on March 29, McCartney revealed that the audience would not hear any new tracks during these performances. Instead, he explained that both he and his band were still “in the process of learning” the new material, but he expressed his gratitude for the support shown for the album.
The setlist focused heavily on McCartney’s extensive back catalogue, highlighting The Beatles’ timeless classics such as “Help!”, “Let It Be”, and “Hey Jude”, alongside personal favourites from his time with Wings, including “Jet” and “Coming Up”. A particularly touching moment came as he performed “Now and Then,” a ballad written by his late bandmate John Lennon. “Thank you, John, for writing that,” he payed tribute, showcasing the lasting bond shared amongst the former Beatles.
In addition to the nostalgic tracks, McCartney threaded in songs from his solo career, like “Every Night” and “My Valentine,” the latter dedicated to his wife, Nancy Shevell, who was present in the audience. Throughout the performance, he shifted seamlessly between playing the piano and his signature Höfner bass, affectionately known to fans as the “Beatle Bass”.
McCartney was not only focused on the music; he also took moments to reminisce, sharing anecdotes about The Beatles’ first visit to America. Reflecting on the experience, he commented on how they were met with curious fans who studied their chord progressions. “What we used to notice was that all the guys in the audience were looking at the chords you were playing…but the girls weren’t,” he quipped, sparking nostalgic Beatlemania-like cheers from the crowd.
The allure of the event was further amplified by the presence of celebrities in attendance. From the stage, McCartney playfully acknowledged the VIP guests seated in the balcony, including renowned figures such as Dustin Hoffman and documentary filmmaker Morgan Neville, who recently released a film about the musician titled “Man on the Run”. Celebrating the accomplishment, McCartney joked, “What a story! Well done, Morgan. You’ve done a good film,” to applause from both the audience and the guests.
Overall, the Fonda Theatre concerts provided a unique experience for fans, blending the charm of McCartney’s past with the excitement of his present. The evenings served as a reminder not only of McCartney’s exceptional talent but also of his enduring legacy in the music industry, culminating in a heartfelt celebration of memories that continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.