Paul McCartney and MGMT Played Fenway Park - Review, Setlist, Pictures

So last weekend, despite high ticket prices, the cost of a train journey, and the fact that our seats weren't even that great, we bit the bullet and headed up to Boston to see Paul McCartney and MGMT at Fenway Park. And, we have to say, quite frankly: it was worth every dime. Sure, it was a total large scale production stadium show, but it was a frikkin Beatle, playing Beatles songs!!!! Not only that, but Macca managed to more than deliver and offer up a couple of hours of some of the best rock and roll, well, of all time.

MGMT started out the night, and we have to say, through no fault of their own, fell short. We had been looking forward to their show because of all the good things we'd heard, but the fact of the matter is that the venue size was just way too much for them. Between a low-key stage presence, and 1/8th full venue, and the sheer vastness of the stage, they just weren't able to make it happen. That being said, it's a tough gig, and it certainly won't stop us from catching their show the next time we can see it in a smaller room.

Finish MGMT, enter Paul McCartney. McCartney's set was huge, and knowing as he does that people are there for the hits, he got it off to a moderate start. By mixing up the beginning of the set, Paul allowed the crowd to realize not only that he's still making music, but that some of his tunes beyond the hits are pretty damn solid as well. Still, there really wasn't any holding back the onslaught of musical goodness, and the set gradually made its way into true "hit" territory. It was a gentle ascent, beginning with more Wings material, and gradually working in Beatles tunes, until they became the focus.

As McCartney closed the show with an all-Beatles encore, it was more than clear that he (and the audience) knew exactly what this show was all about: an effort to have one moment coming close to the greatest band of all time. We have to say, for the most part: it worked. Not only that, but it was a massively impressive and lengthy setlist. We have to admit, we really weren't expecting such a lengthy show.

Between fireworks, confetti, and explosions, McCartney had assembled an ace band that really put the Beatles tunes to work. Was it the fab four? Not exactly. But we're pretty sure it's as damn close as we're going to get in our lifetime, and that's enough to make it all worthwhile.

Paul McCartney Setlist
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Drive My Car
Jet
Only Mama Knows
Flaming Pie
Got To Get You Into My life
Let Me Roll It
Highway
The Long And Winding Road
My Love
Blackbird
Here Today
Dance Tonight
Calico Skies
Mrs. Vanderbilt
Eleanor Rigby
Sun Is Shining
Band On The Run
Back In The USSR
I'm Down
Something
I've Got A Feeling
Paperback Writer
A Day In The Life->
Give Peace A Chance
Let It Be
Live And Let Die
Hey Jude
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Day Tripper
Lady Madonna
I Saw Her Standing There
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Yesterday
Helter Skelter
Get Back
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (reprise)
The End