Manchester

From The Macca Report:

Paul arrive at the venue around 4:50pm in one of two silver Mercedes. Paul rolled down his window and waved to fans as the car passed. 

Macca played up to a handful of fans that won a contest to see his soundcheck. He wore a light check shirt and dark trousers.

Songs heard at the soundcheck:
All My Loving,” “Coming Up,” “Matchbox,” “Honey Don’t,” “Waiting For Your Train To Get In,” “C Moon,” “Celebration,” “I’ve Just Seen A Face,” “All Things Must Pass” (done twice), “Midnight Special,” “You Never Give Me Your Money/The Fool On The Hill/Lady Madonna” (medley).

The setlist was the same as the previous night with “Things We Said Today ” and “I’ve Just Seen A Face,” played in the acoustic set before “Calico Skies” and “Two of Us” followed. Paul wore the purple Nehru jacket, a red long-sleeved T-shirt and blue jeans. 

Paul was in much better voice tonight and seemed to be feeling much better. The only sign that he had a cold is when he hit a rough spot at the begining of “My Love” which resolved itself. His talking voice sounded a bit congested. 

The Manchester audience really rocked. Rusty pointed out how good an audience they were. This audience was much more enthusiastic than the first night, rushing the stage as soon as the concert began. Concertgoers were singing, dancing and cheering for Sir Paul. Women were wolf-whistling at Paul who told them, “Sorry girls, I’m taken!”

Paul started to say the wrong introduction for “Your Loving Flame,” beginning with, “I’d like to introduce…” (then realizing he was wrong) ..”I don’t know what I’m talking about. I’d like to DEDICATE this song to a very special person…my lovely wife Heather.”

Paul’s voice was a little unsteady on “My Love” cracking on the first “my love does it goo-ee-ood,” that sounded more like a yodel!

Before “She’s Leaving Home,” Wix said, “We were at LIPA a couple of days ago talking to the students, and one of them asked me “do you ever get nervous?” And I told them, ‘Yes, especially when there’s family in the audience.’ My big sister is here tonight…”

Mike McCartney was in the audience with and his wife and three sons. Paul mentioned, “our kid” at least three times and Mike had a tear in his eyes when Paul sang “brother Michael” during “Let ‘Em In.” Paul also added a new relative to the song, “Uncle Joseph” (Paul’s father’s brother). Macca thanked his brother for some of the George photos that were shown on the screens. 
“I have to thank our kid for some of these photos behind us..” 

There were quite a few people from Liverpool who made themselves known and Paul shouted at them, “‘Hey ‘ey ‘ey! Calm down!”

During the introduction to “Michelle” he got a huge applause when he mentioned “a black polo neck sweater” (because of the night before) and in mock horror he said, “There it is AGAIN! It got a hand last night! What about a red T-shirt?” The audience cheered.

For the encores fans threw throat lozenges, teddy bears and flowers. 

CONGRATS to Chris Swanton, his wife Pat and his daughter Emma who were upgraded to the front row by Paul’s people because of their enthusiasm. The box of Lem-sips (a cold and flu remedy in powder form that is supposed to relieve the symptons of flu etc.) were thrown by his daughter and the bouquet of Lillies from his wife (see photo). Paul picked up the flowers and showed the Lem-sips to audience. He had been suffering from a cold and the Swantons thought it would be humorous. Paul appreciated it!

Paul also picked up one of the small teddy bears and stuck it between his knees as he waved and bowed. Then he put it on one of the amps. He didn’t sign any autographs. 

Paul and Heather headed for Liverpool after the show.

Manchester Evening News Arena

This was the 2nd concert played at Manchester Evening News Arena.

A total of 2 concerts have been played there • 2003 • Apr 9 • Apr 10

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