Bogota

From For Whom The Bell Tells: ‘GOT BACK’ Central and South American Tour 2024, January 13, 2025:

“The concerts were not simply musical events, but they were the excuse to unite families and stop time. They were a celebration of music and everything that this living legend represents.” – El Tiempo

It’s such a British thing to go somewhere special and end up just talking about the weather, but it’s rather difficult not to dwell on the climate when it’s perpetually wet and leaking all around you! At this time of the year, it is rainy season in most of the places we are visiting, and so naturally the rain becomes a bit of a talking point in the team. In the days leading up to shows, as the crew are setting up the stage, they are constantly battling with biblical downpours, and there is frequent backstage flooding. The rain hits so heavy it drips through ceilings. It causes havoc with the production team, who valiantly grind it – there’s no problem too big for them to overcome.

But, the craziest thing – and it’s something that everyone is talking about – is that by the time Paul steps into the venue, the showers have ceased, and things stay dry for the gig. It’s got us all asking: just what kind of deal does Paul have with whoever controls the weather?

Reading up on Bogotá ahead of our arrival there, I’d noticed that some of the guide books talked about the city as being almost like an immersive art gallery. Upon my arrival, I was excited to discover that it was true. There is literally street art on every corner. Everywhere you go, you see statues, sculptures, cool architecture, murals and lots of graffiti – but it’s not just graffiti as we might think of it. Here it adorns store fronts, park walls, hostels, cafes, bars… Bogotá has to be one of the most street art friendly cities in the world. You can even go on street art tours that reflect on the city’s diversity and political history, with subjects covered including women’s rights, the ‘war on drugs’, corruption, climate change, sporting heroes, and so much more. It’s fascinating.

How cool, then, that our esteemed boss should find himself emblazoned on one of this fair city’s walls! Painted as a tribute to Paul’s return to Colombia, local artist Ela Rincón’s colourful mural on Calle 67 takes influence from The Beatles’ psychedelic era, and in particular, Paul’s ‘Magic Piano’, which he had decorated by the pioneering art trio BEV in 1967, and on which he composed songs for ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’.

“I had the chance to create Paul’s mural thanks to an invitation from Páramo Presenta to connect Bogotá with Paul’s show in the city,” Ela later told me. “This collaboration was very meaningful to me, as it allowed me to bring my style to the project and work with someone whose work I deeply admire. It was a unique experience, where my team and I were able to merge our ideas and perspectives into a piece that combined Paul’s story with Latin American style.”

Ela said that she had listened to Paul’s music non-stop for a week to immerse herself in his inspiration, and so the mural really does exude not only Paul’s artistic legacy, but that of the city itself. “For me,” said Ela, “the street art scene in Bogotá is a vibrant expression of our culture, our stories, and the struggles of our city. It reflects both our roots and our current voices. Including Paul was important because he brings a unique perspective, and this collaboration allowed me to connect my art with a wider audience, generating a truly valuable cultural exchange.”

I got in touch with Ela the day after Paul’s concert at El Campin Stadium to say that I wanted to get a portrait of her and her amazing mural with MJ, our tour photographer. She agreed to meet us, and was completely unprepared for what was in store. You see, it wasn’t just me that had fallen under the spell of the city’s dramatic showpieces. “It’s a very artistic nation,” enthused Paul, “and so I wanted to stop off and check it out myself in person.”

The thing was, we couldn’t have risked word getting out of Paul’s visit, so we kept it a surprise for Ela! Can you imagine her reaction when faced with Paul McCartney himsel standing by the wall and admiring his likeness and her incredible work?

“Meeting Paul was an incredible experience, almost surreal,” said Ela. “It was a huge surprise for me to see him taking pictures with me, and to have the chance to talk with him. His visit to Bogotá means a lot, and to me, he is now not only a music legend but also a sensitive and humble person. I had the chance to attend the show, and his concert not only took us back to a different time, but also reminded me of how Paul, through his music, continues to promote equality and celebrate diversity.”

I should also mention another story from Colombia too.  The day before the show I got a text from Paul with a video file. The phone signals weren’t great and so the message had corrupted a little – but I could make out something pretty terrifying looking going on.  A freaky looking skull of sorts…  it was a Halloween video message Paul had recorded in his room – I went to visit him in his room so he could Airdrop me the file to use for socials. Presumably he’d been traveling around with the mask waiting for the moment!

Stuart Bell – Paul McCartney’s publicist – From For Whom The Bell Tells: ‘GOT BACK’ Central and South American Tour 2024, January 13, 2025