Watching a teenage second cousin of Sir Paul McCartney leap from the Anfield Director's Box and run past three burly security just to get closer to his music sums up the magic of this concert.
The Beatle legend had been billed as the highlight of events as Liverpool celebrates its reign as European culture mecca and he gave an emotional 45-minute encore his fans will never forget.
Immaculately dressed in a Beatlesque high-collared black jacket with white shirt and braces - he left all the colour to shine out in the emotions of his performance.
Whilst singing his most personal songs My Love and Something dedicated to wife Linda and childhood pal George Harrison, Macca's eyes welled up as he struggled to get the words out.
It is hard to imagine any other musician enjoying this heart-felt bond with such an enormous audience. Would any of The Rolling Stones get a similar recepetion from London?
Striding about the mammoth stage, looking slim, fit and with his mop-top now back to brown from its previous shade of arresting aubergine - he had the 40,000 strong audience hanging on his every word.
His performance of Calico Skies was a particularily strident moment as his band enjoyed a breather while he addressed the masses with his acoustic guitar.
Among the gathered crowd were the Beatle widows Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, along with a few Wags, Ken Dodd, LFC manager Rafa Benitez and an army of Sir Paul's extended family.
Philistine football star Wayne Rooney was caught yawning, while fiance Coleen was trying to snuggle up to him during Macca's rocking set of ballads and Beatles classics.
But the explosive pyrotechnics which heralded one of his best-loved solo songs Live and Let die - must have surely woken him up aswell as half of Manchester more than 30 miles down the motorway.
For those in the know, there was an anxious air of expectation for Sir Paul's surprise guest as his set rose towards thunderous creshendo.
But just as you thought his all-star band couldn't get any better - he called Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl to the stage.
The ex-Nirvana stickman strolled on with a bright blue electric guitar and waved to the crowd before ripping into a storming rendition of Band On The Run.
And just when it seemed impossible to make this gig any better, Macca announced that they were wheeling in an extra drum kit for his rock god pal Dave.
Playing alongside Macca's tour drummer Abe Laboriel Jr, forming a demented octopus beat machine, they pounded out in perfect unison the legendary rhythm from Back In The USSR to roars of approval.
Paul might be lambasted for throwing naff thumbs up in the air and pointing to the sky - but could never diminish the power of his musical genius in performance.
Shrewd fans recognise the slick PR man Macca is (all proceeds from the concert go to fund his LIPA fame school in the city) compared with former bandmate Ringo, now considered public enemy number one after his recent return saying there was 'nothing he missed about Liverpool.'
Macca endeared himself with heart-felt reminiscences about being 'born in the hospital down the road' and early memories of The Beatles.
He played a scorching two-hour set, not even stopping for a sip of water or a rest - nobody could complain they didn't get value for money.
Supporting Paul's show were current Liverpool pop darlings The Zutons, who confessed to suffering nerves, but got the Anfield faithful singing along despite the grey clouds and bursts of rain.
The Kaiser Chiefs kept things apace - but echoed the crowd's thoughts by saying: "we'll do the best show we can, then come off and watch him, which will be the best bit."
And indeed it proved an unforgettable night which saw a hometown boy - made good, make a triumphant return to proclaim 'Liverpool Capital Of Culture and centre of The Universe."
Tunnels play host to yet another gig night
(Thu 29/07)
Lost TV star seeks Voodou for hair magic
(Thu 29/07)
The Coral announce Liverpool tour date
(Wed 28/07)
Post a comment