We review Paul McCartney in Knoxville using (almost) only Beatles and Wings lyrics

There are plenty of places Paul McCartney remembers. Yet, throughout his long and winding career — all the years he's been wandering around — how come nobody told him there is a place called Knoxville?

He has played the friendly state of Tennessee before, down in Nashville town. Then there was that time he had a golden slumber at Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge-West in Knoxville due to troubles driving his car. But the Apple scruffs of Scruffy City have been waiting for this live musical moment to arise, longer than the road that stretches out ahead.

Tuesday afternoon was never ending for those who knew there would be a show tonight. They sat at work unable to wait like they were supposed to, ready to dine and dance.

At the college, with money spent on tickets, they gathered outside the University of Tennessee's Thompson-Boling Arena just to see his face and to experience the magic feeling of his live performance.

Fans would be stuck inside those eight walls for hours, but there's just something in the way live music can pull you out of time, especially the music of a star that always shines.

While many artists wait for someone to perform with – a brand new star – McCartney wasn't just topping the bill. He was the only performer scheduled, meaning a splendid time guaranteed for all. Eventually, security got the word: "Let em' in."

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As fans filled in deep inside the arena, they didn't know what they would find there. But what a scene that awaited them: a stage production second to none and, in about an hour off ... darkness. It was time for the show.

Smiles awaited McCartney as the crowd decided to rise. It was clear from the first notes of "Can't Buy Me Love" that everybody's gonna dance around tonight, from those who were older and losing their hair to what seemed like children at the 79-year-old's feet. Multiple generations were all in the palm of McCartney's hand. Don’t you know, I mean boys on fathers’ shoulders to 69-year-old superfan Dianne Walls Anderson, who Knox News wrote about earlier this week.

They just couldn't get enough of that sweet stuff, as McCartney played the tunes of yesterday, today and in between, with fans helping sing his songs. He even stopped in place to have a moment “just to drink it all in.”  Although these songs had been heard by millions over the years – and 22,000 on this good night – each note felt just fuh you.

I looked at his hand as he picked the bass guitar with ease, like a casual conversation after all these years. He's getting better all the time as days and nights pass by, but he may not have a lot to give for much longer.

After more than 30 songs, unexpected pyro hot as sun and John Lennon coming together with the band in virtual fashion, it’s safe to say people won't forget the time or place they saw McCartney – that lucky day he came to Knoxville. While everyone has had a hard couple of years, everyone let their hair down, had a good time and surely will be listening to the music playing in their head over and over for days to come.

Yes, the tickets were pricey. One sign-wielding fan claimed a floor seat was purchased using money from 176 aerobics lessons. But the memories are something money just can't buy. And for though we may be parted, there’s still a chance we will see McCartney on stage in Knoxville again.

Until then, life goes on.

Knoxville setlist - May 31, 2022

1. Can't Buy Me Love (The Beatles)

2. Junior's Farm (Wings)

3. Letting Go (Wings)

4. Got to Get You Into My Life (The Beatles)

5. Come On to Me

6. Let Me Roll It (Wings) with "Foxy Lady" jam

7. Getting Better (The Beatles)

8. Let 'Em In (Wings)

9. My Valentine

10. Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five (Wings)

11. Maybe I'm Amazed

12. We Can Work It Out (The Beatles)

13. In Spite of All the Danger (The Quarrymen)

14. Love Me Do (The Beatles)

15. Dance Tonight

16. Blackbird (The Beatles)

17. Here Today

18. New

19. Lady Madonna (The Beatles)

20. Fuh You

21. Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite! (The Beatles)

22. Something (The Beatles)

23. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da (The Beatles)

24. You Never Give Me Your Money (The Beatles)

25. She Came in Through the Bathroom Window (The Beatles)

26. Get Back (The Beatles)

27. Band on the Run (Wings)

28. Let It Be (The Beatles)

29. Live and Let Die (Wings)

30. Hey Jude (The Beatles)

31. I've Got A Feeling (The Beatles with virtual John Lennon duet) 

32. Birthday (The Beatles)

33. Helter Skelter (The Beatles)

34. Golden Slumbers (The Beatles) 

35. Carry That Weight (The Beatles)

36. The End (The Beatles)

Bold = encore

Ryan Wilusz: Knoxville's downtown explorer and urban reporter
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Paul McCartney Knoxville concert review using Wings and Beatles lyrics