Paul McCartney’s World Premiere Of ‘Working Classical’

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Famous Five Go To Liverpool….

15th October 1999. Yes, we are off to Liverpool yet again, this time to bear witness to Sir Paul McCartney’s new work - a classical adaptation of a number of his most melodic pieces (mainly from his solo years), and a few more purely classical compositions. My report is not going to review the actual programme of the above - for that you will have to buy the CD; and I promise you that a treat is in store for you if you really do appreciate good music. (You are reading this magazine, so we will take it that you do!).

Paul’s trademarks are melody and harmony, both of which are very evident in the music which he has chosen (‘Maybe I’m Amazed’, ‘My Love’, ‘Lovely Linda’ have obvious poignancy). He uses not only simplicity well, but also holds his own in the very sophisticated classical world. Sir George Martin has obviously had a great deal of influence on the young man’s musical education! Buy this and you may open your ears to a new classical world - if you are not already there.

‘Hi To Mick And To All Of The Lads’

Anyway, 15th October I set out for the Seacat with Damien, Peter, Mick and Terry. Yes, I was the only female, but it was OK because Mick made sure that the entire nation now knew that I was ‘one of the lads’, with his dedication on nationwide radio - thanks Mick!!! The crossing was terrific and I was very impressed with the facilities on board the Cat - not least with the fact that the vessel carried an extremely important piece of machinery - a real Italian coffee machine! Bliss - real expresso on public transport! We arrived in Liverpool, right beside the Liver Building and ten minutes walk from Mathew Street. I tell you guys, no more Ryanair for me - £1.80 for a cup of plastic tea and a £10 taxi fare from Speke? - I don’t think so! Give me the Seacat every time - no rushing, nice crew, great coffee, and a lovely relaxing 3¾ hours on board!!

We were met in Liverpool by our very good friend Harry Prytherch, who, together with his lovely wife Doris, was to be our host for the weekend. What a wonderful home they have! - one hour from Liverpool, in the most beautiful rural setting, where Harry sports a veritable museum of 50’s and 60’s memorabilia. What a collection! – it includes newspapers, books and some very rare records indeed. We could have stayed there forever. Doris obviously thought that the Irish famine was still on-going; she brought out enough food to feed all of the blue meanies - and the entire crew of Yellow Submarine!

We had a bite or two, watched some great videos with Harry and Doris (not those kind Derek!) (What?! no Star Trek!!! Ed), and so to bed. Now I don’t want to reveal too much, but I am not all that sure that allowing four grown men to sleep together is such a good idea! I mean, do they ever actually grow up? I was very thankful to have my own room!!

The following morning we headed into Liverpool. How different an experience from the convention - nice and relaxed with plenty of time for all important Beatle shopping, and for a trip to The Beatles Experience on Albert Docks, which is worth a visit every single time you come to Liverpool. There is always something new added to the exhibition. They do a magnificent job, and it is a wonderful tribute to the Fabs.

‘Excuse Me Miss………..’

We had arranged to meet with Ray Johnston of Cavern City Tours. He and his band were playing a gig in an Irish bar (where else?). The time flew by as we enjoyed ourselves with Ray and Co. until it suddenly struck us - we were going to the World Premiere of an important classical recital at which, we were on good authority, Sir Paul would actually be appearing!

It was know 5:30p.m. and we were one hour away from where we were staying!!!! Where were we going to get ready?? Simple, Albert Docks car park!! - Honest! Terry (our excellent chauffeur) hid the car behind a bus; I took the inside of the car, the guys took the outside!! We had at least had the foresight to leave our bags in the car, and obviously we had all learned how to change out of our togs on the beach – Right?!! It worked! In the blink of an eye I was in my little black number, the guys all looked quite presentable, and none of us had been arrested!! Onward!!

‘Will The Real Paul McCartney Please Stand Up?’

As we reached the beautiful Royal Philharmonic Theatre the excitement in the air was electric. We heard from the LIPA scruffs that Paul had actually requested earlier in the afternoon that security guards bring in any personal items from fans outside, to be autographed by him. This was a nice gesture - especially since he has publicly stated that he is not doing that kind of stuff anymore.

Terry had brought along a book of Celtic sayings, poems and wisdoms, which he hoped to present to Paul and which we left with the backstage people, who were really friendly and accommodating. We met Harry and Doris and all went inside where we were greeted by several old friends - Lawrence Gilmour and Bob Barty being amongst them – both, of course, Paul McCartney impersonators - which was a bit bizarre!

We took our seats. The orchestra filed in, sat down, tuned up, and suddenly there was sustained applause and clapping. We looked round to see the great Sir Paul McCartney (Macca to his friends!) making his way to a seat about twenty rows from the front. He looked just like any ordinary guy at the theatre with his family. His brother Mike and quite a few of his Liverpool family, (cousins, nieces, nephews and the like), accompanied Paul. The audience was so touched by his choice of seating that they actually left him pretty much alone, confining their appreciation to the most moving standing ovation that I have ever witnessed.

The concert commenced and it was beautiful. The performances by the artistes really did justice to the music. Every personal song, especially the ones dedicated to Linda, brought a new round of appreciative applause from the audience who, after all, really did not need much encouragement. It was a lovely warm, happy concert and I felt truly privileged to be there. Thanks, by the way, to Ray and Cavern City Tours who managed to obtain the highly prized tickets for us.

‘Just A Nod And A Wink………’

During the interval Pete, Terry and Mick went downstairs to see if they could catch sight of the great man. Pete was determined to meet Paul, and I admit that I was a little frightened by the intensity of his determination. (In other words, in case we got thrown out!!). I decided to go upstairs to the bar! Damien accompanied me and we noticed that the small bar was pretty much deserted although the main bar was mobbed; so we did the logical thing and took the first option. We soon realized that the bar was empty because it was roped off, and was manned (and womanned!) by security. We figured that this would be where the celebs would hang out so we stayed put, hoping to spot a VIP or two.

Suddenly- there was Paul!! - not ten feet away, looking absolutely wonderful, having a little drinkie with his family and friends! We tried hard not to stare but failed miserably. I convinced myself that nobody noticed! We were enjoying the fact that we were in the SAME BAR as Paul McCartney, (albeit totally surrounded by people) when the bell rang and we were told to go back to our seats. At that moment - like the Red Sea - the crowd parted for Paul, and as I walked past him he was no more than six feet away.

I smiled and waved. He looked straight at me; I said hello and waved again and he threw me the most devastatingly groovy wink I have ever received!! Well!! You could have pushed me over with a feather duster!! My knees wobbled, my heart raced. I turned to Damien just in case I was dreaming, but the look on his face told me I was not. Paul McCartney winked - at me!!

I floated back to my seat happy as a pig in sh…… When Pete and Mick appeared, jabbering on about how they had met the great man, had shaken his hand, grasped his shoulder, presented him with a piece of Waterford Crystal on behalf of the club, and went on and on and on … I didn’t care. Paul McCartney had not winked at either of them!!

The second half of the concert was just as good as the first. Paul made an appearance at the end to give a short little speech thanking all concerned, especially his Liverpool family - a lovely touch. He was showered with flowers and gifts all of which he personally accepted and kept, and he engaged in some nice one-on-one banter with the audience. All too soon it was over. Of course we tried to get backstage, and of course we did not. However, lady luck had been good enough to us and we left the theatre floating on cloud 9 to attend at the private party of Cavern City Tours in the De Coubertains Sports Bar, before heading back to the home of Harry and Doris.

‘It’s Not The Leaving Of Liverpool’

The rest of the weekend passed very pleasurably. What an incredible experience we had had! We had been treated to the best in Merseyside hospitality by everyone concerned, mostly by our very good friends Harry and Doris (oh, and not forgetting Jo-Jo the dog!!)

Thank you Harry, Doris, Ray Johnston, Seacat, Liverpool and most of all Paul, for the best weekend of my life. I will treasure the memory of that wink forever. Now for George Harrison!!!!!!!

By Pat Moore

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