I was informed by the usher that I was to be seated in seat number 13. I asked her where that was and she replied that it was at the front, right hand side. Can you imagine my excitement when I was escorted right to the front of the stage, and then shown where my seat was. I was actually in the very front row on the right side.
My hands were sweaty and shaking in anticipation of the show. I was with my Uncle John, who obtained the tickets and he seemed very relaxed about it all. I felt numb with all of the emotions running through my veins, and I could barely contain my excitement of the moment. I was in conversation with John, when suddenly, my Uncle casually stated that Heather Mills had just walked past me. "What?!" I shouted in disbelief. To which John simply replied "There She Is!"
With that, I knew that I really was NOT dreaming, Heather looked more beautiful than she does on TV, yet she was so casual. As I followed her with my eyes, I noticed A man with a striking resemblance to Paul escort her to her seat. It was Mike McCartney. "John, Look, Look!" I babbled, like a child in a toy store. This was truly an amazing moment, I was dumbstruck by it all.
The host of the night was a lady by the name of Pam, and she introduced the first poet of the night, who was Willy Russell. She also thanked all of those who bought their tickets to the night in advance of the announcement that Paul McCartney would be appearing. I felt rather embarrassed, as I knew the only reason why I wanted to be here was to see Paul McCartney. I really only thought of poets before, as Intellectual evangelists-reciting their views on life to "them" intellectual sorts - not the likes of me!
Anyway, on came Willy Russell, a Liverpool born poet who I admittedly never knew of prior to this evening. I was amazed to see the proximity in which the poet stand was to myself. I was no more than 8 feet away from were Willy stood, and I could only think of when Paul would come on, He would be the same distance-8 feet! I began listening to Willy when he started cracking Jokes about not being able to tell his favorite Poem about Meat-Because "We've got some veggie in the House!" With that, I burst into laughter. This poet fella was alright-he was not "One of them". Anyway, he recited about 4 poems, of absolutely comical proportions, and I was quickly finding the appeal of Willy Russell. Soon enough, Willy finished his set, and handed over to his fellow poet, Tom Pickard.
Tom, was from Newcastle, the same as Heather, and he recited poems on a more serious note, but I was absolutely hooked by the cold tone in which he delivered every word. The occasion was so informal, it was unbelieveable. Tom often had problems with his microphone, and cracked endless jokes about how much was spent on providing an "International star" with "Shite Equipment!". I also noticed how often, the poets made mistakes in reading their passages, however, due to the laid-back atmosphere of it all, it went almost unnoticed.
On came Adrian Mitchell, a tall fellow, and he delivered his poems with a slight speech impediment. I was amazed top see how he used eye contact to deliver his poems with amazing preciseness and ferocity. He looked at me on three occasions and I felt like a mouse - probably due to the atmosphere of the occasion.
Anyway, the moment finally drew upon me, and the rest of the audience...It was Paul McCartney's turn. I did not know where to look. I had a camera smuggled in down my trousers, as they were not allowed in the arena, and I reached for it, only to notice two security men standing behind me and on my right. I could not take a picture, nor could anyone else for that matter, such was the proximity of the security staff, and also the threat that the show would be halted upon any flash light or digital beeping sounds!
Applause grew louder and louder waiting for Macca to take the stage, and I could not stay seated. As I stood, on he walked, wearing black trainer shoes, black trousers, and a dark charcoal coloured suit jacket. I could not take my eyes off him. He winked at Heather as he took up his position on stage, and looked a bit nervous. He was, as I thought, standing only a few feet from me, only I was on his immediate left side - not in front.
He began to speak, and I felt I was not there, I mean, I must have been watching the TV, because that's Paul McCartney, just there, and I am, well, just here. It could not be real, but it was!
He began with "I am not nervous about this at all!" and I was in absolute awe of his presence. I laughed in a nervous manner. Paul continued and began telling us of how he felt that "rules" meant that people like him could not paint, or be a poet, and he linked this up to his early days in Liverpool, and then Ivan-Vaughan. His first poem was about THE Ivan Vaughan, the one who introduced Him to "My good Friend, John Lennon". Titled simply as "Ivan" It was a very solemn poem, and it captivated the whole audience. I was still amazed and I DID actually pinch myself once to just double check!
On to his next poem, and it was about how he got caught with a rude picture in his school shirt by his Mum, of A naked woman, combined with his personal thoughts while he made paths in his woods. He stated that it took him three days to admit to his mum Mary that it was he who that drew the picture, and how the feeling in someway felt similiar to making paths alone in the woods.
One of my Highlights of the night (But not "THE Highlight" - More later!) was when I had the chance to recite a Beatle song along with Paul McCartney! Yes, one of his poems was simply the song "Why Don't We Do It In The Road", with no music, just the words. He asked the audience to participate, and sing the second verse with him quietly, and then all together in a loud unison for the third verse. I, as well as all the audience, did participate, and I am glad to say, that me and macca have done a duet! (Well sort of!)
He also recited the Lyrics to "Maxwells Silver Hammer", which had me, and everyone else in a heap laughing on the floor. As said the usual lines of the song, Joan was quizzical, etc.... he would do the "Ooooohhhh, Ho, Oh, Ho...." bit as well!
By this stage, I was remembering that I once said that I did not think that he sounded scouse at all. I really noticed that he does sound just like a typical "scouser", when he was talking. He is, of course slightly less prodominant, than the usual, but he DOES sound like us! Why did I think that?!
Anyway, Paul went on to recite, for me, the best poem of the night, called Jerk of all Jerks - To which he informed us that it was inspired when he heard the news about the Death Of John Lennon. He said "I mean, I just felt, what right does THAT jerk of all jerks have, to take away my best friend, and diminish responsibility for doing so?" He then went on to the poem, and you could hear a pin-drop by it's end, definately a touching moment.
On he went with a poem about His thoughts when worrying about Linda's illness, which again, hit my nerve endings, and also he gave Heather a Smile and a nod of the head when he completed it, just as a mark of his love to her, probably, the woman who is just as beautiful and determined as Linda, though there will only ever be ONE Linda.
The show was drawing to a close, and I was scrambling to try and get at least one sneaky picture of Paul! I fumbled about with the camera and tried not to draw attention to myself, but to no avail, the security staff were around me in abundance and even though I got a snippet on my Mpeg camera, It is nothing really noticeable, only applause and a split second shot of the stage.
As applause rang out around the Everyman Theatre, I stood and clapped my heart out. Willy Russell came over to Paul and, Tom Pickard, and Adrain Mitchell did too. They all bowed and decided to recite one more poem-together. The Host, Pam, took the microphone and announced that the evening was not planned by Willy Russell, as billed for the past 6 months. It was in fact Paul's idea, right from the start, and he invited Willy Russell, Tom Pickard, and Adrian Mitchell to take part. Paul took a step back from the others as he looked like a naughty schoolboy, and giggled.
She also announced that he wanted it to take place in Liverpool, because poetry is from the heart and he could think of no other place closer to his heart than Liverpool, which made me immensely proud to be from Liverpool.
The three other poets all pointed at Paul and in unison said "It's All HIS fault!" Everyone laughed-including a very amused Macca! They then went on to recite a poem together, each taking turns, and then the most amazing moment of the night, and maybe of my life happened.
As the show was drawing to a close, the four men all embrassed each other, and laughing and generally congratulating each other. I was standing up and clapping, with John (My Uncle), and desperately trying to get Paul's attention. I failed rather miserably, until a very, very wonderful woman sat two rows behind me, whistled aloud. With that, Paul looked across with his arms raised, and as I said, I was only about 8 feet from him, I shouted "Paul, Paul!" He nodded his head, and I shouted "You done great!" To which, he replied "Thanks!"
Now GOD strike me down dead if I am telling a lie, but that Is honestly true! Feel free to not believe me if you wish, but I do not make a habit of making a fool of myself too often, especially shouting "Paaul, Pauauul!" like a lovesick teenager! , And besides, as long as I have my memory of tonight, It does not really matter whether I am believed or not!
Anyway, They stayed on stage for a few seconds after that, and he then went off. The whole show lasted just over an hour. I stayed to see Mike and Heather quickly follow the poets off the stage, and with that, my night was complete.
Tonight was the most amazing experience of my life, I have adored the Beatles for over 7 or 8 years, and I never thought I would get the chance to see a "Beatle", especially so close up! It is not just the fact that I have seen him close up. I have genuine admiration for this man. He has influenced me all of my grown-up life, and I have fulfilled a life ambition - one ambition that I thought I may never fulfill.
One tinge of sadness stayed with me after the night ended, I wondered if I would ever see a former Beatle again, probably not, but even what made me sad was the FACT that I, nor any other Beatle fan will have the oppertunity to see John Lennon, another Idol of mine, in such a manner again, just because of a Jerk of all jerks.............