Paul McCartney: Maybe, Chile is forever amazed

It had been more than five years since the last time that Sir Paul McCartney had been here in Chile. Long time; pandemic included, where every Paul's Chilean fan was expecting a return. Everybody (myself including) was so patient till this very moment. Because after a long period, our eternal Beatle took the Estadio Monumental over to play a 3-hour long show for more than 40.000 people. Let's take a trip through this magical mystery journey where the Got Back Tour finally arrived to Santiago.

It's so amazing to see entire families coming to this special event, because it's necessary to mention: McCartney is able of reuniting people, healing hearts and matching souls. All of that at a show, the radio or a vinyl. We've got a feeling, deep inside, that this concert was gonna be special. And that's the reason thousands of Chileans traveled from all over the country to gather here tonight and celebrate the music. Only rock and roll? Nah, let's enjoy and wait for it.

Now and Then, the passion is the same. The fact that people was waiting for doors since early morning said something. While Denver, the supporting act for this evening, was playing, the Stadium held at least 30k fans already. Interesting number for the local band, but a really good one. Lots of people singing their songs that sounded a bit low... They could have a better sound and volume, because in some parts of the field, the power was not the right for a rock concert. On both sides of the stage, there was a QR Code, to create 'our own' setlist for tonight, while some electronic music was being played. It's almost an hour till showtime, but that's not avoiding the anxiety. Patience is a virtue, but not tonight. Classics of The Beatles in hands of a Dj couldn't fulfill the excitement created by waiting for Paul. 

21:15 and the lights went off. Sir Paul was on stage to deliver a tremendous classic: 'Can't Buy Me Love' melted hearts and eyes with the same energy from 60 years ago. The sound was way better than the one Denver had, so maybe it was only a different PA for the supporting act. 'Junior's Farm' and 'Letting Go', Wings' songs, were the next ones on a night to remember. The magnificent "Revolver" made an appearance with 'Got to Get You Into My Life', beautiful song to remind all of the good things when you're in love. But this is not only past: 'Come on To Me', taken from "Egypt Station", was played and, despite the fact maybe 100 people were singing it, it was a cool moment for those diehard fans.

Nostalgic moments everywhere: 'Getting Better' from "Sgt. Pepper", 'Let 'em In' and 'Let Me Roll It' were the next ones through a setlist with no low points. "Maybe I'm Amazed" brought tears into thousands of people in a really emotional interpretation. It's so amazing to see Paul, Abe, Wix, Rusty and Brian doing it at THIS level. That track from "McCartney" is well known even for Simpsons' fans, so it's understandable why everyone was singing along. Beautiful. 'Dance Tonight' had Abe Laboriel Jr. as the main character, dancing while he's playing the drums. He's a beast behind the snare and cymbals, giving an spectacular tribute to Ringo and, at the same time, bringing some new cool fills. And obviously, 19 extra tons of charisma. 

'Blackbird' with Paul going up the stage continued with this sixth McCartney's show in Chile. Being on his own at the stage, the 82 year old musician is able to manage any audience. A legend. 'Now and Then' was sang by almost 40.000 people. The 'last Beatles' song' was an emotional moment with some white balloons that were thrown from the audience. Paul was smiling at it and thanked that, being such a special song. 

And then, a festival full of classics: 'Jet', 'Band on The Run', and even 'Being for The Benefit of Mr. Kite'. 60 years of music with tributes like the one to the late George Harrison with 'Something'. One of the most beautiful songs ever written, dedicated billions of times across the universe, had its place on the Estadio Monumental with an ovation. And... FIREWORKS! 'Live and Let Die' made everything explode with pyrotechnics, fire and even lasers. The ecstasy became a song to calm everyone after it with 'Hey Jude'. 

A few moments of silence to give the strongest encore ever: 'I've Got a Feeling' (with John Lennon on the screens singing duets with Paul), 'Golden Slumbers', 'Carry That Weight' and, of course, 'The End' in the very same order as in "Abbey Road", gave the most proper ending to an almost 3-hour spectacle. More fireworks and a promise: "Till next time".

Maybe we're amazed the way Paul was saying Chilean slangs. Or maybe we're amazed of the way he's still playing. McCartney gave everything to his fans, crossing generations and making incredible songs since the 60s. Now and Then, we want Paul to be there for us. Si po, it was cuático.

Samuel Víctor Acevedo 

Fotos: Andie Borie/ DG Medios