"Now you've got President Obama. Yeah, you know we've come a long way."

[Amerigo Vespucci]

An energized Paul McCartney opens Coachella fest



By RYAN PEARSON, AP Entertainment Writer Ryan Pearson, Ap Entertainment Writer – Sat Apr 18, 8:22 am ET

INDIO, Calif. – Energized by the desert air and memory of his late wife, a playful and passionate Paul McCartney riffed on "Foxy Lady," led an after-midnight "Hey Jude" singalong and dedicated songs to his former bandmates at the Coachella music festival that kicked off Friday.

In the 2 1/2-hour set, including two encores, McCartney dedicated "Long and Winding Road" and "My Love Does It Good" to his late wife Linda, who died at the couple's ranch at Tucson, Ariz., 11 years earlier to the day.

"It's an emotional day for me. That's good, that's OK," he said, pounding his chest. "Lot of heart, lot of emotion."

Before a moving performance of "Blackbird," he noted that it had been written in response to the 60s civil rights movement. "Now you've got President Obama. Yeah, you know we've come a long way.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090418/ap_en_mu/coachella_mccartney_s_opener

[Skittles]

1. I hope he finds true happiness again

terrible when he lost his beloved Linda

[Amerigo Vespucci]

2. It was a Yoko thing...

..."the world" never really understood the love between Paul and Linda, just like they didn't understand the love between John and Yoko. Of course, they didn't need to...anyone who needs the world's approval to be in love isn't in love...it's that simple.

After Linda's passing, I read that the ONLY time the two were separated was during Paul's infamous Japanese pot bust. I was astounded. For people who insist that a "soul mate" is a faulty and irrational concept, they need look no further than Paul and Linda (or John and Yoko, for that matter).

:toast:

[panader0]

3. His lawyer in Tucson once scored some great Afghani weed

that I grew down this way. A good friend of mine has a place right next to the Eastman ranch, 'way out on the east side of town. Paul and Linda used to frequent the Tack Room, a five star rated restaurant (at the time). Another buddy was the maitre'd.

[Cha]

4. I use to live in Indio, California

for a year or two back in the late '70's..it's too brilliant they have all these awesome concerts there now. Somebody had an idea to bring peeps out there from San Diego and LA for massive concerts.

We have come a long way, Paul..and thanks for all you do.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

5. It's inspiring that someone who was at "ground zero" for the Kennedys and MLK...

...is still politically active, creative, and of a sound mind. Far too many "candles" of that era have been extinguished. Sir Paul continues to burn brightly.

:patriot:

[Captain Hilts]

7. Huh? How was McCartney at "Ground zero" for JFK and MLK?

I'm not sure what you mean here.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

11. He was a performing artist at the time RFK, JFK and MLK were politically active...

...and if it's not self-explanatory beyond that, it's just gonna have to make sense to me and not to you. I can live with that.

[Captain Hilts]

12. Okay, it makes sense to you. But that's okay. nt

[Cha]

8. Yes, I appreciate all the music

Paul has given the world in the name of Peace and Love.

[AtomicKitten]

9. I used to camp out with friends in Coachella in the early 1970s.

A friend had a ranch where they grew grapefruit. We rode dirt bikes around and swam in the water used for irrigation. We imbibed at night around campfires and enjoyed a spicy breakfast at the diner in the A.M. Good times!

It is amazing that Paul McCartney is still kickin' it.

[Cha]

10. I was in Indio-Coachella in '79 and '80 working

on a farm..drinking date shakes and eating organic corn in the field. Riding my bicycle around the desert.B-)

Edit~ Sorry, didn't realize you were replying to my post:silly:

[Captain Hilts]

6. Note the 'we'. People wanted to vote for a black president. Makes them feel better abou themselves

Now, the UK needs to work on it, but at least they've had a female PM.