Paul McCartney’s still got it.

McCartney from far side of sold-out Times Union Center.

Cell phone panorama during McCartney concert at Times Union Center.

Glad my husband and I made the once-in-a-lifetime splurge to see the legend in person at the Times-Union Center in Albany Saturday, July 5. 

Some 13,500 people packed the arena where McCartney played an assortment of mostly Beatles, a couple of Wings and several newer songs for three solid hours, with breaks only to banter with the audience, tell a story about the old days, and, near the end, bring up a Rochester couple whose signs read: “He’ll only propose to me if he meets you” and “I have the ring and I’m 64 years old.” The guy sang a bit of guess what and then McCartney instructed him to get down on one knee and propose. He did, and she accepted. 

Selfie at McCartney concert

Two huge vertical screens on either side of the stage focused mostly on McCartney, who seemed small by comparison – at least from the other side of the arena. But this was a big show, and he carried it – with his voice and overall presence.

People can comment and argue over his choice of songs, and the almost constant light-show, plus what I thought were kind of gimmicky pyrotechnics during “Live and Let Die” -- although it looks pretty cool in the accompanying video taken by Lisa Lewis, editor of The Record and The Saratogian. 

I’m glad he was feeling well enough to start up his U.S. round of tours with this opening in Albany, and lucky to have seen the show in person.