The Mac is back, with Paul McCartney announcing his first Australian tour since 2017. Making a six city visit featuring a variety of stadium shows across the country on his Got Back tour, the former Beatle and prolific frontman is set to arrive on our shores this October and November.
Having continually wowed crowds over the past 60 years and become notorious for playing sets that delve into the deepest parts of his back catalogue, we thought we’d take the time to look at a few songs we’d love to see McCartney bust out at the upcoming shows. With some Beatles classics, as well as his solo works and time with Wings, there’s enough in his discography to keep everyone guessing as to what he will play to Australian fans in three months time.
Silly Love Songs (Wings)
Written as a bit of an up yours to critics who claimed he only wrote light, love-y dove-y songs, McCartney penned the song using the reasoning ‘just because it’s a love song, doesn’t mean it is silly’. With a ripper bass throughout and some undeniably great harmonies, there isn’t anything silly about “Silly Love Songs”.
The Long and Winding Road (The Beatles)
The last of The Beatles’ number one songs on the Billboard Hot 100, the song was written by McCartney as he looked back nostalgically on the demise of the band. Released on Let It Be, “The Long and Winding Road” is a sad, yet hopeful look towards the future while taking in the best of the past.
Mull of Kintyre (Wings)
A love letter of sorts to his time and life in Scotland, “Mull of Kintyre” went on to become Wings’ highest selling single in Britain. With the addition of a local Scottish pipe band, it is devastatingly lovely, leaving you hoping that maybe one day a global superstar will also write a song about your hometown in Western Sydney.
My Love (Wings)
Written for his first wife Linda, “My Love” is a bluesy piano ballad speckled with guitar that has appeared in McCartney set lists on and off since it was first released in 1973. Originally recorded at Abbey Road Studios, it has the hallmarks of all great McCartney songs, while continuing to lean into his ability to write genuine love driven pop songs.
Blackbird (The Beatles)
Released on the self-titled album from The Beatles, “Blackbird” was written as a social commentary on the racial division and civil rights movements in 1960’s USA. Almost the first song every kid learns on guitar from front to back, the strength of “Blackbird” comes from the simplicity of the acoustic guitars and calming nature of McCartney’s solo vocals.
Paul McCartney tours his Got Back tour in Australia this October and November on the following dates and locations:
18 October 2023 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
21 October 2023 – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
24 October 2023 – McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
27 October 2023 – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
1 November 2023 – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
4 November 2023 – Heritage Bank Stadium, Gold Coast.
Pre-sale starts from Thursday 3 August, with general public tickets on sale from Friday 11 August.
For all tour and ticket information, head to Frontier Touring for more details.
