Paul McCartney Rocked Dodger Stadium

On the most perfect summer night, Sir Paul McCartney rocked Dodger Stadium on August 10, 2014 in front of a sold out crowd. For the first time since the Beatles took the stage at second base in 1966, Paul McCartney returned to Chavez Ravine to perform another historic set in front of old fans and new. This time the concert lasted much longer than the original. Even though Paul is a young 72-years old, he lit up the stage for a full three hours and cemented his legend as a true rock star.

It was truly a night to remember. Alongside my mother, a devout Beatles fan herself, I danced and sang the night away to songs I

had listened to since I was a little girl. Twisting and shouting, it was an almost surreal moment. I harked back to the days when I’d play my mom’s 45s and Beatles albums on continuous loop upon an actual turn table in my room. I think I must have listed to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band over 100 times on that little record player.

Dodger Stadium was transformed into an epic concert venue, and the only thing that remained untouched was the very mound Clayton Kershaw stands upon every five days. The Dodgers were on the road and heading to Atlanta, but there was still one person hitting homeruns out of the park that night.

Paul McCartney sounded just like he had on the recordings I have listened to throughout my life. He hasn’t missed a beat or a strum, and his love of music can be felt in every chord he plays. I’ve been to many concerts over the years, but this one was perhaps the most incredible. Not only did Paul play non-stop songs from the early days of the Beatles like I Saw Her Standing There, but he also played music from his newer albums like Wings.

I got a little teary-eyed when Paul opened with 8 Days a Week and during his touching tribute to George Harrison. Even though Ringo Starr, George Harrison and John Lennon could not be on stage with him, the audience could feel their presence at Dodger Stadium as Paul transported us back to the days of Beatlemania. Perhaps I’m an old soul, because the music from my mother’s generation resonates with me more than most modern music.

The Beatles have always been one of my favorite bands, and I even had the opportunity to take a Beatles course at USC. Even

Dodger Stadium was transformed into a Concert venue for Paul McCartney. August 10, 2014. Photo: Stacie Wheeler

though learning about the Fab Four in school was quite enjoyable, I think my best source of knowledge is through my mother who told me her stories of the 1960’s and the Beatles. During the concert she told me how she still remembered the very moment when they announced over the radio that the Beatles had broken up.

Feeling very lucky to have nabbed great seats in the Loge section, I knew that this was perhaps my only chance to see a Beatle in concert. To be able to see Paul in concert at Dodger Stadium, my second home of sorts, was magical to say the least.

The concert itself was seamlessly choreographed with exceptional lighting, sound and pyrotechnics. Paul knows how to put on a show! It was a fluid ride through the senses, including the wafting smell of the 1960’s in the air (if you know what I mean). A much different crowd than those usually attending Dodger games, sang along in unison to all the classics which have become the soundtrack of our lives. My favorite moment was when Dodger Stadium was a lit with lighters and the modern day version, the cell phone flashlight, as Paul sang Let it Be.

I have edited down the video footage I was able to take with my camera, and I hope those who could not be there at Dodger Stadium can get a sense of Paul’s beautiful words and music through my eyes.

“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”