Macca Attack

I hope the writer who penned the concert announcement for Paul McCartney’s appearance at the Xcel Energy Center [The Broken Clock, September] was able to attend the event. A rare opportunity was available for the writer to broaden his/her horizons. If the writer attended, s/he would have heard three songs from a new album written by the performer in the last year; songs that equal in energy the lyrical and melodic qualities of McCartney’s music from throughout decades past. The writer would have seen a man in his 60s perform with the stamina of his 20-something-aged band members, even continuing solo while those band members were allowed an intermission break. Not only did McCartney perform a three-hour concert non-stop, he did so with a voice that resonated as clear and strong as when the music was originally recorded. The writer would have witnessed a man expressing his sorrow at the personal loss of people dear to him, courageously in front of a room filled with strangers—an audience of thousands who responded in support with displays of respect, not with rude and insensitive rumors. Alone, or with a partner, the body of work created by Paul McCartney is international in scope, timeless in relevance to life, can and is performed by anything from a polka band to full orchestra, and most of all, contributes to the betterment of people. There are few individuals today who come close to matching these accomplishments. Paul McCartney is an exceptional talent and true artist who deserves a better description than what was provided in The Broken Clock. Readers deserve a better announcement notice too.

—Cynthia Marotteck
Cottage Grove