The arena rises collectively from its seats as if the people were remote-controlled by a collective premonition. The lights go out and the iconic Höfner bass appears on the screens in front of a starry sky. Paul McCartney enters the stage and his sheer presence is almost divine. It's hard to believe how much this man has seen and achieved in his life when i comes to music history. 30 minutes from his hometown, he kicks off in Manchester with A Hard Day's Night to rapturous applause. Of course, the Liverpool native's voice is no longer as powerful as it used to be, nobody can stop time. But Macca still seems as playful as he did when he and his three friends sparked off Beatlemania in the early 60s.

It is the eyes that have remained untouched by time. Even in 2024, they radiate a youthful curiosity and mischievousness. After about twenty minutes, Sir Paul takes off his jacket with the words: And that's the biggest costume change you'll see tonight. Not only is this man in a class of his own during the songs, he is also able to interact with his fans in an approachable way, although for many he is at least a demigod.

Linda McCartney was the great love of McCartney's life. She grounded the musician and shaped his character. Not only did he have three children with the American photographer and adopt her daughter Heather from her first marriage, she was also part of his band Wings after the Beatles era came to an end. You can feel the connection to Linda in many songs, but there is also room for his current wife in the musical canon. He wrote the romantic My Valentine for Nancy Shevell in 2012 and also dedicated it to her on this evening. She is also in the audience in Manchester. Two songs later, Maybe I'm Amazed showcases a musical declaration of love to Linda, whom he lost to breast cancer in 1998, just like his mother.

The theme of love was already omnipresent with the Beatles. Back then, however, it was predominantly characterised by youthful naivety and innocence. After John Lennon's death, Paul McCartney also created an emotional love memorial for him in form of Here Today. He explains that it was not customary for men to tell each other: I love you. On his own with an acoustic guitar, he sings the lines I am holding back the tears no more, ooh I love you, ooh. The connection between these two different men has always had a magic all of its own. This composition shows a very beautiful facet of it.

The latest Beatles song Now And Then is no less emotional. Only released in November 2023, the track is based on a demo by John Lennon from the 70s, which the three remaining Beatles had already worked on in the 90s. However, it was only with the documentary film Get Back and the additional technical possibilities that Peter Jackson and his team developed and used, that they were able to separate the vocal tracks of Lennon and the song could finally be finished. 22 years after the death of George Harrison. This song has literally travelled through time and will remain the last composition in which all Beatles members were involved.

Slowly but steadily, the tempo picks up. Lady Madonna sets the pace for what is yet to come. The lyrics of Ob-La-Di-Ob-La-Da are about as profound as Radio Ga Ga by Queen, but it works live across generations and its simplicity triggers euphoria in young and old alike. Band On The Run is one of the best-known Wings tracks. A song that would not exist if McCartney had not learnt to memorise compositions during his Beatles days. Back then, this was necessary due to a lack of recording facilities, in the case of Band On The Run because the demos were stolen in Nigeria before the band got to the studio.

It's good to be back on home soil – that's what McCartney says about his return to England. To celebrate his homecoming and in keeping with the Advent season, a festive surprise is in store with Wonderful Christmastime, including lots of artificial snow and a children's choir. The Christmas song was released back in 1979 and finds its way into the set in Manchester for the first time in seven years.

With iconic visuals from the Beatles' last performance on the roof of the Apple Corps headquarters in London in January 1969, McCartney and his band bring Get Back to life again. The song hasn't gathered a bit of dust. Neither has Let it Be, which Paul wrote in memory of his mother Mary for the last Beatles album of the same name. Things get really loud and hot with the Bond song Live and Let Die. There is no shortage of flames and fireworks to accompany it. Even Westminster gets blown up, at least visually.

After the final bang, McCartney demonstratively covers his ears and pretends not to hear anything. It's amazing how much pyrotechnics are allowed inside an arena. You are perhaps granted such freedom when you can draw on the full potential of a set for almost three hours and even then don't perform all the hits on stage. Hey Jude once again triggers a cross-generational chorus. Some children will probably only appreciate in a few years' time which concert their parents dragged them to, but songs like this already light up even the youngest generation in the very moment.

Paul not only has to thank director Peter Jackson for Now and Then, but also for the fact that he is able to sing with his childhood friend John Lennon again for I've Got A Feeling, via the screens. The concert evening concludes with a journey through various Beatles eras. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band exudes the hippie spirit and Helter Skelter represents the rock side of the Beatles. With a medley of Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight and The End, McCartney bids his fans a fitting farewell. With this bundle of energy, it seems obvious that he is not only referring to the second concert evening in Manchester with the words: See you next time!

Paul McCartney has long been part of the history books and yet his concerts last double the time then ones of younger acts. He seems to have found his fountain of youth in music. His zest for life and agility are characterised by his passion for music. It has been his constant and most loyal companion since the late 1950s. As a music and history fan, it is a huge privilege to be able to experience this exceptional musician live.