McCartney gets personal at Coachella

With dedications to his late wife and former bandmate to recounting memories from his youth, Paul McCartney got personal at Coachella.

About 30 minutes into his set McCartney, who had taken to the piano by then, announced that Friday marked the 11 year anniversary of the passing of his wife, Linda.

McCartney said he had no hesitations about being on stage after he thought about his wife's love of the desert, music, rock and roll. Instead he dedicated "My Love," in her memory and to all those that were with their loved ones.

He also dedicated a song to John Lennon.

The former Beatle took to the stage a little past 10:20 p.m., even though he was schedule to start at 10 p.m. It didn't seem like anyone in the audience seemed to mind, since the DJ was playing some of his hits already. (I have to agree with Wes that was a little too much. I mean we were going to hear McCartney live for more than an hour, so why would we want to hear recordings.)

But once he did, McCartney was energized and ready to perform.

"We've come from many miles away to rock your roof tonight," McCartney told the thousands in attendance.

From the classics such as "Drive My Car," and "Eleanor Rigby,"  McCartney switched things up by also playing songs such as "Highway"  from his latest released album, Fireman.

While a lot of his songs were upbeat, he stripped his show down for a couple of acoustic songs; one of those was "Blackbird."

This song, he told everyone, was written in the 60s during the civil rights movement. Blackbird was symbolic of that time, he said.  

Since then so many things have been realized, "and now you've got President Obama," McCartney said.

After each of his songs, McCartney did not hesitate to bow to the crowd, raise his guitar in their direction or thank them.

"Something tells me were going to have a bit of fun tonight," he said.

And throughout his more than two-hour set, it seems like it was McCartney who was the one having fun with the crowd. He had them repeating notes as well as talking to fans near the stage.

At one point, he admitted that it can be tough performing because he gets distracted by the signs fans hold up.

"Then you start reading the signs," he said.

The signs ranged from "I saw you in Chicago," to "Hey can I have your guitar pick?"

That prompted McCartney to say "no it's mine."

As I walked away from the Coachella stage, I have to admit, I did have fun.

Visit www.dailybulletin.com for McCartney photos and other performers at Coachella.