Exploring the Art of Full Album Performances: A Look at Paul McCartney's Concert Setlist Dilemma
When attending a live concert, fans typically expect to hear a mix of the artist's popular songs, deep cuts, and maybe some new tracks. The variety in the setlist is what makes live shows special, as it reminds fans of why they love the artist's music. However, if a band decides to focus solely on self-indulgent choices or untested tracks, it can dampen the concert experience for the audience.
While the general rule for bands is to "shut up and play the hits," there is an exception when an artist chooses to perform a classic album in its entirety. This approach can be exciting for fans who have a strong connection to the album or consider it a classic. Artists like Paul McCartney have contemplated the idea of performing full album sets but have concerns about potentially boring the audience or having to exclude too many hits from the setlist.
In a 2009 interview, Paul McCartney discussed the possibility of performing albums like Wings' "Band on the Run" or his solo release "Memory Almost Full" in their entirety. While he found the idea intriguing, he ultimately decided against it, considering the balance between fan favorites and lesser-known albums. The concept of performing a full album live presents a unique challenge of choosing the right album to showcase in its entirety.
While the idea of a full album performance may not be on the immediate horizon for Paul McCartney, the allure of hearing classic albums like "Band on the Run" played live remains enticing for fans. The decision to prioritize hits over deep cuts or full album performances ultimately depends on the artist's vision for the concert experience and the audience's expectations.