Meeting a Beatle

Over this past weekend, I came across some information and an opportunity to meet Paul McCartney. Of course I took it up. Even though it required the absurdity of doing a little urban camping on the streets of midtown Manhattan, I figured it was worth it to meet the man who I believe to be among the most successful and impacting musicians of the past century. Not only is he one of the last two living Beatle members, but the man has earned his way to the top in his own right as well. He's currently 64, and chances of meeting him or seeing him live are diminshing by the day.

Sean and I ended up camping on the sidewalks for 20 hours in Times Square; in the rain; overnight. We got there early thinking we'd be among the first 30 or 40 people in line, but came to find we were around the 114th and 115th people. It was all worth it in the morning when we got our wristbands and our specially designated autograph-able CDs and DVD. The line was grueling at this point, fifty year old women were applying make up like crazy, knowing that almost 45 years of waiting to meet their "crush" was finally minutes away. Some people were crying; before the man even set foot in the room. Reporters began interviewing people all over the room... I even got about 5 minutes with Reuter's, where I explained why a 20 something like myself would admire a senior citizen like Paul. The woman also asked me about his recent divorce case and Heather Mills' insane claims against Paul... I responded naturally and rationally, exemplifying the fact that she has no credibility and is a one-legged bitch, whereas Paul has been in the public eye for most of his life, and has never shown signs of any kind of aggression. Sorry Heather, nobody is on your side.

After all that, he fiiinally came down the escalader of the bottom floor at Virgin Records Megastore casually and cool as anything, despite the hundreds of reporters, photographers, and fans questioning and screaming. I suppose one gets used to that after enduring Beatlemania and the 40 year aftermath, huh?

So the line gets moving, and as I'm about 3 people away, I'm among Paul's personal security gaurds and friends, where I engaged in some mild flirting, which I'm assuming their recognition and excitement in that is what granted me a slightly extended time frame to talk to the man. I was excited as hell, but not a bit nervous; which I thought I would be. I walked up, leaned over onto his table and slickly exchanged "hellos" before we got into a very heartfelt conversation about his late wife Linda. When I spoke to him, he was extreeeemly responsive, impressively kind, and very very genuine. It's one of those things you can tell in a person's eyes, and he had that; I dunno if it's Paul's nature, or perhaps the intensity of the subject we were speaking of, but the words we exchanged were very inspirational and personal. I felt very privileged to have spent enough time to actually speak with him about everything I wanted to--which included the unavoidable, "Oh, and my mom says hi!" in order to honor Jan Bell's four decade infatuation. He got all excited and told me to tell her hello! I thanked him in a couple ways, shook his hand, exchanged the most wonderful smiles ever, and parted ways.

Did I mention we held hands as we talked? That's right, the man who sang the earth shattering "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"--held my hand. Haha suckkkkaaaas!!

My meeting with Paul was a success. In fact, it was even more than I hoped. More personal, more genuine, and more in depth than I ever thought I'd get the opportunity. When it comes down to it, all I ever wanted to do was remind him that the world hasn't forgotten about the lovely Linda, and to thank the guy for sharing his talents and generosity with the world; and I did just that.

Comments

[Sean]

Well your conversation was much more of a success then mine. I'm real smooth. I get to meet a fuckin Beatle and I freeze up.

"exemplifying the fact that she has no credibility and is a one-legged bitch" - haha this is definitely my favorite line!

I still can't believe everything thats happened this past week. What an incredible two days. I'm so glad I know somebody crazy enough to stay and sleep outside in the cold rain for 20 hours. HA and for a "senior citizen"! Christ that makes him sound old.

[Sean]

A day of glory.