Global Pulse: Concert For Linda

Sir Paul McCartney performed two songs as the climax of Saturday's "Here, There And Everywhere -- A Concert For Linda" at London's Royal Albert Hall, marking the first anniversary of the death of his wife. McCartney played Ricky Nelson's "Lonesome Town" -- explaining to the sellout crowd of 5,000 that he and Linda had both enjoyed the song as teenagers, many years before they met -- and "All My Loving," before leading the all-star bill in a version of "Let It Be." Earlier highlights of the show included the Pretenders and Johnny Marr's performance of the Smiths' "Meat Is Murder," Neil Finn's "Don't Dream It's Over," Tom Jones' version of the Beatles' "She's A Woman," and Marianne Faithfull performing "As Tears Go By" accompanied by Marr. Elvis Costello sang "That Day Is Done," one of his co-compositions with Sir Paul, and George Michael's set included "Eleanor Rigby" and "The Long And Winding Road." Other performers were Lynden David Hall, Des'ree, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sinead O'Connor, M People's Heather Small, and the Duke Quartet.

Half of the proceeds from the event will go to the Animaline charity, with the remainder to be donated by Animaline to Linda's other favorite charities. Meanwhile, an exhibition of Linda's photographs, titled "Into The Light," is being held at the Royal Photographic Society in Bath, in the west of England, until June 6.

From Anon:

George sang three songs. He said that the first two would be fairly quiet -- but that then we'd all "party"! Accompanied by just strings, and celebrity backing vocalists, he sang the beautiful "Eleanor Rigby", and then maintained the reflective mood by singing "The Long And Winding Road". Then George thanked the fans who had come to London especially for this show, and spoke movingly of Linda, and how she and his late mother had "lost the same fight, the same battle" against cancer.

George's third song was, as promised, upbeat! As a bank of guitarists (including Johnny Marr, Hugh Burns and Phil Palmer) came on stage, George sang one of his own classics -- "Faith"!! The audience was on its feet, singing and dancing!! It was the perfect note on which to end the main programme, and the stage was then given over to the most important person in the RAH -- Sir Paul McCartney!

From Kristopher Andros:

In regards to this weekend's Linda McCartney tribute show, George Michael sent his fans the following letter; a live report from the rehearsals:

"...It's Thursday afternoon here in London, and I've just got back from rehearsals for the show on Saturday at the Albert Hall. Today Johnny Marr was in so we chatted for a bit, then we did some singing and left because there were other artists that have yet to routine with Chrissie Hyndes band. I won't tell you what I am going to sing but I can tell you I'm doing three numbers, one of which is mine, the other two are Paul McCartney's. I'm really looking forward to it actually."

Matt Sharp (former Weezer bassist) talked about living and working in Spain while writing songs for the new Rentals album. He mentioned in a short interview done in the most reecent SPIN (the one with Futurama on the cover) about going to clubs and all the people were dancing and singing along to "Hang the DJ".

There's a tiny Moz reference in Magic Knight Rayearth, a Sega Saturn videogame by Working Designs.  If you or anyone has the game, it's in Umi's diary entry #11.

...Ok, some background, first of all. Working Designs is an independent company that specializes in the translation and domestication of oft overlooked Japanese role playing games. Thus, they are given a creative license to translate in their own humorous style.

Magic Knight Rayearth is one such RPG that came out in late 1998 for the deceased Sega Saturn videogame console. Through the course of this game, the three heroines recount their adventure in diary entries. After meeting a particularly angsty fellow, Umi writes, "I mean, we all have baggage, but this guy is an emotional wasteland. He makes Morrissey seem cheerful!"

It may be tiny, but it sure did brighten my day.

I'm sure I am not the only one who went to see this movie this weekend seeing as though Drew Barrymore is absolutely fabulous; but towards the end of the film, during the prom scene, they played "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want". the movie was wonderful and hearing that song made it all the better! just a little note to all who are not quite sure if they should see the movie... a definite yes!:)

Never Been Kissed has a prom scene in which 'Please, Please, Please...' is played in the background of a slow dance scene. It plays twice!

The WWF website article that mentions Shane McMahon [son of the owner of WWF] retired his European belt starts off and ends with lines from the Smiths' song "Panic":

There's panic on the streets of London, panic on the streets of Birmingham... and I wonder to myself:

Why did Shane McMahon retire the European Title?

Could life ever be sane again?

The Polecats play a gig in Germany on May 1st.

Venue:
Irrlicht
Buenderstr. 364
Spenge
(near Bielefeld)

...The Martyrs of Modern Progress will be playing in Grand Rapids, MI, Wednesday April the 14th. The Martyrs are a mostly original band who often cover a Morrissey/Smiths song or two.

...They will be playing at the Half Moon 2 in Grand Rapids, which is located at the corner of Grant and Division. The Martyrs are opening, and the show starts at 9pm.