James McCartney at the 02 Academy in Liverpool

Paul McCartney's son James has begun his first UK headline tour with an opening gig at Liverpool's O2 Academy last week. BBFC's Donna Jackson was there and brings us this report

I went to see James McCartney at the 02 Academy in Liverpool last night, and I thought he was great!

I have to confess that I didn't really know what to expect, and I think I was purposely trying not to expect too much because of who his dad is—but I really, really enjoyed the show. He was on stage for about 45 minutes and he played a mixture of songs. They ranged from some real rockers to gentle ballads, and I thought all of them were good. James accompanied himself on the guitar (four different guitars if I was counting properly!), the piano and, for one song, the mandolin—and I thought he was terrific with all of the instruments. I really do think that he's a talented musician!

[James]
Photo by Donna Jackson

He seemed a bit shy and nervous, but I'm not really surprised. The pressure on him must have been enormous! It was nice to see him have a laugh with the band a couple of times during the set, and he's got a really lovely smile.

[James]
Photo by Donna Jackson

He didn't say much between each song; he just announed the name of the next song and then started playing it. The only real exceptions to this was the first song, which he dedicated to all his Liverpool family, some of whom were backstage, including (according to the Liverpool Echo) Mike McCartney. He also dedicated My Friend to George Harrison and mentioned that it was George's birthday.

James McCartney pays tribute to George Harrison by singing My Friend at the 02 Academy, Liverpool, on the opening night of his UK tour.
Recorded by Donna Jackson

That song brought a lump to my throat, as did one of the others. Towards the end of the set, James swapped his guitar for a mandolin and then announced that his next song was I Love You Dad—the lyrics of which include the lines, "I love you dad, and I always will, more than you'll ever know." Awwwwww!!!!

James McCartney sings I Love You Dad at the 02 Academy, Liverpool, on the opening night of his UK tour.
Recorded by Donna Jackson

I really enjoyed the show last night, and not just because of James' family connections. I'd definitely go and see him in concert again!

[James's setlist]
Signed set list from opening night of James McCartney's tour, 25th February 2010 at the 02 Academy in Liverpool
Thanks to Stephen from The Beatles Shop for use of this image - www.thebeatleshop.co.uk

[James with Gibson]
Photo by Donna Jackson

[Ticket]
Donna's ticket!

—Donna Jackson

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