The sound quality isn’t great, but … I think I just came. Happy weekend!
1. This is my favorite Beatles song. Yes, it’s hard to choose, but this one is the clear winner for me. I made my choice at age 8 and I’m sticking to it.
2. WATCH DAVE GROHL. I’ve rambled on about my love of Dave Grohl before (and I compared him to Paul McCartney there!)- and my God, reality check: that post was written 10 years ago. For real? Everything I said there still stands. And it stands even more strongly when I watch him during this live clip with McCartney. I can’t take it. First of all, the opening: Dave Grohl crouched beside McCartney, grinning and cackling with excitement like a little kid. Omg, I’m about to play this song with McCartney. Oh. My. Fucking. God.
3. Once the song starts, keep watching Grohl. Why am I laughing so hard? He’s so into it! He’s US, in other words, and yet he’s also onstage. I remember a funny comment about first baseman Kevin Millar during the world-changing year of 2004: “He is the closest thing we’ll get to having a Red Sox fan ON the team.” I am laughing out loud. And Dave Grohl is brilliant, and a superstar, but in this moment, he’s a fan. And he can’t contain himself. His vibe is almost like he’s doing air-guitar by himself, alone in his bedroom. And that’s his thing, that’s how free he is onstage.
4. Listen to that audience sing along. It’s a Coliseum ROAR.
5. So around 1:10 or so, Grohl comes back into the microphone. He does some harmony lines, but mainly he’s just standing there, playing, and staring right at McCartney, with a white-hot focus of “YOU DA MAN.” It’s insane.
6. And then watch Grohl at around 1:24 on. I mean, that’s how we all feel, right? That’s what we would do. That’s what the song makes people feel like. From the moment it was released to now, to for always. That’s what you need to do. The music calls you to it.
7. Paul McCartney stepping back to give the stage to Grohl for his guitar solo. Look at the smiles on everyone’s faces. And please watch Grohl at around 1:57-1:60. I love this man.
I don’t need art to be joyful. I like all kinds of art. Mournful art, cynical art, satirical art. But the ability to express joy like this – all of the guys onstage actually are in that zone, watch their energy, their smiles, their support of one another, their freedom – is precious.
//He’s US// Yes!! That smile at the beginning when he walks up and looks at McCartney’s face, so much love and respect pouring out, such an adoring fan. God, I love everything about Dave Grohl and his music. Still get chills no matter how many times I listen to “I Am A River”.
Nice way to start the weekend.
Paula – yes! I love him so much too. I love what he has made of his career post-Nirvana. He really had to make that choice and it all just turned out beautifully. He wears his fame well. He does all kinds of different projects, working with tons of people. (I loved his cameo in the last Muppet Movie. Hilarious!) And sitting in with Tenacious D and stuff like that.
I mean this clip! He can barely contain himself!! He doesn’t contain himself at all!
I LOVE this! Thank you for sharing!
Did you see that wonderful special on TV last year for the anniversary of the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show? Dave Grohl is both a guest and an audience member, and he’s losing his mind for most of the evening. And he’s there with his little boy, obviously extremely happy that he’s at this event that celebrates his favorite band of all time. It’s awesome.
And… so happy to hear things are going well at the Times. Very exciting!
xoxo
// and he’s losing his mind for most of the evening. //
hahahahahaha
I just love how free he is with his JOY. He doesn’t hold it back. I actually didn’t see that special – and now I really must.
Miss you, friend!!