Sir Paul McCartney

This morning in my school's daily paper, there was an editorial by the student director regarding commercials, most notably during the Super Bowl. Normally I wouldn't have paid much attention, but I caught McCartney's name in the second paragraph, and that's what set me off.

This student referred to the half-time show as "a sing-along for the elderly in the form of Paul McCartney's performance." As one who has followed Sir Paul's career since watching him on The Ed Sullivan show, I took great issue with the implication that he, and his followers, are over the hill. What follows is my reply. We'll see if they publish it.

Apparently [name withheld](“The real offenses go unnoticed on TV” 2/9/05 editorial) was unimpressed with the Super Bowl Halftime show. I reference her snub of Paul McCartney’s performance as being a sing-along for the elderly (although the typo said eldery) and part of a mundane show. I realize the point of her article was to criticize the commercials, but I can’t let this comment go without giving my opinion.

I didn’t remember any elderly people on the field. I saw mostly teens and 20-somethings enjoying the show, singing, jumping, waving their arms. Although I consider elderly as 70-75 and over, I enjoyed it immensely myself, so I suppose I’m in that elderly group at 45.

Maybe when she grows up, and has enough life experience to be qualified to judge true talent, she’ll understand that the halftime performance last Sunday was more appreciated and enjoyed, by more people around the country and the world, than any current genre pop performer ever could have been. It’s common practice to make fun and ridicule that which you don’t understand. Sara, come to me in 40 years with any current pop-tart or teen idol who is around, if there are any, and let’s see if they can command the respect and adoration that Sir Paul McCartney still commands today. Your generation has been brought up to believe that a good show involves flashy costumes and pyrotechnics. With music so loud you can’t hear the singer (often a good thing). My generation had the loud music, and the older folks didn’t understand, but the performers who have lasted, and who can still sell out giant stadiums, are the ones who could sing. The legends. Like Paul McCartney.

And here’s a news flash for you – the world really doesn’t revolve around people your age.


2/9/05 Update - The paper did publish this today. Good for them. Excellent taste.