When Paul McCartney does a special warm-up show today in Somerset, England for his appearance at Saturday’s Glastonbury festival, it will be Sir Paul’s 500th performance with his solo band – consisting of keyboardist Paul “Wix” Wickens, drummer Abe Laboriel Junior, guitarist and bassist Brian Ray, and guitarist Rusty Anderson.
Sir Paul talked about his touring band:
"When we all got together and started rehearsing it felt really good, and there's nothing like that. You know, when you actually just feel like you got a really strong band behind you. You then feel like you don't have to worry about what they're doing. And also, you get turned on by what they're doing. You know, that's the secret of a really good band. You don't worry, you just listen to them, so you enjoy being there."
McCartney compared his current band to his Wings lineup:
"There were people who said, you know, it was the best band I've had since The Beatles. I mean myself, I love to hear that, but any band I work with, I wouldn't necessarily agree with it 'cause I don't analyze the bands and say, 'This one was better, this one...' I think they're all different. But the great thing is obviously if people are saying that this band is playing the stuff as good as The Beatles. Like I say, you know, I don't really agree 'cause I think The Beatles was completely different unit, as was Wings."
As far as Friday’s show at the Cheese & Grain, McCartney said he won't be doing his normal set, "so expect an afternoon full of wonderful surprises."
Saturday's show was originally scheduled for 2020 but canceled due to the pandemic. It will be McCartney's first Glastonbury appearance since 2004. He’ll be the oldest person ever to headline the annual festival.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]