From Booklist
Photojournalist Gracen is a McCartney maven by avocation. In this neat rock bio, her photos take center stage, and the text describes the vicissitudes of various McCartney and Wings tours. The occasional rock road show revelation is definitely included. For instance, Gracen recounts the 12-minute film used to open concerts on the 1993 world tour. "This film showcased a musical history of the rock star with some never-before-seen footage of the Beatles, . . . home movies of the McCartney family, and some graphic scenes of vivisection, animal mutilation and torture." The latter were parts of "McCartney's ongoing campaign against animal cruelty." Yow! All that and silly love songs, too. Does the mop-top knight know how to put on a show, or what? Politics and gory visuals at rock concerts--shades of Marilyn Manson!--aside, this is a feel-good book for boomers. Uncritical and packed with pix and exasperatingly upbeat anecdotes, it is a must-have item for Beatlemaniacs.
Mike TribbyCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Book Description
Paul McCartney: I Saw Him Standing There presents an insider's glimpse into the private persona of one of the world's greatest musician-singer-songwriters or our time. It has sure-fire, multigenerational appeal for the legions of fans who have followed the star's career for decades. All of the pictures in the book are the work of one professional photographer who has had unique access to McCartney from 1976 to the present. Her exclusive photos, taken during tours, record signings, private parties, press conferences, award ceremonies, backstage moments, and numerous personal encounters, show the many faces of McCartney-the musician, devoted husband, proud father, environmentalist, and animal rights activist. Revealing statements by the artist himself, lively accounts by many of his fans, and commentary by the author complete this remarkable chronicle of an internationally beloved entertainer.
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