The Stage is Set for Paul McCartney
The Halifax Commons was originally set up in 1759 by its British masters to allow safe forage for the livestock of the common folk who did to own land. Well, 250 years later another British master has set up shop on the Halifax Commons for the common good of the people and he is as lofty a personage ( and more!) than anyone who has ever set for in the town except for members of the Royal family.
Paul McCartney (Sir Paul now) was rumored to be doing a sound check late yesterday in preparation for today’s huge event which is expected to top 50,000 loyal fans. However in a “life imitates art” situation the staff at the Lord Nelson Hotel (where Sir Paul is staying) gave out false information and the former Beatle was able to get past the hundreds of loyal fans. This happened in New York in 1964 and probably in dozens of other venues during “Beatlemania.”
Back in the Commons the concert staff have spent the past two weeks in preparation for today’s show working long, 14- hour days during the times of very thick fog and rain to convert the Halifax Common in to a venue suitable for a huge show.
The 30-metre-high stage will support over 60 tons of sound and light equipment for the rock concert plus there will be a fireworks display.
And in good fun Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly part in a re-creation of the Abbey Road album cover playing the Paul McCartney role. Even new premier Darrell Dexter joined the fun as “Ringo.”
Sir Paul even hand-picked Halifax singer-songwriter Joel Plaskett and rockers Wintersleep for the opening spots which is a career-changer for these great bands.
And to top it off the site will also be used again on July 18, when Kiss (including Gene Simmons) hits the stage, as part of the group’s Canadian tour.
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