Paul McCartney

You know that a gig is a pretty big deal when in the build-up you find yourself celeb-spotting at a quite remarkable rate. "Look, there's Joe Elliot," you find yourself going, "and - oh! - there's Woody Harrelson!" It's probably fair to say that when the headliner is one Paul McCartney - a man whose influence on popular culture has been as big as anyone's - the fuss is justified.
Striding onstage at 8.45, Macca - whose tan is suggestive of a man who spends a fair amount of his year in an agreeably warm climate - proceeds to deliver a two-and-a-half hour set that takes in all stages of his career, and also testifies to a performer whose genius for melody and songcraft is truly something to behold. With a simple, five-piece band set-up, McCartney puts the songs front and centre (although there are some cool visuals on the big screen at the back of the stage), and quickly reels off a succession of irresistible rockers, including 'Jet', 'Got To Get You Into My Life' and 'Let Me Roll It' (followed by a brief, electrifying take on Jimi's 'Foxy Lady'), before slowing the pace with a wonderful 'The Long And Winding Road'.
In between songs, we're treated to the full mega-wattage charm of the Macca persona - the amiable banter, the trademark two thumbs-up gestures, the pointing at members of the crowd (much, it has to be said, in the manner of a politician at an election rally), and even the odd quip (pointing at a young boy holding up a banner - McCartney and The Beatles' universal appeal truly does attract fans aged eight to 80 - he jokes, "It says, 'I'm gonna bang this chick after the gig,'").
Being ultra-critical, there is a bit of a slump mid-gig, but the situation is swiftly rectified with renditions of 'Eleanor Rigby' and 'Band On The Run'. From there until the end, it's all highlights - the barnstorming 'Paperback Writer', the epic 'Live And Let Die' (complete with pyrotechnic explosions), the haunting 'A Day In The Life' (which segues into a rousing 'Give Peace A Chance') and the singalong friendly 'Hey Jude'.
After a cracking encore (comprised of 'Day Tripper', 'Lady Madonna' and 'Get Back'), it seems as if it's all over, but McCartney gets us all rushing back to our seats when he reappears with an acoustic guitar, and promptly delivers a tender solo take on 'Yesterday'. After a wailing 'Helter Skelter' and a superb 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)', it really is time for home.
So, that's Paul McCartney in 2010 - you could say he's got one or two good tunes.