I guess I was about two when the Beatles arrived, but I really enjoyed watching the video link to this. Music does provide a release for the stress of daily life I totally agree, no matter what generation. Keep that optimistic feeling going Z. I always see the glass as half full, but it is hard to keep that feeling sometimes these days. Sounds like you are helping a lot of readers find a lot of joy. Also, sounds like you get about as much sleep as I do, sometimes I only get four hours and then I have to start my day, but only one more night of work to go.

What I found interesting about the performance was the New York crowds who were in attendance. As the camera panned the crowd, you saw all ages enjoying the music. It was a testament to Paul and his talent that his music crossed several generations as did his former collaborator, MJ. Maybe the connection wasn't lost on the crowd and it was their way of saying thanks and we want to appreciate you now and not have any regrets.

It was a good show that brought back memories of better days. Letterman's questions could have been better though, but the concert on the marquee was fabulous and went on for 22 minutes after the show. The rest of the un-aired show can be found on cbs.com - I don't know for how long though. It may also be on youtube.

Hi, Yes, there is a link to the 22 minute mini-concert at the end of my Wednesday night review. I kind of agree with the interview issues, but the music more than made up for it. And I think it was a fairly sage insight by Letterman abaout the early Beatles as four guys on spring break. Thanks. Z

The interview was 'old news' Macca certainly did his best to make the info he gave as being 'fresh'. What DL did'nt touch on was what a living hell it must have been at times. Make the most of his time in the US guys-this is his last tour. Period. He will tour Europe next year then that is it.Except for Classical stuff and weird studio electronic stuff with other producers.

Mr. Zurawik. You are a critic. A critic for a very substantial newspaper, The Baltimore Sun. Regarding your review concerning David Letterman’s interview with Paul McCartney, it seems like you kind of dismissed the rules of a critique and delivered a VERY one-sided, stars-in your-eyes review. Your review was one-sided, in that it only focused on Paul McCartney. And yes, you’re right – Sir Paul was great. In fact, HE CARRIED THE WHOLE INTERVIEW. He saved the day. David Letterman, on the other hand, blew the interview of a lifetime, big time.
This was one of the most AWKWARD interviews I’ve ever witnessed, particularly considering Dave is a long-time, professional talk show host. When interviewing Paul, Letterman was like a star-struck sixteen year old, struck dumb by the man sitting before him. David Letterman landed the interview of the year, Sir Paul McCartney, and botched it. Kudos, however, for the idea of playing up on the Marquee.

Paul McCartney is a HUGE topic of interest to many, many people. (My own 78 year old mother stayed up for this interview.) And THAT’S what Dave came up with?!? Did anyone notice that several remarks Sir Paul made flew right over Letterman’s head? For instance, Letterman asked Paul if he had ever played up on a Marquee before. Paul’s reply was no, but he’d played on a rooftop one time . . . . The most FAMOUS rooftop concert ever! Of all time! History! Get Back! Dave didn’t even acknowledge the comment, much less grasp the incredible wit and mischievousness Paul was conveying. Dave didn’t pick up on it, didn’t get it, ignored it. And there’s Paul, sitting there with a glint in his eye, waiting for Dave’s sparkle of recognition, waiting for the pick-up. And instead, nothing. Splat. There were a few of those “total misses”, on Dave’s part. Right. Over. His. Head.

Letterman’s questions were feeble, and vague and not terribly pertinent. For example, McCartney is going on tour in the US. Letterman asked him NOTHING about that. No tour dates, no locations, no interest at all. Hell, this obvious question would have helped to fill in some of the awkward pauses.

Overall, I consider Letterman the most cerebral of all the late night talk show hosts. He’s intelligent and can ask insightful and intelligent questions, if he’s interested in the topic. You can’t tell me David Letterman doesn’t look back on this interview and bang his head on the table time and time again, repeatedly asking himself, “How could I have been so unprepared? How could I have been so inept? How could I have been so dense?” And if he’s not asking himself those questions, he should. Any self-respecting TALK SHOW HOST would.

I wanted to enjoy this interview. I wanted to savor the experience. I had my VCR all ready to tape. I expected an interesting and fun and intelligent conversation. I imagine Paul did, too. We were both disappointed.

Mr. Zurawik, I implore you, look at the interview again from a critic’s point of view. There were two people in that interview, one of whom did a great job, and you acknowledged as much. However, given the subject matter and the wealth of material that could have been addressed, the interviewer was awful; his work was substandard. It was deplorable and it was an insult to Paul McCartney and the viewers. Regarding the “wretched summer” you mention in your review, I pine for what could have been . . . .