My first gig: Marty Greentree

Marty Greentree, lead singer for Tahuna Breaks. Photo / Supplied

Marty Greentree, lead singer for Tahuna Breaks recalls his first big gig, Paul McCartney, Western Springs Stadium, 1993.

The first gig I remember going to was Paul McCartney. It was early 1993 at Western Springs Stadium as part of The New World Tour.

I was in the fifth form, had a little jam band with my mates and was really into the Beatles, particularly the really early stuff when they wore the suits and cuban heels. People go on about their later albums like Sgt Pepper's for good reason, but the song I wanted to hear most was I Saw Her Standing There. That was my favourite, and probably one of the simplest and least sophisticated songs they wrote.

I went with my mum and her good friend, Morehu, who, out of the blue, bought me the ticket as a gift. I would have been wearing some baggy oversized jeans, either mustard or burgundy coloured, had half a pot of gel in my hair, and proudly sported some average growth on my top lip.

Now what do I remember about being there? I remember sitting on the embankment eating hot chips and a hot-dog and taking it all in from a safe distance. As you would expect it was definitely an older crowd. Then there was the production, lights, fireworks and a big screen.

It was the first time I'd experienced a big show and I remember being blown away at the co-ordination of all parts and the interaction between lights and music. I was intrigued by the production crew and techs I could see scurrying around in the background dressed in black. I think it was then that it I realised that a band or a concert is bigger than the pretty people you see on stage.

Of the music, Live and Let Die was particularly impressive with all the production toys being used to full effect. Other than Band on the Run, I didn't find any of the other Wings songs very memorable. The Beatles songs did not disappoint though, and Paul hit the mark with I Saw Her Standing There, the obvious highlight for me. The band was amazing; particularly the keyboard player who seemed to be a jack of all trades and multi-tasking up a storm.

Linda McCartney was there too tucked away on a riser towards the back of the stage with some kind of keyboard and percussion set-up I think, but I couldn't really figure out what she was doing.

All in all, at the time, it was the best day of my life!

Marty Greentree is the lead singer for Tahuna Breaks, who celebrate their 10-year anniversary this week, with the release of a live album tomorrow, and sets at Womad this weekend at the Phoenix Festival in Auckland on March 21, and at the Whangarei Fritter Festival on March 28.

- TimeOut