The last thing I would describe myself as is a "muso", but there are some people in the world who have a special ability to draw you in when you see or hear them.
You wonder what makes them tick. Sir Edmund Hillary, Princess Diana and Nelson Mandela are just a few such people I can think of.
My reasons for wanting to see Sir Paul McCartney in action were not purely a love of The Beatles or because of his extraordinary ability to compose and perform music; but to watch and listen to a man and his legacy; a man who grew up with and knew some of the great talents of the 20th century — Mick Jagger, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and so on.
Going to see Sir Paul live in concert was my Christmas present to Sue, who was a real Beatles' fan in the day.
Even though he is in his mid-seventies, he got up and gave the most extraordinary three-hour non-stop performance. And throughout he entertained us with amazing stories and played almost every Beatles hit, plus many of his own more recent ones.
He is one iconic performer and an extraordinary talent. I wouldn't have missed it for the world – even though he doesn't like meat eaters!
The reason for me raising our concert experience just a few days out from Christmas is we don't often get the opportunity in New Zealand to see icons in action, and like other opportunities in life, when one comes along I'm a big believer in taking the chance if at all possible.
Christmas is a time for family, fun and enjoying summer and the great outdoors. It is also a time of year that puts a great deal of pressure on many of our families and with this in mind we all need to keep an eye out for our neighbours. The early summer drought has certainly put pressure on many farmers and associated agribusiness workers and contractors. The pressure caused by the extraordinary commercialisation of Christmas can be detrimental too. We seem to have moved away from traditional celebrations that involved getting together with family and friends - and giving a little.
