Sean Henri

Good Evening New York City

December 06, 2009 // 0 Comments  // Add yours »

I recently found out my friend Mindy and I made the credits on Paul McCartney's "Good Evening NYC" DVD! We're listed as "Flip Cam Operators".  This isn't an accomplishment of skill by any means, but it was pretty exciting to show up at a concert, get a front row seat, have our footage mixed in with the DVD and then get included in the credits!

It's a great DVD by the way. If you haven't picked it up, you can get it here.

Posted in:  Music, Paul McCartney, The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (0)

Paul McCartney at Citi Field

July 18, 2009 // 1 Comments  // Add yours »

Paul McCartney.. Billy Joel.. an all-access pass and a front row seat. It all started when I saw this message from @Stereogum:

"Paul McCartney starts his three nights at Citi Field this evening. He’s making a film and he needs some help from all of you young filmmakers out there. We are looking for thirty people to shoot each show, July 17, 18 & 21, on Flip cameras. We have the cameras, all we need is the talent!"

I replied, and then while driving towards New York I received an email letting me know I had been selected to participate.  My friend Mindy and I showed up at the 1st Base VIP entrance where we picked up our "Working Personel" passes and a custom Paul McCartney Flip Cam, and then set off to roam the stadium at our pleasure.

I found myself nice spot in the front row, a few feet in front of Pierce Brosnan and nearby Nancy Shevell.  

Here's a video (shot with my iPhone) of Paul singing "A Day in the Life" and "Give Peace a Chance". 

Read on for the set list and a few photos:

Continue reading "Paul McCartney at Citi Field"

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, Billy Joel, Concerts, NYC, Paul McCartney, The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (1)

Paul and Ringo at Radio City Music Hall

April 07, 2009 // 2 Comments  // Add yours »

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending the "Change Begins Within" benefit concert with headliners Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr at Radio City Hall in NYC.  The show featured performances by Eddie Vedder, Sheryl Crow, Donovan, Paul Horn, Moby, Ben Harper and others.  There were even some unannounced people on stage such as Mike Love (who became teary eyed while reflecting about their famous 1968 trip to India), Jerry Seinfeld, and Howard Stern.

There were some really cool performances during the opening acts, such as Eddie Vedder's experimental performance of "Arc", as well as his collaboration with Ben Harper for a cover of the Queen/David Bowie song "Under Pressure".  But for me, the key moment of night was when Paul McCartney introduced Ringo as the one and only "Billy Sheers" for a side by side performance of "With A Little Help From My Friends".  McCartney performed one of his typical sets, although it was a bit short.  The only unusual song was "Cosmically Conscious", a song he wrote while in India during 1968. 

The setlist:

• Drive My Car
• Jet
• Got to Get You Into My Life
• Let It Be
• Lady Madonna
• Blackbird
  
• Here Today
  
• Band on the Run
  
• Can't Buy Me Love
• With a Little Help From My Friends (with Ringo at mic with Paul)
  Encore
• Cosmically Conscious(with Ringo on drums)
  
• I Saw Her Standing There (with Ringo on drums and Eddie Vedder, Ben Harper, Donovan, Moby, Sheryl Crow and Bettye LaVette and other artists singing backing vocals)

Afterwards, my friends and I headed out to a pub to finish out the night with a few drinks.  Matt's uncle joined us and offered let us crash at his apartment near Central Park for the night.  This led to another eventful day, but I'll post about that tomorrow.

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, NYC, Paul McCartney, The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (2)

Paul McCartney Joins Billy Joel at Shea

July 19, 2008 // 1 Comments  // Add yours »

(Source: NYT; Photo:Kevin Mazur) 

So last night, while I was home relaxing.. Paul McCartney joined Billy Joel on stage for the "Last Play at Shea" - the final concert at Shea Stadium before it is to be torn down.  It was two of my favorite singers/songwriters side by side, and I missed it.  I found out about the surprise performance a few hours prior to the show, but it was too late.  Needless to say, I regret not buying tickets in advance.  But I have an idea for next weekend that could make up for it.

McCartney wasn't the only one to join Joel on stage.  Roger Daltrey of the Who, Steven Tyler, and Garth Brooks came on to play a few songs as well.  Videos are floating around on YouTube.

On another note: I went to see  a Brian Wilson concert in Torrington this past Wednesday.  It felt like more of a tribute to Wilson than it did a performance.  His band did the bulk of the singing and he hardly played an instrument, but they were playing HIS songs, and it was an honor to witness it.  If you aren't familiar with Brian Wilson's life and work ("God Only Knows", "Good Vibrations", "Wouldn't it Be Nice", etc.), you should read a bit about him.  He's the genius behind the music of The Beach Boys, and one of the greatest songwriters/producers in American pop-music history.

Posted in:  Billy Joel, Concerts, NYC, Paul McCartney, The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (1)

Paul McCartney Receives Honorary Degree From Yale

May 26, 2008 // 2 Comments  // Add yours »

This morning I caught Sir Paul McCartney in New Haven as he received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Yale University.  I had no idea he was going to be there until around 10am when my phone started ringing off the hook - courtesy of my twin brother Justin and a young lass named Brooke.   Once I had all the details I gave Jenn,  Mindy, Justin, and Brooke a call and we all raced downtown.  It was a short ceremony, and he didn't say anything.  They serenaded him with a quick rendition of Hey Jude,  gave him a bit of praise, and after a quick bow and a wave it was all over. 

I thought it was a great way to start of Memorial Day.  It's not every day one gets to see one of The Beatles receive a degree.  Here's some video:

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, New Haven, Paul McCartney, The Beatles, Videos | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (2)

The Beatles For Beginners

December 28, 2007 // 3 Comments  // Add yours »

Making a Beatles mix is really tough.  It's like making a greatest hits compilation for a band that only wrote hits... and did so for 7 years.  There's no automatic inclusions. For example, if I were to make someone a Billy Joel mix, I can guarantee I'd include "Piano Man".  It's not that easy with The Beatles because there's far too many great songs to chose from.  But this Christmas I gave it a shot, and came up with a list of songs I'd suggest listening to if you wanted to introduce yourself to their music.  Here's how it looks:

1. A Hard Day's Night
2. I'll Follow the Sun
3. Help!
4. Ticket to Ride
5. You've Got to Hide Your Love Away
6. Michelle
7. Eleanor Rigby
8. We Can Work It Out
9. Got to Get You Into My Life
10. Hello, Goodbye
11. Strawberry Fields Forever
12. Drive My Car
13. The Fool on the Hill
14. Lady Madonna
15. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
16. Blackbird
17. While My Guitar Gently Weeps
18. Helter Skelter
19. Across The Universe
20. Let It Be
21. Here Comes the Sun
22. In My Life
23. A Day in the Life
24. Hey Jude
25. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
26. All You Need Is Love

Keep in mind this is not a "greatest hits", but more of a "recommended listening" list.  I kept it somewhat chronological, and saved the best for last.  I think i came up with a nice representation of how their music evolved over the years. If anyone would like a copy, just send me an email with your address and I'll send you one.  I've got a bunch already made - each with it's own unique fun label.

Posted in:  The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (3)

Video from the NYC McCartney Show

October 27, 2007 // 3 Comments  // Add yours »

I came across some really good footage from the Paul McCartney show I attended this past June.  It's shot from right about where I was standing.  In fact, I think I can hear my friends voice on the video.  Anyway, enjoy.

Blackbird:

I'll Follow the Sun (Intro):

Posted in:  Concerts, NYC, Paul McCartney, The Beatles, Videos | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (3)

Paul McCartney's Ecce Cor Meum on DVD

October 23, 2007 // 0 Comments  // Add yours »

Footage from the world premier performance of Paul McCartney's "Ecce Cor Meum" comes out on DVD  this November 20th.  I don't tend to listen to much classical music but I found this to be quite good.  So good I went to go to see the US premier at Carnegie Hall last November. Of course there were a few other factors in my decision to go see it, one being that this guy was a part of the most important band that ever existed, and I must admit I'm a big fan.  But seriously, I think it's worth a good listen.  It's fantastic stuff.  So pick this sucker up.

Update: The release of Paul's Ecce Cor Meum DVD has been put back until early 2008. Dates are currently being rescheduled, but a February/March release is most likely.

On another totally unrelated yet somewhat similar note:   If you like good music I'd suggest listening to Silverchair's "Young Modern".  I was a bit skeptical about how much I'd like it after seeing the very bland / pop-like video for the song Straight Lines, but now that I've heard full album a few dozen times I think it's one of the best group of songs I've heard all year.  It's creative, melodic, and has some interesting orchestral arrangements composed with a little help from former Beach Boy collaborator Van Dyke Parks.

Personal favs:

• Those Thieving Birds (Part 1)/Strange Behaviour/Those Thieving Birds (Part 2)
• Insomnia
• If You Keep Losing Sleep
• Low

Thus concludes my statement of the night.

Posted in:  Concerts, Culture, Paul McCartney, Stuff, The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (0)

John Lennon's Birthday

October 10, 2007 // 0 Comments  // Add yours »

I'm a bit tired so I don't really wanna sit here and type much so I'm gonna be quick and vague here:

Last night I went into Manhattan with Jenndy (aka Jenn and Mindy), and we all partook in a little sing along with a few dozen other people in Central Park to celebrate what would have been John Lennon's 67th birthday.  We sung some songs, hung out with some hippies, saw a drunk man cry and proclaim a death wish on Mark David Chapman as he dramatically clenched his first and reached towards the sky, got soaked from the pouring rain, ate some pizza, had a few drinks in a bar where we bumped into Soprano's actor Steve Schirripa, then went on a little stroll back through Central Park, got a bit lost, and then finally made it home.

So that's how I spent my Tuesday night.  And I bet you five bucks my night beat yours. 

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, NYC, The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (0)

Paul McCartney's "Ever Present Past" Video

October 02, 2007 // 3 Comments  // Add yours »

The coolest 65 year-old I know.  Just came out today.  Great song, interesting video.

Posted in:  Paul McCartney, The Beatles, Videos | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (3)

Toasting freedom in Queens

September 16, 2007 // 1 Comments  // Add yours »

Here's my recap of the past 24 hours:  We go into the city for a movie, and stop for some vegetarian pizza on 2nd Ave.  We learn that Mindy would instantly throw up if Paul McCartney were to ever randomly walk in the same room as her. We're told that Michael Jackson is too old and that the girls should find somebody younger.  Across the Universe was fantastic.  The music is a bit watered down, and the story is a bit corny at times, but it was still very enjoyable.  It turns out that "Come Together" sounds great when it's sung by a crazy homeless person.

After the movie we stopped in at McSorley's, Manhattan's oldest pub, for a round of beers and a few toasts to freedom, Lincoln, and The Beatles. The place was packed and a little too rowdy to hold a convo, so we left and found a much more quiet atmosphere at the Thirsty Scholar. 

It was getting late and we had started to head back to Grand Central, but then Jenn presented us with the brilliant idea of crashing at her sisters apartment in Queens.  So we hopped on the subway, piled into the apartment, busted out the cards, sung some songs, had some intense conversations about music, learned how Jenn would properly utilize her favorite band, and I created some brilliant artwork. 

For me it felt like the last night of the summer.  And I'd say it was one of the best nights I've had so far this year. 

Now this guy really needs to make it onto a t-shirt:

Posted in:  A Day In The Life, NYC, Paul McCartney, The Beatles | Permalink |  Digg This | Share on Facebook | Comments (1)

Across the Universe

September 14, 2007 // 5 Comments  // Add yours »

A new movie-musical built around Beatles songs opens nationwide next week.  Across the Universe features characters like Jude, Lucy, Max, Sadie, Mister Kite, Prudence, JoJo, and Dr. Robert.  I've just seen a few clips as well as the trailer and it looks very promising.

I'll be heading into Manhattan tonight with a few fellow Beatles fans for an early showing!  I figure a movie based on some of the best songs ever written has to be at least somewhat decent.  Even if the plot sucks, I know I'll love the music.  According to Wikipedia.com, the movie features the following songs:

1. "Girl" Performed by Jim Sturgess (cast member)
2. "Helter Skelter" Performed by Dana Fuchs (cast member)
3. "Hold Me Tight" Performed by Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood, Lisa Hogg (cast members)
4. "All My Loving" Performed by Jim Sturgess (cast members)
5. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" Performed by T. V. Carpio (cast member)
6. "With a Little Help from My Friends" Performed by Joe Anderson, Jim Sturgess & "Dorm Buddies" (cast members)
7. "It Won't Be Long" Performed by Evan Rachel Wood (cast member)
8. "I've Just Seen a Face" Performed by Jim Sturgess (cast member)
9. "Let It Be" Performed by Carol Woods, Timothy T. Mitchum (cast members)
10. "Come Together" Performed by Joe Cocker, Martin Luther (cast members)
11. "Why Don't We Do It in the Road?" Performed by Dana Fuchs (cast member)
12. "If I Fell" Performed by Evan Rachel Wood (cast member)
13. "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" Performed by Joe Anderson (cast member)
14. "Dear Prudence" Performed by Dana Fuchs, Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood, T. V. Carpio (cast members)
15. "Flying" Performed by The Secret Machines (not cast members)
16. "Blue Jay Way" Performed by The Secret Machines (not cast members)
17. "I Am the Walrus" Performed by Bono (cast member) and the Secret Machines (not cast members)
18. "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" Performed by Eddie Izzard (cast member)
19. "Because" Performed by Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, T. V. Carpio, Martin Luther (cast members)
20. "Something" Performed by Jim Sturgess (cast member)
21. "Oh Darling" Performed by Dana Fuchs, Martin Luther (cast members)
22. "Strawberry Fields Forever" Performed by Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson (cast members)
23. "Revolution" Performed by Jim Sturgess (cast members)
24. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" Performed by Martin Luther (cast member)
25. "Happiness is a Warm Gun" Performed by Joe Anderson (cast member)
26. "Blackbird" Performed by Evan Rachel Wood (cast member)
27. "Hey Jude" Performed by Joe Anderson (cast member)
28. "Don't Let Me Down" Performed by Dana Fuchs (cast member)
29. "All You Need is Love" Performed by Jim Sturgess, Dana Fuchs (cast members)
30. "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" Performed by Bono (this song plays over the end credits and is not performed on camera)

Also featured in the film

1. "Across The Universe" Performed by Jim Sturgess (cast member)
2. "And I Love Her" - brief extract incorporated into instrumental score

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"Help!" to be released on DVD

September 04, 2007 // 1 Comments  // Add yours »

Stop worrying!  Help is on the way!  The Beatles' 1965 movie, titled "Help!" will be re-released as a 2 DVD set on October 29th.

There will be two editions, the standard, and the collectors.  The Collectors Edition will feature the director's original script, a 60-page hardcover book, a 30-minute "making-of" documentary, a reproduction of the original 1965 poster, a reproduction of 1965 theatrical lobby cards, and the movie restored and remixed in 5.1.

In my opinion this is their best movie, and it's enjoyable even if you aren't a die-hard fan like I am.  Here's the original 1965 trailer:

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Paul McCartney's new DVD

August 26, 2007 // 2 Comments  // Add yours »

I'll be buying this.  I know I'm just rehashing info that's already out there, but here's the press release:

McCARTNEY YEARS’

FEATURES EXCLUSIVE COMMENTARY, BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGE, OVER 40 MUSIC VIDEOS AND TWO HOURS OF HISTORIC LIVE PERFORMANCES ‘THE MCCARTNEY YEARS’ IS SET FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 12th 2007

Continue reading "Paul McCartney's new DVD"

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