Milton Archives - Page 12 of 20

Pink’s Electrifying Show at Suncorp Stadium: Your Ultimate Guide

Did you know that long before Pink became a singer-songwriter and attained pop music icon status as the first non-British to have won the 2019 Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music, she was at various times in her life a skateboarder, hip-hopper, and gymnast? The colourful, multi-faceted artist is currently in Brisbane to perform a series of electrifying performances before packed crowds at the Suncorp Stadium.

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The superstar, aged 44, is expected to mesmerise around 40,000 fans with her two-hour shows on Friday and Saturday, 16 and 17 February 2024. She will return at the Suncorp Stadium on 19 March 2024 for the final leg of her tour in Australia.

The shows this February weekend in Milton are expected to commence at 8:30 p.m., with the opening act by Tones and I.

Pink’s last visit to Brisbane was in 2018 as part of her “Beautiful Trauma” World Tour, making this concert a long-awaited event for her loyal Australian fans. Joined by her husband Carey Hart and their two children, Willow, 12, and Jameson (7), Pink promises a spectacular show filled with her greatest hits, aerial performances, and her trademark infectious energy.

Pink at the Suncorp Stadium — *Photo Credit: Pink/Instagram*

About Pink

Born Alecia Beth Moore on 8 September 1979, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, U.S., Pink is an American singer and songwriter renowned for her rock-influenced pop songs, powerful voice, and dynamic concerts filled with gymnastics. Raised amidst her parents’ divorce, Pink harboured dreams of becoming a singer from an early age. She began performing in Philadelphia clubs as a young teenager and later sang backup for a hip-hop band.

Eventually, she ventured into songwriting and joined the R&B band Basic Instinct before transitioning to the all-female R&B group Choice. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name P!nk, partly inspired by the character Mr. Pink from Quentin Tarantino’s film “Reservoir Dogs” (1992).

After Choice disbanded, Pink embarked on a successful solo career, releasing her debut album “Can’t Take Me Home” in 2000, followed by albums like “M!ssundaztood” (2001) and “I’m Not Dead” (2006). Her hit singles include “Get the Party Started,” “Just Give Me a Reason,” and “What About Us.” Beyond music, Pink has appeared in films, supported various causes, and served as a UNICEF ambassador.

She married Hart, a motocross racer, in 2006.

Setlist

Here’s the expected setlist:

Intro Montage
Get the Party Started
Raise Your Glass
Who Knew
Just Like a Pill
Try
What About Us
Heartbeat
Turbulence
Glitter in the Air
Make You Feel My Love
Our Song
Just Give Me a Reason
F**kin’ Perfect
Just Like Fire / Heartbreaker
Please Don’t Leave Me
Cover Me in Sunshine
When I Get There
I Am Here
Irrelevant
Are You Gonna Fall?
TRUSTFALL
Blow Me (One Last Kiss)
Never Gonna Not Dance Again
aerial stunt; extended intro & outro
So What

Tickets

Ticket sales opened in August 2023 but those late to the party still have a chance to grab seats. Whilst VIP packages for Brisbane’s show are already sold-out, fans can choose from general admission tickets, especially for the 19 March 2024 show, starting at $178.50, to the premium Gold Circle Standing tickets at a steeper $311.00.

TICKETS

Transport and Parking

Suncorp Stadium recommends arriving early to avoid last-minute rush.

Ticket holders are encouraged to utilise free public transport on Brisbane bus and train services. Special Event shuttles will also commence at 4:30 p.m. from various city and suburban hubs.

Attendees are advised to plan their journey using the TransLink website and be mindful of parking restrictions in the surrounding Lang Park Traffic Area.

Secure Parking at The Barracks on Petrie Terrace offers parking spots available from $75 on Friday and Saturday nights.

‘Art of Courage’ in Milton Illuminates the Unyielding Spirit of Ukraine

“Art of Courage,” an immersive theatre experience that depicts hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people, is nearing its conclusion at the PIP Theatre in Milton.

Running until the 17th of February 2024, this not-for-profit production promises to take viewers on a profound journey through the heart and soul of Ukraine.

Inspiring Empathy and Solidarity Through Storytelling

Through the art of storytelling, the creators of “Art of Courage” aim to inspire empathy, understanding, and solidarity among audiences, fostering a deeper connection with the rich culture and history of Ukraine. The performance serves as a reminder of the profound impact of theatre as a medium for introspection, learning, and cultural exchange.

The idea for “Art of Courage Ukraine” emerged from the personal devastation experienced by creator Sophia Hodych and all Ukrainians during the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022. Faced with the question of how to respond, Hodych sought to channel her skills and resources into a meaningful initiative to support children affected by the conflict. The journey from conception to fruition involved years of dedication, collaboration, and the unwavering generosity of Brisbane’s artistic community.

“After an invitation to perform the show at a Meeting of European Theatrical Academies in Florence, Italy, we staged our first iteration of the play. It was a great success with the applause calling actors for encore bows. It took us two years, two directors, five writers, andan exceptional production team of Brisbane’s best emerging artists to put the final version ofthe show together.

All along, creatives were signing up for an overwhelming workload, without any expectation of compensation. This incredible generosity of Brisbane’s artists should instil hope for not only the future of Ukraine but the future of Australia also.

Art of Courage is a wonderfully ambitious undertaking. It’s ambitious in its use of technology and the film theatre fusion. It’s ambitious in its political messaging and the wide array of
historical topics it covers. The cultural and emotional journey promises a unique experience for any audience member. With an interactive set, audiences can choose their own
adventure and which storyline to follow. They’ll be able to come multiple times and witness different human circumstances in times of war.”
Sophia Hodych

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Unveiling a Profound Exploration

“Art of Courage” offers a captivating narrative that delves deep into the history, tradition, and indomitable courage of Ukraine. Audiences are meant to be transported through time, experiencing ancient pagan traditions, witnessing haunting readings, and immersing themselves in the bloom of young romances. The quest for the elusive fern flower, symbolizing hope in despair, serves as a central motif, intertwining with tales of resistance against oppression.

All profits from this show will be donated to RAZOM for Ukraine. RAZOM’s initiatives, including toy drives and therapy programs, aim to provide support and aid to children impacted by the ongoing war.

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The collaboration between “Art of Courage” and RAZOM underscores the commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by conflict.

Get Your TIcket

Published 13-Feb-2024

Investigations Underway After Dead Fish Wash Up in Milton, Other Suburbs Near Brisbane River

Hundreds of dead fish have mysteriously appeared along the banks of the Brisbane River over the past few days, including in Milton, sparking an investigation by authorities.

Read: Milton’s Missing Ibis: Bin Chicken Statue Stolen

The dead fish, including species such as mullet, bream, catfish and mud crabs, have also been spotted by residents and passersby in locations along the river including West End, Kangaroo Point, and Indooroopilly.

Experts are studying the exact cause of the mass fish deaths, which have prompted warnings from authorities for people to avoid the affected areas.

Photo credit: Jonathan Sriranganathan/Facebook

“We’ve received reports of dead fish and crabs in the city reaches of the Brisbane River, spanning from Jindalee to Kangaroo Point. Our environmental officers are on the case and have taken water and fish samples to investigate the cause of these deaths,” the Queensland Department of Environment and Science stated.

Whilst some suspect the deaths may be linked to recent flooding in the region, a university professor believes it is unlikely to be caused by freshwater alone. The species found dead are known to be quite resilient in freshwater. The professor believes It could likely be caused by localised spill or some sort of toxic event in the area.

Dead fish at the banks of the river in West End (Photo credit: Jenne Roberts/Facebook)

Some local West End residents agree, saying there was nothing like this after major floods in 2022. However, other long-time residents disagree, recalling mass fish deaths in the river after previous flood events.

Jonathan Sriranganathan, Greens’ candidate for Lord Mayor of Brisbane, stated in a social media post that he observed the river looking very oily over the past few days. He suspects the mass death of fish is connected to an oil spill rather than just stormwater runoff.

Read: The West End-Milton (Park Road) Ferry Service: A Slice of History

Authorities continue to investigate the cause and have warned people to avoid touching or eating the dead fish as tests are conducted for potential contaminants.

Residents have expressed alarm at the unusual and unexplained fish kill spreading along sections of the river. Queensland Environment says it is collaborating with technical specialists to identify any pollutants that may have caused the sudden deaths.

Published 6-February-2024

Developer Brings Rooftop Vision to Life with ‘Ruby Ruby’

A boutique developer plans to capitalise on Milton’s rapid growth of young residents and businesses with their latest project, the 144-apartment Ruby Ruby.

Read: Milton Residents Voice Concerns Over Billionaire Developer’s Ambitious Project

To be located behind Milton Station on Crombie Street, the 21-storey Ruby Ruby from Kokoda Property offers convenience and vibrancy. Residents can easily commute via train or immerse themselves in the area’s craft breweries and hip cafes like the XXXX Brewery, Milton Common.

Kokoda crafted Ruby Ruby’s design with Milton’s crowd of young professionals and families in mind. The striking wellness rooftop, featuring a pool, gym and yoga studio, caters to an active demographic.

Families are also expected to be interested in the location, with several reputable schools within walking distance and the CBD just three train stops away. Designed by Cottee Parker Architects, it also abounds with greenspace, bike paths and sports facilities nearby.

Kokoda Property Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens said that he is excited for Ruby Ruby to play a leading role in such a robust Brisbane property market.

“Brisbane is rapidly transforming into a new world city; its culture, business centre, technology, and lifestyle is evolving with over $40 billion of infrastructure investment planned, so naturally there is a shift occurring with demand now skewed towards sophistication and luxury residential design.

“Ruby Ruby is packed with an incredible range of extensive amenities that offer buyers an elevated luxury apartment living experience in Brisbane,” said Mr Stevens.

Future residents with families will appreciate the proximity to some of Brisbane’s most reputable schools, including Milton State School just around the corner and Hubbard’s School and Brisbane Grammar School located less than 600 metres away. For university students, Queensland University of Technology can be reached in under 10 minutes by car or public transport.

Ruby Ruby crystallises Kokoda’s development strategy – identify up-and-coming areas like Milton and create living spaces tailored to both the location and changing lifestyles. After success in nearby Newstead with the successful Chester & Ella and The Ambrose projects, Kokoda again flexes their market expertise.

With construction on the project beginning 2024 and a targeted completion date of late 2025, Kokoda is positioning themselves in one of Brisbane’s most connected and up-and-coming neighbourhoods.

Read: Historic Milton Site to be Transformed into a Thriving Urban Village

Published 20-December-2023

Milton Petrol Manager Jailed for Fraud and Money Laundering

A former manager of a prominent petrol station in Milton has been sentenced to a six-year jail term for his involvement in a complex web of fraud and money laundering.

In a recent legal verdict that has sent shockwaves through the Brisbane community, Carlos Adelino Henrique Ferreira, 59, who was also a president of a local athletics club, faced Brisbane District Court where he pleaded guilty to two counts of committing fraud as an employee and one count of money laundering.

Crown prosecutor Victoria Adams revealed that Mr Ferreira had exploited his position as the manager of a BP petrol station in Milton over eight years, from July 2015 to November 2019, to siphon more than $400,000 from his employer.

The Devious Scheme

Mr Ferreira’s fraudulent activities were carried out by undermining the established cash management systems of the petrol station. There were two safes on the premises, with the first requiring staff to use unique codes to access it.

The second safe, used for exchanging larger notes, was intended for regular audits. However, Mr Ferreira instructed his staff to forgo these checks, instead depositing money into the less secure second safe.

At the end of his shifts, he would then transfer these funds into accounts under his control, accumulating the substantial sum over four years. Mr Ferreira went to great lengths to conceal his deception by creating inaccurate daily reports to give the illusion that all financial transactions were in order.

Furthermore, Mr Ferreira engaged in a cunning cigarette-related fraud, recording transactions as low as 10 cents on the till when customers purchased cigarettes, pocketing the cash payments and sometimes retaining packets of cigarettes for himself. This deceptive practice cost the business over $10,000 across more than 560 transactions.

Laundering Through Community Involvement

Mr Ferreira utilised his position as the volunteer president of the Brisbane Athletics Club to launder the ill-gotten funds. The court heard that he diverted $10,000 from the club’s account.

Mr Ferreira’s barrister, Matthew Hynes, explained that he orchestrated this scheme by channeling the money through the athletics club’s accounts, his personal account, and another accessible account.

His crimes came to light, resulting in his termination from the BP Milton station in November 2019. He faced legal repercussions for his actions, receiving fines in August 2023 for falsely claiming to be a qualified physiotherapist and treating patients while unqualified.

Judicial Sentencing and Final Reflections

Judge Jennifer Rosengren, presiding over the case, sentenced Mr Ferreira to six years in jail, highlighting the gravity of his offenses and his deliberate intent to take “a lot of money” from his employer.

She emphasised that his actions were a clear violation of the trust placed in him by both his employer and the athletics club. Furthermore, his history of dishonesty and attempts to obtain a Portuguese passport while on bail raised doubts about his prospects for rehabilitation.

Ferreira will become eligible for parole in September 2025.

Published 20-Dec-2023

Dreaming of a Wine Christmas? Mix-and-a-Mingle at Milton Christmas Twilight Markets!

Photo Credit: Milton Markets

Join the festive fun at the corner of Cribb Street and Little Cribb Street and get ready to kick off your holiday season in style at the Milton Christmas Twilight Markets!

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, this event has something for everyone. Happening Saturday, 15 Nov 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., this market will have artisan stalls, delectable gourmet eats, a North Pole Pop-Up Bar, live music, and even a visit from Santa himself.

Wander through over 150 artisan sellers and sample SEQ’s best gourmet eats from K&D Gourmet Pizza, Brazzo Boys, Teppanyaki Noodles, Carlos Tacos, Oh Tiramisu, Roll It Ice Cream Co, and more! Stuff your Santa sack with handmade gifts from bespoke makers like The Food Impostor, Bubble Luna, Sicc Wiccs, and Cocktail Candy.

Be-claus it’s the most wine-derful time for a beer, don’t forget to stop by the iconic North Pole Pop-Up Bar to raise a glass and mistle-toast to the silly season! Sip on icy cold brews from Stone & Wood, and extra festive Christmas spirits from Milton Rum Distillery.

But wait, there’s myrrh! Rock the night away with live music by Yellow Bird Trio and Trace, roving Chrissy characters, magical stilt walkers, kids’ activities and entertainment, and of course, SANTA!

It’s the perfect way to mix, mingle, and make merry as you celebrate the most wine-derful time of the year!

🎉🎉 WIN A $200 BAR TAB TO SPEND! 🎉🎉

We’re offering you a chance to WIN a $200 bar tab to spend the night of Milton Christmas Twilight Markets! Cheers to that! 🥂

ENTER THE CONTEST

✨ The winner will be notified on Friday, 24 Nov 2023, at 5:00 p.m. T&C’s apply.

Milton Christmas Twilight Market

When: Saturday 25th November | 4PM – 10PM

$3 Entry (free for kids 12 and under) | $2 Parking

Where: Corner Cribb Street and Little Cribb Street

Snaps with Santa: 5PM – 8PM

Follow the updates on Facebook.

Published 21-Nov-2023

Milton Residents Voice Concerns Over Billionaire Developer’s Ambitious Project

A billionaire developer’s ambitious $300 million project in Milton is facing mounting opposition from the local community.

John Lin’s Shayher Group, known for their significant contributions to the Brisbane skyline, has proposed a colossal undertaking at the Milton Green site, which includes four towers overlooking the Brisbane River. This development (DA A006291436) has triggered over 100 objections and formal public submissions.

A Transformational Masterplan

Shayher Group’s Milton Green project, often described as a “landmark design,” is set to redefine the western approach to Milton and the Brisbane CBD. This S300 million-plus venture encompasses a riverfront public plaza, an indoor sports facility, a range of shops, modern housing units, and retirement living spaces. The proposed towers, with heights ranging from 30 to 37 storeys, have drawn attention for their sheer scale and architectural ambition

One of the central aspects of the proposal is its commitment to opening up 5000 sqm of the site for public green space, providing the community with a much-needed recreational area. Notably, this property houses the historic Milton House, dating back to 1853. Shayher Group recently restored this heritage-listed homestead, which was built by the pioneering chemist and cotton grower, Ambrose Eldridge. The house is among the ten oldest in Brisbane and holds significant historical value.

Shayher Group had initially requested a maximum building height of 40 storeys, but in response to Council planners’ concerns, they reduced it to 36 storeys. The Council acknowledged a previous approval dating back to 2012, which permitted a maximum of 20 storeys, valid until 2026. The Council is now seeking additional information from Shayher Group regarding the potential impact of these towers on skyline views and the outlook towards Milton House.

Milton Green — *Photo Credit: DA A006291436*

Community Concerns

The proposal has sparked concerns from the local community, with over 100 formal submissions expressing reservations about the project.

“Many residents question the purpose of our city planning codes if non-compliance is no longer a reason for refusal. It is incredibly undemocratic for individual assessment officers to be able to decide what is and is not in the public interest. Residents of this area are fed up with having their amenity ruined, having already experienced rapid and unsustainable development that consistently fails to meet our city’s planning requirements,” Milton local Derek Moore wrote in his submission.

“I feel that 30,32 and 37 storeys are too high. The number of stories should be reduced to 20 storeys at the most. I would prefer rows of Terrace Houses built, in the English style with a central road running through the middle of them with parks and playgrounds for the children,” Jane Millar wrote. “I am worried that if the Council allow these massive towers that in 50 years Milton will be like Manhattan in New York.”

“The purpose of this submission is not to object to redevelopment of the site for the proposed uses in principle, but rather to raise design concerns in relation to the excessive scale of built form, including key non-compliances with assessment benchmarks and uncertainty about the proposed variations. The development being considered will change the character significantly, which will reset the character of this area for future application, creating an issue in perpetuity,” resident Alexander Brock Knight wrote.

Local federal Greens MP, Stephen Bates, has rallied against the project, spearheading a letter-writing campaign and community initiative in response to the masterplan. Bates expressed concerns about the absence of provisions for affordable housing and the inclusion of short-term accommodation. He stressed the need for genuinely affordable housing amidst a housing crisis and called for inclusive zoning in all new developments to address this issue.

“This proposal fails to include any provision for affordable housing, but does include at least 4 storeys of short-term accommodation. We do not need any more AirBNBs and riverfront luxury apartments. We are in a housing crisis, we need more genuinely affordable housing, which is why the Greens are calling for 20% inclusionary zoning for all new developments to ensure supply of public and community housing,” he said.

Moreover, Bates raised issues related to increased traffic congestion and inadequate street parking, particularly in the vicinity of Coronation Drive, where the development is planned. He cited discrepancies in the developer’s assessment of traffic impact, given the substantial number of car parks to be provided.

A Developing Debate

As the debate surrounding the Shayher Group’s Milton Green project continues to evolve, the local community, developers, and political figures must navigate the delicate balance between progress and preserving the heritage and liveability of the cherished suburb of Milton.

The proposed project has the potential to reshape the city’s skyline and provide valuable amenities but also brings forth concerns about the impact on the community and the environment. The ongoing dialogue will determine the path this ambitious development will take in the heart of Milton.

Kerr Runner-Up in 2023 Ballon d’Or as Two Matildas Recognized Among World’s Best

Ten weeks after their Women’s World Cup exit at Lang Park, Matildas stars Sam Kerr and Hayley Raso were back in the spotlight as finalists for the 2023 Ballon d’Or Feminin in Paris. This marks the first time two Australians have ever made the coveted shortlist.

Read: Kings Row Office Precinct Redevelopment Proposed for McDougall Street in Milton

Kerr narrowly misses out on top prize

Chelsea's Sam Kerr — Photo Credit: Instagram/Chelsea FC Women

Australian captain Sam Kerr finished second in voting for the prestigious award, coming up just short behind Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí. Kerr is the only player to have been nominated for each of the five Ballon d’Or Feminin awards since its inception in 2018, having now finished third twice and runner-up once.

The Chelsea forward led the Blues to a third successive FA Women’s Super League (WSL) title in 2022-23, scoring 12 goals in 21 league appearances. She also netted a memorable goal for the Matildas in their World Cup semi-final defeat to England, despite missing much of the tournament through injury.

Kerr has continued her superstar form for Chelsea, who currently sit second in the WSL table after four games. Kerr has a goal and an assist in just three games this season.

Raso also recognized among nominees

Real Madrid's Hayley Raso — Photo Credit: Instagram/Real Madrid C.F.

Fellow Matilda Hayley Raso was also among the 30 players nominated for the Ballon d’Or. The Real Madrid winger finished 17th in the final voting

Raso has made a solid start to the season, scoring once as Real Madrid chase the Spanish title.

Bonmatí, Messi win 2023 Ballon d’Or

World Cup Golden Ball winner Bonmati claimed the top prize after a trophy-laden year for club and country. Her Ballon d’Or triumph means that Spanish players have won the last three awards, with Alexia Putellas winning the last two.

Read: The Ambrose to Welcome Two New Tenancies

In the men’s category, Argentina star Lionel Messi’s World Cup heroics earned him a record eighth Ballon d’Or.

Published 2 November 2023

Kings Row Office Precinct Redevelopment Proposed for McDougall Street in Milton

A prominent redevelopment project is on the horizon for the Kings Row office precinct in Milton, with four new buildings planned for 50 McDougall Street in a transformation that is also expected to preserve the historic Milton House.

The mixed-use development is designed by Urbis. The nature of the land uses for these buildings has not been specified in the application (DA A006291436). However, the proposal suggests that potential uses may encompass commercial office space, community facilities, and residential dwellings, including short-term accommodation and multiple dwellings.

Kings Row McDougall St Milton — *Photo Credit: DA 006291436*

The project will be divided into two precincts and implemented across two stages of development.

The first stage, the Milton House Precinct, is set to include the preservation of Milton House and the creation of Heritage Square, along with the construction of Building 1 and its associated basement parking.

The second stage, known as the Village Green Precinct, will feature the development of the Village Green and Buildings 1, 2, and 3. It covers a diverse range of uses across the site, including multiple dwellings, community activities, educational establishments, food and drink outlets, function facilities, healthcare services, indoor sports and recreation, offices, shops, shopping centres, short-term accommodation, veterinary services, retirement facilities, residential care facilities, rooming accommodations, and bars.

Key features of the proposed development include four towers, varying in height from 30 to 37 storeys, a Village Green spanning 1,500 square metres, a Heritage Square covering 2,000 square metres, and laneways with outdoor dining facilities spanning 1,500 square metres.

The project aligns with the high-density residential and mixed-use zoning of the area and is considered compatible with the neighbourhood’s growth requirements.

“The proposed variation request aims to secure the key development parameters, including building height, site cover, and boundary setbacks, to enable the delivery of four towers within a public plaza setting,” Urbis cited. “The towers are intended to accommodate a range of uses, including multiple dwellings, serviced apartments, short-term accommodation, vertical retirement living, and office tenancies.”

The DA is currently under public notification from 12 Sept to 26 Oct 2023. As of press time, only one submission has been lodged, opposing the project because the proposed green space is in a major traffic area.

Published 28-Sept-2023

Sir Paul McCartney Failed His First Audition and Found Playing the Trumpet Didn’t Allow Him to Sing

When the Beatles played their very first live gig at The Jacaranda in Liverpool in 1960 after changing their name from The Silver Beatles, before playing live virtually everyday for four years clocking up 1,400 concerts in Liverpool and around the world, who would have known that one of the awesome foursome would still be playing live 63 years later?

Sir Paul McCartney’s Got Back World Tour hits Brisbane on November 1 and you can expect he’s going to bring a mixture of his solo numbers and some of the most memorable work of The Beatles.

Read: Historic Milton Site to be Transformed into a Thriving Urban Village

Let It Be

Did you know that Let it Be was written by Sir Paul around a dream he had about his mum, Mary, who died when he was 14 from cancer?

“When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be “

Hey Jude

Sir Paul wrote “Hey Jude” in his head whilst driving his Aston Martin to see John Lennon in the English Countryside. He was concerned for John’s son, Julian, as John now had a new girlfriend, Yoko Ono, replacing his mother, Cynthia. The song started off as “Hey Jules, Don’t make it bad, take a sad song and make it better”.

Can’t Buy Me Love

“Can’t Buy Me Love” was written on a piano in a huge suite in the George V Hotel near the Champs-Elysees in Paris. The Beatles were in the middle of a marathon concert series in Paris, performing two, sometimes three, live gigs a day for 18 days straight.

A Grand Piano had been brought to their hotel suite and Sir Paul would tinkle the ivories as his way to wind down. A new song was never far away and he says “Money can’t buy you a happy family or friends you can trust.”

Love Me Do

“Love Me Do” was written by Paul and John when they were skipping school. It was written about Sir Paul’s girlfriend at the time, Iris Caldwell.

At the time The Beatles were playing cover songs in their gigs, mostly blues by artists like Little Richard and Ray Charles but “Love Me Do” was their first attempt to include an original song in a set list whilst playing shows in Hamburg, Germany.

It became The Beatles first single when it was released in 1963 by Parlaphone Records. It only reached #17 in the UK Charts, though it went to #1 in the US Charts in 1964 when released by a very small label called Tollie. Apparently, Capitol Records, Parlaphone’s US counterpart, refused to release it as they
projected it would be a flop.

Live and Let Die

Band on the Run

Letting Go

Got to Get You Into My Life

‘GOT BACK’ SET LIST

When young Paul McCartney was 11 years old, he auditioned for the Liverpool Cathedral Choir and was turned down. However, in a glimpse to why
he became so great, he auditioned for another choir at St Barnabas Church, Mossley Hill, and got in.

Sir Paul’s real first name is James, named after his dad. To avoid confusion, he was known by his middle name, Paul.

Paul was offered lessons on the piano at home but said he would rather learn by ear and he did. By sheer coincidence, the piano in their home was bought from a shop owned by the parents of the man that went on to manage the Beatles, Brian Epstein.

Paul’s dad, James, played the trumpet and piano in a big band in the 1920s. For his 13th birthday, his dad gave him a trumpet; but as time went on, Paul didn’t like the fact he couldn’t sing whilst playing the trumpet so he started playing the guitar.

When he was 15, he attended a church fete in Liverpool where a band called The Quarrymen was playing, a band that included John Lennon. A few months later, Paul was invited to join The Quarrymen as lead guitarist for a gig at the New Clubmoor Hall in Norris Green, Liverpool.

Nerves and inexperience led him to make a mess of his solo in a song called “Guitar Boogie”, resulting in a young fella called George Harrison taking over as lead guitarist.

Even whilst he was with The Beatles, Paul was working on a solo career. In 1966, he wrote the soundtrack to a movie called The Family Way, which starred Hayley Mills.

His songwriting was prolific, with a singularly commercial appeal. He wrote 33 #1 US Hits.

Read: Home of All Things Polish in Brisbane: Polonia, The Polish Club in Milton

One on One in 2017

Paul McCartney Announces 2023 Australian Tour Including Return to Suncorp Stadium — Sir Paul McCartney performing Get Back at the Suncorp Stadium in 2017
Photo Credit: Youtube/strangedaysindeed9

Sir Paul last performed at Suncorp Stadium in December 2017, as part of his One On One world tour. That concert was completely sold out, with 40,000 fans braving the rainy weather to see the Beatles legend perform.

The 2017 Suncorp show had it all: An early The Quarrymen song with John Lennon, In Spite of All the Danger; Beatles classics like Helter Skelter and All My Loving; Wings favourites like Jet and Live and Let Die; and even newer tracks like My Valentine and FourFiveSeconds.

His set list brought nostalgia to the crowd, as he delighted Brisbane fans with a wide range of tracks from his career, including Beatles megahits Can’t Buy Me Love and Let It Be.

During the three-hour set, he was seen sometimes playing the Hofner bass that he famously played throughout his run with the Beatles and also using the acoustic guitar that he used to play Yesterday on The Ed Sullivan Show.

McCartney tweaked his set lists from night to night, consistently including fan favourites such as Hey Jude to end his main performance and The End for his encore. All-time classics shared the stage with newcomers, his latest hits intersecting with his storied past.

While there was no verbal statement, I think it speaks volumes that immediately after the encore started, Sir Paul and the band ran about the stage, each carrying gigantic flags: Australian, Aboriginal and the Rainbow taking pride of place with the British.
Kylie Thompson from Scenestr

Beyond the music, a wordless but resonant display spoke volumes about the heart of this ageless musician. For the Brisbane crowd, it was a stirring final image.

‘Got Back’ to Brisbane in 2023

Presented by Frontier Touring, Sir Paul McCartney’s ‘Got Back’ World Tour hits Brisbane on November 1 at the Suncorp Stadium, marking his third visit to Brisbane. After his first show with Wings in Brisbane in 1975, fans had to wait 42 years (!) for him to come back for his 2017 show.

Frankly anybody who made it to his concert in 2017 would have been perfectly entitled to think that was his swansong, but at the ripe old age of 81, this extraordinary man will once more light up Suncorp Stadium.

Bringing his unbelievable stamina to the fore once again, Sir Paul’s ‘Got Back’ set list opens with Can’t Buy Me Love, a catchy song that will segue into one hit after another, as Sir Paul performs pieces from Wings such as Nineteen Hundred Eighty-five, and Let ‘Em In; many of the usual fan favourites from the Beatles playbook including Blackbird, Let It Be, Live and Let Die, and Hey Jude; and even a song from The Quarrymen days.

Yesterday doesn’t seem to be part of the ‘Got Back’ set list at all, although it figured as one of the encore songs in 2017.

To support him on this tour, Sir Paul has brought his usual band, composed of Paul ‘Wix’ Wickens on keyboards, Brian Ray on bass / guitar, Rusty Anderson on guitar, and Abe Laboriel Jr on drums.

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Published 05 September 2023