Paul McCartney – Casey’s Center – Des Monies IA – October 14th 2025

Live Nation and Casey’s Center present an evening with Paul McCartney

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

The arena was packed with anticipation. There was a palpable buzz in the air as fans filtered in — older devotees who had followed him for decades, and younger listeners drawn by the legend. People lingered early, gathering outside hoping to glimpse McCartney arriving. Inside, the stage was already set for something grand: lights, video screens, and a band ready to deliver.

McCartney opened with “Help!”, sending an immediate jolt of energy into the crowd. Over roughly three hours, he weaved a rich tapestry of Beatles, Wings, and solo-era hits, including deeper cuts and sentimental pieces. He closed the main set with “Hey Jude”, and then came back for an encore of crowd favorites: “Sgt. Pepper’s (Reprise), Helter Skelter, Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End.”

The midsession included quieter, reflective moments — ballads and acoustic passages — giving contrast to more bombastic numbers like “Drive My Car” and “Helter Skelter.” The pacing allowed the audience some breathing room, emotionally and physically.

At 83, McCartney still commanded the stage. He moved between instruments (guitar, piano, bass) and engaged the audience with stories, banter, and occasional dance-like gestures. Observers noted how he “swaggers on stage” and “lights up the venue” — not simply by going through the motions, but by visibly feeding off the crowd’s energy.

His vocal performance was solid. There were times when his voice showed its age — certain high notes or sustained belts were more cautious or controlled — but his characteristic rasp, emotional phrasing, and command carried much of the night. In rockier songs, he dug into that rasp as a tool, not a limitation.

The band was tight. The horn section elevated arrangements, particularly in the more dynamic tracks. The transitions between quiet and loud moments were handled deftly, never feeling jarring.

One of the strongest takeaways was how the crowd and performer met halfway. As McCartney played, the audience sang along, sometimes loudly and collectively as if the songs were part of their personal histories. The moments when he paused or pointed to sections of the crowd felt genuine and heartfelt.

Younger fans — some born decades after The Beatles’ prime — acknowledged being almost overwhelmed by finally seeing a Beatle in person. In the words of one 21-year-old reviewer: she grew up on the music but never expected to see it live — and this night “felt impossible… until Oct. 14.”

Even subtle moments — McCartney standing from his piano, dancing lightly, pausing to reflect — added emotional texture. The birthday shout‑out, the occasional story or anecdote, the way he acknowledged the fans — those details made the evening more than a run-through of hits.

The Des Moines show was a heartfelt triumph: an event that managed to balance legend with intimacy. McCartney, despite decades of performing, still found ways to surprise, to engage, to lean into vulnerability and joy. For most in attendance, it wasn’t just a concert — it was a statement of legacy, persistence, and the shared power of music across generations.