Fans of the legendary songwriter Paul McCartney believe the veteran of the stage needs to change his setlist.
Some songs “don’t sound good anymore” according to fans who took to the r/PaulMcCartney subreddit to share their thoughts on what had been the disappointing inclusion of a select few tracks. The post made reference to the Saturday Night Live performance McCartney carried out, with some suggesting that his “poor” vocal quality on some all-time great songs mean they should be removed from his live set in future. While it is unlikely that McCartney would drop songs as big as Band on the Run from his setlist, some fans believe now is the time for The Beatles and Wings member to make some major changes.
McCartney has not been confirmed for any touring this year or next, but fans remain hopeful that the legendary performer will be back on the road after a successful series of shows in 2025. McCartney has also performed a handful of shows in 2026, with two nights at The Fonda Theatre and a show celebrating fifty years of Apple.
A fan took to the r/PaulMcCartney subreddit and wrote: “I’ve noticed some interesting takes on Paul’s recent performances. Either people say his voice is bad and it’s hard to watch, or people say there’s nothing wrong and we should be grateful that he’s still playing.
“I think there’s truth to both of these things. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with acknowledging how poor his voice sounds on certain songs (like Band on the Run & Coming Up on Saturday Night Live) since he’s choosing to still be a performing artist. At the same time, I don’t think he should stop playing music. It’s the only thing he knows and has ever done, and people are still heavily affected by his presence.
“My issue is that Paul has to know there are certain songs that simply don’t sound good anymore. I think at the very least he could try to do a key change to some of the ones he struggles with. If it doesn’t work, then that’s fine, but at least give it an attempt.
“That doesn’t mean I’m not grateful a living legend still plays or that he should stop doing the only thing that gives him purpose in life. He still knows how to write solid songs. I don’t understand how it’s an argument where sides are picked because there’s truth to both.”
Some fans agreed with this but suggested that seeing McCartney perform irrespective of his vocal quality is the point of the performance. The gig-goer wrote: “The appeal is getting to see an aged legend perform his iconic works.
“I’m not expecting him to sound like anything other than an 80+ year old legend. We were robbed of opportunities to see many legends reach his age and perform for us… Lennon being the most “what if” so I’m grateful to see the likes of Paul McCartney and Paul Simon perform. I love seeing McCartney perform.”
Another added: “His 83-year-old brain and fingers aren’t going to easily adapt to playing songs he’s played all his life, that he doesn’t even need to think about, in lower keys. If he wanted to change keys, he would have done so, long ago. His voice has been declining since 2012, at least.”
A third shared: “I totally agree. Like, Tom Waits has not had to make that change because he’s always had a whiskey gravelly voice and style. But people are hard on Paul and want him to retire. Stripped back and evolving is a good approach. But he’s also Sir Paul, and I’m just glad he’s around.
“I could be at his show and complain about the beer or cotton candy just as well. People just seem to be pissy lately. He’s not going to be with us forever so we might as well be thankful. I agree with you that arrangements are important and his spectrum can’t age perfectly because he’s not just a mid-range vocalist.”
Some believe that, so long as McCartney can continue connecting with an audience, he should keep performing. They wrote: “I think our culture is gross about the natural effects of aging. Look at all the actors who have contorted their faces beyond recognition, in the vain hope of fooling Father Time.
“Paul’s voice certainly isn’t what it was 10, 20, 30 years ago, but it is still pleasant to listen to. He still gives an energetic performance. He still connects with his audience. You can feel that he does, even when you watch it on TV.”
Fans had hoped McCartney would announce a tour in time for the end of 2026, but no such plan materialised. It is currently unknown whether McCartney will be back on the road for future performances.
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