"Paul McCartney: I Saw Him Standing There" consists of 224 photographs of the artist, onstage and off, from 1976 to the 1999.
Professional
photographer, Jorie Gracen, has had
the rare opportunity to photograph McCartney over the course of
twenty-three years. Her collection of more than 1,000 photographs showcases concerts, record signings, private parties,
press conferences, backstage candids, sound checks, award ceremonies,
and personal encounters. In short, she has captured the many faces
of Paul McCartney-the musician, devoted husband, proud father,
environmentalist, animal rights activist, and idol.
Gracen's photo graces the inside booklet of McCartney's
"Tripping
the Live Fantastic" album. The
rare uncropped photo is displayed in the book revealing a band
member who was removed from the album photo.
Accompanying the photographs are personal stories written
by fans who create an intimate portrait of the rock star through
interesting close encounters. Through these interactions we find
a man who is compassionate, witty, humorous, engaging and down-to-earth.
Fans openly admit their unabashed passion for McCartney, describing
poignant moments when they finally meet their idol. The book's
charm centers on its stories which are real, not creations
of an over-imaginative publicist. We learn something about McCartney
fans-they have a strong desire to meet their idol, whatever it
takes. These stories are entertaining and humorous. How many of
us would leave a brand new car in the middle of a Manhattan street
to see Paul or yell, "NO!" when their idol kisses them
on the cheek?
McCartney is also featured in his own words talking about his home life, hobbies, the environment, music, touring, the Beatles and fans. These photographs, along with revealing stories by the author, and by fans and through statements by the artist himself, chronicle McCartney's remarkable musical maturation over nearly a quarter of a century.
Both unique and revealing, this book is a must for McCartney fans. If you have ever seen Paul in concert or have just wondered what he is like offstage this book offers an insider's glimpse into the private persona of one of the world's greatest musician-singer-songwriters of our time.
About the Author
Jorie Gracen, a full-time professional photographer since 1977, specializes in entertainment, editorial, and public relations photography. Her celebrity photos have been seen in these publications: "People," "Rolling Stone," "GQ," "Esquire," "Newsweek," "New York Times," "Cosmopolitan," "McCalls," "Family Circle, " "Guitarist," "Teen Beat," "Trouser Press," "Town & Country," "TV Guide," "Us Weekly," "Parade Magazine," "U.S. News and World Report," "World Press Review," "London TV Times," "Christian Science Monitor," "Publisher's Weekly," "Goldmine," "Milwaukee Journal," "Miami Herald," "Chicago Sun-Times," "Oregonian," "Chicago Tribune" and many others.
In addition, Gracen's work has been shown on "Entertainment
Tonight," "E! Entertainment Television," "VH1
Behind the Music," and "Headliners and Legends with
Matt Lauer."
Besides Paul McCartney, Gracen's celebrity portfolio includes
pop icons and film stars of the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s. One of her best known
works appears on Paul McCartney's "Tripping the Live Fantastic" album, released in 1990.