Paul McCartney and James Taylor

played Live for first time in 25 years for Adopt-A-Minefield - 23rd September 2003.

Paul remembers the special night !

Many of you will know of my support for Adopt-A-Minefield and its work clearing minefields and helping landmine survivors. Each year since 2001 I have performed a live show in LA to raise funds for Adopt-A-Minefield. The first year I played with my longtime friend Paul Simon and last year Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys joined me on stage.
In 2003 I hooked up with my old friend James Taylor. Not only was James Taylor one of the first artists that the Beatles’ Apple Record Label signed, but I also sung back up vocals for James in the past and played bass on his 1991 track Carolina In My Mind. We both also performed separately at the “Concert for New York” to raise money for the victims of the September 11th attacks.
I have always been an admirer of James’s work, but not since 1968 have we shared the stage and sung together. So it was a pleasure to perform with him again and to relive some old memories.
James’s set included Fire And Rain, Carolina In My Mind and Country Road.
Following the performance, Jay Leno conducted an auction for Adopt-A-Minefield, then my current band and I took to the stage. We greatly enjoyed performing 10 tracks for the nearly 1,200 attendees. Included in the set were Calico Skies, Blackbird, Eleanor Rigby, Michelle and Let it Be. A highlight for me was James joining me on stage to perform Two of Us.
The evening was a great success raising over $ 1.2 million for Adopt-A-Minefield. It’s not too late for you to take action and join in the great success of the Adopt-A-Minefield Campaign. With the Christmas and New Year holidays fast approaching do your shopping with Adopt-A-Minefield. There are many options such as: the “no more landmines” T-Shirts, which I designed and wear at all my concerts (in all sizes including a baby size – I wonder why?), Gift Vouchers for friends, colleagues and loved ones or simply give a donation in the name of someone special. All proceeds go to support Adopt-A-Minefield’s work to clear minefields and provide assistance for survivors of landmine accidents. For details please visit www.landmines.org or www.landmines.org.uk
Heather and I hope you and your families enjoy the holidays and the New Year.

All the very best,

Paul McCartney
 

Nenad Bach and Brenda Brkusic at the 2003 Adopt-a-Minefield gala benefit in Beverly Hills.

The event took place on September 23, 2003 at the Beverly Hills Hilton. The money raised will go towards the removal of landmines and the fitting of prosthetic limbs for landmine survivors in war torn countries such as Croatia. I have to say that the evening was a very positive and moving experience. A touching documentary by Heather Mills McCartney outlining her work to help landmine survivors in Cambodia, Afghanistan and Croatia brought tears to my eyes. The evening was topped off with memorable performances by Jay Leno, James Taylor and Paul McCartney.

Brenda Brkusic