Will you pay big bucks to see Paul McCartney in concert?

“Big bucks! Big bucks! No Whammies! STOP!!!”

Do you remember the game show “Press Your Luck?” Contestants would try to win big bucks while trying to avoid a Whammy, who would take away all their money and prizes. This is what the upcoming Paul McCartney “Got Back” tour reminds me of.

Last week, it was announced that Sir Paul is coming to the U.S. for a two-month fall tour. It’s the first time he’s performed concerts here in three years. Additionally, although he hasn't explicitly stated it, like many of his contemporaries, at his age, it could be a farewell tour.

Tickets go on sale this week. Here’s where the ‘big bucks’ come into play. Although the prices have yet to have been announced, you can go to the resale sites to get an idea of how much you’ll need to spend to see the former Beatle. I went to StubHub to see how much tickets would be for the two shows in Chicago. Sitting in the highest section will cost you about $350. If you want to sit close to the stage, plan on spending $1,500. I thought the prices would be lower in the small cities, but I was wrong. Prices are about the same in Tulsa and Des Moines.

BIG BUCKS, indeed!!

So where’s the Whammy? Have you heard Paul sing in the last few years?

Paul McCartney is a legend! Nothing will ever take that away. But he’s also now eighty-three years old. Like so many of the musical artists in his age range, his voice ain't what it used to be. Six decades of intense singing will do that.

I've seen McCartney in concert five times. The show in 1989, in Los Angeles, at The Forum, is the greatest concert I’ve ever seen. The others were pretty close. Sadly, the upcoming ones won’t be as good—with his voice, how can it be?

So here’s the deal—the prices for the Paul McCartney tickets are the big bucks. His voice is the Whammy. It’s not going to be an easy choice on whether or not to attend the concert. Do you take another spin or do you stop while you’re ahead?

“Big Bucks! Big Bucks! No Whammies! STOP!!!”