When Paul McCartney announced his Driving Rain tour, many critics were cautious. They wondered if the ex-Beatle, who is turning 60 in June, could still rock the house.

Three hours and 36 songs later, even the most skeptical critics had to admit: Paul McCartney is still a major force in the world of music.

McCartney stopped in Dallas May 9 and 10 to perform at Reunion Arena.

From his opening song, “Hello, Goodbye,” to the last song in his second encore, appropriately titled “The End,” McCartney showed the voice and energy of a teen obsessed by rock ‘n’ roll.

McCartney’s set was a mix of Beatles classics, including “I Saw Her Standing There”, “Lady Madonna” and “Yesterday,” Wings songs such as “Jet” and “Band on the Run” and solo material. His solo songs ranged from his early albums to his most recent CD Driving Rain.

The visual affects of the concert were amazing. The show opened with a Cirque De Soleil- type performance that lasted 30 minutes. The performance artist had costumes on from different time- periods and regions of the world.

Over 10 video screens were put up behind McCartney during the show. They displayed images pertinent to the song that was being sung. During “Lady Madonna” a video montage of strong famous women played to accompany the song. Sparks flew from the ceiling and perfectly timed explosions were set off on stage during “Live and Let Die.” These affects added to McCartney’s songs and the high-energy rhythm of the concert.

McCartney is a rock survivor. He played tributes to his late wife, Linda McCartney, and two of his deceased Beatle partners, John Lennon and Gerorge Harrison. The sense of loss and pain can been heard in his recent work, but seems to have made him stronger, and the most emotional parts of the show were the tribute songs to Lennon, Harrison and Linda McCartney.

“Here Today,” the song McCartney wrote for Lennon, is the perfect autobiography of their relationship. The two lyrical geniuses didn’t always agree, but each held a mutual respect for the other. There wasn’t always understanding, but there was always love.

McCartney performed Harrison’s most famous song “Something” on a ukulele that was a present from the late Beatle. It was different yet beautiful.

McCartney performed “My Love,” and dedicated it to Linda.

With an incredibly tight band of young American musicians McCartney breezed though one classic after another. Every song had excitement and a rare sense of intimacy.

McCartney thrilled the audience with his energy and charisma. He even invited them to sing the chorus during a 10-minute performance of “Hey Jude,” a song McCartney wrote for young Julian Lennon during his parents divorce.

Thirty-five years ago McCartney wrote the lyrics “Will you still need me, will you still feed me when I’m 64?”

If Thursday night’s concert is an example of what McCartney will be like at 64 the answer is a resounding yes.