Macca Gets Back

Sir Paul performs at old haunts – and blasts cameras.

Sir Paul McCartney, who’s new album Egypt Station is released on September 7 via Capitol Records, played a couple of not-so-secret homecoming gigs last month. On July 23 the 76-year-old visited London’s Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles famously recorded, to perform four songs (Come To Me, Confidante, Who Cares and Fuh You) from his upcoming album Egypt Station as part of a ‘greatest hits’-based set. The audience of around 60 comprised family members, fans, competition winners and a few celebrities including Johnny Depp, Kylie Minogue, Nile Rodgers, Liv Tyler and Orlando Bloom. McCartney also took time to pose for photos outside the studio on the pedestrian crossing made famous by the cover of The Beatles’ 1969 album Abbey Road.

Three days later McCartney made a return to the Cavern club in Liverpool, where The Beatles played early in their career. He halted his two-hour set during his opening number, a version of Eddie Cochran’s Twenty Flight Rock, to complain about members of the audience using camera phones. “I think you’ve all been told not to take photos and yet you’re taking them,” he said. “I don’t want to get put off, and you’re putting me off. So, you know, play by the rules, man.” According to the BBC, one person was ejected from the building for refusing to stop filming.

The 27-song set – comprised songs by The Beatles and Wings, from his solo career and covers – included Jet, All My Loving, Lady Madonna, Confidante, Love Me Do, Who Cares, I Wanna Be Your Man, Get Back, Ob-La-Di, Ob-Bla-Da, Band On The Run, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Helter Skelter. McCartney plays three soldout shows in December. DL