McCartney Triumphantly Returns Home

This past Sunday evening, a massive Liverpool, U.K. audience was rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience. Exactly five years from Sir Paul McCartney’s previous Liverpool performance, the legendary former Beatle treated fans to a homecoming show over two hours long, playing classics from The Beatles, Wings, and his solo material at Anfield Football Grounds. The 45,400 seat football stadium, home of the Liverpool Soccer Team, was completely sold out for the celebration of the city’s year of European Capital of Culture.

This past Sunday evening, a massive Liverpool, U.K. audience was rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience. Exactly five years from Sir Paul McCartney’s previous Liverpool performance, the legendary former Beatle treated fans to a homecoming show over two hours long, playing classics from The Beatles, Wings, and his solo material at Anfield Football Grounds. The 45,400 seat football stadium, home of the Liverpool Soccer Team, was completely sold out for the celebration of the city’s year of European Capital of Culture. This monstrosity of a rock show took 17 days to set up and break down, highlighted by a mammoth stage and giant letters reading ‘LIVERPOOL’ at the marquee above the musicians.

McCartney brought some friends to join him in the city that helped changed the face of rock ‘n roll, including supporting acts The Kaiser Chiefs and The Zutons. And, in a seminal rocker meets modern torch-bearer collision, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl graciously shared the stage for several songs. As Paul announced, “At this point, I’d like to welcome a special guest…please welcome, Mr. Dave Grohl,” the crowd went ecstatic; Dave curtsied as he shook Paul’s hand, humorously mocking British formalities, and they drove right into the Wings’ classic “Band On the Run.” Grohl helped with backing vocals, as well as contributing his own legendary drum skills for sing-alongs “Back in the USSR” and “I Saw Her Standing There”.

Fans were blown away by memorable performances of songs like “Blackbird,” “Hey Jude”, and “Live and Let Die” And in an explosive encore, the band wowed the audience with “A Day in the Life” and a Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance,” complete with a dazzling fireworks display.

A live footage feed of the show is available online at the BBC’s WEBSITE. until June 8. Several clips are also available on YouTube, including Dave Grohl’s memorable appearances.