NEW YORK (AP) Paul McCartney surprised fans with an unannounced performance at the Bowery Ballroom on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. This intimate venue, with a capacity of around 575, contrasted sharply with his last New York-area concert at MetLife Stadium three years prior, which hosted 82,500 fans. The announcement for the show was made just hours before he took the stage, leading to a rapid rush from fans eager to get a glimpse of the music legend.
As McCartney remarked during the show, "So, here we are. Some little gig. New York. Why not?" It was a spontaneous atmosphere reminiscent of Beatlemania, with fans sprinting down Delancey Street in hopes of securing one of the limited tickets, which were sold physically at the venue. These were sold out within approximately 30 minutes, creating a lottery-like situation for those fortunate enough to attend.
Amy Jaffe, 69, who caught the news on Instagram and made her way to the venue, expressed her disbelief at the opportunity, saying, "I don’t actually believe it." Phil Sokoloff, 31, found out while on his way to work and rushed to join the crowd. The eagerness and excitement were palpable, underscoring the rarity and excitement of an intimate McCartney performance.
Explaining the event's casual nature, McCartney took the stage at 6:30 p.m. with his regular band and a three-member horn section. He noted they had only rehearsed once the day before, but the stripped-down setting did not diminish the energy of the performance. McCartney launched into a robust set that showcased some of his most iconic songs, kicking off with "A Hard Day’s Night" and including hits like "Maybe I’m Amazed," "Lady Madonna," and "Hey Jude."
One of the highlights was a solo rendition of "Blackbird," where he reflected on its history tied to the Civil Rights Movement. McCartney spoke nostalgically about his early days and connection with fans, emphasizing the importance of audience engagement in their music, evident in songs like "I Want to Hold Your Hand."
During the performance, McCartney reminisced about a significant past concert in Kyiv and the current state of Ukraine while introducing the Wings song "Mrs. Vanderbilt." He also performed "Now and Then," the last Beatles song, which was recently released through technological advancements. This song sparked memories of his late writing partner John Lennon, whom McCartney honored by asking the audience to applaud his legacy.
McCartney, who was in New York for the upcoming "Saturday Night Live" 50th anniversary events, generated speculation about whether this was a one-off concert or part of a larger plan, especially since he wrapped up the Got Back Tour in December and indicated he hopes to finish a new album this year.
The artist wrapped up the night with an encore, delivering an emotional ending with "Carry That Weight" and "The End." As fans spilled out onto the street amidst falling snow, the atmosphere was filled with joy and disbelief at the magical evening they had just experienced.
