artists
paul mccartney
Main Space, Roundhouse
Thursday 25 October
McCartney released ‘Memory Almost Full’ his 21st solo album earlier this year to a resounding response, having sold over a million copies worldwide.
A master of melodies, the former Beatle was joined by a special string section, for a truly memorable event.
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watch
Sorry we were only able to keep performance videos online for a week after the festival.
on the bbc
set list
- Magical Mystery Tour
- Flaming Pie
- Got To Get You Into My Life
- Dance Tonight
- Only Mama Knows
- C'Moon
- The Long And Winding Road
- Follow The Sun
- That Was Me
- Here Today
- Blackbird
- Calico Skies
- Eleanor Rigby
- Band On The Run
- USSR
- House Of Wax
- I Got A Feeling
- Live And Let Die
- Hey Jude
- Let It Be
- Lady Madonna
- I Saw Her Standing There
- Get Back
what happened
Minute by minute report, via text message, by the BBC's Jane Long.
- 19.59 - At 7pm the queue stretched halfway to Belsize Park. Five minutes to go and already the packed crowd are going wild.
- 20.05 - And straight into 'Magical Mystery Tour'. This is one man who doesn't need to worry about wasting his hits early in the set!
- 20.07 - Paul's looking damn sharp in a skinny mod suit.
- 20.09 - It's "a long time" since he's been in the Roundhouse...
- 20.12 - He's got his mandolin out. Must be time for 'Dance Tonight'.
also at bbc electric proms
- Other performances
- Ray Davies and friends
- Film - The Beatles: Help!
line-up
- Mark Ronson with special guests and the BBC Concert Orchestra
- Paul McCartney
- Kaiser Chiefs via David Arnold
- Bloc Party
- Ray Davies and friends
- Agaskodo Teliverek
- Amar
- Amplifier
- Battles
- Ben Westbeech
- Basquiat Strings
- The Beatles: Help!
- Blanche
- Bob Dylan: The Other Side of the Mirror
- Breed 77
- Charlie Louvin
- The Chemical Brothers
- Cold War Kids
- The Coral
- Daft Punk: Electroma
- Duke Special
- Durrty Goodz
- Editors
- Edwyn Collins
- The Enemy
- Estelle
- The Flaming Lips:
UFOs at the Zoo - Ghetto
- Hadouken!
- Justice
- Kano presents London Town
- Kid Harpoon
- Noah and the Whale
- Once in a Blue Moon:
A tribute to Lal Waterson - Maps
- The Metros
- New Cassettes
- Radio Luxembourg
- Reverend and the Makers
- The Riff Raff and Riz MC
- Sam Isaac
- Sigur Rós: Heima
- Siouxsie
- SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS with Jamie Cullum
- Taio Cruz
audience reviews
Kim
I was fortunate enough to actually be there, coming all the way from Canada. This is the 4th time I've seen Paulie and again, seeing him was one of the highlites of my life. His voice was in top form, he was full of energy, he looked absolutely fantastic and he seemed genuinely pleased to banter with the crowd. Everyone in The Roundhouse left with a smile on their face. I'm hoping and praying he returns to a full tour next year, although nothing can top seeing him up close in such an intimate setting. Paul is, by far, the ultimate showman!
VANESSA PICKETT, HANTS.
Superb Gig, filled with live musical history, fresh new genius and a total glow of admiration for this living giant of music.Great to see McCartney in such a small venue.I went to this gig hoping to see something different from his usual backcatalogue, but have to admit, the old stuff has to be there. This music, made us want to see the man in the first place.He played a good mix of original and new material, which pleased everyone.He was warm to his audience, and I highly applaude the BBC for making the concert so accessable through its many media sites, so this warmth can be felt by those that sadly could not be there in the flesh.Keep rocking MACCA!I for one will never tire of your magic.
Read more...
elle
My boyfriend asked me to marry him in the middle of live and let die!
Gleb Polukhin
I was there and kept a piece of cardboard in tha air with "Greeting from Russia" ! Unbelievable evening, please get back to Russia Paul, our feelings to you are limitless!
Andrew Shaw
I was there - thanks to a legitimate booker returning a ticket. 'With a little luck.....' It was great to view the concert again via the 'red button' also. Paul was just amazing and it was great to see him bounce off the energy from the crowd. His voice sounded great and actually much younger that his years. He looked fab and is a great advertisement for going veggie. The lighting and sound within the Roundhouse were spot on and I picked up even more subtle details from the mix when I viewed the concert back on TV. I could write reams but the highlights for me were 'Eleanor Rigby' with the live string double quartet playing the original George Martin arrangement - (was this a 'live' first for this song?) and 'Here Today' for John Lennon. We could tell that this came straight from Paul's heart. I am just sorry that the touts seemed to have got hold of many tickets despite a strict wristband procedure. In fact the touts were actually selling wristbands (fakes or real ones I do not know). To end on a positive note, this was a night that we will truly remember for the rest of our lives. Paul, as well as his amazing band and his crew, almost blew the roof off the refurbished Roundhouse!
audrey paulson
I was there, was one of the " 2 girls from california love u" and flew to London just for the show and had one of the best evenings of my life and now memories to last forever. The staff were kind, patient and extremely helpful throughout the day before, all day the day of the show and after. Only saw Paul during the show! What a great venue and what a perfect night that was. Audrey - san jose california
cath @ stafford
i was there with my husband mark , truly amazing i had a moment to myself thinking my god im here, a moment to treasure, all round best night ever
Dean hibberd
Still watching it on BBCi 4 days after getting back from the gig !!!!!!! .... can't stop watching it !!! was just so lucky to see him live again & this time in such a small venue....Absolutely cracking gig !!! ...many thanks to the BBC for showing it for 5 days on interactive tv ! Dean,Waterlooville,Hampshire
Annie M
Nothing beats seeing a Beatle live...what a GREAT show!! And the band was so tight! Rusty, Brian, Abe and Wix are extraordinary musicians and the acoustics in the Roundhouse were amazing. So glad I was able to be there at this historic Gig!
judy racine
As a Brit living in Colorado, USA it was great seeing this gig. I saw Macca here in Denver and loved hearing this coverage online. The last song is always amazing!!
Alex
Coming from the Principality of Monaco just for Paul. Great concert did not have any doubt, amazing as usual. Thanks so much for the big emotions you always make me live....
Nellie belle
I think it's one of the greatest show or gig he ever done. I enyoyed watching the video clip.It was FANTASTIC! TX, U.S.A.
VANESSA PICKETT, HANTS.
Superb Gig, filled with live musical history, fresh new genius and a total glow of admiration for this living giant of music.Great to see McCartney in such a small venue
Angela
I was there and had the evening (day) of my life!!!I don't matter what songs Paul sings as long as I'm in the same place. Really loved it and also the security from the Roundhouse were so nice and helpfull to us!! So next year same place same performance????
Richard Gunn, Peterborough
Just a great, great gig, and what a privilege to see him in front of a small crowd. He seemed to relish being able to connect with the audience as much as those there relished the chance to see a living musical legend in such an extraordinary venue...Well done BBC for being behind such a special event!
Geoff Stilwell
I just watched the video of the Roundhouse gig and I wished I was there. Absolutely amazing! It was great to see such a range of ages represented in the audience, from the very young to those who could have been there at the beginning, like me.What I want to know was the names of the rest of the band. They weren't introduced, unless I missed something. Please, someone post the information.Thanks and brilliant, Sir Paul!
meg dixon
fantastic, i wish i could have been in the audience,paul hasnt lost his magic for me, he brought back a lot of wonderful memories for me from my beatles days i will remain a loyal fan for as long as i live.
Corinne
I was at the gig and it was absolutely fabulous!! Paul is looking so good and hot!! I could have looked at him all night, well I did!It was my birthday too and its one I will never forget!Keep going Paul we love you!
chris hiatt
A great performance,and an exceptional production by the BBC. This shows the way forward!
Dani
I was there and he was amazing, I do wish he did some more Wings songs though coz thats what I went wild for.Hes looking and sounding good right now. Easy to forget he is in his 60's
Jokstrummer
Brilliant gig travelled down from Liverpool on the day.The band didn't hold back they gave an Arena Sized Gig performance and brought fantastic energy to a great little venue.Mixed ages from Macca's age down to teenagers, surprisingly some people around me were not as informed on the set list , comment's such as "I don't know this one" for Flaming PIE ETC but still bopping away like crazy ......absolutley fantastico....
Pam
It was a superb concert. Paul excelled. He is exceptional and an artist who has continued to enrapture the world for so many decades with his musical talent . May he continue to do so for many more. Thankyou for the concert. Truly, an experience to cherish.
Sarah
At 19, I never would I have thought I would experience the brilliance of such performer this early on in life. Sir Paul has never lost his youthfulness, and this quality was apparant throughout the show. He really made the audience feel special when he interacted with us (which he did quite often) and it's easy to see why he is so well loved. The music was wonderful as well-a perfect combination of Beatles, Wings, and newer material. My personal favorite was "Here Today", a beautiful (and tear-jerking!) reminder of the relationship between Paul and John. I only wish he had performed for longer, as Paul is someone very difficult to say goodbye to.
Toshiko
I have been Paul's fan since my father showed his album about 20 years ago...I asked my friends for signatures to let him in Japan in 1990. After 20 years, I decided to live in the UK and saw Paul in Roundhouse yesterday. It was meaningful for me to see that Paul is fine now and very kind to his fans!Thank you Paul for saying "ARIGATO (Thank you)" when he left the stage...I was happy to see that he recognised many fans from Japan.Fans are always waiting for you. Please come back to the stage, Paul.
Jenny and Colin
Watched Paul McCartney tonight instead of The Tudors! What a choice that was and to think we could have missed it. It was fantastic and it made our friday night in fabulous. Thank you - we will be watching it again and again and again and will drive our kids mad talking about it.
Erwin
Great Show i was at 1st row Paul's right handside after he sang Calico Skies i was waving to him and he waved back, then he asked audience waves and after a second he said "i don't know why i do that it just come over me " that was so worth it waiting in the rain for 8 hours can't wating for him again.
Steve, Epsom
I first saw Macca play in 1990 and at each of the subsequent world tours so to be there last night and see him in such a small venue was just amazing. The man is a living legend. Faultless as ever.
Mike Talbot
Absolutely Amazing. He's still got it by a country mile. Genius!
Tim Huckstepp
What a great gig ! but who were the band members surely Macca couldn`t have done it without them, the drummer was fantastic but who was he, and the guitarists who were they ? Come on give them some credit.
Gerry Coogan
Watched the gig on the telly last night. Paul's still the top man. Whether it's Beatles songs, Wings tunes or some of his recent solo stuff, the quality is consistently high. And his current band is absolutely exceptional. Five stars all round.
John king
Man that was fab, Macca just get's better & better. been seeing his gigs since 76 but this was the tops, 4 rows from the front listening to the legend, like in your front room Wow! Fantastic! the vibe in the place, Love you Paul !!Like you say Paul, "See you next time."
Colin M
I am 15 and it was absolutely brilliant! If only it could have gone on for another couple of hours. If someone doesn’t enjoy a Beatles song, they don’t know what music is. Live And Let Die was absolutely amazing; you had to be there to enjoy the fireworks and explosions. If only I was old enough to have seen the Beatles. Good night all round especially when the crowd started singing, “Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, Hey Jude,” on the way out. Good Night all round. Col.
victor
This was an amazing concert- the musical genius switched gear and emotion and took the whole audience with him at every stage. His song for John was astounding in its intensity . House of Wax 2007 and Blackbird 1967 on the same set -who else has a catalogue like this? What other artist or band in popular music of today or yesterday will play (and be played) for over 40 years and be listened to for centuries to come Anyone who has ignored the Beatles music has lived a lesser life
frank nash
Mccartney, who I've always felt was the real genius behind the Beatles proved it with a fantastic set of mainly Beatles songs which created a magical night for eveyone there. We took a lot of trouble to get there but it was well worth it
John
Fabulous performance,Paul superb,B.B.C.production equally so. It took me straight back 45 years, I was rocking round the room!
Emma N. Ireland
I sat watching the concert, compliments of the BBC last night, but was also fortunate enough to have received a phone call from a friend, who was in the audience. All appeared to be having a good time, I personally thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope everyone left with a little bit of Paul's magic, transferred onto them. 11 out of 10 for Macca :D. Thanks, brilliant production all round!
Tina
My ticket was bought for me as a birthday present as it was my birthday yesterday, and to be honest I was not sure what to expect - I have never seen Paul live before and did wonder if he still had the 'old magic' - Afterall there is nothing worse than seeing your old idols crash and burn - I should never have doubted him! It was A truely professional and FAB performance from a very fit and energetic perfomer, which made my birthday very special. Dare I say crashing brilliant and burning HOT!? As we heard several times in the crowd last night - We love you Paaaul!!!
DEAN HIBBERD
Just superb to see Sir Paul & his talented band yet again....watching the whole gig over & over again on BBCi !!! .....Just absolutely brilliant ....see you next year on the 2008 tour & Liverpool 08 (if i am lucky enough to be balloted tickets !) Dean.Waterloovile.Hampshire
david rate
fantastic gig, great to see paul back on stage. his voice was a bit off at the begginng but the set just got better.the sound was superb hats off to the sound technicians.
Nick and hannah
The gig was MIND BLOWING. First time we have seen Sir Paul play and it certainly wont be the last. He looked so good! we will never forget that night.Paul, your a true star.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Simon
Brilliant! Only 40ft from the stage with Sir Macca giving it his all. A night to remember forever.
David
I was there last night. Although it was a great concert it seems to me it was quite short.I saw Macca before and he can playe up to 3 hours!!!!The Roundhouse is magnificent, great place. You can even see Macca's wrinkles
Martin Putnam
Watched and listened to the show coverage on BBC Radio and TV last night.Fantastic coverage, brilliant production. Wonderful to catch glimpses of so many members of Paul McCartney's message board present.Thank you Paul and The BBC, we're all at our computers world-wide waiting for the on-line stream as I write...................
Paul Douglas, Coventry
Just got back from the gig. Macca and his band were on fine form as usual and played a killer set. The new songs fitted in well with all the old classics, especially That Was Me. The highlight for me was, of course, Hey Jude - there is nothing quite like singing that song along with a few thousand other fans (but why did the ladies get two turns??)Macca really is better now than he has ever been.Great music, great venue, and a really great man. Thanks BBC, and Thank You Paul xx
John-Paul Davies
Outstanding!! the man is an utter utter legend!! Here tonight the tribute to John; solo acoustic - sends shivers down your spine, true genius!!!!
Malcolm Bailey
Just watched Paul on BBC2. What a rare talent and a great entertainer! How many can have sung their own songs, some 40 years on, with so much enthusiasm to such a wide cross-section of an audience ?
Toni
I have watched Paul McCartney for the first time in Rock in Rio Lisboa in 28th May 2004 and I was in the Round House tonight. As a Portuguese citizen I think the British people should be very proud of such a great musician. Paul McCartney is playing and singing better and better. Long live the genius.. Looking very much for my third chance to watch him live. And thank you to the BBC for having the gig on line for one week. I will be watching every day.
Connie
Have just watched Paul on Electric Proms and had to say how fantastic it was. It was a joy to see him performing live , his talent is amazing, everyone looked as if they were having a great time.