Paul McCartney Plays Concert for New ‘Egypt Station’ at Grand Central Station NYC

Paul McCartney uses megaphone to sing to his wife Nancy - Youtube photo
Paul McCartney uses megaphone to sing to his wife Nancy during Grand Central Station concert - Youtube photo

By JOHN DALY

Paul McCartney has released Egypt Station, his 17th solo album, and played a concert from Grand Central Station in New York City, livestreamed via YouTube Originals Friday.

During the concert, McCartney played tracks off the new album, solo material mostly from Wings, and many classics of The Beatles.

“We were thinking of places to play,” McCartney said about making the choice to play Grand Central Station. “Well what’s the coolest station we could think of?  That is why we are here tonight.”

“Grand Central Station is in the movies, this station,” he said. “I’m totally proud to be here.”

Paul McCartney at Grand Central Station in NYC - Youtube Photo
Paul McCartney at Grand Central in NYC – Youtube Photo

For those who were not able to tune in at 8 pm EST on Friday, the show will be posted on McCartney’s YouTube channel after the event.

During the show, McCartney showed great vigor, and even played “Blackbird” for what he said was the first time “among people.” He later brought up two girls, one of whom said she had been bullied because she was “different.”

“Like the cool girls? That happens, I’ve seen it in films. So what was one of their names?” He then launched into a new song, “Who Cares.”

Paul McCartney and band perform 'Let it Be' Grand Central Station - Youtube photo
Paul McCartney and band perform ‘Let it Be’ Grand Central Station – Youtube photo

Among the classics were “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “With Love From Me to You,” “Love Me Do,” “I Saw Her Standing There,””Back in the USSR,” “Let It Be” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” one of the baddest versions of “Helter Skelter” ever played and wrapping with “Golden Slumbers” off Abbey Road.

Egypt Station was recorded between Los Angeles, London and Sussex, and produced (with the exception of one Ryan Tedder track) by Greg Kurstin (Adele, Beck, Foo Fighters). It’s the first album since the 2013 album, NEW.

Check out Paul McCartney and Jimmy Fallon punk elevator riders at 30 Rock:

“I liked the words ‘Egypt Station,’ McCartney said. “It reminded me of the ‘album’ albums we used to make… Egypt Station starts off at the station on the first song and then each song is like a different station. So it gave us some idea to base all the songs around that. I think of it as a dream location that the music emanates from.”

Egypt Station has 14 songs, which combine to convey a unique travelogue. Book-ended by Station I and Station II instrumentals, the songs capture a place or moment along the musical trip.

 

Macca Takes ‘Egypt Station’ to Late Night Circuit

McCartney’s June appearance on Carpool Karaoke with James Corden has since set the record for most-watched late night videos on Facebook at over 100 million.

Download Egypt Station here

In July McCartney announced a secret show at The Cavern and followed up with appearances on The Howard Stern Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and WTF with Marc Maron.

Paul McCartney performs on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBc7FwDrM_g