Paul McCartney performs surprise concert in Times Square

TIMES SQUARE (WABC) -- Paul McCartney performed a surprise concert in Times Square Thursday afternoon to promote his new album, "New".

McCartney and his band took the stage at Broadway and 46th Street, after putting out word of the concert on Twitter.

Half a century after he first landed in New York with the Beatles, the 71-year old Sir Paul proved he can still draw a big crowd on short notice.

The concert came one day after McCartney performed at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens, the day he celebrated his second anniversary with his wife Nancy Shevell.

McCartney said, "Happy anniversary, Baby," to Shevell before going into his latest song, called "New." He said the song was inspired by his wife as the students turned to her and gushed.

One student asked McCartney when he felt he officially made it in the music industry. McCartney said when the Beatles recorded their first single, "Love Me Do."

The students cheered, and McCartney said: "You shouldn't know about that."

The crowd, which included some adults, was feverish as McCartney performed a 13-song set from his Beatles, Wings and solo catalogue, including "Hey Jude," ''Eight Days a Week" and "Jet."

"This beats going to class," said McCartney, who performed on the piano and the guitar along with a four-piece band.

McCartney was energetic with the students, most of whom were a bit nervous when they asked questions.

One sophomore asked why McCartney decided to continue being a musician after all of his successes.

McCartney said people frequently ask him, "Can you just retire?"

"I say, 'Thank you very much. No,'" he said.

He added that he could be home watching TV but he'd rather be with the students and performing on stages.

Bennett, who attended the event, launched the school in Queens in 2001. McCartney talked about funding and updating the Liverpool school he and George Harrison attended.

"I used to say that half of the Beatles went to that school," he said to laughs.

McCartney also told the crowd on Wednesday, which would have been John Lennon's 73rd birthday, that he connected with Lennon through songwriting.

"We weren't trained," he told the teenagers. "You guys have an advantage."

McCartney ended the day with inspiration to the arts students: "You rock on. You be great."

The event will stream on Yahoo! and across Clear Channel's classic rock, classic hits, oldies and adult contemporary stations Monday at 9 p.m.

___

Get more Entertainment »

entertainment

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•