McCartney salutes Lennon in Liverpool

Paul McCartney returned to Liverpool on the 41st anniversary of the release of the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” for a concert in which he saluted former songwriting partner John Lennon by singing “A Day in the Life,” while Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, looked on from the audience.

It was, according to McCartney's spokesman, the first time he has sung the album-closing song that was written primarily by Lennon. McCartney muffed one line midway through the song — ironically, during the brief section of the composition that he wrote. In a clip of the performance posted on YouTube, McCartney chuckles, moves on and then segues into Lennon’s anti-war anthem “Give Peace a Chance.”

McCartney also gave a nod to George Harrison by including “Something,” played on ukulele, Harrison’s instrument of choice for living-room jam sessions. His widow, Olivia, also attended the concert, which drew an estimated 36,000 people to Anfield Stadium. It was the centerpiece of the city’s European Capital of Culture arts series.

— Randy Lewis

Comments

[Carol]

Would loved to have been there. Must have been a blast!Am going to Liverpool in August.

[mike]

it was fantastic,paul at his very best.also the zutons and kaiser chiefs brilliant

[Stanz]

a class act -- this concert must have been amazing.

[Deanna]

It's clear that McCartney cannot sing anymore, his voice sounds weak, trembly and the songs need to be adjusted to a lower key. Time to hang it up, Paul.