Sir Paul McCartney fondly reminisced about the incredible reception The Beatles received in Adelaide in 1964 as he prepares for his return to the Australian stage on Wednesday night. During a rare fan Q&A session at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, McCartney recounted the overwhelming experience of being greeted by a crowd of 300,000 enthusiastic South Australians as the Fab Four arrived in the city for the first time. He described the moment as “insane” and “something very special.”
McCartney, at 81 years old, is making his first appearance in Adelaide in 30 years and decided to provide a sneak peek of his Got Back tour rehearsal to a group of competition winners. He engaged in a special Q&A session where he revealed that John Lennon had the most profound impact on his musical life and mentioned that performing for the Queen was one of his career highlights.
Afterward, McCartney delighted a select group of 35 fans with a short set featuring Beatles classics like “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Drive My Car.” He playfully acknowledged the spontaneous nature of the performance, saying, “Here we are Adelaide. We’re making this up as we go along.”
During this event, McCartney surprised one competition winner, Vince Cavaleri from Adelaide, by singing his hit song, “Birthday,” in celebration of Vince’s upcoming 61st birthday. Mr. Cavaleri described it as a moment he would cherish for the rest of his life.
This concert marks McCartney and his band’s first performance in about 16 months, having last played at the Glastonbury music festival in June 2022. Fans anticipate a setlist filled with Beatles classics, Wings hits, and some of McCartney’s solo material.
Despite the excitement surrounding McCartney’s visit, he has maintained a low profile since arriving in Adelaide. He admitted to catching up on sleep and combating jet lag. While some fans staked out his accommodation and others waited near the Entertainment Centre, McCartney’s visit has been relatively low-key.
Rumors circulated online that McCartney might visit Semaphore, sparking excitement among locals. Business owners expressed their enthusiasm at the prospect, with some even considering vegetarian options for the vegetarian music icon.
Paul McCartney’s low-key visit to Adelaide contrasts with the grand reception The Beatles received in 1964 when 300,000 South Australians greeted them, marking their largest reception worldwide. McCartney and his bandmates performed at Wayville’s Centennial Hall on that visit.
McCartney’s last show in South Australia was over three decades ago at Adelaide Oval on March 13, 1993, as part of his “The New World Tour.” His return to Adelaide is highly anticipated after several years of absence from the city during his Australian tours. Following the Adelaide concert, McCartney will perform in Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium before continuing his tour in various Australian cities.
