Paul McCartney Joins Billy Joel at Shea Stadium

From the New York Times:

Paul McCartney Joins Billy Joel at Shea Stadium
By BEN SISARIO
Published: July 19, 2008

It takes a lot to upstage Billy Joel at Shea Stadium.

But late on Friday night, nearly three hours into a career-spanning performance advertised as the last concert at Shea before it was to be demolished, Mr. Joel seemed happy to turn over the spotlight to Paul McCartney, who, he said, had just flown in from London.

The sold-out crowd of 55,000 people let out an ear-splitting roar as Mr. McCartney sang the Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There,” with Mr. Joel singing backup and, fitting his reputation as a self-deprecating rock star, looking on from his piano as if he were just another fan himself.

Before beginning “Let It Be,” Mr. McCartney alluded to the Beatles’ first concert at Shea in 1965, the year after the stadium opened.

“It’s so cool to be back here on the last night,” he said. “Been here a long time ago — we had a blast that night, and we’re having another one tonight.”

[Read the rest of the article!]

Some fans rushed straight home after the concert to put videos of the concert on YouTube. Here's one.

That's fab Freda, thanks so much for posting it!

I would have loved to see this. I was a big Billy Joel fan back in the day, mostly because he was such a Beatles fanatic. I imagine it was a big thrill for him being on stage with Paul.

Thanks for posting the link Freeda,that was great, I really liked Billy Joel back in the day, of course I Paul!

Here's another article on the show...

Macca throws off his divorce woes for old time rock 'n roll with rock legends at the 'Last Play at Shea'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...Play-Shea.html

Thanks for the articles Freda and Lucy.

Awesome send off for Shea huh?

Already, there are quite a few vid clips posted on YouTube. The electricity was buzzing when Billy invited Paul to the stage. Awesome to see.

Love the video screen shaped as the NY Skyline.

Paul does look much healthier since his divorce, actually he looks fantastic. Same goes for Steven Tyler, he looks great. Even Tony Bennett is looking good.

Hmmmm, what do we suppose their secret is? Stadium Pretzels with mustard?

Aside from breathing life into the hapless Mets of late ... maybe it is Beatle magic that has infused itself in the Stadium?

Anyway... great stuff. Thanks for the articles.

They are all looking good and the article are great!

Paul is looking so good at the moment, something that Lucy and I commented on at Anfield and in Kiev at times he looked like a young Paul, he really looked like ayoung paul again he was having such fun!!

Okay... not sure why but this brings tears to my eyes.
So good to see Paul there for the last concert. Great Stuff.
But would have been even better if Ringo could have joined him.

It is nice to see Paul there for a swan song concert. The last time any Beatle performed at Shea was 8/23 & 8/24/1966, the Dodge Dart Era.

Great, this article. Paul literally brought the house down.

I wonder where the Mets will be playing once Shea Stadium becomes history.

Cool. at first I didnt believe it. How fun would that be? You go to a concert and then POP! A Beatle comes out and joins in!

I agree! That must've been a little mind blowing to the fans! & what a send off for Shea! Very cool story!!!

Let it b:

It just goes to show you that nobody can dodge that Beatle influence!

Paul restored Shea to the good Beatle association it first acquired in 1965 and again in 1966.

Way to go, Paul!