Paul McCartney announced a Bowery Ballroom concert only hours before taking the stage on February 11, 2025. The small downtown New York venue, a rush for in-person tickets and a set spanning the Beatles, Wings and his solo catalog made the performance unusual—not merely the word “surprise.”
What happened at Paul McCartney’s Bowery Ballroom show?
McCartney took the stage at roughly 6:30 p.m. with his regular band and a three-member horn section, according to The Associated Press. He reportedly told the audience the group had rehearsed once, the previous day. The appearance was a one-night-only event during his New York visit for Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary festivities.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![The Boys of Dungeon Lane[LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41KVx9d93JL._SL160_.jpg)
|
The Boys of Dungeon Lane[LP] | $36.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![RAM [LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/616y28s8KxL._SL160_.jpg)
|
RAM [LP] | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![McCartney II[180g LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61BbC5qCLQL._SL160_.jpg)
|
McCartney II[180g LP] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![McCartney[180g LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51va8nyGMlL._SL160_.jpg)
|
McCartney[180g LP] | $27.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Band On The Run[180g LP]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51uCmPlBFVL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Band On The Run[180g LP] | $27.45 | Buy on Amazon |
“So, here we are,” McCartney said, grinning. “Some little gig. New York. Why not?” AP reporter Jake Coyle reported the remark on February 12, 2025. Before another song, McCartney said, “I can’t quite believe we’re here, doing this. But we are here, doing this.”
When did McCartney play the Bowery Ballroom?
The AP report dates the surprise performance to Tuesday, February 11, 2025. PaulMcCartney.com’s past-events archive, however, lists “PAUL McCARTNEY ROCKS THE BOWERY” on February 14, 2025. Those are conflicting dates: the AP account of the short-notice show says February 11, while the artist archive shows a Bowery listing for February 14. They should not be treated as the same date without further confirmation.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- `The Boys of Dungeon Lane' is a collection of rare and revealing glimpses into memories never-before shared, along with some newly inspired love songs, from one of the most culturally significant figures of our time
How did fans get tickets, and how small was the venue?
Tickets were sold in person at the venue, one per person, and reportedly sold out in about 30 minutes. AP estimated Bowery Ballroom’s maximum capacity at 575; equipment occupied part of the floor, so the number of people who could attend may have been lower. The report also placed the show three years after McCartney’s previous New York-area performance.
What songs did Paul McCartney play at the Bowery?
The set opened with “A Hard Day’s Night” and moved across Beatles songs, Wings material and solo work. AP reported these selected highlights; this is not a complete setlist:
Rank #2
- Ram is the only album credited to the couple Paul and Linda McCartney
- “Got To Get You Into My Life”
- “Maybe I’m Amazed”
- “Lady Madonna”
- “Jet”
- “Get Back”
- “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”
- “Let It Be”
- “Hey Jude”
- “Blackbird,” performed solo on acoustic guitar
- “Now and Then”
- “Mrs. Vanderbilt”
McCartney spoke about “Blackbird” and the Civil Rights Movement. Introducing “Mrs. Vanderbilt,” he recalled performing it before 350,000 people in Kyiv; that figure is his recollection as reported by AP, not an independently verified attendance count. The encore closed with “Carry That Weight” and “The End.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why did the performance feel so unusual?
The short notice meant fans had little time to react, and the in-person, one-ticket-per-person sale made access a matter of reaching the venue quickly. The estimated maximum audience of 575 also put a global star in a room dramatically smaller than the settings typically associated with his career. Within that intimate space, the reported set connected Beatles classics, Wings songs and solo material, including “Now and Then,” released in 2023.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- McCartney II was Paul's first solo album since the formation of Wings in 1971
AP also mentions McCartney’s 2009 performance above the Ed Sullivan Theater marquee and his 2018 appearance at Grand Central Terminal as earlier New York pop-up performances. The Bowery show was distinct in its setting and in the reported short-notice, ticketed public concert format.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Band on the Run is the third studio album by Paul McCartney and Wings, released in December 1973
Rank #4
- Debut album from Paul McCartney
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
