Paul McCartney's Recent Ed Sullivan Theater Rooftop Performance

We posted a few days back about Paul McCartney's soundcheck/performance from the marquee of the Ed Sullivan Theater when our friend in NYC caught word of it happening early in the afternoon and headed over for the 22 minute soundcheck. The Letterman people very kindly posted video of it; tracks include "Coming Up," "Band on the Run," a great ripping "Let Me Roll It," "Helter Skelter," and "Back in the USSR." McCartney's backing band and his voice are in top-shape, but it sort of bums me out that his incredible rock-n-roll yell (check out the Beatles version of "Kansas City" or "Helter Skelter") has dissipated over time....

McCartney Imitating Beatles Rooftop Concert for Letterman Appearance

Paul McCartney is playing the David Letterman show this evening and it seems he will be playing atop the Ed Sullivan Theater, much like the famous Beatles performance atop Abbey Road Studios oh so long ago. Received this from a friend a little while ago:

McCartney is setting up on Letterman's roof...soundcheck soon...dunno if i can get there, they closed streets off just setting up i guess. Tapes at 5:30

So if you're in the area, could be worth a trip over to Broadway and 53rd for a look!

Update (4:22 pm)

So since I work like 12 blocks away, figured I'd go take a walk over to the Letterman studios...when I got there, maybe 500 people on sidewalk in the penned off pit.

When I left probably about 1,000...still plenty of time for people to get there! ;-)

I stayed for 40 minutes, he started right when I got there, unfrotunately they have a black curtain surounding them, but he kept poking his head out waiving too the crowd, etc. Most was only monitor, but they turned on the Pa's here and there, and it still sounds better than a Bruce show.

Not the biggest Beatles fan (no!)

But spoiler for what he rehearsed when I was there:

Some new song I guess, didn't know
Comin' up (quite good)
Get Back (also quite good)
Another newer song, I liked this, chorus has uh ohh uh ohs
Eleanor Rigby (2x's)

Figured at that point my 2 hour lunch hour was enough.

Negotiations Stall to Digitize/Itune Beatles' Catalogue

My favorite quote: "EMI want something we're not prepared to give 'em. It's between EMI and The Beatles I think - what else is new?"

Sir Paul McCartney has said he wants The Beatles' catalogue to appear on Apple's iTunes store, but that negotiations have currently "stalled."

"We'd like to do it," Sir Paul told BBC News. "We are very for it, we've been pushing it. But there are a couple of sticking points, I understand."

He said "heavy negotiations" were going on with their former record label EMI.

"EMI want something we're not prepared to give 'em. It's between EMI and The Beatles I think - what else is new?"

The band's music is not currently available to download legally.

"Last word I got back was it's stalled at the moment," Sir Paul said. "But I really hope it will happen because I think it should."

EMI, which owns the Beatles recordings, must agree a deal with Apple Corps, the company set up by the band to look after their classic catalogue.

The various parties involved have been unable to reach agreement but we really hope everyone can make progress soon

An EMI spokesperson said: "We have been working hard to secure agreement with Apple Corps to make the Beatles' legendary recording catalogue available to fans in digital form.

"Unfortunately the various parties involved have been unable to reach agreement but we really hope everyone can make progress soon."

Sir Paul was speaking as he launched a new album under the name The Fireman, his collaboration with producer Youth.

The album, Electric Arguments, has seen the former Beatle take an experimental twist and has garnered glowing reviews.

It was released on Monday and, along with solo work by all four members of the legendary British band, is available to buy on iTunes.

The vast majority of major acts have now signed up to sell their songs on iTunes, with only AC/DC, Kid Rock and Garth Brooks also holding out.

There were hopes that Beatles songs would become available after Apple Inc - which owns the download store - ended a trademark dispute with Apple Corps last year. (Source)