Letterman Music Files | Paul McCartney Plays The Marquee

Somehow it’s fitting that one of the more historic performances in Late Show With David Letterman history featured one of The Beatles. Paul McCartney and the rest of the Fab Four were introduced to America with a February 9, 1964 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show that was filmed at the Ed Sullivan Theater where Letterman tapes his CBS program. Forty five years later McCartney returned at Letterman’s request although the performance didn’t take place on the venue’s stage.

On July 15, 2009 Paul McCartney and his incredible backing band stepped onto the Ed Sullivan Theater’s marquee for a brief set of Beatles and Wings classics some of which was broadcast on that evening’s Late Show. McCartney was in fine form as he reeled off one epic song after another and even threw in a few teases along the way. The set included potent takes on “Helter Skelter,” “Back In The USSR” and other gems from McCartney’s career. While the performance wasn’t announced ahead of time, word got out quickly leading tens of thousands to assemble around the theater for the free show.

Watch footage of the set shared on the Letterman YouTube channel:

Coming Up, Band On The Run, Let Me Roll It > Foxy Lady Jam, Helter Skelter, Back In The USSR