Paul McCartney Guests With Local Florida Band On Saturday

On Saturday night Paul McCartney sang the Beatles’ classic “I Saw Her Standing There” with Florida band Josh Walther & The Phase5 at Interlachen Country Club in Winter Park, Florida. The Country Club was hosting a graduation party for McCartney’s stepson Arlen Shevell when Macca stepped up to lead the local band through one of the Fab Four’s first hits.

[Photo by MJ Kim]

Examiner spoke with Walther who was obviously thrilled to have sung with one of musical heroes. Walther explained that McCartney’s wife (and Arlen’s mother) Nancy Shevell booked The Phase5 for Saturday’s party. “She called us about this event last year, but I didn’t know who she was,” he said. “I didn’t figure it out until about two weeks ago when she casually mentioned it on the phone.” The singer added, “They found us on the internet. Nancy said they searched for bands in the area and we were their first choice.”

Josh Walther couldn’t contain his excitement and shared the following with his Facebook friends: “Just a little nervous about our gig tonight. I am never one to be nervous before a show. However, tonight we are playing for one of my musical heroes and his family. Actually, I think it’s safe to say that he might be the world’s biggest living musical hero. Hopefully I can get through it without falling down or saying anything to embarrass myself or the rest of the band. LOL. Positive thoughts needed from all of my friends smile emoticon Can’t say who until tomorrow. I’ll just say ?#?MaybeImAmazed? I really am. Shocked, stoked, honored, terrified, but mostly AMAZED!”

After Walther and the band finished their first set, McCartney asked if he could sit-in with the group. Paul really wanted to play “I Saw Her Standing There,” so even though Phase5 didn’t know the song they learned it quickly and backed Macca on the tune.

Watch footage of McCartney’s guest spot in Florida: