Sir Paul McCartney stuns fans with visit to Beatles mural: ‘He was so damn cool’
Sir Paul McCartney stunned fans by greeting them on a surprise visit ahead of his first live performance in Newcastle, Australia.
The 81-year-old performed at the city’s McDonald Jones Stadium on Monday (23.10.23) evening, which marked his first show there despite his decades of global touring and appearances Down Under.
Fans were stunned when he made an impromptu stop to check out a 160 sq meter mural that had been painted by local artist Mitch Revs in honour of Paul’s first concert in Newcastle.
The Beatles icon’s car was on its way to the stadium when it made the unexpected stop and onlookers watched with their mouths open as the musician jumped out the car.
Some fans who were visiting Newcastle for the show had made their way to check out the mural as it had been gaining a lot of attention, and couldn’t believe their luck.
Mitch Revs also invited the singer to add his own stamp to the mural.
Paul was happy to oblige adding a smiley face and his initials as a crowd began to grow on the busy main road, Hunter Street.
Office workers also clearly couldn’t believe what they were seeing from their windows as they rushed out to catch a glimpse of the music veteran.
Paul was also happy to stop and chat with fans ahead of his show.
Mitch said: “Meeting Paul was honestly so surreal. I have always admired his career, not just as a musician but also an artist.
“The fact that he took the time to come past, say hello and add some finishing touches shows the kind of person he is (not to mention it was on the way to play his show.)
“He was so damn cool and casual about it all too. I am forever grateful.”
Paul announced earlier this year he had employed artificial intelligence to help create what he calls “the final Beatles record”.
He told BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme the technology had been used to “extricate” the late John Lennon’s voice from an old demo so he could complete the song.
Paul added: “We just finished it up and it’ll be released this year.”
He did not name the song, but it is likely to be a 1978 composition by John, who was shot dead in 1980 aged 40, titled ‘Now and Then’.