Paul McCartney did a free concert for fans atop the marquee of the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York for his appearance on The Late Show last night. McCartney was performing at the same place the Beatles made their US television debut, on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. It was the first time McCartney had appeared on Letterman in over 25 years, and Letterman joked that he gave up trying to get him back on the show after about 15 years.

McCartney played the Beatles tunes “Get Back” and “Back in The USSR,” (video below) a possible reference to the fact that he was “back” after a hiatus. He also performed a new track from his latest album with his band The Fireman (with Youth of Killing Joke) called “Sing The Changes.” (Update: I’ve also found video of him performing “Band On The Run” and “Helter Skelter“) He was on to promote his upcoming US tour, which opens at The NY Mets’ new stadium, Citi Field, on July 17.

During the show the banter between McCartney and Letterman took a while to get rolling, with Letterman asking him about his past at first. McCartney recounted some stories about how the Beatles became a worldwide phenomenon. McCartney came across as kind of low-key and not too concerned about his young rise to massive fame. It was like it happened, it was cool, and he went on to other things. He said that “other people know my history better than I do,” meaning that he wasn’t too focused on the past and doesn’t revel in the old times much.

On how the rumors that he was dead got started
McCartney told a funny story about how the old rumors that he was dead got started in the 1960s. Letterman specifically asked him about it, and he explained:

“What happened is that we did a cover for a record called ‘Abbey Road’… [applause]

“So the idea was to walk across the crossing, and I showed up that day with sandals, flip-flops… It was so hot that I kicked them off and walked across barefooted.

“This started some rumor that because he was barefooted, he’s dead. I couldn’t see the connection myself…”

Dave asked “How do you manage something like that, because it was a global rumor?”

“I just laughed at it and knew it was just because of the fame and the craziness. It was an American DJ so you guys are to blame…

“It was a little bit strange because people started looking at me like ‘is it him or a very good double?’

Dave explained “That was the other part of it, that there was a guy that looked like you taking your place.”

McCartney pointed to himself and said “This is him.”

On his collaboration with Michael Jackson
Dave then showed a photo of McCartney with Michael Jackson taken in 1982 when they were working together.

McCartney explained that Jackson called him up on Christmas Day one year and asked “Do you want to make some hits?”

“So I said yeah, sure, you know being of the hit-making variety. So we did and it was really nice. He came to my house, and we got to know the family and stuff and he had a great guy, used to come with him, a guy called Billy.

“It was very nice. We had a really good time. We made a couple of records together, did a video and we’re very good friends.”

On how their friendship suffered when Jackson bought the Beatles catalog
“It actually kind of fell apart a little bit later because he was talking to me and asking my business advice and one of the things I said to him was ‘Think about getting into music publishing,’ and then he looked at me and I thought he was joking and he said ‘I’m going to get yours.'”

“It turned out to be true… which was cool. Somebody had to get it I suppose…”

On asking Michael Jackson for a raise
“Then I started to ring him up. I thought, ‘He is the guy historically placed to give Leno/McCartney a good deal at last.’

“We got signed when we were 21 or something in a back alley in Liverpool and the deal remained the same, even though we made this company… hugely successful.

“So I kept thinking it was time for a raise… You would, you know? I did talk to him about it. He kept saying ‘That’s just business Paul.’

“We never got to it, so we kind of drifted apart. It was no big bust up.”

“He was a lovely man, massively talented and we miss him.”

Last week, McCartney wrote that he’s not upset that Jackson didn’t bequeath the Beatles song catalog to him in his will, and that never never expected him to. I doubt whoever eventually gets control of it will give McCartney a raise, either.

I really like Paul McCartney. You can tell he’s comfortable with his fame and just takes it as a matter-of-fact without any conceit at all. He also clearly loves to perform and make music, and at 67 he can still bring it for his adoring fans young and old. I found myself smiling and tapping my feet to both McCartney’s classics and his new song, a uplifting thoughtful tune. Thanks Paul, for being you and for hanging in there despite all the craziness you’ve endured over the years.

You can watch McCartney’s interview on YouTube:
Paul McCartney Interview on David Letterman 7/15/09 – Part 1
Paul McCartney Interview on David Letterman 7/15/09 – Part 2

Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson are shown in 1983 (note: some of you said the dates were wrong on other early Jackson photos from this agency, WENN.com). McCartney is also shown performing outside the Late Show last night. Bruce Willis read the Top Ten that night and he got a prime seat. Credit: Janet Mayer: PRPhotos