Paul McCartney is set to continue his legacy in Queens, but this time at Citi Field, with a pair of shows July 17 and 18, echoing The Beatles’ historic first performance at Shea Stadium.
“I am really excited about playing Citi Field- The Beatles were the first to play at Shea Stadium and along with Billy Joel I was the last to sing at the old Shea,” said McCartney. “So to be first to play this ballpark is incredible. I am really looking forward to a buzzing show.”
The concert, which will be the first one at the new home of the Mets, will feature well-known hits from McCartney’s repertoire, as well as songs from his latest album, Electric Arguments.
Reactions from people in Queens were mixed, although most agreed with the choice of McCartney.
“He’s the right guy,” said Jeffrey Portnow, who brought up the fact that the Beatles were the first to play at Shea. “[Bruce] Springsteen owns the Meadowlands so McCartney owns Citi Field,” he said.
Mike Constantouris said McCartney’s performance “sounds good,” and that it was an appropriate choice.
“It should be someone who has been around with a decent, clean record in the public’s eye,” said Constantouris.
Although Asia Haynes said the news was “pretty cool,” if she had a choice, she said she would pick “David Cook, because he’s my favorite singer.”
The Beatles were not only the first to hold a concert at Shea in 1965, but it was also the first time a concert was held in a sports venue. The massive crowd sold out the show to pack the stadium and made the concert a historic success.
McCartney’s musical appearances didn’t end there. The Beatles played at Shea again in 1966, and last year, McCartney made a guest appearance at Billy Joel’s “Last Play at Shea” to bid farewell to the former home of the Mets. Again, the show was sold out both nights with crowds of more than 55,000 fans.
“There’s no more appropriate artist in the history of rock and roll to play the first concert at Citi Field,” said Jeff Wilpon, COO of the Mets. “The era of big-time rock and roll concerts started with Paul and The Beatles at Shea and we’re thrilled to continue that tradition at our new home.”
The Mets will be on their All-Star break and then on the road from July 13-26 to avoid conflict with the show.
The shows will be held rain or shine and tickets will go on sale 10 AM, June 15 on www.507TIXX.com and by phone at 718-507-TIXX.
