Paul McCartney 'In Performance at the White House'

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In June, McCartney received the award for the popular Gershwin song that the honor bestowed in the Library of Congress. Accept it, McCartney performed in the East Room White House for US. President Barack Obama and the first family, who sat in front of the row.

Guests including Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Jonas Brothers, Jack White and others take turns playing Beatles classics.

PBS will broadcast the concert as part of its “in the White House” series at 8 pm.

Sir Paul took a moment out of his North American tour to reflect on his trip to the White House.

QUESTION: Why is this concert “Biggie” as you call it?

ANSWER: I am a big fan of the president. I believe that he has suffered wrong hands. He came into this job with a lot of difficulties in the plate, which were not its creation. So I really wanted to meet with him, being a fan of his and his wife. I’ve never been in the White House, so that was cool. And the idea of playing in the White House was very interesting. We thought that the acoustics would be like, but they would have been cool. Thus, we had a great time, just as if all of this. We were all very
excited. From me, me, to the lowliest member of the crew, we were all buzzing.

Q: You joked that you were concerned about the president might hit you after you sang “Michelle.”

A: It was such a beautiful, friendly atmosphere. It was almost like a family circle. So I felt free to say whatever I wanted, as he had a cousin, as a family wedding or something – just stupid things. We found his whole family very relaxing to be with, and I think he found us, I hope, in the same way. So it was good at this level. And he did not punch me, thank God.

Q: playing “Ebony and Ivory” for the first black president for a moment that resonance?

One of the maxima sang “Ebony and Ivory” with Stevie, because we have never done it live together, so that was cool. To sing to live together for the first time with the first black president there, she suddenly very important song. Sometimes you write a song in a certain era, and it’s got a certain kind of meaning. I do not think I would myself if it would be so soon, that America will elect a black president. Not because as soon as possible, but it was a relatively short period of time. To sing with Stevie before President Obama was very emotional. The lyrics to the song suddenly seemed more important for me in this situation.

Q: What were your impressions of the president?

Answer: In the end,U.S President Mr. Obama takes the stage, and he shook hands with my longtime associate, my guitar fan John Hummel. Jon was quite taken aback. The President said: “It was funny, is not it? Thanks. But here’s what I thought was amazing was that he reached out to our keyboard tech, who was slightly to the side, and he does not need to do. He held out his hand to this guy DJ – who is a big fan of Mr. Obama – and he took his hand and said: “I thank you, thank you. I was very impressed. For me, that he reached out to my team was very touching. It takes a big man to do that. In this industry, some people are just jerks.