Barack Obama to host Paul McCartney tribute gig at White House

A Paul McCartney tribute gig is set to take place at the White House in Washington DC on June 2 - hosted by US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

The White Stripes' Jack White, Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl, Emmylou Harris and Elvis Costello will be among the performers at the show, reports Associated Press.

The show will take place in the East Room of the building, with McCartney set to receive the third Gershwin Prize For Popular Song from the president.

The show will be broadcast at 8pm (EDT) on PBS TV stations across the US.

The Library Of Congress Gershwin Prize For Popular Song is a lifetime contribution prize given to musicians. In the past Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder have received the award.

Paul McCartney: 'The Beatles Almost Reformed'

Sir Paul McCartney has revealed that the Beatles came close to reforming.
The singer said the Liverpool group discussed a reunion on more than one occasion but could never all commit to the idea.
“There was a bit of talk of The Beatles at certain points,” Sir Paul told Q magazine.
“What used to happen was three of us would fancy it and then maybe George or John or I wouldn’t.”
Sir Paul, who launched a solo career after the band split, said “it was a blessing” that they never reunited.
“We’d done it, why spoil it?” he added. “Whether it’s god given or not those four people was a pretty good mix.”

Paul McCartney starts rowing on Nancy Shevell sailing date

Looking happy and relaxed, Sir Paul McCartney took girlfriend Nancy Shevell for a romantic boat trip.

But it wasn't all plain sailing for the ex-Beatle.

Sir Paul, 67, had to get out a paddle and start rowing after the wind dropped and left them becalmed off Miami.

He and Nancy, 49, haven't had much luck on recent dates. He recently took her for a drive in LA - and their car broke down.

Maybe he should have stuck with wings.

Paul McCartney 'Using London's O2 Arena To Rehearse For World Tour'

Sir Paul McCartney has been rehearsing at London's O2 Arena ahead of the start of his Up and Coming tour, it's been reported.
The former Beatle has apparently been using the 18,000-capacity venue in preparation for the opening US leg, reports The Sun.
The jaunt will see Sir Paul play dates across the US before heading to the UK for a series of stadium dates.
The veteran singer will also make headlining appearances at the Isle of Wight festival and Wireless festival in London in June.
Sir Paul said recently that he and his band were “really excited” about bring their tour back to a “home crowd”.
Tickets for the tour are on sale now and available via Gigwise Gig Tickets.
Sir Paul McCartney's UK and Ireland dates are:

Dublin, RDS Stadium – June 12

Isle of Wight Festival – 13

Glasgow, Hampden Park – 20

Cardiff, Millennium Stadium – 26

London, Hyde Park Calling – 27

Sir Paul McCartney plays UK stadium and festival dates

Sir Paul McCartney has announced he will play four outdoor UK shows this summer, including at the Isle of Wight festival and in London's Hyde Park.

The ex-Beatle will also play his first show in Cardiff for three decades, at the Millennium Stadium, as well as playing at Hampden Park, Glasgow.

Tickets for the stadium shows in June will go on sale on 8 March.

Sir Paul McCartney played only one show in the UK in 2009, at London's O2 arena, as part of his European tour.

He kicks off his summer shows by headlining the Sunday of the Isle of Wight festival on 13 June, before the two stadium shows in Scotland and Wales, and ending in London at the Hard Rock Calling series of concerts on 27 June.

The 26 June concert at the Millennium Stadium will be the ex-Beatle's first gig in Cardiff for nearly 31 years.

"I want to make sure it's a great night for everyone, a total blast," said Sir Paul. "We want it to be a night that none of us forget."

"The last time I was there was with Wings in the '70s so there's a lot for us to catch up on."
He added: "Me and the band can't wait to get to Cardiff and rock out at the Millennium Stadium, which we have been looking forward to playing for quite a while now."
Stadium venue sales manager Alex Luff said: "This is a massive coup for Cardiff and for the Millennium Stadium which has held its reputation as a must-play live entertainments venue for over a decade since our first ever concert on Millennium Eve."

Hard Rock Calling Tickets go on sale on 5 March, while festival tickets for the Isle of Wight are already on sale.

Paul McCartney to headline Hard Rock Calling 2010

Paul McCartney is to headline this year’s Hard Rock Calling in London’s Hyde Park.
The gig, on June 27, will be McCartney’s first full-length concert in Hyde Park, although he has guested with other artists there before.

Hard Rock Calling takes place on the weekend of June 25-27, with Pearl Jam already announced as headliners for the Friday night (27).

Speaking of his gig, McCartney said: “My last show of 2009 was in London at the O2 Arena and we had a great night, there was a great party atmosphere. I hope that this summer we can have an even bigger party in Hyde Park. I’ve had a little taste of performing in the park when I guested briefly with Neil Young there last summer and it tasted good. So I’m looking forward to getting there with the band and performing our own show.”

The headliners of the Saturday (June 28) of Hard Rock Calling are due to be revealed shortly, along with the support acts for McCartney’s night.
The line-up, so far, for Hard Rock Calling is:

Friday (June 25):

Pearl Jam

The Hives

The Gaslight Anthem

Wolfmother

Ben Harper & Relentless7

Hard Rock Calling Tickets for the June 27 day of go on sale this Friday (March 5) at 9am (GMT).

Paul McCartney Announces 2 New Dates in U.S

Paul McCartney has announced two new live performance dates in the U.S., with the promise of additional dates to soon follow.

On March 28, the former Beatle will perform at the Jobing.com Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Two days later, on March 30, McCartney will take the stage at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

Ticket pre-sales began this morning (Feb. 23). General ticket sales will begin on Sunday, Feb. 28, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Standard time.

As was the case with McCartney’s wildly successful 2009 tour, a mix of Beatles, Wings, and solo material is planned.