Paul McCartney rocks The Colbert Report

"Last time we talked I wasn't that familiar with your work", joked host Stephen Colbert as he began his interview with Sir Paul McCartney.

During a 12-minute interview entitled, "Stephen Colbert's Tribute To Having Paul McCartney On His Show Feat. Paul McCartney With Special Guest Stephen Colbert", the television host and the former Beatle seemed to have a good rapport.

Although there was no new information for the ardent McCartneyphile, (and, after a career spanning more than half a century, this was to be expected), this was an enjoyable interview.

After being asked to 'relive those bad days', the early days with Wings, McCartney quipped, "There were times I was…begrimed".

There was some playful arguing over the pronunciation of the word 'schedule' ("Sh-edule is correct, sk-edule is incorrect", informed McCartney) and to the host's obvious delight, an impromptu duet of 'Cheek To Cheek', (a song McCartney wishes he could have written).

"You try to be modest. I do pinch myself sometimes and think, you know, I've done pretty good", when reminded he's had a mind-boggling 71 US Top Ten hits.

Paul McCartney and his band, comprising Paul "Wix" Wickens (keyboards), Brian Ray (guitar and bass), Rusty Anderson (guitar) and Abe Laboriel Jr. (drums) treated the lucky studio audience to a rocking set of half a dozen songs.

"We'd like to do a song now which we haven't done ever until this tour we're on", before launching into 'Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!'.

The mini concert was momentarily interrupted by Colbert, holding in his hand a 1960s Beatles trading card showing that the now famous vegetarian's favourite food was roast beef.

"Have you anything to say Paul McCartney? You are busted!"

Songs Performed:
I've Just Seen A Face (Help!, 1965)
Hi Hi Hi (single, 1972)
Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite! (Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967)
Listen To What The Man Said (Venus And Mars, 1975)
Lady Madonna (single, 1968)

There was also an exclusive online only performance of 'Birthday' (The Beatles, 1968) which he dedicated to "anyone who has a birthday during the entire year".

Paul McCartney turns 71 on Tuesday.

His Out There tour continues tonight at the Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival in Tennessee.

Further dates announced so far:

22 June – Warsaw, Poland, National Stadium
25 June- Verona, Italy, Roman Amphitheatre
27 June – Vienna, Austria, Ernst Happel Stadion
9 July – Boston, Massachusetts, Fenway Park
12 July – Washington, D.C., Nationals Park
16 July – Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Miller Park
19 July – Seattle, Washington, Safeco Field

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