After his wife Linda passed away in 1998, Paul McCartney was really sad. To feel better, he turned to the music he loved as a kid—1950s rock ’n’ roll. He made an album called Run Devil Run, his eleventh one, filled with old songs he loved plus three new ones he wrote in that fun, fast style. To make it extra special, he got some amazing friends to play with him, like David Gilmour from Pink Floyd, Mick Green from The Pirates, and Ian Paice from Deep Purple. When it was time to play the album live, Paul picked the perfect spot: the Cavern Club in Liverpool.
On December 14, 1999, Paul went back to the Cavern Club, a famous place where he and The Beatles played a long time ago. It was his first show there since 1963! Only 300 people could fit inside, so it was a super rare night. The BBC thought it was so cool that they recorded it and shared it on the radio and TV.
Paul said, “I’m going back for one night to celebrate the music I’ve always loved. It’s the best way to say goodbye to the 1900s with a big rock ’n’ roll party at the Cavern.” The old Cavern Club was torn down in 1973, but they built a new one in almost the same spot. That was close enough for Paul and his fans to feel the magic.
With David Gilmour, Ian Paice, Mick Green, a keyboard player named Pete Wingfield, and an accordion player named Chris Hall, Paul played 13 songs. One of the best parts was when he sang “I Saw Her Standing There.” The small crowd cheered so loud because it was so exciting.
For Paul and everyone there, this wasn’t just a concert. It was like coming home to where his music started, a big party for rock ’n’ roll, and a happy way to end the century.
