Ex-Beatle and iconic musician Paul McCartney to play free gig on Maidan
Ever since the news came in, the Beatles fans in Ukraine have been in a frenzy over Paul McCartney’s concert in Kyiv. The Beatles legend will perform to hundreds of thousands of fans at a free concert at Maidan Nezalezhnosti for what is billed as an “Independence Concert” on June 14. The show will be broadcasted on Noviy Kanal TV channel for those who prefer to stay home and avoid the anticipated swarm of people.
McCartney was invited by Ukrainian tycoon Victor Pinchuk, and the event is being organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation. Pinchuk said he had been planning to invite McCartney since the 2004 presidential election in Ukraine and since then they have been in negotiations with the star. Finally, last autumn a letter of confirmation was received from McCartney. Victor Pinchuk calls himself a fan of The Beatles. “For the first time we have the opportunity to hear the songs that changed the world and created a new culture,” he said. Sir Paul hasn’t performed lately so this is a special treat for Kyivans. McCartney said: “I’m very excited because on the 14th of June I’ve been invited to play a concert in Independence Square, Kyiv. Me and the band are going to be there and we’re going to have a great evening and we hope to see you there. So come along, it’s going to be a great evening hopefully for Ukraine. Pull together, groove, rock and roll – all together.”
It is important to note that McCartney has made mention of Ukraine in a songs with the Beatles. In the well-known hit “Back in the USSR” the Beatles sing: “The Ukraine girls really knock me out.” Also, several years ago during the concert in St Petersburg in Russia Sir Paul in response to a greeting of Ukrainian fans suddenly took the microphone and said: “I send all my love to you, Ukraine.”
Furthermore, Sir Paul McCartney will open a personal exhibition of his artistic works, which will include 40 of his works at the PincukArtCentre. This will be Paul’s first exhibition in this part of the world. His first art exhibition was in Siegen, Germany in 1999. Paul will personally open the exhibition.
If you thought last year’s Elton John concert was a big one wait until you see the crowd for this one. Last June, Sir Elton John performed in front of 200,000 people on Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, and has since set up AIDS projects in the country with Pinchuk and his wife Olena Franchuk.
Certain parts of the city will be closed off in time for the show: Maidan Nezalezhnosti – from Instytutska to Horodetskoho streets, from 3 p.m. on June 13 to 4 p.m. on June 15, and also Khreschatyk from Yevropeyska Square to the Besarabska Square and Sadova street from 4 p.m. till noon on June 14. Furthermore, Maidan Nezalezhnosti metro station will be closed from 5.30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 14. The historic concert will be broadcast live on screens in cities across Ukraine for those who can’t make it to the capital.
Before Paul McCartney’ concert in Kyiv fans can check out the website: www.beatlesinmylife.org.ua, where they can vote for 10 Beatles songs to be played out of a list of 44. Leading songs include “Mrs. Vanderbilt,” “London Town,” and “Pipes Of Peace.”
Besides, Ukrainian Beatles Mania Museum devoted to McCartney’s visit in Kyiv will operate until June 29 at the Globus shopping center. It will include exhibits of memorabilia from fans’ private collections’ from all over Ukraine.
Maidan Nezalezhnosti. June 14, 9 p.m.
