Paul McCartney Plays First Concert in Citi Field

July 18, 2009— -- "I just want to take a second to drink it all in."

That's what Paul McCartney said Friday night as he christened Citi Field, the new home of the New York Mets, performing more than 30 songs for an rain-soaked but ecstatic sold-out crowd.

McCartney, who famously performed at the Mets' former home of Shea Stadium with the Beatles, had joined Billy Joel last year to play the final concert ever at that venue, so of course, he was the natural choice to be the first one to play the new one.

McCartney, looking far younger than his 67 years in a dark suit, white shirt and black suspenders, told the crowd, "I've got a feeling that we're going to have a little bit of fun tonight."

And a splendid time was guaranteed for all, as the former Beatle rocked through songs from every phase of his career, paid tribute to his late wife and bandmates, and even brought Billy Joel out for a surprise encore of "I Saw Her Standing There."

Throughout the night, McCartney had the audience eating out of his hand, following his every instruction. At one point, he actually had them barking like dogs.

As you might expect, McCartney's set list was heavy on Beatles tunes, from early numbers like "I'm Down," "Day Tripper" and "Drive My Car" to later material like "Paperback Writer," "The Long & Winding Road," "Let It Be," "Helter Skelter," "Get Back" and even the epic "A Day In The Life," which he performed as a medley with his old mate John Lennon's "Give Peace A Chance."

McCartney also spoke about Lennon before performing the song "Here Today," which he'd written as a tribute after John's death.

But even more emotional was McCartney's tribute to the late George Harrison. He performed Harrison's masterpiece, "Something," on a ukulele that Harrison had given him, while photos of the two of them through the years flashed on a screen behind him.

McCartney also spoke of his late wife, Linda, dedicating the song "My Love" to her, and "all the lovers in Citi Field tonight."

In addition, McCartney paid brief tribute to Jimi Hendrix by throwing in the guitar riff from "Foxy Lady" at the end of "Let Me Roll It."