September 25, 2008 23:44

Paul McCartney performs for thousands in Israel

The former Beatle brings message of peace at his first Tel Aviv gig

Photo Gallery: Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney gave his very first concert in Israel today (September 25) for thousands of cheering fans.

The former Beatle kicked off the controversial Tel Aviv gig with The Beatles' 'Hello Goodbye' and played many of his former band's classics including 'Yesterday', 'Hey Jude' and 'Back In The USSR'.

He also dedicated 'Give Peace A Chance' to the song's composer John Lennon, and encouraged the crowd to sing the chorus alone. During his performance of the James Bond theme 'Live And Let Die', fireworks exploded overhead, reports the Associated Press.

McCartney played for a crowd of approximately 40,000 people, many of whom wore shirts saying 'I Love Paul'. He addressed the crowd at Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park in a mixture of English, Hebrew and Arabic.

Despite protesters asking him to boycott the gig because of Israel's occupation of the West Bank, McCartney went ahead with what he dubbed the Friendship First concert, saying he's seeking peace between Israel and Palestine.

"I get criticizsd everywhere I go, but I don't listen to them," McCartney said. "I'm bringing a message of peace, and I think that's what the region needs."

Paul McCartney played:

'Hello Goodbye'
'Jet'
'Drive My Car'
'Only Mama Knows'
'All My Loving'
'Flaming Pie'
'Let Me Roll It'
'My Love'
'Let Em In'
'The Long And Winding Road'
'Dance Tonight'
'Blackbird'
'Calico Skies'
'I'll Follow The Sun'
'Mrs Vanderbilt'
'Here, There and Everywhere'
'Eleanor Rigby'
'Something'
'A Day In The Life/Give Peace A Chance'
'Band On The Run'
'Back In The USSR'
'I've Got A Feeling'
'Live And Let Die'
'Let It Be'
'Hey Jude'
'Lady Madonna'
'Get Back'
'I Saw Her Standing There'
'Yesterday'
'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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