McCartney Rocks the "Late Show"

A black curtain hides the stage constructed above the Ed Sullivan Theater's marquee on Wednesday, July 15, 2009. Paul McCartney returned to the theater, site of the Beatles' U.S. television debut in 1964, to be a guest on the "Late Show with David Letterman" and perform for the crowd outside.

A crowd begins to form across the street from the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2009, waiting for Paul McCartney to perform.

Paul McCartney gives the thumbs up sign to fans as he peeks through the curtains during rehearsals for a performance atop the Ed Sullivan Theater marquee during a taping of the "Late Show with David Letterman" in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2009.

A couple holds up their tickets for a taping of "Late Show with David Letterman" in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2009. After being interviewed by Letterman for the show, guest Paul McCartney played a six-song set above the Ed Sullivan Theater's marquee.

A woman waiting to see Paul McCartney perform atop the Ed Sullivan Theater's marquee on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, shows off a Beatles book she got when the band arrived at New York's John F. Kennedy airport in 1964.

People in the building above New York's Ed Sullivan Theater look down on the stage below, awaiting Paul McCartney's performance above the theater's marquee.

Paul McCartney and his band begin to play above the marquee at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2009. The Beatles made their U.S. television debut at the same theater in 1964, performing on the "Ed Sullivan Show."

Paul McCartney performs above the marquee at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2009. McCartney played a six-song set for the crowd outside, including Beatles hits like "Back in the U.S.S.R." and Wings songs like "Band on the Run."

Paul McCartney performs atop the Ed Sullivan Theater marquee during a taping of the "Late Show with David Letterman" in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2009.

Paul McCartney performs atop the marquee at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2009. Before performing, McCartney was inside the theater taping an interview for the "Late Show with David Letterman," which aired later that evening.

"Late Show" host David Letterman shakes hands with Paul McCartney above the Ed Sullivan Theater on Wednesday, July 15, 2009. The Ed Sullivan Theater, where the "Late Show" is taped, is the site of the Beatles' 1964 U.S. television debut.

The crowd outside the Ed Sullivan theater reacts to Paul McCartney's performance after he finishes the song "Get Back," Wednesday, July 15, 2009.

Paul McCartney and his band perform atop the marquee at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2009. The set included hits like "Band on the Run" and "Helter Skelter."

Paul McCartney speaks to the crowd as he performs atop the marquee at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2009.

Paul McCartney performs atop the marquee at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, Wednesday, July 15, 2009. Before the outdoor concert, McCartney was interviewed by David Letterman for the "Late Show."

Crowds and camera crews alike watch Paul McCartney perform atop the marquee at New York's Ed Sullivan Theater, Wednesday, July 15, 2009.

Paul McCartney, left, and David Letterman smile during a taping of the "Late Show," Wednesday, July 15, 2009. McCartney's interview and subsequent outdoor performance which aired on the show Wednesday night.