Paul McCartney Plays Surprise Concert At Grand Central

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Paul McCartney fans, it was your lucky day.

The former Beatles star released his highly anticipated album "Egypt Station" on Friday. To celebrate, he threw what was billed as a secret concert "somewhere in New York" - and that somewhere turned out to be Grand Central Terminal.

It was a spot in the audience at the top secret show that Paul McCartney has been hinting at on social media for days, reports CBS2's Jessica Layton.

Before an audience of celebrities and lucky ticket holders, McCartney played an hour-long medley of new songs from his latest album and classic hits from The Beatles.

"I have a feeling we're going to have a bit of fun here tonight," said the former Beatles singer-songwriter before launching into "Can't Buy Me Love."

Fans couldn't buy their way inside. Most won their seats through an online contest, learning the spot for the show was Grand Central Terminal only a little while before they lined up to be let in.

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Sneaky, Suburb Surprise

Fans could not believe their good fortune.

"I was shocked, I've never won anything like this," said Adam Birnbaum.

"I was freaking out," said Sarah Saul. "I love Paul McCartney."

"We've grown up with him, he's like another friend," said Keri Butcher. "He's like our confidant. The new song confidant? You put on Paul McCartney, he knows how to make you feel better."

Celebrities were also on the invite list - including actress Meryl Streep, Chris Rock and others.

The train station had also been selling these special edition Paul McCartney "Egypt Station" Metro cards. A nod to the legendary Beatle's new album that came out hours before he took the stage.

"Typical Paul," said Mike Rood. "I've been following his career in the way he does these things for a while now and I love the fact that he can still be sneaky with fans."

Over the summer, fans in the United Kingdom were left completely stunned when the legendary performer surprised a local pub in Liverpool with an unannounced concert.

It was part of a special edition of James Corden's The Late Late Show. The former Beatle also joined Corden for his popular segment, "carpool karaoke."

Magical Mystery Rumor

McCartney had been teasing fans for days on social media - telling them to sign up for the chance to get tickets to this surprise show - but no official announcement was made on where it will be.

CBS2 spotted work crews setting something up at the station Friday morning.

McCartney finally tipped his hand and told the world he would stream the show on YouTube Friday night. Fans can also purchase official Paul McCartney-themed MetroCards at Grand Central; something many Beatles fans lined up for while supplies last.

"I'm a big Beatles fan and I wanted to get it," John Benfatti told CBS2's Andrea Grymes. "He's got so much energy for 76 years old."

"I'm a huge Beatles fan since the beginning so why wouldn't I want to have this memorabilia?" Ralph Esposito added.

In:
• Grand Central Station
• Paul McCartney