After the loss of his wife Linda in 1998, Paul McCartney found solace in the music that first inspired him—1950s rock ’n’ roll. His eleventh studio album, Run Devil Run, was a tribute to that era, blending twelve classic covers with three original tracks written in the same raw, energetic style. To bring the project to life, he assembled an all-star band, including Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, The Pirates’ Mick Green, and Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice. And when it came time to debut the album live, there was only one place that made sense—Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club.
On December 14, 1999, McCartney returned to the venue where The Beatles made history, performing there for the first time since their final show at the original Cavern in 1963. The intimate gig was so momentous that the BBC recorded and broadcast it on both Radio 2 and BBC1. With only 300 tickets available, it was an exclusive and unforgettable night.
“I’m going back for just one night as a tribute to the music that has always thrilled me and always will,” McCartney shared before the show. “I can’t think of a better way to close out the century than with a rock ‘n’ roll party at the Cavern.”
Though the original club was demolished in 1973, the reconstructed venue occupied much of the same site, capturing the spirit of its predecessor. That was more than enough for McCartney and his fans.
Joined by Gilmour, Paice, Green, keyboardist Pete Wingfield, and accordionist Chris Hall, McCartney powered through a 13-song setlist. One of the night’s standout moments was his electrifying performance of I Saw Her Standing There, met with roaring applause from the lucky few in attendance.
For McCartney and his audience, it wasn’t just a concert—it was a full-circle moment, a celebration of rock ‘n’ roll, and a fitting farewell to the 20th century.
