On This Day in Beatles History: Paul McCartney Live at Halifax Common, Nova Scotia – 11 July 2009

Q: What was special about the Halifax concert?

The 78th Highlanders Pipe Band joined for a rare live Mull Of Kintyre. McCartney also started Paperback Writer in the wrong key and signed a fan's arm on stage.

Q: What is the Summer Live '09 Tour?

A 10-date North American tour in July-August 2009, including three nights at Citi Field in New York City.

Q: Why is Mull Of Kintyre rarely performed live?

McCartney typically only performs Mull Of Kintyre in Scotland. The Halifax performance with a local pipe band was a rare exception.

July 11, 2026

On This Day in Beatles History: Paul McCartney Live at Halifax Common, Nova Scotia – 11 July 2009

On 11 July 2009, Paul McCartney performed at the Halifax Common in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada — the opening show of his Summer Live ’09 Tour. The concert, the only Canadian date of the 10-show tour, was seen by 26,504 fans and lasted roughly two hours and 40 minutes. It featured a rare live performance of 'Mull Of Kintyre' with the 78th Highlanders Pipe Band, a mid-song key change mishap on 'Paperback Writer', and an on-stage tattoo invitation.

The Concert

McCartney described the Halifax show as the start of his “mini North American tour”. The 34-song setlist spanned his entire career, from early Beatles classics through Wings hits to solo material from his then-recent album Memory Almost Full (2007) and the New Fireman project.

The 78th Highlanders and Mull Of Kintyre

One of the most memorable moments of the Halifax show came during 'Mull Of Kintyre', the 1977 Wings single that McCartney co-wrote with Denny Laine. Members of the 78th Highlanders Pipe Band from Halifax took to the stage at McCartney’s invitation to perform alongside him — a rare occurrence, as the song is normally only performed live in Scotland. The 78th Highlanders, one of Canada’s most distinguished pipe bands, gave the performance an authenticity and spectacle that delighted the Halifax crowd.

The Paperback Writer Moment

During 'Paperback Writer', McCartney began playing the song in the key of A before stopping when he realised it should have been in G. The moment — a rare public slip from one of the most experienced live performers in rock history — was taken in good humour by both McCartney and the audience.

The Tattoo Invitation

McCartney also invited a young woman, Audrey McCombs of Fortuna, California, onto the stage after noticing her sign which read: “Will you sign my arm so I can get it tattooed?” McCartney obliged, signing her arm on stage in front of the 26,504-strong crowd.

The Band

Paul McCartney — vocals, bass guitar, guitar, piano
Paul ‘Wix’ Wickens — vocals, keyboards, guitar, percussion, harmonica
Brian Ray — vocals, guitar, bass
Rusty Anderson — vocals, guitar
Abe Laboriel Jr — vocals, drums

Concert Setlist

'Drive My Car'
'Jet'
'Only Mama Knows'
'Flaming Pie'
'Got To Get You Into My Life'
'Let Me Roll It'
'Highway'
'All My Loving'
'The Long And Winding Road'
'My Love'
'Blackbird'
'Here Today'
'Dance Tonight'
'Calico Skies'
'Mrs Vandebilt'
'Eleanor Rigby'
'Sing The Changes'
'Band On The Run'
'Back In The USSR'
'Something'
'I’ve Got A Feeling'
'Paperback Writer'
'A Day In The Life' / 'Give Peace A Chance'
'Let It Be'
'Live And Let Die'
'Hey Jude'
'Day Tripper'
'Lady Madonna'
'Mull Of Kintyre'
'I Saw Her Standing There'
'Yesterday'
'Helter Skelter'
'Get Back'
'Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)' / 'The End'

The Summer Live ’09 Tour

The Summer Live ’09 Tour was a 10-date North American run in July and August 2009. It included three nights at the newly opened Citi Field in New York City — the first concerts ever held at the Mets’ new stadium — as well as shows at Fenway Park in Boston, FedEx Field in Washington DC, and Cowboy Stadium in Dallas. The Halifax show was the only Canadian date and the tour opener.

Halifax Common

Halifax Common is a large public green space in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, one of the oldest public commons in North America. It has served as a gathering place for the city since the eighteenth century and has hosted major outdoor events and concerts. McCartney’s 2009 show was one of the largest concerts ever held there.

Halifax Common, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada — where Paul McCartney opened his Summer Live ’09 Tour on 11 July 2009, performing to 26,504 fans.

On This Day in Beatles History

Date: 11 July 2009
Venue: Halifax Common, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Tour: Summer Live ’09 Tour (10 dates, July–August 2009)
Show number: 1st of 10 (tour opener)
Attendance: 26,504
Duration: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes
Songs performed: 34
Highlights: 78th Highlanders Pipe Band join for 'Mull Of Kintyre'; wrong key on 'Paperback Writer'; Audrey McCombs invited on stage for arm signing

Summer Live ’09 Tour Dates

11 July 2009: Halifax Common, Halifax, Canada
17 July 2009: Citi Field, New York City, USA
18 July 2009: Citi Field, New York City, USA
21 July 2009: Citi Field, New York City, USA
1 August 2009: FedEx Field, Landover, USA
5 August 2009: Fenway Park, Boston, USA
6 August 2009: Fenway Park, Boston, USA
15 August 2009: Piedmont Park, Atlanta, USA
17 August 2009: BOK Arena, Tulsa, USA
19 August 2009: Cowboy Stadium, Dallas, USA

Explore More Beatles History

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Paul McCartney play Halifax Common?

Paul McCartney performed at Halifax Common in Halifax, Nova Scotia on 11 July 2009, opening his Summer Live ’09 Tour. It was the only Canadian date of the tour.

What was special about the Halifax concert?

Members of the 78th Highlanders Pipe Band joined McCartney on stage for a rare live performance of 'Mull Of Kintyre'. McCartney also started 'Paperback Writer' in the wrong key and invited a fan on stage to sign her arm for a tattoo.

What is the Summer Live ’09 Tour?

A 10-date North American tour in July and August 2009, including three nights at Citi Field in New York City — the first concerts at the new Mets stadium — plus shows at Fenway Park, FedEx Field, and Cowboy Stadium.

Who are the 78th Highlanders?

The 78th Highlanders (Halifax Citadel) is one of Canada’s most distinguished pipe bands, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They joined McCartney on stage for 'Mull Of Kintyre' at his invitation.

How many people attended the Halifax show?

26,504 fans attended the Halifax Common concert on 11 July 2009.

Why is Mull Of Kintyre rarely performed live?

McCartney typically only performs 'Mull Of Kintyre' live in Scotland, where it has a particular cultural resonance. The Halifax performance — with a local pipe band — was a rare exception outside Scotland.