On 13 April 2003, Paul McCartney performed at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England, as part of his Back In The World Tour.

This concert marked the ninth date of the European tour and the first of two consecutive nights in Birmingham, as McCartney brought his post-Beatles catalogue back to UK arenas following the success of his 2002 world tour.

Back In The World Tour context

The 2003 tour served as the European continuation of the 2002 Driving World Tour, retaining the same core band and much of the set structure, while refining the production and expanding the setlist.

The band featured:

• Paul McCartney – vocals, bass, guitar, piano
• Paul “Wix” Wickens – keyboards, guitar, vocals
• Brian Ray – guitar, bass, vocals
• Rusty Anderson – guitar, vocals
• Abe Laboriel Jr – drums, vocals

Birmingham performance highlights

The set combined Beatles classics, Wings hits, and solo material, with a strong emphasis on audience engagement and musical versatility. Tracks such as Hey Jude, Let It Be, and Band On The Run were central to the performance, while acoustic moments like Blackbird and Here Today added emotional depth.

The inclusion of Calico Skies and Michelle demonstrated McCartney’s willingness to vary the setlist for the European leg.

Full concert setlist

• Hello, Goodbye
• Jet
• All My Loving
• Getting Better
• Coming Up
• Let Me Roll It
• Lonely Road
• Driving Rain
• Your Loving Flame
• Blackbird
• Every Night
• We Can Work It Out
• You Never Give Me Your Money
• Carry That Weight
• The Fool On The Hill
• Here Today
• Something
• Eleanor Rigby
• Here, There And Everywhere
• Calico Skies
• Michelle
• Band On The Run
• Back In The USSR
• Maybe I’m Amazed
• Let ’Em In
• My Love
• She’s Leaving Home
• Can’t Buy Me Love
• Birthday
• Live And Let Die
• Let It Be
• Hey Jude
• The Long And Winding Road
• Lady Madonna
• I Saw Her Standing There
• Yesterday
• Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
• The End

Tour chronology (March–April 2003 highlights)

• 25 March – Paris (Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy)
• 28–29 March – Barcelona (Palau Sant Jordi)
• 1–2 April – Antwerp (Sportpaleis)
• 5 April – Sheffield (Hallam FM Arena)
• 9–10 April – Manchester (MEN Arena)
• 13–14 April – Birmingham (National Indoor Arena)
• 18–22 April – London (Earls Court Exhibition Centre)
• 25 April – Arnhem (GelreDome)

The Birmingham shows marked the midpoint of the UK arena leg before the extended London residency at Earls Court.

Legacy and return to Birmingham

McCartney returned to the Birmingham venue—later renamed Resorts World Arena—on 27 May 2015 during the Out There Tour, reaffirming the city’s place as a key stop in his UK touring history.

The 2003 performances helped solidify the format of McCartney’s modern live shows: expansive setlists, multi-instrumental performances, and a balance between nostalgia and ongoing artistry.

Location

National Indoor Arena (Resorts World Arena), Birmingham, England

FAQ

When did Paul McCartney perform in Birmingham in 2003?

He performed on 13 and 14 April 2003 at the National Indoor Arena.

What tour was this part of?

This was part of the Back In The World Tour, the European continuation of his 2002 tour.

Did the setlist differ from the 2002 tour?

Yes, it included additions such as Calico Skies and Michelle, alongside core material.

Was this McCartney’s first time in Birmingham?

No, but it was part of his major return to UK arena touring in the early 2000s.