Paul McCartney Live at United Center, Chicago

Wednesday 10 April 2002 | Live, Paul McCartney

On 10 April 2002, Paul McCartney performed at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, as part of his Driving World Tour.

The concert marked the fifth date of the tour and the first of two consecutive nights in Chicago, during a global run spanning 58 shows across four countries between April and November 2002.

Driving World Tour Context

The Driving World Tour represented McCartney’s return to large-scale touring in the early 2000s, showcasing a setlist that spanned his solo career, Wings material, and Beatles classics.

The Chicago shows were part of the early North American leg, following performances in Oakland, San Jose, and Las Vegas.

Band Line-Up

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

This line-up would become one of McCartney’s most stable touring bands in the modern era.

Setlist Overview

The Chicago performance featured a career-spanning setlist combining Beatles classics, Wings material, and solo tracks.

Highlights included: ‘Jet’, ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’, ‘Band On The Run’, ‘Let It Be’, ‘Hey Jude’, ‘Live And Let Die’, and ‘The Long And Winding Road’.

The show concluded with McCartney’s signature encore sequence, closing with ‘The End’.

United Center Context

The United Center in Chicago served as a key arena stop on the tour and became a recurring venue for McCartney in later years, including return performances in 2002, 2005, 2014, and 2025.

Location

Location Map

Also on This Day in Beatles History

10 April is one of the most significant dates in Beatles history. Here's what else happened:

• 10 April 1961 – The Beatles live at the Top Ten Club, Hamburg
• 10 April 1962 – Stuart Sutcliffe, original Beatles bassist, dies in Hamburg
• 10 April 1964 – The Beatles’ Second Album released in the US
• 10 April 1964 – The Beatles filming A Hard Day’s Night at Twickenham
• 10 April 1965 – The Beatles film Top Of The Pops at Riverside Studios
• 10 April 1967 – Paul McCartney records with The Beach Boys
• 10 April 1970 – George Harrison BBC Fact Or Fantasy interview
• 10 April 1970 – Paul McCartney announces the Beatles split
• 10 April 1970 – The Beatles’ final Apple press release
• 10 April 1972 – FBI surveillance of John Lennon ordered
• 10 April 2003 – Paul McCartney live at Manchester MEN Arena
• 10 April 2011 – The Beatles’ first contract goes to auction
• 10 April 2019 – Ringo Starr All-Starr Band live in Amagasaki

FAQ

When did Paul McCartney play at the United Center Chicago?

10 April 2002, as part of the Driving World Tour.

What tour was this?

The Driving World Tour, which ran from April to November 2002.

Who was in McCartney’s band?

Paul “Wix” Wickens, Rusty Anderson, Brian Ray, and Abe Laboriel Jr.

Explore more Beatles history: The Beatles Knowledge Hub | On This Day in Beatles History

Shop Paul McCartney & Wings merchandise: Paul McCartney & Wings Collection

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