Paul McCartney Live at Rotterdam Ahoy – 24 March 2012
Saturday 24 March 2012 | Live, Paul McCartney
On 24 March 2012, Paul McCartney performed at Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands, delivering the 20th show of his ‘On The Run’ Tour.
The tour, which ran from July 2011 to November 2012, saw McCartney perform across Europe, North America, South America and the Middle East, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s premier live performers.
A Return to Rotterdam
McCartney’s appearance at Rotterdam Ahoy continued a long-standing connection with the venue.
He had previously performed there with Wings in 1976, and returned for solo shows in 1989 and 1993, making the 2012 concert part of a multi-decade touring legacy.
Setlist Highlights and Additions
The Rotterdam show featured a number of notable additions and moments within an already expansive setlist.
The return of ‘Venus And Mars’ and ‘Rock Show’ hinted at renewed interest in that album era, possibly linked to future reissue plans.
McCartney also performed ‘My Valentine’, a track from his then-recent album Kisses On The Bottom, blending contemporary material with classic hits.
During the show, a fan shouted “What about Ringo?”, prompting McCartney to briefly sing lines from ‘Yellow Submarine’ before launching into ‘Band On The Run’ — a spontaneous moment that delighted the audience.
The Touring Band
McCartney was joined by his long-standing touring band:
- Paul “Wix” Wickens – keyboards, guitar, vocals
- Brian Ray – guitar, bass, vocals
- Rusty Anderson – guitar, vocals
- Abe Laboriel Jr – drums, vocals
This lineup had become a consistent and highly regarded live unit, known for faithfully recreating The Beatles, Wings and McCartney solo material on stage.
A Career-Spanning Setlist
The Rotterdam audience experienced a career-spanning setlist, including Beatles classics, Wings hits and solo material.
Highlights included:
- Hello, Goodbye
- All My Loving
- Jet
- Maybe I’m Amazed
- Band On The Run
- Let It Be
- Live And Let Die
- Hey Jude
- Yesterday
- The End
The structure of the show reflected McCartney’s ability to blend nostalgia with ongoing musical relevance.
The On The Run Tour
The ‘On The Run’ Tour was one of McCartney’s most ambitious tours of the 2010s, featuring performances in major global cities and iconic venues.
The Rotterdam concert marked the beginning of the 2012 European leg, following earlier shows in late 2011.
Enduring Live Legacy
By 2012, Paul McCartney had spent over five decades performing live, yet continued to deliver high-energy, critically acclaimed shows.
The Rotterdam Ahoy performance stands as a testament to his enduring appeal and ability to connect with audiences across generations.
Location
Rotterdam
Netherlands
The venue where Paul McCartney performed on 24 March 2012 during the On The Run Tour.
FAQs
When did Paul McCartney perform in Rotterdam in 2012?
He performed at Rotterdam Ahoy on 24 March 2012.
What tour was this part of?
The show was part of the ‘On The Run’ Tour (2011–2012).
What made this concert notable?
The return of ‘Venus And Mars’/‘Rock Show’, the inclusion of ‘My Valentine’, and a spontaneous nod to Ringo Starr during the show.
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