What the UK papers said...
THE SUNDAY MIRROR: Paul's final love song for Linda
Brave Paul McCartney fought back the tears
last night as fellow-stars paid tribute to the life and work of his wife Linda. George Michael,
Tom Jones, Sinead O'Connor and M People were among the top names who belted out a medley of classic
rock and Beatles hits at London's Albert Hall.
Paul rounded off the show - a year after
56-year-old Linda's death from breast cancer - with a moving performance of the Beatles' number
All My Loving. The Three-and-a-half hour show was inspired by Pretenders' front Singer Chrissie Hynde, who
opened the concert with the hit Message of Love. Sinead arrived with three-year-old daughter
Roisin, snatched two weeks ago from her father John Waters, and stunned the audience with an
emotional outburst. The shaven-headed Irisch star then joined Chrissie in a duet, drawing a
standing ovation.
The show was expected to raise more than
£250,000 to be shared by Linda's animal charities. The 5,000 tickets sold out within an hour of
being on sale two weeks ago.
NEW OF THE WORLD: Stars say thans to lovely Linda
The stars were singing their hearts out
last night in a touching tribute to their hero... tragic Lady Linda McCartney. George Michael
was joined on stage by Sinead O'Connor and Linda's pal Chrissie Hynde at the bash in aid of
animal charities at London's Royal Albert Hall. Hubby Sir Paul put on a brave smile as he arrived
for the concert which was held a week before the first anniversary of Linda's death from breast
cancer. She was 56.
The ex-Beatle had feared the emotion of the
evening - he was married for 30 years - would be too overwhelming. But the 56-year-old bravely
smiled at fans as he walked into the hall. And he had the support of kids Stella, James and
Mary who were all at his side. One onlooker said: "It was an emotional night for him, but he was
determined to enjoy it."
Also appearing were Elton John, Des'ree, Elvis
Costello and sixties Icon Marianne Faithful. The evening was compered by comic Eddy Izzard. The
concert is due to be broadcast on Radio 2 next Saturday, the anniversary of Linda's death. It
will be shown on BBC1 the next day.
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Stars say thans to lovely Linda
Sir Paul McCartney arriving at the Albert Hall,
London, yesterday for an anniversary concert in memory of his wife Linda. The star line-up included
Tom Jones, Elvis Costello and George Michael, with proceeds going to the charity Animaline. (picture
of Paul waving at the crowd)
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