More than 350,000 screaming fans braved torrential rain, thunder and lightning tonight to see Paul McCartney perform a charity concert in a place he had never belted out a single note before.
The former Beatle belted out his favorite tunes in the middle of Kiev’s central Independence Square. The outdoor show, the first in Ukraine for McCartney, was billed as the biggest concert ever in the former Soviet republic. Government officials allowed the charity event to be broadcast live on national television and on giant TV screens in five cities.
The music icon, who turns 66 next week, reportedly got the concert off to a rousing start by coming out on stage singing the Beatles hit “Drive My Car.”
The square where McCartney played is steeped in history. It was the site of 2004’s Orange Revolution, a mass protest that helped overturn a fraudulent election and brought a pro-Western opposition leader to power.
Concert organizers say the money raised from McCartney’s performance will be spent on diagnostic equipment for Ukraine’s National Cancer Institute’s children’s department. Health officials say currently sick children are forced to seek treatment abroad because Ukraine lacks the necessary medical equipment.
In the meantime, a month after the death of legendary French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, an auction is being planned to sell seven pieces of his clothing and jewelry representing the progression of his decades long career.
Organizers say the July 2nd auction will feature a 1958 cocktail dress for Dior and a 1970s Rive Gauche camel cable-knit sweater trimmed in fox fur similar to one Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis wore.
Saint Laurent, who is considered one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, died on June 1st at age 71. Some of his most influential designs of the 20th century include pop-art print mini-dresses, peasant skirts, and feminine pantsuits.
Auction organizers say proceeds from the sale of Saint Laurent’s collectibles will be donated to various charities.