­Silent singing: Springsteen and McCartney silenced at Hyde Park

Get short URL

Published time: July 16, 2012 09:03
Edited time: July 16, 2012 14:18

The organizers of Bruce Springsteen’s gig in London’s Hyde Park silenced the singer and guest Sir Paul McCartney this weekend due to a sound curfew.

Concerts in the park have been a cause of friction between the neighborhood’s wealthy residents and music fans.

Last Saturday US singer Bruce Springsteen and ex- Beatle Sir Paul McCartney fell victim to the interest of local residents, as the city authorities applied a strict 10.30 pm sound curfew and silenced the show.

The concert in Hyde Park was part of the Hard Rock Calling festival. The US singer was advised to finish his performance before 10.15. Four hours into Springsteen’s performance Sir Paul McCartney stepped onto stage.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the US singer greeted Sir Paul saying “I’ve been waiting for this for 50 years.” The two played Beatles’ hits "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Twist and Shout," but at 10.30 their sound equipment was forcedly shut, leaving the performers with no chance to thank the audience.

A spokesperson for the organizers said it was unfortunate that they had to stop Springsteen's show "right at the very end," adding that the curfew had been laid down by the authorities "in the interest of the public's health and safety."

Prior to Sir Paul’s appearance, Bruce Springsteen performed several tracks with Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, and former Creedence Clearwater Revival member John Fogerty.