McCartney to play NY benefit for 'hero firefighters'
Paul McCartney is to stage a benefit show to aid the families of firefighters affected by the New York atrocities, he announced today.
The music legend - who has occasionally released records under the name The Fireman - has been in the city since the terrorist strikes and praised the ‘‘heroism’’ he had seen.
He is now working out a venue in the city at which to stage the show.
‘I was here in New York when the disaster happened,’’ he said. ‘‘I was actually on a plane, on the tarmac, when the pilot said it’s all been closed down.
‘‘I’ve been in New York ever since and, in a way, I was pleased to be here to witness all the heroism.
‘‘What I am going to do is to do a concert here in New York within the next month to benefit all the firemen.
‘‘I have a connection there, my father was a fireman in Liverpool during World War Two. Anyway, we are looking at venues in New York now to do this benefit concert next month.’’
Sir Paul’s father, Jim, was a volunteer fireman in Liverpool during the War.
The musician added: ‘‘I’d also just like to take a second to say to all the people of New York - God bless everyone and good luck to us all, and my thanks to all the heroes and heroines who have been helping with the situation.’’
