‘It’s a bit emotional’: Paul McCartney plays new songs to fans at Abbey Road

The ex-Beatle hosted a playback previewing his next album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, telling stories along the way

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tudio Two at Abbey Road was dressed with an armchair, a guitar and a bookcase of Paul McCartney memorabilia. Without the spotlights and cameras, it might have passed for his living room. Even so, the 50 competition-winning Beatles fans gathered to enjoy their prize – a preview listen to McCartney’s new album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane – were surely not expecting the man himself to walk in.

Then the room hushed. One fan said keenly: “He must be here.” And he was.

When he entered from the control room on Tuesday afternoon, the crowd broke into cheers. “Hello, and welcome to Abbey Road studios,” McCartney said. “I’m going to play the album for you and try to think of stuff to say about it.”