McCartney rocks his Ukrainian fans

London (ANI): Sir Paul McCartney did not let torrential downpours spoil his Ukrainian fans Saturday night, and performed before an audience of more than 350,000 people in Kiev's Independence Square. The former 'Beatle' rocked the audience with an astonishing 33 hit songs. Given that abundant amounts of rain had reduced the capital's streets to waterways, it seemed uncertain whether McCartney's concert would go ahead.

However, the show did take place, though a couple of hours later than its scheduled time. McCartney was seen speaking the local lingo, and waving Ukraine's national flag. "I've waited a long time to play this song here," British tabloid The Sun quoted McCartney as telling the crowds.

He even expressed his gratefulness to the people who braved thunder, lightning and torrential rain to reach the venue for his concert, which went on for about two-and-a-half hour. "It's great to be here. Thank you for coming out in the rain," the BBC quoted him as saying. McCartney's songs 'Let It Be', 'Hey Jude', 'Back In The USSR' were well received by the fans.

The crowd's loudest screams were reserved for an electrifying performance of Bond theme tune 'Live And Let Die', complete with pyrotechnics and fireworks. The free Independence Concert, organised by Ukrainian billionaire businessman Viktor Pinchuk, was broadcast live on TV across the country, and on giant screens set up in five other cities. Ukraine, which gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, has played host to a number of well-known performers in recent years.

Last June, Sir Elton John performed to 200,000 people in Independence Square.