Macca Sells Out In Seconds

Paul McCartney’s gig at the 100 Club sold out in seconds, giving a welcome financial boost to the cash-strapped London venue.

The former Beatle promised a “back-to-basics” performance at the “Packed Lunch” gig, which took place Dec. 17 in front of 300 people who each paid £60 for a ticket.

The show at the threatened venue is the most intimate Macca has played since he performed at the Cavern Club in Liverpool in 1999.

“I’m looking forward to being able to interact with fans on a face-to-face basis, not to mention the smell of sweat and beer,” he told London’s Evening Standard.

The historic Oxford Street venue, which has been putting on bands since 1942, now faces closure because its expenses are higher than its revenues.

Owner Jeff Horton has blamed rent increases, rising VAT and alcohol duty. Many artists including Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie and Sex Pistols bass player Glen Matlock have backed a campaign to keep the club open.

The 100 Club is believed to be spending as much 80 percent of its income on keeping up payments to its landlord and the revenue authorities.

A week before McCartney’s show, Horton dumped talent booker Jim Driver in a bid to further cuts costs.