McCartney To Play Japan

Paul McCartney made a surprise, maybe even live appearance during the New Year’s Eve broadcast of “Kohaku Utagassen,” a traditional song contest considered the most important Japanese music event of the year.

Chirs Pizzello / Invision / AP – Paul McCartney
“Desert Trip,” Empire Polo Club, Indio, Calif.

The four-hour-plus show, which is aired on Japan’s public broadcast network, features the biggest domestic pop acts of the year divided into a male team and a female team, and a panel of celebrity judges as well as home viewers who vote on a winner. 

About halfway through the broadcast, McCartney appeared on the screen offsite wearing a bright red sweater and standing next to a huge poinsettia.

He announced he would be coming to Tokyo to play at the Tokyo Dome on April 27, 29 and 30. According to his home page, these are the only dates he has announced so far this year. Tickets go on sale at the end of the month.