Paul McCartney won’t be inviting Larry David to any of his concerts anymore, and the reason is exactly what you’d expect from a curmudgeon.
On Friday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, McCartney was asked about a March show in Los Angeles where Larry David sat through “Hey Jude” without joining in. The Fonda Theatre gig drew just 1,200 seats, and Kimmel said David’s refusal stood out.
Fonda Theatre Performance
Kimmel opened the segment by recalling the March performance at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles. He described the show as “a fantastic show,” and noted several details that struck him during the evening.
One of those details involved Larry David, who was present during the performance of “Hey Jude.” When McCartney encouraged the crowd to sing along with the “Na, na, na, na” refrain, Kimmel said David refused to participate.
“Larry looked over at me, and I was singing along, whereas he was just sitting there like this, and refused to sing.”
After the Show
McCartney said he spoke with David afterward about the incident. “Yeah, I know. I know. I talked to him about it, afterwards. I said, ‘But how come, Larry?’ He said, ‘I didn’t want to do it.’ So, he didn’t do it.”
When Kimmel asked if David would be invited to future shows, McCartney responded directly: “Never. That’s it.”
David’s Explanation
When David appeared on Kimmel in June, he explained his decision to sit out the chorus. The exchange was part of a broader discussion about the incident.
Brooklyn Takeover
McCartney’s October 2nd appearance was part of the final night of Jimmy Kimmel’s takeover of Brooklyn.
The Verdict
The incident is a small one, but it carries a lesson. If you’re invited to a concert and the performer asks the crowd to sing along, it’s best to join in. Otherwise, you might find yourself on the outside looking in, and the performer won’t be asking you back.
- David refused to sing along with the “Na, na, na, na” refrain.
- McCartney spoke with David afterward about the incident.
- David explained that he simply did not want to sing.
- McCartney responded that David would never be invited again.
The Legacy
This is a delightfully petty response to a curmudgeon who refused to join in the fun. McCartney’s refusal to invite David again is a clear statement: if you’re not going to participate, you’re not welcome.
It’s also a reminder that even rock stars have standards. McCartney’s willingness to speak with David afterward and to explain his position suggests he takes fan behavior seriously.
The story is a small one, but it carries a lesson. If you’re invited to a concert and the performer asks the crowd to sing along, it’s best to join in. Otherwise, you might find yourself on the outside looking in, and the performer won’t be asking you back.
See the video the story is built around at Consequence.
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