Nearby, two brothers and their friend, who brought guitars with them from New Jersey, lead a rendition of “I Saw Her Standing There.” Several people are pacing up and down the crowd muttering a headcount to themselves to figure out their number in line. Others are offering money to cut ahead and are harshly rebuffed.

Following his sold-out show in New York City, Paul McCartney announced a second Bowery Ballroom show at the venue, which also sold out and broke out surprises in the setlist. The first surprise was “Flaming Pie,

Rare gold and silver coins honouring former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney are up for auction. The bespoke set of gold and silver coins, designed by The Royal Mint, will go under the hammer at Stack's Bowers Galleries.

Paul McCartney’s previous New York-area performance took place three years ago at MetLife Stadium, capacity 82,500. His surprise show Tuesday night at the Bowery Ballroom fit, at most, 575. It was probably less than that since McCartney’s sound board and gear — too much to fit backstage — occupied a portion of the floor space at the venerable downtown theater.