October 1989 – Paul Returns to Hamburg
The 3rd and 4th of October 1989 marked Paul McCartney’s historic return to Hamburg for two concerts at the city’s Sportshalle.
The Beatles first played in Hamburg August 1960 and made a total of five trips to the city, performing at the Indra, Kaiserkeller, Top Ten and Star Club; in and around the notorious Reeperbahn.
Wings had played in Germany on six occasions but had not played in Hamburg. Understandably, Hamburg held many memories for Paul McCartney.
Press Conference
Prior to the first concert on the 3rd of October 1989, McCartney took part in a press conference at the Kaiserkeller. The club’s doorman, Horst Fascher, gave interviews to German TV and recalled the bands time in the city. During the press conference, McCartney remembered that the Kaiserkeller’s stage had been made of planks of wood balanced on the top of beer crates.
The Beatles and Rory Storm and the Hurricanes had competed to see who could first destroy the stage – the latter emerged victorious. As McCartney related, “we broke it systematically over about a week…so he [the owner, Bruno Koschmider] had to give us a new one.”
The interview can be seen here:
The Concert
The first concert was a resounding success. The press was permitted to film the opening song, Figure of Eight, which was subsequently broadcast on German TV news:
McCartney dedicated Ebony and Ivory to Astrid Kirchherr and Jürgen Vollmer, who were both in attendance. On the second night, McCartney also mentioned “Horst” (Fascher) among “a lot of friends here in Hamburg from the old days and the new days…”
You can read more about McCartney’s historic return to Hamburg in my new book, which can be purchased here (click on link):
Paul McCartney The World Tour 1989-90 – Paul McCartney After The Beatles: A Musical Appreciation
