With great fanfare Tuesday morning, officials announced that legendary musician Paul McCartney will be playing a concert at First Niagara Center on October 22. It will be the first performance in Buffalo for the former Beatle.
Buffalo is one of five new dates on McCartney's "Out There" tour, which has played 22 gigs across the globe this year. "Macca" also recently announced a Toronto date on October 17 at Air Canada Centre.
"At First Niagara Center, we've had some of the biggest stars in music," said Buffalo Bills and Sabres President Russ Brandon in making the announcement Tuesday morning at HarborCenter's 716 Food & Sport.
"But there is one legendary artist that is yet to play the arena, an artist who is the most influential in music history. This musician is not only an icon. He is rock royalty."
McCartney, 73, will play songs spanning his entire career as well as tracks from his most recent studio album, New.
"I think Buffalo, as a whole, has proven itself to the concert industry that they're a viable market and that they can support these shows. The Rolling Stones is proof of that. The Eagles is proof of that," said AEG promoter Alan Corbett, referring to two recent big-name acts that played local shows this summer.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says he had to keep quiet about the big announcement as the rumors started flying Monday.
"I got a lot of calls and a lot texts saying, 'You're going to be at this big announcement. What is it?' I said, 'I can't tell you,'" said Poloncarz.
Tickets for the "Out There" tour date will go on sale to the general public next Monday, August 31 at 10 a.m. Seats are priced at $253.50, $168.50, $99.50, $59.50 and $29.50.