15 Years Ago: Paul McCartney Makes Emotional Appearance at ‘Concert for Linda’

The April 10, 1999 , Paul McCartney made his first public appearance since his wife Linda spent nearly a year before - and just its second in two years had battled breast cancer - for a touching farewell concert .

Held before 5,000 fans at London's Royal Albert Hall "Concert for Linda” was organized by his friend and fellow animal rights activist, Chrissie Hynde, among others.

“She’s with us," McCartney said that night. “She loves me.”

The alignment of the stars on stage including Hynde of Pretenders , Elvis Costello, Tom Jones, Sinead O'Connor , Johnny Marr of the Smiths, George Michael , Neil Finn of Crowded House (whose ' She Goes On' was particularly poignant ) Marianne Faithfull and Ladysmith Black Mambazo ,

who jumped to fame with Paul Simon . Michael said he moved to the stage for the first time in nearly three years, due to its “mother lost the same fight, the same battle that Linda has lost.”

Revenues for "The Concert for Linda " , hosted by comedian Eddie Izzard, went to animal charities , which caused the seat of mockery , "Some bunny rabbit will go : . ' Hey, these guys rocked for us ' "

McCartney was backed by members of the Pretenders, along with Costello, for his appearance. He dedicated his whole Linda, whom he called - then joked “my beautiful baby and our beautiful children, who are here tonight.”:

"It is beyond your bedtime” before launching into "Lonesome Town" by Ricky Nelson (a favorite of so young couples) amid a standing ovation.

While playing a spirited version of the Beatles' 1963 hit "All My Loving”, many of the stars of the night began to gather on the stage, joining a growing chorus. Hynde rushed for an emotional hug after, prompting McCartney to joke:

"I will warn you safety “Everyone joined in a close take on "Let It Be”, the title track from 1970 album swan song of the Beatles.