Sir Paul McCartney wowed crowds in Quebec last night (July 20th) during a concert that mixed Beatles songs with hits from his own solo career.

McCartney's performance in the city, timed to coincide with its 400th anniversary, had drawn criticism from nationalists, who opposed the concert because of Britain's mission into Quebec in 1760.

But the former Beatle proved up to the challenge, addressing the 200,000 strong crowd in both French and English throughout the show.

When he took to the stage McCartney wished everyone a good evening - "Bonsoir les Quebecois” - but later apologised for not knowing much French - "Je parler seulement un petit peu Francais."

McCartney was given a heroic welcome when he arrived in the city on Saturday ahead of the concert, which was his only scheduled North American date of 2008.

As previously reported, McCartney has been linked with a special concert in Israel this September.

McCartney was banned from the country over forty years ago along with the rest of the Beatles but is said to be close to signing an agreement to play there.

(by Jason Gregory)