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Paul McCartney Joins Damon Albarn’s Africa Express Tour

Damon Albarn’s Africa Express is truly a remarkable thing. The Blur singer and Gorillaz main brain has been touring the U.K. in a commandeered train that’s become the temporary home for over 80 musicians hailing from both Africa and the West.

At Saturday’s London finale, Sir Paul McCartney himself joined in to perform a pair of Wings songs with help from Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones, Gruff Rhys of the Super Furry Animals, Afrobeat legend Tony Allen, Malian singer Rokia Traoré, Albarn and others.

The group played 1979’s “Coming Up” and “Goodnight Tonight,” and the former Beatle also contributed to a Traoré original, “Dounia.” Only hours before, McCartney had been awarded the French Legion of Honor for his contributions to music. So much for taking a little respite atop those laurels.

Other musicians that night included members of Temper Trap, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Amadou and Mariam, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Dead Prez, plus South Africa rapper Spoek Mathambo, the Very Best and Senegalese luminary Baab Maal. All told, it was a five-hour show. Check the full lineup here.

“Goodnight Tonight”

https://www.youtube.com/embed/s11IsNlQ1oc?version=3.

“Dounia”

https://www.youtube.com/embed/MDuEnCiYQEA?version=3

“Coming Up” (bad sound — let us know if you find better)

https://www.youtube.com/embed/d_7nF7sqnRo?version=3