Paul McCartney’s previous New York-area performance took place three years ago at MetLife Stadium, capacity 82,500. His surprise show Tuesday night at the Bowery Ballroom fit, at most, 575. It was probably less than that since McCartney’s sound board and gear — too much to fit backstage — occupied a portion of the floor space at the venerable downtown theater.

Music icon Paul McCartney treated a lucky crowd of 500 to a two-hour set that spanned 60-years of hits — for just $50 a ticket!

Paul McCartney, 82, hosted a surprise show at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on Tuesday night, after announcing the pop-up concert just hours earlier.

Seeing a rising artist in a small venue is magical—but watching a global icon like Paul McCartney perform an intimate concert? Once in a lifetime. That’s exactly what happened last night in New York City when the legendary Beatle shocked fans with a surprise show at The Bowery Ballroom.

McCartney’s performance comes after fans were left in a frenzy when he was spotted at the Super Bowl. The singer enjoyed his Sunday as the Kansas City Chiefs took on the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Paul McCartney performed a surprise concert at New York's Bowery Ballroom, announced hours prior, and tickets sold out swiftly. He played a mix of classics to a small audience.

Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Paul McCartney surprised fans with a pop-up New York City performance on Tuesday. The iconic musician and former member of The Beatles announced "Paul McCartney Rocks the Bowery" hours before he was to take the Bowery Ballroom stage. Fans snatched up all available tickets in under an hour, CBS News reports.

Midday Tuesday (Feb. 11), it was revealed that the Beatle would perform a last-minute underplay at Manhattan’s peerless Bowery Ballroom that very evening – with tickets only available at the box office. Even with the in-person purchase requirement and a one-ticket-per-person limit, the show sold out in approximately 30 minutes.