It would be nice, if more of these world-famous performers, who can't possibly need the money, would put on a concert gratis now and then or settle for the cost of production. If Bon Jovi can give back to their fans as they did this past July 12, with a free concert in Central Park, McCartney could do the same for his fans in Israel. Expecting millions of $$ from a country with only 7.27 million people seems a bit greedy. After all, some of these bands are not exactly struggling artists, anymore. I don't remember from which holy book I picked this up, but I remember something to the effect that "a lot is expected from those to whom a lot is given." They, like the rest of us, can't take it with them, either.

Why he should perform for free? And what it have to do with the size of the population of Israel? If someone have extra $300-$1400 to spend on the concert,things are not that bad in Israel.

I’m sure that even in Israel there are people who don’t have money to spare for concerts, no matter how much they’d like to attend one. As for the relationship between a country’s population and the cost for an event, that’s simply a matter of statistics. I’m using extremes to make a point, but if the usual fee for someone’s performance is X, putting on such an event in the US has a much different impact there than it would have from the same event on, let’s say, Andorra. Aside from the fact that the world would be a much sadder place without the concepts of generosity and giving back, I didn’t say anyone “should” give a free concert; only that it would be a nice thing to do.

Hartley, get educated! Paul is NOT a US citizen. He is covering his expenses and a HUGH British tax rate. He HAS just given a free concert in Russia because it is indeed a poorer country than most. Israel is no jerkwater with a crumbling economy! Are you suggesting they need a charity singer? Hardly!

Interesting to note that the ticket website was unavailable after opening sales and ONLY in HEBREW. Obviously they don't think they need to give access to other nationalities to to fill the seats.

Shirley MacClaine give HALF her salary to orphanages in Mexico. Loretta Young built so many Catholic churches in Hollywood, Greta Garbo quipped that Loretta Young built a church every time she sinned and that was the reason for so many churches there. The tax write-off of having disabled children visit a ranch pays most of the bills for celebrities who want a ranch. Paul McCarney and his deceased wife Linda had a ranch on the outskirts of Tucson and were known for being philanthropic. Linda Ronstadt in Tucson is a well known figure at charity events, often donating her skills as a famous singer to help the poor. Will Smith visited a Veterans' families quarters free hotel at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, and asked how much it cost to build another one for the families of wounded veterans since that one seemed croweded. 18 million dollars was the answer. He wrote out a check and gave it to the C.O. of Ft. Sam Houston to build another hotel there on post. Winona Rider gave a million dollars to the Polly Klasp Foundation for abducted children. She tends to give a million dollars at a time to causes she wants to help. The list goes on and on if you read tabloids.

Seats for the concert cost 1500 shekels - that is nearly $500. In case you didn't know, the vast majority of Israelis live on salaries that are maybe 1/3 of what people make for similar jobs in the US. I have friends, and more than a few, for whom $500 is the better part of a month's salary. Paul isn't obligated to give free seats or charity concerts, and the prices were probably set by the promoter anyway, but just FYI, very very few Israelis can possibly contemplate paying that much money for a concert.

Besides, doesn't he have an ex wife removing him from his cash? Personally, I'd rather pay to see a real musician not some two chord wonder. If the Israeli public wants him, they can have him.

Its just not fair. My partner and I love his music and have been fans of his since the Beatles and we, like probably so many of his fans here will not get a chance to finally get to hear their idol live because of the cost. Shame on you promoters for doing this to the fans.

who paid for the construction of another hotel for families of wounded veterans at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, when saw the need.

"Of the NIS 30 million, about half will go directly to the singer and his agents. The remainder will pay for the former Beatle's back-up; airline tickets, hotels and food for him and his entourage; constructing the stage and setting up the lighting and sound systems; and security." (sorry if this is a competing news source) http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1014931.html So, 15 NIS for him, agents and the UK. 15 NIS for everything else. Remember that a one off concert cannot spread the expenses of a whole tour and he has to pay for the security! So, if you can't afford to go to a music concert spend your money on food. What do you think we do in the US. I have a job and could not afford it either. Do what we do-God bless YOUTUBE!

"some two cord wonder" love him or hate him, Paul McCartney was one of the Beatles a group that changed the face of popular music, and influenced millions, so come on love show a bit of intelligence in your comments.

was first posted on ynet...I wrote the sarcastic TB.."You want me to throw myself on the ground for this dude". Here it is.. Paul the goy throws you culture starved fools a bone and says he will come to Israel provided you pay approx $500 a pop. So you fall over yourselves wanting to impress the next schnorrer with a rush to get these tickets, for ze cool. I was born in Canada. I grew up listening to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, etc ...I wouldnt give a nickel to see anyone of them. To me they are freaks who can strum a song..they are not role models for anyone and I'll be damned if I were to spend any money to see them.

Well Al, only your comment gave me the courage to write here. I have NEVER understood what ws so great about the Beatles and especially Mick Jagger. I grew up with them so I know them from the beginning. I never listened to their "music" anymofre than I listened to their voices and have never understood why the public even today go all goo goo for either of them. In all honesty, Elvis was without doubt my favourite and even HE had no voice in particular. Does that make me an oddball?

You have a right to your opinion - but the vast majority love Beatles' songs Yellow submarine - Lucy in the Sky with diamonds etc etc True the tickets are very pricey - I won't be attending - but I am not able to stand on my feet for 3 hours !

& grandchildren, as his late wife Linda was Jewish

Believe me, the salaries in Israel are far below equivilant jobs in Europe and USA. I really do want to see Paul McCartney, but 1,000 NIS is a huge amount to pay for two people for a concert. Now they are talking about increasing this price too. Is this not greedy on the behalf of the promoters? Another comment - please do not compare elvis to the Beatles - the Beatles COMPOSED and WROTE their own material. The bloated elvis did neither! I have been lucky enough to see Paul McCartney a few times and I think he gives a lot of himself in a concert. Whether it is 1,000 NIS worth is debatable! If it was John Lennon - I would pay treble, but that is just my personal opinion.