Paul McCartney Goes Solo on Letterman's Late Show

Paul McCartney doesn't need to do a lot of interviews.

After all, interviews usually serve one of two purposes: They allow the interviewee to promote his new album, movie, book or show; or they allow a recluse or unknown person to reveal important information. Paul McCartney has never needed to promote his music heavily -- his legendary name does all the work. Nor has he needed to reveal something important -- the world has had access to every detail of his life since the Beatles performed on Ed Sullivan in 1964.

But, under the appropriate circumstances, Paul McCartney has been known to grant the occasional, unconventional interview, like this 1993 classic. Earlier this year, McCartney paid a visit to The Colbert Report. And tonight, he'll make his first appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, though not his first in the Ed Sullivan Theater, where Letterman's show is taped. He'll be performing on the very stage where he rose to immediate fame with John, George and Ringo 45 years ago. So, why Letterman? Why now?

McCartney clearly feels comfortable with comedians. His stints with Farley and Colbert show that he can have a little fun with his fame. But he's not just doing it for a laugh. He realized -- perhaps 3 years ago, on his 64th birthday -- that the music world doesn't still need him like it used to, and that he'd have to work a little harder for its loyalty. He wants an audience that owns an iPod, goes to Coachella and watches late-night TV -- and he's not the only veteran changing his ways. Letterman allows McCartney to reach that audience.

McCartney's not the only one scoring from the deal, either. His appearance is just one in a long line of consistently strong Letterman lineups. Just this week, Letterman's had Jonah Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Edie Falco, Michael Showalter, Wilco and Feist. Last week, he talked to Queen Latifah Sasha Baron Cohen, Hayden Panettiere, Daniel Radcliffe, Rainn Wilson and Emma Watson. Next week, he'll welcome Anderson Cooper, Anna Paquin, Tom Arnold, Katherine Heigl, Kevin Spacey, Tracy Morgan, Ginuwine and Missy Elliott.

McCartney's appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman airs tonight at 11:35 p.m. on CBS. Visit TV.com for exclusive bonus footage of his performance!