McCartney expresses gratitude to Liverpool

LIVERPOOL, England, May 5 (UPI) -- British rock 'n' roll icon Paul McCartney said at a concert of his classical music that he owes a lot to his hometown of Liverpool, England.

McCartney made the remark to the audience after the premiere of his choral work, "Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart)," which was dedicated to his late first wife, Linda.

"This is the moment I have to pinch myself," the Liverpool Echo quoted McCartney as saying after the concert at Liverpool Cathedral. "That's because I used to arrive here on the 86 bus from Speke."

The former Beatle then repeated a joke he made in an earlier interview with the Echo.

"I auditioned for the choir. They turned me down," he said. "But I am not bitter. This is my revenge."

The 55-minute piece was performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, and the cathedral choristers, the Echo said.

"I would like to thank everyone for their hard work, the brilliant orchestra and choirs," McCartney said. "I would also like to thank my dad and mum for having me in Liverpool. I owe this city so much -- particularly this year."

McCartney recently went through a high-profile divorce from his second wife, Heather Mills.