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.

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