Paul McCartney makes big statement at Argentinian gig amid renewed Falklands tensions
Sir Paul McCartney made a big statement at a gig in Argentina this week as he dropped a huge part of his show amid renewed tensions over the future of the Falkland Islands. The legendary Beatle is currently traveling the world for his Got Back tour, playing hits from his incredible 60-year career.
'Macca', as he is affectionately known, is currently on the South American leg and played two shows at the River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires. However, he ditched a segment where he would fly a Union Flag, presumably amid fears it would offend the crowd, reports the Daily Mail.
Sir Paul, 82, usually flies three flags at the end of his shows. As well as the nation he is playing in, he will also wave a Union Flag and LGBTQ flag.
But the red, white and blue was noticeably absent in the Argentine capital on October 5 and 6. According to reports, it had been flown as usual at his gig in Uruguay on October 1. The tour will continue in Chile on October 11 after a break.
Sir Paul's representatives refused to comment, according to the Mail, but the gig came days after Argentina vowed to 'recapture' the Falklands. The South American country claims sovereignty over the island chain, which it calls Malvinas.
Support for remaining under British rule is almost total on the Falklands but the issue raised its head after Britain handed the Chagos Islands to Mauritius last week. In the aftermath, Argentina’s foreign minister, Diana Mondino promised "concrete action" to ensure that the Falklands are handed to Buenos Aires.
In 1982, 255 British service personnel died in the successful defence of the islands following an attack by Argentine forces. Islanders were granted full British citizenship after the war. British claims of sovereignty date from 1690 when forces first landed in the islands, which were briefly under Argentine control in the 1830s before Britain re-asserted sovereignty in 1833.
Source: Douglas Dickie/scottishdailyexpress.co.uk
