McCartney ‘damaged museum’ by playing too loud

Paul McCartney’s historic 3,000th gig in St Petersburg, Russia was so loud, it is being blamed for damaging a neighbouring museum building and paintings contained inside.

The 61-year-old wowed locals at the gig on Sunday, but the director of the Hermitage Museum is accusing the rocker of causing substantial damage by playing too loudly.

Mikhail Piotrovsky says: "We cannot say right now how much damage was caused to the Hermitage by the concert.

"Micro-damage may reveal itself much later. But I can say one thing for certain. We cannot allow such things to be repeated.

"You have to know how museum workers feel about vibrations. Often we refuse to transport our paintings by aircraft. We transport them in special vehicles, and McCartney's concert - this whole show - produced a noise level incomparably more powerful than that of any airplane."

But a spokesman for the former Beatle dismissed any responsibility, saying: "I'm certain the proper permits and approvals were secured.

"As far as the noise level goes - it's a rock concert. I don't think anyone should be surprised if it's a bit noisy.

"We haven't received any complaints, only glowing approval."