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Sir Paul McCartney joked ‘I could be the first ever guy to be punched out by a President’ after singing a rendition of his classic love ballad Michelle for namesake and first lady Michelle Obama.
The 67 year old was presented with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in a star-studded ceremony in the East Room of the White House.
Distinguished artists such as Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Herbie Hancock and Faith Hill performed in the concert celebrating the former Beatle.
The famous scouse wit proved he is still as sharp as ever as Macca directed a jibe at former President George W.Bush saying, “After the last eight years it is great to have a President who knows what a library is.”
The accolade is Washington’s top music award and is the first Macca has been presented by the US Government.
The honour held special significance for McCartney after it was presented by the President, a man he obviously holds in high esteem.
Sir Paul told President Obama, “I know there is a lot you are dealing with, but there are billions of us rooting for you.”
The President paid tribute to McCartney’s glittering career and his longevity saying, “By its very definition, pop music is fleeting.
“Rarely is it composed with an eye toward standing the test of time, and that’s what makes Paul’s career so legendary. It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly half a century since four lads from Liverpool first landed on our shores, and changed everything overnight.”