Japanese fans of Sir Paul McCartney heard a world first when the former Beatle played one of his old group’s songs live for the first time − half a century after it was first released.

Another Girl, which features on the Fab Four’s 1965 album Help, was on the set list at his gig at the Budokan Arena in Tokyo.

The Beatles played the venue in 1966 and Sir Paul was meant to play there last year but the show was cancelled when he fell ill.

He said: “It’s very exciting to be returning to the Budokan because it is a very special place and was the first place we played in Japan. There was a lot of controversy at the time but I now know that it is a regular venue for a lot of people. But for me it has a very special place in my memory.

“It was sensational and quite emotional remembering the first time and then experiencing this fantastic audience tonight. It was thrilling for us and we think it was probably the best show we did in Japan and it was great to be doing the Budokan 49 years later. It was crazy. We loved it.”

His two-hour set also featured hits including Let It Be, Can’t Buy Me Love, Maybe I’m Amazed and Hey Jude.

He also played Yesterday and Paperback Writer which were both performed at the 1966 concert.

His tour moves on to South Korea before the European leg starts in London at the O2 in May.