Hard Rock Calling 2012: Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney silenced at London gig

Bruce Springsteen and Sir Paul McCartney had the plug pulled on them after over-running at Hard Rock Calling in London’s Hyde Park.

Headline act Bruce Springsteen welcomed Sir Paul McCartney on stage for renditions of the Beatles’ I Saw Her Standing There and Twist and Shout.

But their microphones were turned off before they could thank the crowds.

Bruce Springsteen had exceeded the time limit for the Hard Rock Calling event after playing for more than three hours.

Both rock stars had to leave the stage in silence.

Bruce Springsteen, backed by his E Street Band, had performed hits such as Born In The USA and Because The Night.

He had earlier invited Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello on stage to perform two songs, and singer John Fogerty joined him for one.

Bruce Springsteen delighted one loyal fan who displayed a banner urging him to play a lesser known track, Take ‘Em As They Come.

The artist said: “Tonight, my friend, this is your lucky night. You’re going to hear this damn thing.

“It’s a completely obscure track I wrote for The River when I needed some rock songs.”

Grunge band Soundgarden appeared on Friday, and Paul Simon will take to the stage on Sunday.