Emma Stone’s club night took an unexpected turn when legendary musician Paul McCartney unexpectedly joined her for an unforgettable evening in Brooklyn. This surprising event occurred at Club Cumming, a popular New York City venue owned by Alan Cumming, who recounted the story involving Stone, tennis legend Billie Jean King, and McCartney.
The night unfolded following a Paul McCartney concert at the Barclays Center, when Stone and King decided to visit Club Cumming for a nightcap. Their visit quickly became extraordinary when McCartney himself expressed interest in joining them at the club.
The Unfolding of an Iconic Celebrity Gathering
Alan Cumming, who hosted the event and also appeared in the 2017 film Battle of the Sexes alongside Emma Stone, shared the details of that evening. Stone had portrayed tennis star Billie Jean King in the film, while Cumming played tennis official Ted Tinling. The movie highlights King’s famous 1973 tennis match against Bobby Riggs.
Cumming recalled informing his club patrons that some stars were arriving soon and advised them to “be cool” as he anticipated the special guests. What happened next surprised everyone when the two women, having met McCartney backstage, invited him along to the club.
“So, three black SUVs arrive to our tiny little club,”
Cumming said.
“It’s like a joke: Paul McCartney, Emma Stone, and Billie Jean King walk into a bar.”
Paul McCartney Joins Impromptu Sing-Along
The night’s excitement escalated when, during a moment when patrons were singing along with a pianist, Cumming asked McCartney if he wanted to perform. McCartney modestly declined, saying he had just spent three hours singing at the Barclays Center.
However, McCartney softened when Cumming insisted, and he offered to accompany him on piano. Cumming gladly accepted the offer, leading to a memorable duet on stage that included Emma Stone.
“Emma Stone and I got up on stage and sang ‘Part of Your World’ from The Little Mermaid,”
Cumming recounted.
“And Paul McCartney accompanied us on a harmonica. Dreams do come true.”
Club Cumming’s Role in New York Nightlife and an Upcoming Docuseries
Club Cumming is much more than a nightclub; it serves as a vibrant community hub in New York City. Alan Cumming envisions it as an inclusive space reflecting the spirit of old New York nightlife, where anyone—regardless of age, gender, color, or sexuality—can feel welcome and safe.
“My vision for Club Cumming has always been to create the ethos of old New York nightlife: A place for all ages, all genders, all colors, all sexualities, where kindness is all and anything can happen,”
Cumming said.
“It’s a cabaret club but also a dance club, a drag club, an art club, a community center, a safe space – it’s whatever the LGBTQ+ community needs and wants it to be.”
Recently, the club was announced as the focus of a new docuseries produced by World of Wonder and WOW Presents Plus, which will highlight the community and talents thriving within its walls.
The Impact of a Night to Remember
The unexpected appearance of a global music icon like Paul McCartney alongside Emma Stone and Billie Jean King elevated an ordinary night at Club Cumming into a historic event. This extraordinary gathering underscores the club’s reputation as a welcoming and dynamic venue where spontaneous moments involving celebrities and diverse communities can happen.
With the upcoming docuseries, more people will soon get a glimpse of the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere of Club Cumming and the stories it fosters. Such exposure is likely to boost the club’s profile as a cherished landmark in New York City nightlife and reinforce its importance as a safe, creative space for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
