LIVERPOOL, June 1, 2008 (AFP) - Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney is gearing up for a concert Sunday in front of 36,000 fans in his home city of Liverpool -- this year's European Capital of Culture.

McCartney, 65, will top a bill that also features Kaiser Chiefs and the Zutons at Anfield stadium, home of Premiership side Liverpool football club.

'Being European Capital of Culture is a good thing, McCartney told the BBC. 'About 12 years ago, Liverpool was a bit on its knees -- it was not in good shape at all. But now there's quite a resurgence.'

He dashed hopes that Ringo Starr, the only other surviving member of the Beatles, would join him on stage, telling the Liverpool Echo newspaper: 'That was never going to be on the cards.'

Sunday's four-hour gig -- five years to the day since McCartney's last concert in the port city in northwest England -- is due to start at 6:30 p.m. (1730 GMT).

Part of the proceeds will go to the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, which McCartney set up in his old school.