Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney was turned away by security guards at the White House when he arrived to play a gig for U.S. President Barack Obama last month.

McCartney, 68, had arrived at the iconic building in Washington, D.C. ahead of his scheduled performance for the president, but he and his band were not allowed through the strict security checks.

Guards on the gate eventually sent McCartney to a different entrance, but the delay left the musician fearing he would miss the gig.

"Getting through the security of the White House (was memorable). For the rehearsal, we got through fine. But for the actual gig, we were sort of not let in," the Daily Express quoted him as saying.

"At the gate we said, 'We're the entertainment.' He (the security guard) said, 'No, you'll have to walk around the other block.'

"It was heavy traffic, so we're going, 'Oh geesh. Wouldn't you just know it'," he added. (ANI)