The Beatles fans were in for a surprise at Paul McCartney's final tour date of the year.
Wings frontman McCartney, 82, played the last of four UK shows on the Got Back tour last night and the sold-out crowd were stunned to see the Fab Four "reunite". It comes just days after Sir Paul played the band's "last song" live in the UK for the first time. 'Now and Then' was tipped by McCartney as the group's last-ever project.
The song has since received a Grammy nomination and while it made up part of his 36-song setlist last night, McCartney had more than a few extra surprises for the 02 Arena crowd in London.
The Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr, who provided percussion to 'Now and Then', made for one of two surprise guests at the show. McCartney introduced his former bandmate, who is releasing his 21st studio album, Look Up, on January 10. Starr joined Sir Paul for renditions of classic Beatles tracks including 'Helter Skelter' and 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)'.
Introducing Starr to the stage, McCartney dubbed him "the mighty, the one and only," as the crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Sir Paul cheekily told the 84-year-old legend to "get to your kit" before playing through two of their classic tracks together. Fans were no doubt surprised by the show, and took to Twitter/X with their shock.
One wrote it was "something I'll never forget," while another shared a clip of the pair playing The White Album track, Helter Skelter. Another wrote: "Not saying the last night of Paul McCartney’s tour was decent but he just bought Ringo Starr on for a medley of Beatles hits as an encore."
A third wrote: "Paul McCartney singing and playing the bass, and Ringo Starr playing the drums. It's just how it's meant to be." Other users were overjoyed to see Starr return to the stage. One wrote: "Ringo has entered the building. Can’t believe we get to see two Beatles."
This marks the first time since the Live and Let Die songwriter's 2019 Freshen Up tour that Starr and Sir Paul have played together. McCartney was also joined by The Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood earlier in the show. The pair, along with McCartney's touring band, performed Get Back together.
It was a special night for McCartney too, who played live with his original bass guitar for the first time in 50 years. The instrument had been missing since 1972 after it was stolen, but has since been tracked down and handed back to McCartney.
One delighted attendee wrote: "Just witnessed a semi Beatles Reunion at @TheO2 on the last night of Paul McCartney’s Got Back Tour. This was the icing on the cake after a near 3 hour set which included hits and fan favourites from across his entire career, + Ronnie Wood."
English (US) ·