Seeing Paul McCartney in concert is always a remarkable experience, and this London date on the “Got Back” Tour was no exception. The legendary songwriter, responsible for some of the most beloved songs of all time, delivered a setlist spanning over six decades, covering The Beatles, Wings, and his solo career in a show that was both nostalgic and exhilarating. For me, McCartney gigs are always a special occasion—not just because of the sheer weight of history behind them, but because each one brings back memories of the times I’ve seen him before, stretching all the way back to the Wings era in the ’70s.
Indeed, the first time I saw Paul live was with Wings at Newcastle City Hall in 1973. That gig felt almost unreal—standing at the back of the hall, hardly believing that I was seeing a Beatle in the flesh. The set that night was relatively short compared to his later tours, but hearing “Maybe I’m Amazed” and “Live and Let Die” for the first time live was a memorable moment. By the time Wings returned to Newcastle in 1975, McCartney had begun embracing his Beatles legacy, performing songs like “Blackbird” and “Yesterday”. It was the first time I had seen him play those songs, and the moment he took out the violin bass was unforgettable. I was particularly touched by his performance of “I’ve Just Seen a Face” from the Help album. This song in particular is incredibly special to me.
I remember my parents buying me the Help album when it was first released and I particularly liked that song from those times. Paul would always finish the set with “I Saw Her Standing There”, a tradition which has continued until very recently. Over the years, I’ve caught McCartney in some truly incredible settings: from Live Aid in 1985, to the massive Knebworth concert in 1990 (which also featured Pink Floyd, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, Elton John, Genesis, and many others), to his Liverpool Sound performance at Anfield in 2008. And yet, no matter how many times I’ve seen him, a Paul McCartney show never feels like “just another gig”. It’s a musical event, a moment in history, and something that still carries immense emotional weight.
McCartney arrived on stage to an eruption of cheers, launching straight into “A Hard Day’s Night”, and from there, it was hit after hit after hit. “Drive My Car”, “Got to Get You Into My Life”, “Jet”, and “Band on the Run” all followed in quick succession, and it was clear that, even at 82, his energy on stage remains remarkable. As always, there were some deeply personal moments, particularly “Here Today”, his tribute to John Lennon, and “Something”, dedicated to George Harrison, which began as a solo ukulele piece before swelling into a full-band performance. Then, the recently released Beatles song “Now and Then”, and it added a real sense of history to the evening due to its use of AI technology to add John Lennon’s voice.
Then came the massive anthems—“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” had the entire crowd singing along and “Live and Let Die” came with its usual explosions of fire and smoke, filling the arena with heat. I felt it from my seat—just as I had in 2003, when I was close enough to practically feel my eyebrows singe! We were treated to a surprise, as Ronnie Wood joined McCartney on stage for “Get Back”, sending the crowd into an uproar! And then, of course, “Hey Jude”. No matter how many times I’ve sung along to it at a McCartney concert, it never loses its power. Seeing thousands of people with their arms raised, chanting “Na, na, na, na-na-na-na,” is a truly magical moment. I recall everyone walking out of Hyde Park into central London, singing those words at the closing of the Live 8 concert (another massive event that featured U2, REM, Madonna, Robbie Williams, Annie Lennox, Dido, Mariah Carey, and George Michael who performed “Drive My Car” with Paul, and many more).
Then, just as I thought it couldn’t get any better, something quite remarkable happened. Paul returned for the encore, and after a raucous “I’ve Got a Feeling,” he stepped to the microphone with a grin and said, “We’ve got a little surprise for you.” And then, the unbelievable happened. Something I thought I could never see. Out walked Ringo Starr. The roar from the crowd was deafening. I have seen McCartney many times, and I have seen Ringo in his own right, but I never thought I’d witness them performing together. For a few moments, it was as if time folded in on itself.
This wasn’t just two legendary musicians reuniting; it was two Beatles, together again on the same stage. I don’t mind admitting that I broke down in tears. Something was unfolding in front of my eyes that I thought I would never witness. I quickly texted the kids to tell them what had just occurred. They launched into “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise),” and it felt like the entire arena was levitating. Ringo behind the drums, Paul on bass—just like the old days. Then, without pause, they tore into “Helter Skelter,” with McCartney howling through the verses while Ringo thundered away on the kit. It was raw, electric, and utterly thrilling.
McCartney then brought the night to a close with the Abbey Road medley—“Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End.” As the final notes rang out and Paul sang, “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make,” it was impossible not to feel the weight of the moment. Having seen Paul McCartney live so many times over the years, it would be easy to assume that I’d become used to the experience. But that’s the thing—you never get used to it. Every show is filled with memories, not just of past gigs, but of what these songs mean to you personally.
When McCartney plays, you’re not just hearing a concert—you’re witnessing one of the last living links to the greatest band of all time, still giving everything he has to the music he created. McCartney himself summed it up best: “It’s going to be an amazing end to the year. Let’s get set to party.” And he certainly delivered on that promise. “Oh and one final thing to say… See you next time!” Now that is a promise after all these years.
Many thanks to Elaine and Jan for coming with me and taking the photos, and to Laura and Chris for helping me construct the entry.
Setlist: A Hard Day’s Night, Junior’s Farm, Letting Go, Drive My Car, Got to Get You Into My Life, Come On to Me, Let Me Roll It, Getting Better, Let ‘Em In, My Valentine, Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five, Maybe I’m Amazed, I’ve Just Seen a Face, In Spite of All the Danger, Love Me Do, Dance Tonight, Blackbird, Here Today, Now and Then, Lady Madonna, Jet, Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!, Something, Ob-La-Di,Ob-La-Da, Band on the Run, Wonderful Christmastime, Get Back (with Ronnie Wood), Let It Be, Live and Let Die, Hey Jude.
Encore: I’ve Got a Feeling, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) (with Ringo Starr), Helter Skelter (with Ringo Starr), Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight, The End.
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