Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr Reunite for Beatles Magic as McCartney Wraps Got Back Tour in London

The iconic surviving members of The Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, delighted fans with a surprise reunion at the final show of McCartney’s Got Back tour in London on Thursday night. The two legends performed together, rekindling the magic of the Fab Four on stage.

A Special Encore for Fans

As the encore began, McCartney introduced Starr with excitement, saying, “Please welcome to the stage the mighty, the one and only, Ringo Starr!” Starr, equally enthusiastic, responded, “I want to tell you, I’ve had a great night tonight.”

The duo launched into two Beatles classics: “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)” from the 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, followed by the electrifying “Helter Skelter” from The White Album. This rare live performance of “Helter Skelter” marked one of only a handful of times McCartney and Starr have performed the track together since The Beatles stopped touring in 1966.

More Star Power on Stage

Starr wasn’t the only special guest at the show. McCartney brought out Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood to join him on the Beatles’ hit “Get Back,” adding a touch of rock royalty to the evening. Olivia Harrison, widow of late Beatles guitarist George Harrison, also made an appearance backstage, as captured by McCartney’s daughter, Mary McCartney, in a candid video.

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Adding to the nostalgia, McCartney sang a snippet of “(Theme From) The Monkees” backstage, a nod to the Beatles-inspired 1960s band.

A Historic Bass Returns

The concert also featured an emotional moment for McCartney, who played his original Höfner 500/1 bass live for the first time in over 50 years. The instrument, used to record many of the Beatles’ early hits, was stolen in 1972 and only recently recovered by a group of dedicated fans.

Beatles Legacy Lives On

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McCartney and Starr’s collaboration comes on the heels of their work on “Now and Then,” the final Beatles track completed earlier this year. Built from a demo by John Lennon, the song featured contributions from all four Beatles, including guitar parts recorded by George Harrison in 1995. The track received critical acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations for 2025.

Meanwhile, the Beatles’ legendary story will soon come to life in a series of films directed by Sam Mendes, each focusing on a different member of the band. Though casting has yet to be officially announced, hints suggest Barry Keoghan may portray Starr, while Paul Mescal could play McCartney.

A Night to Remember

With surprise appearances, rare performances, and the return of a historic instrument, McCartney’s Got Back tour finale was a celebration of music history and a gift to Beatles fans everywhere. The spirit of The Beatles remains as vibrant as ever, thanks to the enduring camaraderie of McCartney and Starr.

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