The former Beatles reunited for “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Helter Skelter”
Paul McCartney closed out his Got Back tour last night at London’s O2 and took the opportunity to reunite with his Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr. During the performance, his last gig of the year, McCartney also introduced the Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood and played an old bass guitar that was returned to him earlier this year after being stolen.
Starr joined McCartney during the encore. “We’ve got another surprise for you,” McCartney told the audience. “Bring to the stage the mighty, the one and only Mr Ringo Starr.” Starr played drums for two Beatles classics, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Helter Skelter.”
The drummer capped off the performance by thanking the audience, noting, “Give it up. I’m off now but I’ve had a great night. It’s fantastic, playing with me old mate, but there comes a time when we’ve got to go home. All that remains to be said, I’d see you next time.”
Earlier in the show, McCartney showcased his missing bass guitar, telling the audience, “I haven’t played it in 50 years. And what is more, we’ve got a special guest for you here. A Rolling Stone. Ronnie Wood.” Wood joined McCartney for another Beatles number, “Get Back.”
Over the weekend, McCartney performed a special rendition of his holiday tune “Wonderful Christmastime” at his Manchester concert. McCartney and his band were joined by a group of kids from the You Should Be Dancing Theatre Academy for the performance, one of only a dozen or so times that McCartney has played the seasonal classic live during his lengthy solo career.
The Got Back tour has also seen McCartney deliver the live debut of the Beatles’ “Now and Then” and lead an all-star jam of “The End” with Jack White and St. Vincent.