Music legend Paul McCartney used the final stop on his 2024 tour to get back with onetime bandmate Ringo Starr.
As part of the show’s encore, the former Beatles drummer joined McCartney at London’s O2 Arena to perform “Helter Skelter” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
It’s said to be the first time they’ve played together onstage since a July 2019 performance at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
McCartney introduced his old friend by saying, “The one and only Mr. Ringo Starr!” The drummer came onstage and said, “I want to tell you, I’ve had a great night tonight.”
Before Starr got behind the drum kit, McCartney turned to him and said, “Shall we rock?”
Spoiler alert: They did, as fan-captured video amply demonstrates.
But Starr wasn’t the only rock star sharing McCartney’s stage.
The Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood also appeared at the show, playing guitar on the song “Get Back.”
That moment represented a different kind of reunion for McCartney.
Earlier this year, he saw the return of a famous Höfner 500/1 bass guitar that had been stolen in 1972. Thursday’s show marked the first time he had used it onstage since then.
On social media, McCartney cheekily emphasized the bass making its appearance as he listed off the special guests who’d been at his show.
“Making its first stage appearance in 50 years… is my original bass!” he wrote. “I haven’t played it in 50 years and what is more, here’s a special guest, a Rolling Stone: Ronnie Wood. And another surprise for you – the mighty, the one and only, Ringo Starr!”
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McCartney and Starr could theoretically reunite once again at the Grammy Awards on Feb. 2, as “Now and Then,” billed as the last-ever Beatles song, is nominated for Record of the Year.
the beatlesPaul McCartneyRingo Starr
