Paul McCartney wrapped up his Got Back tour in London last week with a show that fans won’t forget anytime soon. Not only did he deliver a career-spanning setlist of Beatles, Wings, and solo hits, but he also brought along some special guests and a truly legendary instrument.
The night kicked off with high energy, as McCartney launched into A Hard Day’s Night, setting the tone for a 36-song marathon. He worked through some of his finest classics, including Blackbird, Let Me Roll It, and the ever-thrilling Live and Let Die. The pyrotechnics, the crowd, and McCartney’s unmatched charisma—it all came together in a way only he can pull off.
A festive highlight arrived with a children’s choir joining in for Wonderful Christmastime, spreading holiday cheer before McCartney upped the ante with a surprise guest. Out came Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood, joining McCartney for a spirited rendition of Get Back. But the moment wasn’t just about the music—it was about the bass.
Yes, that bass. Over 50 years ago, Paul’s iconic Höfner violin bass was stolen while the Beatles were recording in 1972. This was the very instrument he played on hits like Love Me Do and She Loves You. Thanks to the Lost Bass Project and a lot of detective work, the Höfner was finally recovered earlier this year.
Paul couldn’t hide his excitement when he shared the news: “We’ve been looking for it for 50 years, and I got it back. Here to make its first stage appearance in 50 years is my original bass.” The crowd roared as history came full circle, with the Höfner back where it belongs—in the hands of Paul McCartney.
But the surprises didn’t end there. Paul welcomed his old Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr to the stage, and the two tore through Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and the heavy-hitting Helter Skelter. Ringo, ever the charmer, told the audience, “I’ve had a great night tonight!” before sliding behind the drums to do what he does best.
As the night drew to a close, McCartney reflected on the journey, with 59 shows over two years culminating in this star-studded London finale. Ringo summed it up perfectly: “It’s fantastic, playing with my old mate, but there comes a time when we’ve got to go home.”
Still, Paul left fans with a hopeful sign-off: “All that remains to be said is—see you next time!” If anyone doubted whether Paul has another tour in him, this moment surely put those fears to rest.
For fans of Beatles history, this has been a banner year. John Lennon’s long-lost Framus 12-string acoustic surfaced, George Harrison’s Futurama guitar fetched $1.27 million at auction, and Lennon’s first Vox amp was discovered under mysterious circumstances. But nothing quite compares to seeing Paul McCartney reunited with his beloved Höfner bass, sharing the stage with Ringo, and closing out a monumental chapter in music history.
London, you’ve just witnessed magic.
