Paul McCartney’s still got it – ‘Got Back’ Tour wraps up

Jimmy Baikovicius | Flickr

Mariana OlivaJune 25, 2022

The Beatles legend Paul McCartney took the stage on April 28 for the first time since the

COVID-19 pandemic began. This marked the beginning of his North American tour, “Got Back.” McCartney played a total of 16 concerts, before wrapping up in New Jersey on June 16, two days before he turned 80.

After scrapping  plans for a 2020 European tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic, McCartney finally got back on stage, after nearly three years.

“We’re really happy to be back. I’m gonna take a moment for myself to drink it all in,”  McCartney told his audience as the tour kicked off on the west coast in Spokane, Washington.   He started his concert with a virtual duet with his former bandmate and best friend, John Lennon.

The touring band consisted of longtime members, Paul “Wix” Wickens on keyboards, Brian Ray on bass and guitar, Rusty Anderson on guitar and Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums. Just like every other one of his concerts, McCartney played hits from his career with The Beatles, Wings and some of his solo hits. The audience enjoyed songs like “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Maybe I’m Amazed” and “My Valentine.”

McCartney also dedicated one of his solo songs, “Here Today” to Lennon. After a few more songs, he dedicated the Beatles song “Something” to his other former bandmate, George Harrison,something he does at every concert.

McCartney played the final concert of this tour on the east coast at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Halfway through the performance, an uproar was heard, as fans began to sing “Happy Birthday” to the artist, as it was just two days before his 80th birthday.

Reaching the end of his final concert for the U.S. tour, McCartney performed Wings’ hit, “Live and Let Die.” This iconic performance features an insane amount of pyrotechnics. It leaves an unforgettable event for anyone who attends a McCartney concert.

Joining him on stage later that night was Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. Springsteen sang the Beatles song “I Wanna Be Your Man,” before Bon Jovi came out with birthday balloons and sang “Happy Birthday” to McCartney. Shortly after, McCartney sang the Beatles’ “Birthday,” dedicating it to anyone in the audience who was celebrating or had a birthday coming up.

McCartney wrapped up his setlist by performing Beatles’ hits “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight” and finally, “The End.” All performed continuously as they appear on the Abbey Road album, this was thehe perfect way to end the night.

McCartney’s first performance since his “Got Back” tour will be at the Glastonbury Festival in the U.K. on June 25.  He will be the oldest solo act to headline the event.