Sir Paul McCartney reunited with his former Beatles bandmate, Sir Ringo Starr, during a performance at London’s O2 Arena. Ringo was welcomed on stage with loud applause, and the two played Beatles classics “Helter Skelter” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” After the performance, Sir Ringo expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’ve had a great night and I love you all,” as he left the stage. This concert marked the final show of Sir Paul’s Got Back tour, which had taken him to France, Spain, and Brazil.
Sir Ringo wasn’t the only special guest at Thursday night’s performance. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood also joined Sir Paul McCartney on stage to perform “Get Back.” During the performance, Sir Paul played his original Hofner 500/1 bass guitar for the first time in over 50 years. The guitar had been stolen in 1972, but Sir Paul was reunited with it earlier this year.
Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr, the last two surviving members of The Beatles, have performed together many times since the band split in 1970. Their collaborations include appearances at Sir Ringo’s 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and on Sir Paul’s 2019 Freshen Up tour. Known for delivering grand performances filled with hits from his extensive musical career—including his time with Wings and his solo work—Sir Paul’s Thursday night show was no exception. He played nearly 40 songs on various instruments.
Other memorable moments from the concert included a performance of “In Spite of All the Danger,” the first song recorded by The Quarrymen, Sir Paul’s original band with the late John Lennon and George Harrison. Sir Paul also invited a children’s choir on stage to perform his holiday classic, “Wonderful Christmastime.”