Paul McCartney surprised fans at an intimate pre-tour show in Santa Barbara, California, by performing the Beatles classic “Help!” for the first time in 35 years. The performance on Friday, September 27, 2025, marked the song's return to his live setlist since it was last played in 1990.
Key Takeaways
- Paul McCartney performed The Beatles' 1965 hit “Help!” at a warm-up show in Santa Barbara.
- This was the first time McCartney has played the song live since his 1990 tour, a gap of 35 years.
- The performance was a preview for his upcoming North American 'Got Back Tour,' which starts September 29.
- The setlist also included the 2023 Beatles track “Now and Then,” featuring all four members of the band.
A Surprise Performance in Santa Barbara
Ahead of the official launch of his North American 'Got Back Tour,' Paul McCartney held a special warm-up concert for a small audience in Santa Barbara. The show provided a preview of what fans can expect from the upcoming tour, but it began with a significant surprise.
McCartney opened the concert with “Help!,” a song he had not included in his live performances for more than three decades. The choice to revive the track was an unexpected treat for those in attendance and has generated excitement among fans worldwide.
A 35-Year Wait
The last time Paul McCartney officially performed “Help!” as part of his regular tour setlist was during his 1989-1990 world tour. The return of the song after 35 years marks a notable moment for fans of The Beatles' extensive catalog.
The intimate setting allowed for a unique connection between McCartney and the audience, setting a personal tone before he embarks on a series of large-scale arena and stadium shows across the continent.
The History of 'Help!'
Released in 1965, “Help!” served as the title track for The Beatles' fifth studio album and their second feature film. The song quickly became one of the band's most iconic and recognizable hits, reaching number one on charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
While credited to the Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership, John Lennon was the song's primary author. He later revealed that the lyrics were a genuine expression of his personal feelings during a challenging period in his life.
A Cry for Help
John Lennon often spoke about the true meaning behind the song's upbeat tempo. He felt overwhelmed by the rapid rise to fame and the pressures that came with it. The lyrics reflected his sense of insecurity and desperation at the time.
“I was actually crying out for help,” Lennon stated in a 1980 interview. “Most people think it's just a fast rock'n'roll song. I didn't realize it at the time; I just wrote the song because I was commissioned to write it for the movie. But later, I knew I really was crying out for help.”
The song's emotional depth, concealed beneath its energetic arrangement, has made it a subject of analysis for music historians and fans for decades. McCartney's decision to bring it back to the stage adds another layer to its enduring legacy.
Setlist Highlights and the 'Final' Beatles Track
The Santa Barbara show was not limited to just one major surprise. The setlist was a comprehensive journey through McCartney's career, featuring a blend of classic Beatles songs, hits from his band Wings, and solo material.
One of the most significant moments of the evening was the performance of “Now and Then.” Released in 2023, the song was marketed as the final Beatles track. It was constructed from a 1970s demo vocal recorded by John Lennon.
Using advanced audio restoration technology developed by director Peter Jackson's team for the documentary The Beatles: Get Back, Lennon's voice was isolated and cleaned. The track was completed with new contributions from McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with archival guitar parts from George Harrison recorded in the 1990s.
The live performance of “Now and Then” offers a powerful, multi-generational experience, connecting the band's origins with its modern conclusion.
The 'Got Back' Tour and McCartney's Band
The surprise show serves as the prelude to the much-anticipated 'Got Back Tour,' which officially begins on September 29 in Palm Desert, California. The tour will see McCartney visit several major cities across the United States and Canada.
Supporting McCartney on stage is his long-standing touring band, a group of seasoned musicians who have worked with him for years. The band's consistency is a key element of his acclaimed live shows.
- Paul 'Wix' Wickens: Keyboards
- Brian Ray: Bass and Guitar
- Rusty Anderson: Guitar
- Abe Laboriel Jr.: Drums
The upcoming tour dates are expected to draw large crowds, with many venues reporting high ticket demand. Fans planning to attend are advised to consult official ticket vendor websites for the latest information on availability.
Confirmed Tour Stops
While subject to change, the announced leg of the tour includes stops in several major metropolitan areas, including:
- Denver, CO
- Minneapolis, MN
- Atlanta, GA
- New Orleans, LA
- Montreal, QC
- Chicago, IL
The tour gives another generation of fans the opportunity to experience live performances from one of music's most influential figures, featuring a catalog that spans over 60 years.