Paul McCartney recently performed The Beatles' classic song 'Help!' during a special concert in Santa Barbara, California. This marked the first time McCartney had included the 1965 track in his live setlist in 35 years. The performance served as a warm-up for the North American leg of his 'Got Back' tour.
Key Takeaways
- Paul McCartney performed 'Help!' live for the first time since 1990.
- The performance occurred at a warm-up show in Santa Barbara, California.
- The 'Got Back' North American tour began shortly after this special event.
- McCartney's setlist featured a mix of Beatles, Wings, and solo material.
- He recently urged action against AI firms using copyrighted material without permission.
McCartney's Return to the Stage
The legendary musician kicked off the North American section of his 'Got Back' tour on Monday, September 29, in Palm Desert, California. Before the official tour start, McCartney held a one-off concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl on Friday, September 26. This intimate show allowed him to prepare for the larger tour dates.
Fans at the Santa Barbara Bowl were surprised when 'Help!' opened the show. The song, originally released by The Beatles in 1965, has not been a regular part of McCartney's live performances for over three decades. Its inclusion created a memorable moment for attendees.
"Opening with 'Help!' was a fantastic surprise. It's a song so many of us grew up with, and to hear him play it live again after so long was truly special," one fan commented on social media.
A Rare Live Performance
The last known time Paul McCartney performed 'Help!' was in July 1990. During that period, he included it as part of a medley of John Lennon's songs during a show in Chicago. The recent Santa Barbara performance was a full rendition of the song, marking a significant return to his repertoire.
Interesting Fact
The Beatles' song 'Help!' was the title track of their 1965 film and album. It reached number one on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100.
Fan-captured footage of the soundcheck for 'Help!' circulated online, alongside clips from his 1990 performance. These videos allowed a wider audience to witness this rare musical event.
The 'Got Back' Tour Setlist
The Santa Barbara Bowl concert featured a setlist that largely mirrored McCartney's recent shows. This included a selection of his most beloved songs from The Beatles, Wings, and his solo career. While 'Help!' was a new addition, the core of the performance remained consistent with his established tour format.
Tour Background
The 'Got Back' tour began in April 2022. It has seen McCartney perform across the United States, Europe, and the UK, including a historic headline appearance at Glastonbury Festival in 2022. The tour name itself is a nod to The Beatles' song 'Get Back'.
The full setlist for the Santa Barbara Bowl show included 26 songs. Highlights ranged from early Beatles hits like 'Love Me Do' and 'Blackbird' to Wings classics such as 'Jet' and 'Live And Let Die'. His solo work, including 'Coming Up' and 'My Valentine', also featured prominently.
- 'Help!'
- 'Coming Up'
- 'Got To Get You Into My Life'
- 'Let Me Roll It'
- 'Getting Better'
- 'Let ‘Em In'
- 'My Valentine'
- 'Nineteen Hundred And Eighty-Five'
- 'I’ve Just Seen A Face'
- 'Love Me Do'
- 'Dance Tonight'
- 'Blackbird'
- 'Now And Then'
- 'Lady Madonna'
- 'Jet'
- 'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da'
- 'Get Back'
- 'Let It Be'
- 'Live And Let Die'
- 'Hey Jude'
- 'I’ve Got A Feeling'
- 'Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)'
- 'Helter Skelter'
- 'Golden Slumbers'
- 'Carry That Weight'
- 'The End'
Beyond the Stage: Recent Activities
McCartney's activities extend beyond his touring schedule. He recently attended an Oasis comeback show at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Los Angeles. Other notable figures present included Billie Eilish, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kristen Stewart, and James Hetfield of Metallica. This highlights McCartney's continued engagement with the contemporary music and entertainment scene.
In addition to live music, McCartney has been vocal on important industry issues. He joined several prominent figures in urging Keir Starmer to implement protections for creative works. This initiative aims to prevent artificial intelligence (AI) firms from using copyrighted material without proper attribution or compensation. The debate around AI and intellectual property rights is a growing concern for artists globally.
Upcoming Projects and Releases
Fans can also look forward to new material and archival releases related to McCartney's work. A definitive anthology collection from Wings, his post-Beatles band, is set for release on November 7. McCartney personally oversaw this project, which will be available in various formats. This collection is expected to offer a comprehensive look at Wings' musical output.
Furthermore, the story of McCartney's long-lost bass guitar is becoming a documentary. The instrument, which went missing in 1972, was returned to him last year after a widespread search. This documentary will likely detail the history of the bass and its eventual recovery, offering insights into its significance to McCartney's career.
These diverse activities show McCartney's enduring influence and presence in music and culture. From live performances of classic songs to advocacy for artists' rights and new releases, he remains an active and important figure.