Paul McCartney launched his "Got Back" tour in Brazil with a historic performance, playing The Beatles' classic "A Hard Day's Night" in its entirety for the first time in nearly 60 years. The concert, held in Florianópolis, featured a 39-song setlist that spanned his entire career, from his early days with The Quarrymen to his extensive solo work.
Key Takeaways
- Paul McCartney performed "A Hard Day's Night" in full to open his "Got Back" tour in Brazil.
- This marks the first time the song has been played in its entirety by McCartney as a solo artist and the first time live since The Beatles' 1965 tour.
- The 39-song setlist included a mix of Beatles hits, Wings classics, and solo material.
- A notable moment was a "virtual duet" of "I've Got a Feeling" with John Lennon, using footage from the "Get Back" documentary.
A Surprise Opening in Florianópolis
Fans attending the opening night of Paul McCartney's "Got Back" tour were treated to a genuine piece of music history. As the opening chords of "A Hard Day's Night" rang out, it signaled a significant moment for both the artist and his audience. The performance was the first time McCartney had played the iconic 1964 hit in full during one of his solo shows.
The choice to open with this particular song was unexpected. The Beatles themselves only performed "A Hard Day's Night" live during their tours in 1964 and 1965, after which it was retired from their setlists. For decades, the song remained a studio artifact, a memory from the height of Beatlemania, but not a staple of live performance.
Revisiting a Song After Six Decades
The decision to resurrect "A Hard Day's Night" for the stage carries historical weight. The song's complex vocal harmonies and studio production made it a challenging piece to replicate live with the technology of the 1960s. After The Beatles stopped touring in 1966, many of their more intricate songs were never performed for a live audience by the full band.
McCartney's performance in Brazil breaks this long silence. Supported by his modern touring band and advanced sound technology, he was able to faithfully recreate the energy and sound of the original recording. This moment bridges a gap of nearly 60 years, connecting the vibrant energy of the early Beatles with his enduring presence as a global music icon.
A Long-Awaited Live Return
The Beatles last performed "A Hard Day's Night" live in August 1965. McCartney's 2024 performance in Brazil marks the song's return to the stage after a 59-year absence from his live repertoire.
Highlights From an Extensive Setlist
While the opening number was a major headline, the remainder of the concert was a comprehensive journey through McCartney's musical legacy. The 39-song performance was carefully curated to include material from every phase of his career, ensuring a dynamic experience for lifelong fans and new listeners alike.
The setlist was heavily populated with beloved Beatles tracks. Audiences heard timeless songs such as "Can't Buy Me Love," "Love Me Do," "Let It Be," and the anthemic "Hey Jude." These performances serve as a powerful reminder of the band's foundational impact on popular music.
Wings and Solo Career Celebrated
McCartney also paid tribute to his successful post-Beatles career. The set included high-energy performances of Wings classics like "Live and Let Die," complete with its signature pyrotechnics, and the catchy "Band on the Run."
The Quarrymen Connection
In a nod to his earliest musical roots, McCartney performed "In Spite of All the Danger," a song recorded by The Quarrymen, the pre-Beatles skiffle group he formed with John Lennon and George Harrison in 1958. This inclusion provided a rare glimpse into the very beginning of his songwriting journey.
His solo material was also well-represented, demonstrating his continued relevance as a songwriter and performer. The diverse selection showcased his versatility and the sheer volume of his creative output over more than six decades.
A Technological and Emotional Duet
One of the most poignant moments of the evening came during the performance of the Beatles' song "I've Got a Feeling." Using technology developed for Peter Jackson's acclaimed documentary series Get Back, McCartney performed a "virtual duet" with John Lennon.
Video footage of Lennon singing his parts of the song was projected onto the screen behind the stage, with his original vocal track isolated and synced with McCartney's live performance. This innovative use of archival footage created a powerful and emotional experience, seemingly reuniting the two songwriting partners on stage.
This virtual duet has become a centerpiece of McCartney's recent tours, praised by critics and fans for its respectful and moving tribute to his late bandmate. It highlights how technology can be used to bridge time and create new moments of connection with music's past.
The Enduring Power of a Legend
At 82 years old, Paul McCartney continues to deliver marathon concerts that defy expectations. His energy on stage, combined with a voice that still carries the classic songs, demonstrates a remarkable dedication to his craft. The "Got Back" tour is not just an exercise in nostalgia; it is a celebration of a living, evolving musical legacy.
The decision to perform "A Hard Day's Night" after so many years suggests a willingness to explore his own history and present it in new ways. For the audience in Brazil and for fans worldwide, it was a reminder that even after 60 years, there are still surprises to be found in one of the world's most famous songbooks.
Key Songs from the Brazil Setlist:
- A Hard Day's Night
- Can't Buy Me Love
- Letting Go
- Got to Get You Into My Life
- Let Me Roll It
- In Spite of All the Danger
- Love Me Do
- Blackbird
- Something
- Band on the Run
- Let It Be
- Live and Let Die
- Hey Jude
- I've Got a Feeling
- Get Back