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On a starry evening at London's O2 Arena, music history was revived as Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the two surviving Beatles, reunited on stage during the final show of McCartney's Got Back tour. This unexpected collaboration delighted the 20,000-strong crowd, who erupted in applause as Starr joined McCartney for renditions of Helter skelter and gt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise).
A host of celebrities, including Kate Moss, Ed Sheeran, and George Clooney, watched from the stands, while McCartney's daughter, Stella, added a familial touch to the gathering. Earlier in the night, McCartney surprised fans by inviting Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood to the stage for a lively rendition of *Get Back*. But the pinnacle of the concert came when he introduced Starr, quipping, "We can only rock if you get on your kit, ma."
At 82 and 84, respectively, McCartney and Starr showcased an ageless energy that captivated the audience. "It's fantastic playing with my old mate," Starr remarked before bidding the crowd farewell. The chemistry between the two legends was palpable, a testament to a bond that has weathered decades.
Making the highlight of the night , McCartney played his original Hofner 500/1 bass guitar, a piece of Beatles history that had been stolen in 1972 and recovered earlier this year. This iconic instrument, used to record hits like Twist and Shout and Love Me Do, symbolized a full-circle moment in McCartney's storied career. Purchased for $37 in the early 1960s, the bass is now valued at an astonishing $12.5 million.
The Got Back tour, which began in 2022, has been a celebration of McCartney's six-decade career. It featured timeless hits from The Beatles, Wings, and his solo catalog, including Blackbird and Band on the Run. As a festive touch, McCartney closed his UK shows with Wonderful Christmas Time, complete with a children's choir and confetti snow.
The concert also paid heartfelt tributes to John Lennon and George Harrison. Footage of Lennon performing I've Got a Feeling from the Beatles' legendary rooftop concert played as McCartney performed live. Clips of Harrison further reminded fans of the Fab Four's enduring legacy.
This night was a once in a lifetime type of concert; it was not an event where history was forged but one with a harmonized nostalgic feeling.
