Ringo Starr Joins Paul McCartney for a Live Celebration of Beatles Classics

Feature Photo: Mazur Travel / Shutterstock.com

Paul McCartney delighted fans at the final stop of his Got Back Tour with a surprise reunion with his former Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr at London’s O2 Arena. In a heartwarming moment, the legendary drummer joined McCartney on stage for a performance of Beatles classics “Helter Skelter” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” The crowd erupted in cheers as the two living Beatles performed together, showcasing their enduring chemistry.It had been five years since the two have performed together.

“Should we rock?” McCartney asked Starr, encouraging him to “get on your kit” before launching into their set. Starr later addressed the audience, saying, “I’ve had a great night. I love you all,” as he flashed his signature peace signs before leaving the stage. McCartney bid him farewell with a heartfelt, “Goodbye Ringo, I will see you soon.”

The same evening, McCartney also brought out Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood for a separate segment of the show, further thrilling the audience with another legendary collaboration. Although the three did not perform together, their individual contributions made the concert an unforgettable experience.

A Brief History of Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr’s Partnership

The bond between McCartney and Starr dates back to 1962, when Starr joined The Beatles as their drummer, completing the quartet that would revolutionize music history. Starr’s steady rhythm and McCartney’s melodic basslines formed a solid foundation for iconic tracks like “Come Together” and “Something.” During their time with The Beatles, Starr and McCartney developed a brotherly friendship, which continued after the band’s breakup in 1970.

Following The Beatles’ split, McCartney and Starr pursued successful solo careers. McCartney formed Wings, releasing chart-topping albums like Band on the Run and Venus and Mars, while Starr earned solo hits with songs such as “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Photograph.” Despite their individual successes, the two have reunited on various occasions. Starr contributed drums to McCartney’s Tug of War album, and McCartney appeared on Starr’s solo projects, including Give More Love in 2017.

In interviews, Starr has described McCartney as “the brother I never had,” a sentiment that reflects their deep connection. Their reunion at the O2 Arena is another example of the enduring legacy of The Beatles and the lasting friendship between its two surviving members.

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr’s recent reunion adds to the wave of Beatles-related content that has captivated fans in recent years, particularly around the Thanksgiving season. In 2021, Disney+ released The Beatles: Get Back, an extraordinary three-part documentary directed by Peter Jackson. The series offered an unprecedented look into the band’s creative process during the making of their Let It Be album, using restored footage from the 1969 recording sessions. It was widely praised for its intimate portrayal of the band, revealing moments of camaraderie, tension, and their unparalleled musical synergy. More recently, Beatles ’64, a Disney+ special released during Thanksgiving weekend, delves into the band’s meteoric rise with rare footage from a 1964 documentary and fresh interviews with McCartney and Starr.