Paul McCartney’s “Got Back” tour delivered many highlights this year. It was fitting that Macca had something special in store for the last gig of the year on Thursday (December 19th) at London’s O2 Arena.
McCartney invited Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr and Rolling Stones member Ronnie Wood to the concert. Before Wood came on stage in the middle of the set before the announcement of “Get Back”, the singer first talked about his bass guitar.
It was stolen over 50 years ago before it was finally returned to him in early February 2019. McCartney brought it out and revealed that this was the instrument’s first stage appearance since she disappeared. “I haven’t played it in 50 years.”
Paul McCartney celebrated Ronnie Wood
The Beatle used this uplifting moment to announce the other surprise: “And we also have a special guest here for you. A Rolling Stone. Ronnie Wood.”
As Wood took the stage, the two launched into “Get Back.” After the song, they hugged, with Macca triumphantly raising Woods’ hand in the air and thanking him.
Ringo’s appearance was of course celebrated with dignity only during the encore. “We have another surprise for you,” McCartney announced to thunderous applause. “Bring the magnificent, one-of-a-kind Mr. Ringo Starr to the stage.”
After both of them joked with each other as if they were still the rascals who once matured into the biggest band in the world (“Should we rock? Get on the instruments!”), they of course played two Beatles classics, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)” and “Helter Skelter”.