The nostalgia felt palpable during Paul McCartney's Las Vegas performance as part of his "Got Back" tour, emphasizing the enduring memories of his late bandmates. When he first mentioned the iconic John Lennon, McCartney's enthusiasm was unmistakable: "Let’s hear it for John," he said, almost as if he believed Lennon was there backstage ready to join him for a song. He followed that sentiment with a heartfelt tribute to George Harrison, seamlessly transitioning from strumming an electric guitar to playing the ukulele gifted to him by his friend, capturing the essence of Harrison's song “Something.”
This stripped-down moment provided a rare pause in an otherwise energetic concert. McCartney set the tone early, branding the evening as “the biggest party in Vegas,” which, while not as wild as some might expect—perhaps due to the older demographic that could be seen referring to my own middle-aged self as “young lady”—was indeed a marvelous two-and-a-half-hour musical journey that flowed uninterrupted.
Kicking off the concert on October 4, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium with the explosive "Help!", it was particularly notable since this marked the first time in 35 years McCartney had performed the song live. This energetic start surely energized the audience, making it nearly impossible for anyone to remain seated. He then enthusiastically assured fans that they could expect a mix of old classics, newer hits, and a sprinkling of songs from the in-between. Yet, when he announced the performance of "Come On to Me," released in 2018, one could sense his playful acknowledgment of the term "new" being a tad loose. “Relatively new,” he quipped, adding with a smile, “It’s new enough.”
Given McCartney's extensive discography, even tracks from 2018 feel quite fresh. He took the audience on a nostalgic trip further back than even The Beatles, recalling his early days before that historic band with a performance of “In Spite of All the Danger” from The Quarrymen. Reflecting on his youthful days recording that first song with friends in Liverpool, he wryly noted, "They did quite well for themselves," a remark delivered with a confidence earned through decades of musical achievement.
Following this, he performed The Beatles' debut track for EMI, "Love Me Do," which has retained its cheerful and lively vibe since its release in 1962. While the order of the songs transcended strict chronology, it was clear that McCartney prioritized the emotional experience over mere historical progression. One of the most poignant moments of the night came with a touching rendition of "Blackbird." Elevated on a platform that highlighted just him and his guitar, the song offered a stunning and intimate contrast, as the rest of the band took a well-deserved break.
Transitioning into "Here Today," McCartney opened up about the difficulty in expressing love to friends, a sentiment that perhaps resonated deeply with many present. Quickly shifting to a lighter note, he shared the evening’s "newest" piece, "Now and Then," a song written with appreciation for John Lennon’s contributions. With heartfelt appreciation, he stated, "Thank you, John, for writing that beautiful song."
The energy ramped up again as McCartney expertly transitioned into "Lady Madonna," tickling the ivories of a vibrant upright piano, before switching back to guitar for the lively "Jet" from his Wings days. The setlist featured several iconic Wings numbers such as "Let 'Em In," "Band on the Run," and the explosive classic "Live and Let Die," which dazzled with a pyrotechnic show that rivaled major sporting events. McCartney even playfully crouched down to protect his ears from the deafening finale of sound effects.
As the smoke from the fireworks began to clear, he led the audience into the beloved anthem "Hey Jude," creating an unforgettable moment where thousands sang together in harmony, a heartfelt tribute to the magic of music.
Throughout the concert, McCartney maintained an engaging rapport with the crowd, pausing occasionally to acknowledge various signs. He even playfully responded to one fan who requested he sign their rear end by humorously declining, saying, "No… that’s pushing it." Sharing smiles with enthusiastic fans added a personal touch to the performance, especially when he noted, "So was I!" in response to a sign announcing the fan's presence at Shea Stadium during his legendary 1965 concert.
His band matched his energy, showcasing immense talent without overshadowing McCartney himself. Guitarist Brian Ray delivered captivating solos while drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. clearly relished the moment, inviting audience participation during "Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five."
A playful spirit filled the night, exemplified when McCartney whimsically concluded "Let Me Roll It" with a nod to Jimi Hendrix, performing an impromptu cover of "Foxy Lady". McCartney humorously recalled witnessing Hendrix during a modest performance in a small club in London early in his own career, before the crowds clamored for tickets just days later.
One concern however, was that McCartney’s vocal prowess may not have held up quite as well as he or his fans might wish. Yet, in his enthusiastic rendition of "I’ve Just Seen a Face," he radiated a youthful energy that carried the evening forward.
The encore commenced with a rendition of "I’ve Got a Feeling," unique for its duet with John Lennon, using recently remastered footage from Peter Jackson’s documentary "Get Back." “I like that song,” he stated simply after it concluded, “because I get to sing with John again.”
While Lennon and Harrison may no longer be with us physically, McCartney’s words suggest they continue to live on through their music—a testament to the enduring power of their collective artistry that will remain with us through the ages.
Setlist:
Help! (The Beatles song)
Coming Up
Got to Get You Into My Life (The Beatles song)
Drive My Car (The Beatles song)
Letting Go (Wings song)
Come On to Me
Let Me Roll It (Wings song)
Getting Better (The Beatles song)
Let 'Em In (Wings song)
My Valentine
Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five (Wings song)
Maybe I’m Amazed
I’ve Just Seen a Face (The Beatles song)
In Spite of All the Danger (The Quarrymen song)
Love Me Do (The Beatles song)
Dance Tonight
Blackbird (The Beatles song)
Here Today
Now and Then (The Beatles song)
Lady Madonna (The Beatles song)
Jet (Wings song)
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite! (The Beatles song)
Something (The Beatles song)
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da (The Beatles song)
Band on the Run (Wings song)
Get Back (The Beatles song)
Let It Be (The Beatles song)
Live and Let Die (Wings song)
Hey Jude (The Beatles song)
Encore:
I’ve Got a Feeling (The Beatles song)
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) (The Beatles song)
Helter Skelter (The Beatles song)
Golden Slumbers (The Beatles song)
Carry That Weight (The Beatles song)
The End (The Beatles song)
Paul McCartney 2025 Tour Dates:
10/04 – Las Vegas, NV @ Allegiant Stadium [Buy Tickets]
10/07 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater [Buy Tickets]
10/11 – Denver, CO @ Coors Field [Buy Tickets]
10/14 – Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena [Buy Tickets]
10/17 – Minneapolis, MN @ U.S. Bank Stadium [Buy Tickets]
10/22 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center [Buy Tickets]
10/25 – San Antonio, TX @ Alamodome [Buy Tickets]
10/29 – New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Center [Buy Tickets]
11/03 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena [Buy Tickets]
11/03 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena [Buy Tickets]
11/11 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena [Buy Tickets]
11/14 – Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center [Buy Tickets]
11/17 – Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell [Buy Tickets]
11/18 – Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell [Buy Tickets]
11/21 – Hamilton, ON @ Hamilton Arena [Buy Tickets]
11/24 – Chicago, IL @ United Center [Buy Tickets]
11/25 – Chicago, IL @ United Center [Buy Tickets]
