**Paul McCartney Honours John Lennon at Santa Barbara Show**
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In a heartfelt tribute, Paul McCartney paid homage to his late Beatles bandmate, John Lennon, during his recent performance at the Santa Barbara Bowl in California. The iconic musician, aged 83, embarked on his Got Back Tour with a special nod to Lennon, who tragically passed away in 1980, by singing a virtual duet with a projection of Lennon from the documentary ‘The Beatles: Get Back’. The emotional rendition of “I’ve Got a Feeling” featured McCartney alongside the holographic image of Lennon, using the latter’s vocals and video from the acclaimed series.
This memorable concert, which took place on Friday, Sept. 26, saw McCartney delighting fans by performing “Help!” live for the first time in 35 years. The setlist also included an array of classic Beatles songs such as “Blackbird,” “Love Me Do,” “Lady Madonna,” and “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” as well as hits from McCartney’s band Wings like “Jet,” “Let Me Roll It,” and “Live and Let Die”. The show culminated with an encore that included iconic tracks like “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise),” “Helter Skelter,” “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End” from the legendary ‘Abbey Road’ album.
McCartney, known for his exceptional showmanship, shared his experience on Instagram after the event, expressing his gratitude for the amazing night in Santa Barbara and jokingly pointing out the absence of cell phones in the crowd. The Got Back Tour, consisting of 19 shows across 16 different cities, promises to bring fans a comprehensive musical journey spanning McCartney’s illustrious career, with a repertoire that includes hits from his solo work, Wings, and of course, The Beatles.
Having kicked off the North American leg of his tour in Palm Desert, California, McCartney’s upcoming performances in cities such as Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Denver, New Orleans, Montreal, and a final two-night showcase in Chicago, are highly anticipated by fans and music lovers alike. The enthusiasm for McCartney’s live shows is evident in the press release, which describes the experience as a culmination of the greatest moments in music from the last six decades, featuring timeless classics like ‘Hey Jude,’ ‘Live and Let Die,’ ‘Band on the Run,’ and ‘Let It Be’.
In addition to his recent tribute to Lennon, McCartney’s musical prowess was on full display earlier this year when he performed at the Saturday Night Live 50th-anniversary special, as well as three sold-out surprise shows at the Bowery Ballroom in New York. With a career spanning over six decades, the musical legend continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his timeless music and iconic performances.
As McCartney continues to mesmerise fans on his Got Back Tour, the enduring legacy of The Beatles and his remarkable contributions to the world of music remain as vibrant and cherished as ever. Audience members are treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience, reliving the magic of classic songs and witnessing the enduring bond between McCartney and the late, great John Lennon.