Paul McCartney Lights Up Chicago With Music, Memories, and Heart
Paul McCartney proved once again that age is just a number during his powerful Got Back Tour stop at the United Center on Monday night. At 83 years old, the legendary Beatle showed that he can still move an arena full of people — not just with classic hits, but with emotion, storytelling, and touching tributes to the friends he’s lost along the way.
The show was nearly three hours long, filled with 35 songs that represented every chapter of his incredible career. McCartney mixed big sing-along Beatles moments with quieter, more emotional ones. It felt like the audience wasn’t just watching a concert — they were being taken on a journey through music history.
Singing With Lennon Again
One of the most unforgettable moments came during the Beatles song “I’ve Got a Feeling.” McCartney performed it as a duet with John Lennon, using real video footage of Lennon singing. It was almost like Lennon was alive right there beside him. McCartney said he loves performing this song because it gives him the chance to “sing with John again,” and the crowd felt that emotion instantly.
He also honored George Harrison with a beautiful version of “Something.” McCartney played it on a ukulele that Harrison himself gave him years ago. It was a soft, simple moment, but powerful — a reminder of the deep friendships that built the Beatles.
A Band That Brings It All to Life
McCartney wasn’t alone on stage. His longtime band — Paul “Wix” Wickens, Brian Ray, Rusty Anderson, and Abe Laboriel Jr. — played with incredible energy and skill. A horn trio called Hot City Horns added extra excitement on songs like “Letting Go” and “Got to Get You Into My Life.”
Together, they made the night feel alive and full, bringing classic songs into the present without losing what made them special.
Songs That Spanned a Lifetime
The setlist covered everything: Beatles hits, Wings favorites, and McCartney’s solo work. Fans got to hear classics like:
“Help!” — a song he hadn’t performed in 35 years
“Maybe I’m Amazed” — a fan favorite
“Blackbird” — introduced with a story about the Civil Rights movement
“Live and Let Die” — complete with massive fireworks that even made McCartney cover his ears
“Hey Jude” — which had the whole arena singing louder than ever
One special moment came when McCartney talked about writing “Blackbird” in the 1960s. He said he hoped it would give hope to people fighting for their rights. He also shared a memory about refusing to play a segregated show in Florida unless the audience was integrated — and eventually winning that battle.
Looking Back While Moving Forward
Throughout the night, McCartney told stories from the early days — including recording “In Spite of All the Danger” with Lennon and Harrison long before they became The Beatles. He also performed “Now and Then,” the final Beatles song completed in 2023 using a demo Lennon left behind.
These moments made fans wonder what The Beatles might have become if Lennon and Harrison were still alive. Would they have performed together again? Would they cheer each other on through solo careers? For a few hours, the show let everyone imagine those possibilities.
A Night Chicago Won’t Forget
Fans came dressed in Beatles-themed clothes, waving signs, and cheering like it was 1964 again. One fan even shared that he had seen McCartney 144 times — earning a playful joke from Paul himself.
The night ended with a massive, joyful sing-along to “Hey Jude,” followed by a powerful encore that included “Helter Skelter,” “Golden Slumbers,” and “The End.” It truly felt like a celebration of a lifetime of music.
Paul McCartney may be 83, but he continues to show why he’s one of the greatest of all time. His music lives on — and with every concert, so does the spirit of The Beatles.
