In the vast landscape of rock and roll, few friendships are as enduring and genuine as that of Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen. Both icons have left indelible marks on the music industry, yet their camaraderie transcends mere admiration. Their relationship is a testament to mutual respect, shared experiences, and a deep love for the art of songwriting and performance.
One of the most memorable moments in their collaboration occurred during the 2022 Glastonbury Festival. McCartney, then 80, headlined the iconic Pyramid Stage, becoming the oldest solo headliner in the festival’s history. In a surprise twist, Springsteen joined him on stage, much to the delight of the audience. Together, they performed classics like “Glory Days” and “I Wanna Be Your Man,” showcasing their undeniable chemistry and shared history. The performance was not just a musical treat but a symbolic passing of the torch between two generations of rock legends.
Honoring a Legend: Ivor Novello Awards 2024
In May 2024, McCartney had the honor of presenting Springsteen with the prestigious Academy Fellowship at the Ivor Novello Awards in London. This accolade, recognizing exceptional songwriting and composing, marked a significant milestone in Springsteen’s illustrious career. McCartney, known for his wit, playfully remarked, “He’s never worked a day in his life!”
A Legacy of Collaboration
Their collaborations are not limited to Glastonbury. Over the years, McCartney and Springsteen have shared stages at various events, including the 2012 Hard Rock Calling Festival in London. These performances are a testament to their mutual respect and the timeless nature of their music. Each appearance together is a celebration of rock and roll’s rich history and its ability to unite artists across different eras.
For Springsteen, McCartney represents the pinnacle of songwriting and musical innovation. He has often expressed his admiration for McCartney’s ability to craft songs that resonate with audiences worldwide. Springsteen’s acknowledgment of McCartney’s influence underscores the deep respect he holds for his fellow musician.
The friendship between Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen is more than just a meeting of musical minds; it’s a celebration of rock and roll’s enduring spirit. Their collaborations continue to inspire new generations of fans and artists, proving that music, at its core, is a universal language that bridges gaps and creates lasting bonds.
2012, Bruce had the chance to perform with McCartney at the Grammy Awards, joining him with other guests like Joe Walsh and Dave Grohl when he played “The End”. Bruce talked about that experience CBS News and said the Beatle was one of his “all time great heroes”.
“No matter how long you have been in music. There’s that basic realization that you simply would not be here the way that you are without this specific person, without this person on the planet. Suddenly I’m getting to play with one of my all time great heroes and complete this 45 year circle,” Bruce Springsteen sad (Transcribed by Rock and Roll Garage).
The first Beatles song Bruce ever heard was “I Want To Hold Your Hand back in the early 60s. He recalled that life changing experience in an interview with Rolling Stone in 2020. “‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ came on the radio in, I think, 1964. That was going to change my life because I was gonna successfully pick a guitar and learn how to play.”
“When I saw Elvis on TV, I was 9, I was really young. I tried to play the guitar – it didn’t work out, and I put it away. But, the keeper was 1964, ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ on South Street, with my mother driving.”
Bruce Springsteen continued:
“I immediately demanded she let me out. I ran down a long neon-lit isle into the bowling alley, ran to the phone booth, got into the phone boot. (Then) immediately called my girl and said, ‘Have you heard this band called The Beatles?’ And after that, it was nothing but rock ‘n’ roll and guitars,” Bruce Springsteen said.
More recently, in 2025, during a Springsteen concert in Liverpool, McCartney made a surprise appearance and they played “Can’t Buy Me Love” and a rendition of “Kansas City” (originally by Little Willie Littlefield). To introduce Paul he said: “We are lucky tonight, we have a young man from Liverpool playing with us tonight. I think he’s got a lot of talent and I believe he’s gonna going places. So let’s bring out Sir. Paul McCartney”.
Bruce played two shows in the city and McCartney took him to visit the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), where they surprised the students by talking with them about music and sharing their insights.
Like Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen is also a prolific songwriter and one of the best-selling artists in the world. Until 2025 he has released 21 studio albums and sold an estimated amount of more than 150 million records worldwide.