Paul McCartney’s triumphant performance at the O2 Arena on Thursday night was a celebration of his unparalleled legacy, a deeply moving experience that merged nostalgia, joy, and the sheer power of music. For those lucky enough to witness it, the show was a reminder that despite being 82 years old, McCartney remains one of the most electrifying live performers on the planet.
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment when the “Joy-Blubber” took hold. Perhaps it was when the snow descended from the O2 ceiling as McCartney sang Wonderful Christmastime, a surprise treat that added a festive touch to the evening. Or maybe it was during the emotional performance of Now and Then, with footage of The Beatles playing behind him, or when McCartney reflected on his late bandmates, George Harrison and John Lennon, and performed a heartfelt ukulele version of Something. Or perhaps it was when McCartney virtually duetted with Lennon on I’ve Got a Feeling, using groundbreaking technology to combine their voices in a way that felt incredibly alive.
For those of us in the audience, it was impossible to escape the tidal wave of emotion as McCartney’s songs, the memories they evoked, and the atmosphere of the night combined. The Joy-Blubber is that moment when you are crying, laughing, and simultaneously trying to suppress the urge to make faces that should never be photographed. Last night, it was sparked by a perfectly orchestrated blend of music, memory, and yes, perhaps a few pints.
The performance was a masterclass in musical storytelling, showcasing McCartney’s vast catalogue, which stretches from The Beatles to his solo career. The show felt like a celebration of McCartney’s entire body of work, weaving his history as a songwriter, performer, and cultural icon into an emotionally charged tapestry.
McCartney’s Got Back tour, which has been touring since 2022, continues to be a deeply intimate experience despite its scale. The highlight of the tour so far has been McCartney’s headlining slot at Glastonbury, but this O2 performance brought the same sense of intimacy to a massive venue. Thanks to advances in technology, McCartney was able to bring The Beatles’ magic back to life in the most breathtaking way. Peter Jackson’s Get Back documentary and the subsequent tech developments have made it possible to reimagine Lennon’s unreleased demo Now and Then as a full-fledged Beatles song, and tonight’s performance, complete with a video of the young and old Fab Four, was nothing short of spectacular.
But the real tear-jerker came when McCartney sang I’ve Got a Feeling, joined by the virtual presence of John Lennon. The duet sounded so seamless, so natural, it was almost as though the voices that once met in a church hall in 1957 had come together again to change the world. McCartney, visibly moved, was surrounded by an audience equally caught up in the magic of the moment.
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Critics may grumble about The Beatles’ enduring cultural dominance—claims that their status is overhyped, that the documentaries and retrospectives are excessive. But McCartney’s performance last night was a timely reminder of the universal power of their music. You don’t have to have lived through the ‘60s or even be a hardcore Beatles fan to be moved by what was happening on stage.
McCartney’s three-hour performance was a joyous rollercoaster, from the opening Can’t Buy Me Love to fan favourites like Jet, Dance Tonight, and Blackbird. His band, led by the exceptional drummer Abe Laboriel Jr., was on fire throughout, adding their own flair to the legendary songs. The climax of Live and Let Die—with its explosive pyro—had the audience on the edge of their seats, while Hey Jude had thousands of fans singing along in unison, creating an unforgettable shared experience.
When all is said and done, it’s the songs that stand at the heart of McCartney’s performance. The legacy of The Beatles is undeniable, but McCartney’s ability to still perform these iconic tracks with such energy, warmth, and enthusiasm is nothing short of remarkable. Unlike some other living legends, McCartney doesn’t seem to need to defy expectations or ‘rebel’ against the past. Instead, he embraces it, offering pure joy to those lucky enough to witness his musical mastery.
At 82, McCartney shows no signs of slowing down. He doesn’t just perform; he lives and breathes the music, sharing that infectious love for the craft with every person in the audience.
