Experience the timeless magic of Paul McCartney in Vegas! The echoes of the past resonate strongly with Paul McCartney, especially when he passionately acknowledges the legendary musicians he has lost during his mesmerizing performance on the Las Vegas leg of his "Got Back" tour. "Let’s hear it for John!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling as he first referenced the late John Lennon, as if Lennon himself could stroll on stage and join in for a duet. Moments later, as he picked up the ukulele gifted to him by George Harrison, he added, "Let’s hear it for George," providing a heartfelt backdrop to a simplified yet beautiful rendition of "Something."
This performance highlighted the few quiet segments in an otherwise high-energy show, crafted meticulously by McCartney with one goal in mind: keep the audience dancing for what he dubbed "the biggest party in Vegas." While it may not have unleashed the wildest celebration, especially considering that many in attendance were older fans calling my 40-something self "young lady," McCartney undoubtedly gifted everyone an electrifying two-and-a-half-hour experience packed with continuous music.
The concert kicked off on October 4, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium with a vibrant rendition of "Help!" This was particularly significant because it marked the first time McCartney had performed this song live in an astounding 35 years—a powerful opener that certainly got the crowd on its feet and ready to join in the fun. McCartney then teased the audience with a promise of music spanning different eras with tracks that included "some old ones, some new ones, and some in between." However, his description of "new" was a bit flexible, as mere minutes later he dove into "Come On to Me," a song that debuted in 2018. "Relatively new," he quipped, adding with a grin, "It’s new enough."
Given the extensive career of the now 83-year-old icon, 2018 does indeed seem recent. To further remind the audience of his long-standing legacy, he also took a nostalgic trip into the past, performing "In Spite of All the Danger," which dates back to his formative days with The Quarrymen. Looking back, he reminisced about being a young musician in Liverpool recording their first-ever track, humorously noting just how well they turned out in the end.
As the concert flowed, McCartney introduced "Love Me Do," the inaugural Beatles single with EMI, maintaining its vibrant, sunny pop essence since its 1962 debut. Mood dictated the arrangement of songs rather than strict chronology. During a poignant rendition of "Blackbird," McCartney elevated himself on a platform, directing focus solely on him and his guitar while allowing his band to take a break—an artistic choice that added depth to this memorable moment.
Transitioning into "Here Today," the touching tribute he wrote for Lennon after his tragic passing, McCartney shared thoughtful reflections on the difficulty of openly expressing love to friends. Acknowledging the shift to a somber mood, he then performed the "newest" song of the evening, "Now and Then," concluding it with gratitude for Lennon's role in crafting such a beautiful piece.
Then the atmosphere shifted dramatically as he dove into the lively "Lady Madonna" on a colorful upright piano, followed by the exuberant Wings hit "Jet" once he switched back to his guitar. The energy only heightened with other classic Wings tracks like "Let ‘Em In," "Band on the Run," and, of course, the explosive "Live and Let Die," which featured enough pyrotechnics to rival a major wrestling event. In fact, the loud blasts had McCartney squatting down and covering his ears in a playful moment just before the grand finale of fireworks.
As the smoke from the fireworks lingered in the air, McCartney delivered the crowd-pleasing "Hey Jude" as the pre-encore closer. It was a captivating experience to hear thousands of voices unite in harmony, chanting the iconic "na-na-na-na" melody under McCartney's charismatic lead. Throughout the performance, McCartney remained engaged with the audience, taking moments to interact. He entertained the crowd by reading various signs, like one celebrating a fan attending their 122nd concert. When approached by a fan asking for a butt autograph, he jokingly replied, "No… that’s pushing it." McCartney also shared a delightful moment with a fan bearing a sign declaring they’d been at Shea Stadium—"So was I!" he beamed.
His backing band showcased exceptional talent without overshadowing McCartney. Guitarist Brian Ray delivered impressive solos, while drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. radiated joy, leading the audience in an enthusiastic sing-along for "Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five."
A playful spirit infused the evenings’ vibes, showcased when McCartney seamlessly ended "Let Me Roll It" with an impromptu cover of Jimi Hendrix’s "Foxy Lady" as a tribute to the late icon. Recalling a near-empty Hendrix concert he attended in the early days of his career, McCartney noted how word quickly spread and next time the venue was jam-packed. Despite some changes in McCartney’s vocal prowess over the years, his enthusiasm shone brightly as he performed a twangy version of "I’ve Just Seen a Face," channeling the exuberance of a much younger artist.
The encore began with "I’ve Got a Feeling," featuring a magical duet utilizing recently remastered footage of Lennon from Peter Jackson's documentary, "Get Back." "I enjoy that song," he remarked fondly once it ended, "because I get to sing with John again."
Even though Lennon and Harrison are no longer with us, McCartney’s continued references to them suggest a beautiful reality: their spirits live on through the music they shared together—a melody that remains eternal and will outlast us all.
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)
Upcoming Paul McCartney 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]
This concert was more than a musical event; it was an emotional journey through decades of music history, and it will leave fans eagerly anticipating what’s next in this iconic artist’s illustrious career. What do you think about the blend of nostalgia and current performance? Is McCartney vibrant enough to keep delivering? Share your thoughts!
