Music history came alive on Thursday night as Paul McCartney reunited with his Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr during the final stop of his Got Back Tour at London’s O2 Arena. Fans were treated to a surprise appearance from Starr, along with Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, in a moment that embodied the enduring legacy of rock ‘n’ roll.
In what McCartney called an early Christmas gift for the audience, Starr joined him on stage to perform iconic Beatles tracks “Helter Skelter” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” The crowd erupted in cheers as the legendary drummer took his place, responding to McCartney’s playful cue: “Should we rock? Get on your kit!”
Starr’s signature charm was on full display as he waved to fans and delivered his trademark double peace signs after the set. “I’ve had a great night. I love you all,” Starr told the audience before exiting the stage. McCartney bid his longtime friend a fond farewell, saying, “Goodbye Ringo, I will see you soon.”
The reunion was a poignant reminder of the duo’s shared history as the only surviving members of The Beatles. The world lost John Lennon to a tragic shooting in 1980, while George Harrison succumbed to cancer in 2001 at the age of 58. McCartney and Starr’s bond has grown stronger over the years, transcending their time as bandmates.
In a May interview with USA TODAY, Starr spoke warmly about his relationship with McCartney, describing it as brotherly. “Paul loves me as much as I love him,” Starr shared. “He’s the brother I never had. As an only child, suddenly I got three brothers. We looked out for each other.”
Their bond extends beyond music. In March, McCartney and Starr reunited at McCartney’s daughter Stella’s fall/winter fashion show, where they were photographed together alongside their wives, Barbara Bach and Nancy Shevell. The two also traveled to Paris earlier this year, ostensibly for Stella’s clothing line, though Starr humorously admitted they were more excited about the lunch.
Thursday’s reunion at the O2 Arena was not just a nostalgic moment for fans but a celebration of the enduring spirit of The Beatles. The night highlighted McCartney’s unyielding passion for performance and Starr’s infectious energy, which continue to captivate audiences decades after the band’s formation.
The Beatles’ story, and its members’ individual legacies, remains a source of fascination. Recently, a Disney+ documentary titled Beatles ’64 premiered, featuring rarely seen footage and fresh interviews with McCartney and Starr. The film provides a glimpse into the band’s meteoric rise and enduring cultural impact.
For fans at the O2 Arena, the reunion was a magical moment that brought the past into the present. As Starr once said, “Paul likes to work more than all of us,” and Thursday’s performance proved that McCartney’s dedication to his craft is as strong as ever. With their shared history and unshakable friendship, McCartney and Starr continue to inspire new generations, ensuring that The Beatles’ music lives on.
