Paul McCartney has made headlines by performing The Beatles’ classic song Help! in its entirety for the first time during his solo career. The 83-year-old music icon launched his US tour with an intimate concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl on March 15, 2024. This surprise performance thrilled the audience of 4,500 fans, marking a significant moment in McCartney’s long career.
The last occasion on which Help! was played in full occurred on December 12, 1965, during a concert in Wales by The Beatles. The song, released the same year, has been a staple of McCartney’s repertoire, yet he had only previously included parts of it in a medley dedicated to fellow band member John Lennon during his 1989-1990 Flowers in the Dirt tour.
During his solo performances, McCartney typically emphasizes his own compositions from the Beatles era, but this full rendition of Help! reflects a deep-seated connection to his past. In discussing his songwriting process, McCartney acknowledged that he often considers what Lennon would think of his work. He stated on the A Life In Lyrics podcast, “Often I’ll sort of refer… ‘What would John think of this? He’d have thought it was too soppy.’ So I’ll change it.”
This interplay of creativity and reflection on their partnership has shaped McCartney’s approach to music over the years. He noted, “That interplay was miraculous. You don’t have this opposing element so much (now). I have to do that myself.”
The performance at the Santa Barbara Bowl not only served as a nostalgic reminder for fans but also underscored McCartney’s enduring legacy as a performer and songwriter. As he embarks on this new tour, audiences can expect a blend of classic hits and personal reflections, showcasing the rich history he shares with both The Beatles and his own solo career.
This tour promises to be a celebration of McCartney’s extensive body of work, with fans eagerly anticipating what other surprises he may have in store.
