10 Best Paul McCartney Live Performances You Need To Watch Now

In celebration of Paul McCartney's much-anticipated UK and European 2024 tour, we take a nostalgic look at the unforgettable live performances that have defined his illustrious career.

From headline appearances at Glastonbury to unforgettable moments at the Grammy Awards, we delve into the best live performances that have solidified McCartney's status as a legendary performer.

Join us as we relive these iconic moments and celebrate the musical legacy of one of the most influential artists of all time.

'Band on the Run' live at Glastonbury 2022 with Dave Grohl

At Paul McCartney's headline performance on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival in 2022, he surprised the crowd by bringing out Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl for their first public performance since the passing of the band's drummer, Taylor Hawkins on 25th March 2022.

Kerrang! reported that McCartney introduced Grohl to the stage, stating: “Now, I’ve got a little surprise for you: your hero from the west coast of America – Dave Grohl!” Grohl had flown in "especially to do this", and the duo performed The Beatles' 'I Saw Her Standing There' and Wings' 'Band On The Run' together.

Both artists have shared the experience of having to perform music in the wake of painful losses, making this collaboration a healing moment for them both.

'Let It Be' at Live Aid 1985

Although the Beatles never got the opportunity to perform any songs from the 'Let It Be' album before their split, Paul McCartney has made up for it by playing the title track a remarkable 681 times, more than any other song in his extensive catalogue, according to Rolling Stone.

One of the most memorable performances of 'Let It Be' was during the 'Live Aid' concert on 13th July 1985, when McCartney shared the stage with Alison Moyet, David Bowie, Pete Townshend, and Bob Geldof in front of a staggering 72,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.

The monumental event was organised by Geldof and Midge Urie to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine disaster and was broadcast worldwide via one of the largest satellite link-ups in history, making it one of the most significant and far-reaching performances in McCartney's career.

FourFive Seconds live at the Grammys 2015

'FourFive Seconds' was one of the most surprising collaborations of all. The track recorded by the unlikely supergroup of McCartney, Kanye West, and Rihanna, received critical acclaim and reached the number 4 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The trio delivered a memorable performance of the track at the 57th Grammy Awards ceremony, showcasing an unexpected and iconic combination marking a truly unforgettable Grammy moment.

Silly Little Love Songs from the Rockshow 1980

'Rockshow' is a concert film documenting Paul McCartney and Wings' 1976 tour. What stands out in this rendition of 'Silly Little Love Songs' is McCartney's remarkable talent in simultaneously playing the intricate bassline and delivering flawless vocals.

Interestingly, the song was written in response to critics stating that McCartney wrote lightweight love songs.

We Can Work It Out live for MTV Unplugged 1991

It's clear that even the most talented musicians make mistakes, and Sir Paul McCartney is no exception. Despite forgetting some of the lyrics of 'We Can Work It Out' during his stripped-back acoustic set in 1991, McCartney's undeniable musical ability and genius won over the crowd.

The performance, which showcased some of his lesser-known tracks without the use of amplifiers, served as a testament to the greatness of his music and the depth of his creative output.

McCartney's willingness to take risks and try something new is something to be admired, and his fans certainly appreciate it.

A Day in The Life / Give Peace a Chance live in Liverpool 1990

In June 1990, Paul McCartney's 'Flowers in the Dirt' tour made a special stop in his hometown of Liverpool. It marked his first performance in the city since 1979 and drew an enormous crowd to Kings Dock.

What made this show truly unforgettable was McCartney's focus on Beatles songs, a first for his solo career. The highlight of the gig was a soul-stirring John Lennon medley, which included iconic tracks like 'Strawberry Fields Forever', 'Help!', and 'Give Peace a Chance'.

Something live at Concert for George 2002

The Concert for George took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London on November 29th 2002. Organised by his widow Olivia Harrison and son Dhani, the event marked the one year anniversary of former Beatle George Harrison's death.

Under the musical direction of Eric Clapton, the concert featured 'George's band', including surviving Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with musicians who had collaborated with Harrison over the years.

The evening showcased a selection of Harrison's songs from both his time with the Beatles and his solo career. A standout moment was the performance of 'Something', where Clapton and McCartney's incredible harmonies.

'Live and Let Die' at the Superbowl 2005

In 2005, the Superbowl halftime show in Florida became an epic moment as McCartney took the stage. Performing on a piano and backed by a dazzling display of fireworks, McCartney wowed the crowd with his rendition of the iconic James Bond theme 'Live and Let Die'.

A staggering 84,000 spectators were in attendance, making it a truly unforgettable experience. This electrifying performance not only left a lasting impression on the Superbowl, but it also solidified 'Live and Let Die' as one of the greatest 007 songs ever recorded.

Get Back on Later... with Jools Holland 2013

During a memorable appearance on Later... with Jools Holland, McCartney delivered an exceptional performance of the iconic Beatles hit, 'Get Back'.

What made this performance truly remarkable was the addition of Jools Holland, whose skillful piano solo elevated the song to another level of brilliance.

Helter Skelter live at the Sandy Relief Benefit Concert 2012

The 12-12-12 Sandy Relief Benefit Concert was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. The event brought together renowned artists to raise funds for those affected by the natural disaster.

Paul McCartney, introduced by acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, delivered an electrifying opening performance with a striking rendition of 'Helter Skelter'.

The energy and passion with which McCartney kicked off the concert set the bar high for the rest of the evening, leaving a lasting impression on all who were in attendance.

How to secure your seat at Paul McCartney's 2024 UK tour dates

Tickets for Paul McCartney's European tour dates will go on sale on Friday 21st June at 10 am, and they're expected to sell out fast.

To guarantee the ultimate concert experience, VIP tickets are the perfect choice, providing access to premium seating and perks. As the leading provider of premium tickets and experiences, Seat Unique is dedicated to offering fans official VIP access to top concerts in the UK.

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