Paul McCartney captivated audiences with a rare theater performance in Nashville on Thursday night, showcasing a remarkable selection of over 30 songs from his illustrious career. This concert, part of his Got Back Tour, took place at the Pinnacle, the smallest venue on his 2025 North American tour, and drew a diverse crowd of dedicated fans.
As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere shifted dramatically during the performance of “Now and Then,” a previously unreleased track from John Lennon’s unfinished 1970s demo. The song, enhanced by modern artificial intelligence and released in 2023 as “the last Beatles song,” played alongside a visually striking music video that recreated the legendary band’s iconic presence. For many, witnessing an 83-year-old former Beatle performing live was both surreal and nostalgic, a reminder of the cultural impact the Fab Four have had over six decades.
While the Pinnacle, with a capacity of 4,500, might not match the intimacy of venues like New York’s Bowery Ballroom, it provided an appropriately cozy setting. The demand for tickets was intense, especially with other events in the city, including sold-out shows by Sabrina Carpenter at the nearby Bridgestone Arena.
The concert featured a classic McCartney revue, with a band of seven talented musicians, including renowned drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. and a vibrant three-piece horn section. Together, they delivered an impressive lineup of Beatles classics such as “Got to Get You into My Life” and “Drive My Car,” along with a historic revival of “Help!”—the first full performance of the song since 1965. Music critic Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone described this moment as the “emotional climax” of the tour.
Despite the focus on Beatles hits, it was the songs from McCartney’s Wings era that particularly resonated with the Nashville audience. In anticipation of the release of a new self-titled collection, McCartney and his band performed beloved tracks like “Jet” and “Let Me Roll It” with palpable enthusiasm. The energy peaked with an electrifying rendition of “Live and Let Die,” enhanced by simulated pyrotechnics.
McCartney also engaged with the audience, reading signs held aloft, which included one that humorously stated, “I’m gay; help me come out.” In a lighthearted moment, he encouraged the fan to repeat the phrase three times. Additionally, he shared an inspiring anecdote about the Beatles’ stand against segregation during a concert in Jacksonville, Florida, emphasizing the band’s commitment to equality.
As the performance progressed, the emotional tone shifted, particularly during the tribute to George Harrison with the heartfelt “Something.” McCartney’s solo ukulele introduction hushed the audience, culminating in a euphoric finish that highlighted the song’s enduring beauty.
After a brief intermission, McCartney returned to the stage for a mini-Abbey Road suite, waving flags representing the United States, the Union Jack, the Tennessee state flag, and a Pride flag. This gesture resonated with many fans, embodying a moment of unity within a divided society.
In closing the show, McCartney echoed a poignant sentiment, stating, “In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make,” leaving the audience with a message of hope and connection.
The setlist for the evening included:
– “Help!”
– “Coming Up”
– “Got to Get You Into My Life”
– “Drive My Car”
– “Letting Go”
– “Come On to Me”
– “Let Me Roll It”
– “Getting Better”
– “Let ‘Em In”
– “My Valentine”
– “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five”
– “Maybe I’m Amazed”
– “I’ve Just Seen a Face”
– “In Spite of All the Danger”
– “Love Me Do”
– “Every Night”
– “Blackbird”
– “Now and Then”
– “Lady Madonna”
– “Jet”
– “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!”
– “Something”
– “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”
– “Band on the Run”
– “Get Back”
– “Let It Be”
– “Live and Let Die”
– “Hey Jude”
– “I’ve Got a Feeling”
– “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”
– “Helter Skelter”
– “Golden Slumbers”
– “Carry That Weight”
– “The End”
McCartney’s performance in Nashville not only celebrated his extensive catalog but also reaffirmed his status as a cultural icon who continues to inspire and unite generations through music.
