Imagine witnessing a living legend like Paul McCartney, at 83 years old, channeling the ghosts of his past while throwing the ultimate rock 'n' roll bash in the heart of Las Vegas—it's a reminder that some music truly transcends time and loss. But here's where it gets controversial: How do we reconcile the joy of his performances with the bittersweet tributes to those who've passed? Dive in as we unpack the electrifying Las Vegas stop of his "Got Back" tour, where nostalgia met high-energy spectacle, and discover why this show might just redefine what a concert can be.
Paul McCartney made the past feel incredibly alive during his Las Vegas performance at Allegiant Stadium on October 4th, 2025, as part of his "Got Back" tour. On stage, he spoke fondly of his departed bandmates, starting with John Lennon, whom he hailed as if Lennon were just backstage, ready for a duet. "Let's hear it for John," he cheered, evoking a sense of presence that was both heartwarming and haunting. Then, he honored George Harrison by switching to a ukulele that Harrison had gifted him years ago, strumming a simple, stripped-back version of "Something." This moment stood out as one of the show's rare quiet interludes, a tender nod to the emotional depth beneath the surface.
McCartney's aim was clear: to turn the night into "the biggest party in Vegas," keeping the audience on their feet for a solid two-and-a-half hours of non-stop music. While it wasn't as wild as that might suggest—perhaps due to the crowd's older demographic, where even a 40-something reviewer felt like a "young lady"—it was undeniably a fantastic, unbroken celebration. The energy was palpable, and McCartney delivered with the charisma of a true icon.
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The show kicked off with explosive force, opening with "Help!"—a track McCartney hadn't performed live in 35 years (https://consequence.net/2025/09/paul-mccartney-help-35-years-video/). For beginners, "Help!" is one of The Beatles' early hits, a cry for emotional support that captures the band's youthful energy. It was the perfect launch, getting everyone dancing and hyped. McCartney teased the setlist, promising "some old ones, some new ones, and some in between." His idea of "new" was flexible, as he soon played "Come On to Me" from 2018, quipping, "Relatively new... it's new enough." Given his decades-long career, 2018 does feel fresh, and it highlighted how McCartney's music spans generations.
To emphasize his long history, he delved into his pre-Beatles days with The Quarrymen, a band he formed as a teenager in Liverpool. He performed "In Spite of All the Danger," pausing to reminisce about those early Liverpool days—young lads recording their first song. "They did quite well for themselves," he said with a knowing grin, showcasing the humble beginnings that led to global fame. Following that, he played The Beatles' debut EMI single, "Love Me Do," which burst with the same sunny pop charm it had in 1962. The setlist flowed more by mood than strict timeline, dipping into melancholy with a graceful take on "Blackbird." For this song, McCartney ascended an elevated platform, spotlighting him and his guitar while the band stepped back—a clever staging choice that kept things dynamic without overshadowing the tunes.
And this is the part most people miss: the emotional pivot. He followed with "Here Today," a heartfelt tribute to Lennon about the difficulty of expressing love to friends. Acknowledging the dip in mood, he shifted to the night's "newest" track, "Now and Then" (https://consequence.net/2023/11/now-and-then-the-beatles-song-of-the-week/), ending with thanks to Lennon for co-writing it. This blend of sorrow and gratitude added layers to the show, making it more than just a performance.
The energy ramped up again with "Lady Madonna" on a colorful upright piano, then "Jet" from his band Wings (https://consequence.net/artist/wings/), full of exuberance. Other Wings hits like "Let 'Em In," "Band on the Run," and the pyrotechnic spectacle of "Live and Let Die" kept the momentum. The fireworks for "Live and Let Die" were so intense they rivaled a WWE event, forcing McCartney to duck and cover his ears from the boom. It was a thrilling, if deafening, highlight.
"Hey Jude" served as the pre-encore closer, and nothing prepares you for a stadium roaring "na-na-na-na" in unison, led by the song's creator. McCartney stayed connected with the crowd, reading signs—like one for a fan's 122nd show, or a cheeky request for an autograph on someone's "butt," which he politely declined. He shared a warm moment with a sign about Shea Stadium, replying, "So was I!" with a smile.
His backing band was stellar, playing with precision and flair. Guitarist Brian Ray delivered impressive solos, while drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. beamed with joy, even conducting the crowd during "Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five." They fostered a playful vibe, like when McCartney capped "Let Me Roll It" with an impromptu "Foxy Lady" cover for Jimi Hendrix, recalling seeing Hendrix in a tiny London club early in his career. McCartney noted how the venue filled up after word spread— a testament to Hendrix's rising star. As for McCartney's vocals, it's worth noting they've aged, which might disappoint some fans. Yet, his enthusiasm shone through, especially in a twangy "I've Just Seen a Face" that felt like a 20-year-old's energy.
The encore began with "I've Got a Feeling," featuring a duet via remastered footage of Lennon from Peter Jackson's Get Back documentary (https://consequence.net/2021/11/get-back-beatles-series-revelations/) (https://jerseyeveningpost.com/morenews/entertainment/2022/04/29/sir-paul-mccartney-uses-documentary-footage-for-john-lennon-duet-in-stage-return/). "I like that song because I get to sing with John again," he said simply. Lennon and Harrison are gone, but McCartney treats them as alive through their music—a poignant reminder that art endures beyond us.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is it ethical to use technology or footage to "resurrect" deceased artists for performances? Some see it as a beautiful tribute, while others argue it blurs the line between reality and illusion. And what about McCartney's voice—does its wear show the passage of time, or does his passion make up for it? These choices spark debate, inviting us to ponder how we honor legacies in the modern age.
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)
Paul McCartney 2025 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
What do you think? Does McCartney's use of technology to duet with Lennon feel like a touching homage or an eerie step too far? And is his voice's evolution a sign of authenticity or something to lament? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree, disagree, or have your own take on how artists should handle aging and loss?
