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Paul McCartney Kicks Off 2025 North American Tour with Historic Performance

9/27/2025, 11:55:35 PM

Historic Return of "Help!" to the Setlist

Paul McCartney launched his 2025 North American tour on September 26 at the Santa Barbara Bowl in California, marking his first U.S. tour since 2022. The concert was notable for the full performance of The Beatles' classic "Help!"—the first time McCartney has played the song in its entirety since December 12, 1965. This performance was particularly significant as McCartney typically avoids songs primarily written by John Lennon, who penned "Help!" during a tumultuous period in his life.

Paul McCartney Plays “Help!” In Full For First Time Since 1965 [Video]Paul McCartney Performs ‘Help!’ For The First Time In 35 YearsPaul McCartney Plays Beatles Hit for the First Time in 35 YearsRolling Stone

Setlist Highlights

The sold-out show, which took place in the intimate 4,562-capacity venue, featured a mix of McCartney's extensive catalog, including hits from The Beatles, Wings, and his solo career. The setlist included fan favorites such as "Let It Be," "Hey Jude," "Blackbird," and "Live and Let Die." The concert also showcased the recently completed Beatles song "Now and Then," which features contributions from Lennon, McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.

Paul McCartney Plays Beatles Hit for the First Time in 35 YearsPaul McCartney Performs ‘Help!’ For The First Time In 35 YearsPaul McCartney Launches 2025 North American Tour with First Performance of “Help!” in 35 YearsPaul McCartney Plays “Help!” In Full For First Time Since 1965 [Video]

The full setlist from the Santa Barbara concert included:

Paul McCartney to Kick Off 2025 North American Tour

3. Got to Get You Into My Life (The Beatles)

Paul McCartney Performs ‘Help!’ For The First Time In 35 Years

8. Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five (Wings)

Paul McCartney Plays Beatles Hit for the First Time in 35 Years

21. Encore: I've Got a Feeling (The Beatles, virtual duet with John Lennon)

Paul McCartney Plays Beatles Hit for the First Time in 35 Years

22. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) (The Beatles)

Paul McCartney Plays Beatles Hit for the First Time in 35 Years

Official Statements & Responses

McCartney's team announced the Santa Barbara concert just two weeks prior, and tickets sold out rapidly. Attendees were required to secure their phones in Yondr pouches, limiting the availability of footage from the event. This concert served as a warm-up for the official tour opener scheduled for September 29 at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California.

Paul McCartney to Kick Off 2025 North American Tour

Criticism & Opposition

While the concert was met with enthusiasm, some fans expressed disappointment over the phone restrictions, which hindered their ability to capture the performance. However, the decision was made to enhance the concert experience and maintain an intimate atmosphere.

Paul McCartney Launches 2025 North American Tour with First Performance of “Help!” in 35 Years

What's Next

Following the Santa Barbara show, McCartney's tour will continue with performances across North America, including stops in Las Vegas, Denver, Atlanta, and Chicago, concluding on November 25. The tour promises to be a celebration of McCartney's six-decade career, featuring a blend of classic hits and new material.

Paul McCartney to Kick Off 2025 North American Tour

Verbatim Quotes

“continues to resonate as one of The Beatles’ most enduring songs.” — Noise11

Paul McCartney Performs ‘Help!’ For The First Time In 35 Years

“McCartney typically shies away from performing Beatles songs written primarily by Lennon.” — Live for Live Music

Paul McCartney Plays “Help!” In Full For First Time Since 1965 [Video]

This tour not only marks a significant return for McCartney but also highlights the enduring legacy of The Beatles' music, as fans eagerly anticipate each performance.

Paul McCartney Performs ‘Help!’ For The First Time In 35 Years