On the opening night of his 2025 U.S. tour, Paul McCartney gave fans a rare gift: a full live rendition of “Help!” — the Beatles’ classic he hadn’t performed in full since 1965.
The historic moment unfolded during a pop-up set at the Santa Barbara Bowl, where McCartney surprised the crowd by plunging into the song from start to finish. Up until now, he’d only included portions of “Help!” in medleys or excerpts — never the full version. For longtime fans, the performance represented more than nostalgia. It bridged decades, connecting McCartney’s current tour to The Beatles’ live legacy.
Observers noted that throughout the show, he blended classics with newer material, but “Help!” stood out as a moment of celebration, reverence, and renewal. By choosing to dust off “Help!” in its entirety, McCartney reaffirmed his willingness to revisit deep cuts and surprise audiences with musical relics. It wasn’t just a concert moment—it was a full-circle musical statement.
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