Sir Paul McCartney delivered a surprise concert in Santa Barbara on Friday night. The show was an unannounced dress rehearsal for his upcoming Got Back tour. Roughly 4,000 lucky fans witnessed the intimate performance at the Santa Barbara Bowl.
The event was a phone-free experience, with devices locked in Yondr pouches. This created a unique, focused atmosphere for the historic show. The setlist featured a debut live performance of a classic Beatles track.
Setlist Surprises and Emotional Tributes Define the Night
McCartney opened with the Beatles’ “Help!”. He had never before played the John Lennon song in its entirety. This set the tone for a night of deep cuts and fan favorites.
He performed “Now and Then,” the recent Beatles finale song. McCartney thanked Lennon for writing the beautiful piece. The performance was accompanied by a poignant, psychedelic animation.
The show included powerful tributes to his late bandmates. He also saluted producer George Martin, calling him a smart and funny man. The crowd hung on every word of his storytelling.
The Broader Impact of a Phone-Free Rock Experience
The no-phone policy significantly enhanced the concert’s energy. Attendees were fully present, connecting with the music and each other. McCartney himself approved, noting “It’s better” without screens.
This approach is a growing trend for premium live events. It prioritizes the shared, in-the-moment experience over digital documentation. For fans, it created a bottled-lightning feeling of excitement.
The band’s performance was tight and energetic. McCartney switched between bass, guitar, piano, and mandolin effortlessly. His voice remained strong, defying his 83 years with powerful belting during the encore.
The secret Santa Barbara show proved Paul McCartney’s enduring power as a live performer. His 2025 Got Back tour is poised to deliver the same magic on a grand scale. Fans across North America can expect an unforgettable concert experience.
Thought you’d like to know
What was the biggest surprise of the night?
The biggest surprise was the opening song, “Help!”. McCartney had never performed the full John Lennon-penned Beatles classic live before. It set a historic tone for the entire evening.
Was the concert really phone-free?
Yes, the event required guests to lock their phones in secure Yondr pouches. This created a unique, distraction-free environment where the audience was fully engaged with the performance.
What other celebrities attended the show?
Adam Levine and his wife Behati Prinsloo were spotted in the crowd. They attended with their three young children, enjoying the rare, intimate performance.
When does the official Got Back tour start?
The official tour kicks off on September 29 in Palm Desert, California. The tour will then visit cities like Las Vegas, Denver, and Chicago throughout the fall.
Did McCartney play any instruments?
Yes, he played multiple instruments throughout the night. This included his iconic Hofner bass, acoustic and electric guitars, and both an upright and grand piano.
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