Paul McCartney Plays “Help!” Live Again After 35 Years in Santa Barbara

Legendary musician Paul McCartney delivered a captivating performance in Santa Barbara, California, on Friday night, just days before embarking on the North American leg of his much-anticipated Got Back Tour.

A Rare Beatles Classic and Fresh Material

McCartney opened the concert with a surprise: the Beatles hit “Help!,” a song he hadn’t performed live since 1990. Fans were treated to a rare moment, with footage circulating from the soundcheck showing McCartney rehearsing the iconic track ahead of the show. The setlist also featured “Now and Then,” the 2023 Beatles release created using archival recordings of John Lennon and George Harrison. Additionally, the performance included several well-known Wings classics, reminding audiences of McCartney’s rich musical legacy.

Tour Kickoff and Dates

The Got Back Tour officially begins on September 29 in Palm Desert, California. From there, McCartney will take his show to major cities including Denver, Minneapolis, Atlanta, New Orleans, Montreal, and Chicago, among others, delivering his timeless music to fans across North America.

Backing Band and Stage Presence

McCartney’s live show is supported by his longtime bandmates, including Paul “Wix” Wickens on keyboards, Brian Ray handling bass and guitar duties, Rusty Anderson on guitar, and Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums. Together, they provide a dynamic and tight performance, complementing McCartney’s enduring presence on stage.

Paul McCartney, Sept. 26, 2025, Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, California, Set List:
1. “Help!” (The Beatles song) (First time since 1990)
2. “Coming Up”
3. “Got to Get You Into My Life” (The Beatles song)
4. “Let Me Roll It” (Wings song)
5. “Getting Better” (The Beatles song)
6. “Let ‘Em In” (Wings song)
7. “My Valentine”
8. “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five” (Wings song)
9. “I’ve Just Seen a Face” (The Beatles song)
10. “Love Me Do” (The Beatles song)
11. “Dance Tonight”
12. “Blackbird” (The Beatles song)
13. “Now and Then” (The Beatles song)
14. “Lady Madonna” (The Beatles song)
15. “Jet” (Wings song)
16. “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” (The Beatles song)
17. “Get Back” (The Beatles song)
18. “Let It Be” (The Beatles song)
19. “Live and Let Die” (Wings song)
20. “Hey Jude” (The Beatles song)
Encore:
21. “I’ve Got a Feeling” (The Beatles song) (With virtual John Lennon duet.)
22. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (Reprise) (The Beatles song)
23. “Helter Skelter” (The Beatles song)
24. “Golden Slumbers” (The Beatles song)
25. “Carry That Weight” (The Beatles song)
26. “The End” (The Beatles song)