SAN ANTONIO, TX- This past Saturday, October 25th, Sir Paul McCartney returned to San Antonio, performing to a near-capacity crowd of 45,000 fans — roughly the population of a small city. The founding Beatle was the first artist ever to grace the Alamodome stage back in 1993 during his New World Tour. Thirty years later, “Welcome Back” signs covered the stadium, and the energy inside made it clear the city was embracing the return of an old friend.
The Got Back Tour landed with all the warmth and optimism its name suggests. Unlike the satirical undertones that once surrounded “Get Back,” this version carried no irony or ambiguity — only a simple message that feels more necessary than ever: love and unity should reign above all. In an era clouded by division and intolerance, McCartney’s call for compassion hit with renewed urgency, reminding everyone that progress and struggle — good and bad — are cycles that every generation must face.
That spirit extended beyond the stage. PETA volunteers handed out “Meat Free Monday” pamphlets, part of McCartney’s long-standing commitment to animal rights and sustainable living.
The show opened with the unforgettable “Help!” and from there, the setlist unfolded as a journey through six decades of music history — tenderly curated and performed with pure heart. McCartney paid touching tribute to Jimi Hendrix and to his late bandmates, John Lennon and George Harrison.
One of the most powerful moments came when McCartney performed a virtual duet with Lennon on “I’ve Got a Feeling.” Through archival footage and seamless technology, Lennon’s voice intertwined with Paul’s live vocals, creating the illusion of a reunion across time. The crowd fell silent, suspended in nostalgia, before McCartney followed with “Here Today,” his moving ode to Lennon.
His tribute to George Harrison arrived in the form of “Something,” played delicately on a ukulele that Harrison once gave him. As footage of George and the rest of the band filled the screens, the audience watched in quiet admiration.
Family was never far from the spotlight. McCartney’s wife, Nancy Shevell, along with his children and grandchildren, were in attendance, watching proudly as he dedicated the tender ballad “My Valentine” to his beloved.
Then came the fireworks. “Live and Let Die” exploded into a dazzling storm of pyrotechnics that shook the venue, prompting Paul to jokingly cover his ears; a moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Moments later, the atmosphere turned reverent again as he ascended a platform with only an acoustic guitar, performing “Blackbird” high above the audience.
When the house lights dimmed and the band returned for an encore, McCartney launched into a triumphant sprint through Beatles classics: “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Helter Skelter,” “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End.”
McCartney didn’t perform like a young man. He didn’t have to. He delivered with the refined precision of a master who’s been shaping popular music for over half a century. He paced himself deliberately, saving bursts of energy for the moments that mattered most. His voice carries the marks of time, but every note is earned, raw, and sincere. There was no studio polish, and no tricks. The keys remain unchanged, and that authenticity gives his delivery a rare emotional weight.
A born storyteller, McCartney moved through the eras of his career with grace, humor, and humility, peppering the set with anecdotes about “some boys from Liverpool who ended up doing well.” His warmth and humor shone throughout, as he chatted easily with the crowd, read signs aloud, and teased fans in the front rows. At 83, his wit and charisma remain as sharp as ever.
Watching this set felt like time travel… not just to the golden era of the Beatles, when fandom was still finding its shape, but through the personal memories his songs evoke. I saw my mother, who spoke little English, singing “Yellow Submarine” as a lullaby. I saw my father painting on the patio with The White Album and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band spinning in the background.
It was a journey through memories you thought were forgotten. It was a rediscovery of beauty, innocence, and joy, even if you didn’t recognize it at the time. For thousands of strangers gathered under one roof, those moments collided in a shared realm of light, sound, and gratitude. It a moment where the past and the present were bound together by the same timeless songs.
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LIVE CLIPS
Paul McCartney Brings Nostalgia and Humanity to San Antonio’s Alamodome
