The opening night of Paul McCartney’s Got Back tour in Spokane, Washington, delivered an unforgettable and deeply moving surprise: a virtual duet with the late John Lennon. Through the use of modern technology, McCartney performed the classic Beatles song “I’ve Got a Feeling” alongside Lennon, whose vocals had been meticulously isolated by filmmaker Peter Jackson during the creation of the documentary The Beatles: Get Back. When Lennon’s face appeared on the giant screen and his voice rang out, the crowd erupted in awe, many visibly emotional at witnessing the reunion of two legends.

While virtual collaborations have become increasingly common in recent years—such as Elton John’s duet with Dua Lipa on “Cold Heart”—this particular moment felt different. It was not just a showcase of technology but a heartfelt blend of nostalgia and innovation. McCartney revealed that Jackson had approached him with the idea of extracting Lennon’s vocals to make the duet possible. “We can isolate John’s voice, and he can sing with you,” Jackson had texted. McCartney’s enthusiastic reply was simple and heartfelt: “Oh, yeah!”

The evening unfolded as a celebration of McCartney’s unparalleled musical journey. He guided fans through a carefully curated setlist that included Beatles classics, Wings favorites, and highlights from his solo career. As he often does, McCartney took a moment to dedicate “Here Today” to Lennon, reflecting on the regret of not fully expressing his love and appreciation for his bandmate during his lifetime. The emotional weight of the song resonated even more deeply after the earlier duet.

McCartney also honored George Harrison, performing “Something” on a ukulele gifted to him by Harrison himself. The gentle tribute added yet another layer of intimacy and sentimentality to the night, reminding fans of the profound bonds that tied The Beatles together beyond their music.

Smiling warmly at the Spokane audience, McCartney addressed the crowd: “Well, we said we’d come back, and we got back. And believe me, we’re really happy to be back. I’m going to take a moment for myself to drink it all in.” His words captured both the relief of returning to live performance and the joy of reconnecting with fans after years apart.

This tour marks McCartney’s first since 2019. Plans for a 2020 European leg had been canceled due to the pandemic, during which McCartney focused on recording McCartney III. On that album, he played every instrument himself, later inviting contemporary artists like Beck and Phoebe Bridgers to reinterpret the songs on McCartney III Imagined.

The Spokane performance was more than a concert—it was a poignant reminder of the enduring power of music to bridge time, loss, and memory. By blending cutting-edge technology with heartfelt tributes, McCartney created an evening that not only celebrated his return to touring but also honored the timeless legacy of Lennon, Harrison, and The Beatles.

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