Sir Paul McCartney’s Adelaide concert marked the first stop in the Australian leg of his Got Back Tour, capturing the city with Macca-mania. The Beatles legend, making his return to South Australia after 30 years, received a warm welcome from 8,000 fans of all generations at the sold-out Adelaide Entertainment Centre. McCartney, aged 81, took the stage 30 minutes late but was met with deafening applause, opening with the timeless hit “Can’t Buy Me Love.” His ageless vocals breathed new life into Beatles classics.
McCartney, donning a sharp black suit, expressed his excitement about being back in Australia and offered a mix of old, new, and in-between songs to the eager audience. Backed by his long-time touring band, he masterfully switched between Beatles and Wings classics, demonstrating his guitar skills with a tribute to Jimi Hendrix during “Let Me Roll It.” McCartney also played a heartfelt love song, “My Valentine,” dedicated to his wife Nancy Shevell.
Taking a nostalgic turn, McCartney performed the first Beatles song ever recorded, “In Spite of All The Danger,” followed by “Love Me Do.” He paid a touching tribute to John Lennon with “Here Today,” a song he wrote after Lennon’s passing, eliciting emotional applause from the crowd. McCartney’s engaging anecdotes and interactions with fans kept the concert lively throughout its extended duration.
The legendary musician showcased hit after hit, including “Something,” played on a ukulele gifted by George Harrison, and climaxed with “Hey Jude,” with the crowd enthusiastically joining in. An epic pyrotechnic show accompanied the James Bond theme “Live and Let Die,” featuring spectacular explosions and fireworks. McCartney closed the unforgettable performance with a four-song encore, including a special “duet” with Lennon on “I’ve Got A Feeling.”
While some speculate that this might be McCartney’s last Australian tour, the concert left no doubt that the music legend still has plenty to offer. Fans showed their anticipation with long lines for merchandise, and one couple traveled six hours to see the show.
Paul McCartney maintained a low profile during his visit to Adelaide, staying at the luxury Sequoia Lodge in the Adelaide Hills with his wife, Nancy Shevell. This intimate concert was the only non-stadium show on his Australian tour, which continues to Melbourne, followed by performances in Newcastle, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.
