Happy Birthday Paul McCartney: 5 Memorable Live Collaborations

Paul McCartney turns 76-years-old today. A pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll and known globally for as a member of The Beatles and his solo output, McCartney remains among the most popular musicians to ever live. Though his touring schedule has been light in 2018, Sir Paul’s live performances continue to enliven audiences that fill massive venues around the world.

While his contributions as a member of The Beatles are perhaps McCartney’s — or even rock music’s — most significant collaborations, Paul has also teamed up with an impressive list of cohorts in the live setting over the years. In celebration of McCartney’s 76th today, here’s a collection of 5 memorable live collaborations Paul’s participated in.

In 2016, Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir stuck around Boston after Dead & Company’s two shows at Fenway Park where McCartney performed the following night. It was the first time a member of The Beatles had performed in public with a member of the Grateful Dead. Weir joined McCartney and his band on the Wings favorite “Hi, Hi, Hi.” Rob Gronkowski of the NFL’s New England Patriots also came onstage to dance and sing a portion of a wild “Helter Skelter.” Watch what went down in Boston here:

[Hi Hi Hi | Captured by walliebaby]

[Helter Skelter | Pro-Shot (Partial)]

[Helter Skelter | Captured by dgb519]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yp1OoxTsCc

At the end of 2016, JamBase labeled Paul’s sharing the stage with Neil Young as one of the 10 Marvelous Musical Collaborations of the year. The meeting of legends took place at the Desert Trip festival in Indio, California. Here’s what we had to say about the landmark event, “Young hopped on stage with Macca and band for ‘A Day In the Life,’ ‘Give Peace A Chance’ and a lip-smacking ‘Why Don’t We Do It In the Road’ featuring a ferocious Neil solo that became one of the high points of the entire fest.” Watch the “marvelous” moments below:

[A Day in the Life / Give Peace a Chance | Captured by L.KellyKain]

[Why Don’t We Do It In the Road | Captured by Shari Soultree]

McCartney’s One On One Tour stop at Madison Square Garden on September 15, 2017 saw Bruce Springsteen sitting-in for a song. The Beatles bassist and The Boss broke out a rocking rendition of the early Fab Four hit “I Saw Her Standing There.” Check out audience-shot footage from last fall with E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt also onstage at MSG, captured by Jim Powers, below:

Madison Square Garden hosted the Hurricane Sandy 12-12-12 benefit concert on December 12, 2012. Paul performed while backed drummer Dave Grohl, bassist Krist Novoselic and guitarist Pat Smear. McCartney and the surviving members of Nirvana performed the beloved grunge band’s classic “Smells Like Teen Spirit” as well as “Cut Me Some Slack” which the foursome wrote and recorded for Grohl’s documentary Sound City. Check Maccavana below:

Chicago’s Lollapalooza festival featured Paul on the annual event’s 2015 lineup. McCartney’s set that year saw special guest Brittany Howard accompanying on guitar and vocals. The Alabama Shakes frontwoman delivered a commanding performance of The Beatles’ “Get Back,” while demonstrating her multifaceted skillset. Here’s pro-shot video from Grant Park in 2015: