ICYMI: Paul McCartney surprised fans at Hamptons gig, now gears up for Got Back Tour

ICYMI: In August, 2024, billionaire musician Paul McCartney made a surprise appearance on stage during a Hamptons performance by renowned producer Andrew Watt, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and former guitarist for Bob Dylan and Hall & Oates, G.E. Smith. The event took place at Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, a venue known for intimate live performances. The owner of the venue, Peter Honerkamp, has stated: "The Talkhouse is a sanctuary where an endless roaring party rages."

McCartney, who has long owned a home in the Hamptons, joined the group for an energetic rendition of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World," followed by a rough but lively version of "I Saw Her Standing There," one of the early Beatles hits.

A fan-shot video of the performances was posted on Instagram, though the songs were shown in reverse order. Singer-songwriter Charlotte Lawrence, Watt's girlfriend, also lent her voice during the Neil Young cover, further enhancing the excitement of the evening. Andrew Watt has been a significant figure in the music industry, having collaborated with various high-profile artists, and whose philosophy is: "When you have artists trusting you ... you’ve got to show up...You’ve got to give your best every time."

His connection to McCartney strengthened during the production of the Rolling Stones' 2023 album Hackney Diamonds, where McCartney played bass on the track "Bite My Head Off." As Keith Richards explained about the collaboration: "I don’t even think he [Paul McCartney] intended to play bass on a track, but once he was in there, I just said, ‘Come on, you’re in. You ain’t leaving till you play."

Who is Andrew Watt and why did Paul McCartney jam with him?

In addition to working with the Stones, Andrew Watt's impressive resume includes collaborations with legendary artists such as Ozzy Osbourne (speaking of biting off heads!), Pearl Jam, and Iggy Pop. Watt has gained recognition for his versatility across different genres, and there are rumors that he will be involved in an upcoming McCartney project, although specific details about this collaboration have yet to be confirmed.

McCartney the road warrior

Paul McCartney, ever the musical road warrior, is preparing to embark on another tour. The South American leg of his Got Back tour kicks off on October 1 in Uruguay and will span several countries through mid-November. Following those performances, McCartney will head to Europe, starting with a concert in Paris on December 4.

This leg of the tour will wrap up with a major show at London’s O2 Arena on December 19. Paul McCartney commented: "I'm excited to be ending my year and 2024 tour dates in the UK. It's always such a special feeling to play shows on our home soil. It's going to be an amazing end to the year. Let's get set to party. I can't wait to see you."

At 82 years old, McCartney remains a vibrant and active performer, continuing to play to sold-out arenas worldwide. In addition to his live performances, McCartney's fans have other McCartney news. One Hand Clapping, a previously unreleased live performance by Wings, has hit theaters, in conjunction with the album version.

Recorded in 1974 at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, this live set had remained in the vaults for decades before being widely bootlegged. It finally saw an official release last summer in album form, much to the delight of collectors and fans. Now, the accompanying film, originally shot on videotape, has been meticulously restored in 4K, providing a rare glimpse into a fascinating period of McCartney’s post-Beatles career.

McCartney’s contributions to rock music are immeasurable, having influenced countless musicians both as a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist. Even people who aren't hardcore Beatles fans still have an expetience of "getting into" the band. McCartney's ability to stay relevant and continue pushing creative boundaries, as evidenced by his surprise appearances, collaborative projects, and relentless touring schedule, shows no sign of waning.

Fans can expect even more from the legendary artist, whether through his upcoming performances or new projects like One Hand Clapping and perhaps the rumored collaboration with Watt.