Bruce Springsteen recently performed two shows in Liverpool, England. The Boss hadn’t previously performed in the city before, so naturally, his fans in that particular stretch of the UK were as excited as ever to see him. Imagine their surprise when yesterday, none other than The Beatles’ Paul McCartney, one of the most famous Liverpoolians ever to live, walked on stage to join Bruce Springsteen.
The appearance was certainly a surprise, but it’s not the first time Springsteen and McCartney have shared a stage. The pair performed at Hyde Park in London back in 2012, and then once more at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 2017. They’re known for performing The Beatles tune “I Saw Her Standing There” together.
Videos by American Songwriter
More recently, the two performed at McCartney’s New Jersey set back in 2022, where they sang a medley of Springsteen and Beatles classics. Just a week later, the pair performed during McCartney’s Glastonbury headlining set.
You can watch a fan-filmed clip of the newest (and wild) guest appearance below.
Bruce Springsteen’s Fans Lost It When He Brought Out Paul McCartney
For reference, Springsteen first hit Liverpool last Wednesday, sans McCartney. Yesterday, at the absolutely packed Anfield Stadium in Liverpool got to hear the Boss again, this time with a completely unexpected guest in tow.
Springsteen and the E Street Band performed almost the whole of their set ahead of McCartney’s appearance. When the band returned for an encore, Springsteen made an announcement that shocked everyone.
“Thank you, Liverpool,” Springsteen said after taking the mic. “You’re lucky tonight, we have a young man, a local young man from Liverpool, he’s gonna play with us tonight, I think he has a lot of talent, and I believe he’s gonna be going places. So let’s bring out Paul McCartney.”
After his little joke, none other than Sir Paul McCartney, The Beatles’ famed songwriter and bassist, walked onto the stage. McCartney launched into a rendition of The Beatles’ classic “Can’t Buy Me Love”, which also marked the first time Springsteen and the E Street Band had ever performed the song live.
Afterward, the group of musicians performed a cover of “Kansas City” by Little Willie Littlefield. Fans of the Fab Four might recognize that song, as it was made famous by Little Richard and then made even more famous by its inclusion on the Fab Four album Beatles For Sale.
Photo by Christopher Polk/WireImage
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Most Viewed
-
Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Acrisure Amphitheater -
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Lainey Wilson performs onstage during the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM) -
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 04: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Ella Langley performs during the 2026 CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium on June 04, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic) -
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 17: Chris Stapleton attends the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM) -
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 20: Kirk Hammett of Metallica performs at Levi's Stadium on June 20, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Steve Jennings/Getty Images) -
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 03: Canadian musician, singer and songwriter David Clayton-Thomas (Blood Sweat & Tears) performs at the Man Doki Soulmates: Wings Of Freedom Concert on March 3, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Isa Foltin/Getty Images for Man Doki Soulmates) -
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 17: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Kane Brown performs onstage during the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) -
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – MAY 15: Music legend and Acrisure brand ambassador Lionel Richie headlines the Acrisure Amphitheater Opening Concert on May 15, 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Acrisure Amphitheater)