AceShowbiz - On Friday night, March 27, Paul McCartney took the stage at the iconic Fonda Theatre in Hollywood for the first of his two-night run celebrating the venue’s 100th anniversary. While the event was officially billed as Paul McCartney Rocks the Fonda!, it quickly became clear that the evening was about much more than just a rock show—it was a heartfelt, joyous gathering that made the world’s troubles fade away, if only for 100 minutes.

McCartney delivered a condensed yet potent setlist, trimming down his expansive 2025 Got Back tour's 33 songs to a focused 21, maintaining the original order with precision. Dressed casually in a black suit and vest, he appeared thrilled to reconnect with the audience, despite having wrapped up the North American leg of his tour just four months prior.

The concert felt like a nostalgic journey through his legendary career, with McCartney acting as a genial host. He was accompanied by his long-standing bandmates: keyboardist Paul "Wix" Wickens, lead guitarist Rusty Anderson, drummer Abe Laboriel Jr., and guitarist/bassist Brian Ray. These musicians have now played with him longer than any of his former groups, including both The Beatles and Wings. Their chemistry was undeniable—tight, vibrant, and full of infectious energy.

Throughout the night, McCartney engaged warmly with the crowd, joking about the intimacy of the venue and playfully interacting with fans, including one attending his 146th show. He also handled a boisterous balcony attendee with good-natured firmness, demonstrating his relaxed and personable stage presence. Between songs, he shared amusing anecdotes, including a lighthearted story about Tony Bennett, emphasizing how much he enjoyed the audience’s company.

The music itself soared. Though the group was a five-piece band, sometimes augmented by the three-piece Hot City Horns, their sound was impressively full and dynamic. Songs like "Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five," "Lady Madonna," and "Get Back" showcased their power and groove, creating moments of undeniable exhilaration.

Notably, McCartney previewed material from his upcoming 18th solo album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, which includes the new single "Days We Left Behind" released on March 28. However, the band did not perform this tender, nostalgic track live, as they were still mastering it. Instead, he opted to include two songs from his solo catalog that were absent from the Got Back tour: "Every Night" and "Flaming Pie," offering longtime fans a special treat.

The intimate setting was enhanced by a strict no-phones policy and minimal production—no projections, just simple overhead lighting. This encouraged the audience to be fully present, creating a shared atmosphere of peace and joy that radiated from the stage to the balcony. The emotional resonance peaked during singalongs of iconic anthems like "Let It Be" and "Hey Jude," moments that felt communal and uplifting.

For the encore, McCartney and his band returned to perform one of the most revered sequences from the Beatles’ Abbey Road album: the medley of "Golden Slumbers," "Carry That Weight," and "The End." The familiar lyrics, “the love you take is equal to the love you make,” provided a beautiful and poignant farewell to the audience, sending them off into the night with a sense of hope and connection.

Below is the complete list of songs performed on the first night of McCartney’s two-night engagement at the Fonda Theatre.

"Help!"
Album: The Beatles, Help! (1965)