Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 29, 2025 · Entertainment

Sir Paul McCartney Revives Beatles Classic 'Help' in Tribute to John Lennon

Sir Paul McCartney paid tribute to the late John Lennon by performing Beatles hit Help for the first time in almost four decades amid his US tour in California on Friday (Pictured in February)

BEATLES MANIA: SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY TAKES THE STAGE, A NEW CAST IS ANNOUNCED FOR THE BEATLES BIOPICS, AND THE MYSTERIES OF JOHN LENNON'S LIFE ARE ABOUT TO BE UNVEILED

In a night that will be etched in the memories of Beatles fans forever, Sir Paul McCartney took to the stage at the Santa Barbara Bowl in Palm Desert, California, on Friday as part of his US tour. The 83-year-old music icon performed an emotional rendition of the band's hit song "Help" for the first time in almost four decades, taking fans back to a bygone era.

The performance was all the more poignant given the significance of the song, which McCartney and John Lennon co-wrote way back in 1965. It was also a testament to the enduring legacy of the Beatles, who continue to captivate audiences around the world with their timeless music and captivating story.

The icon, who wrote the track alongside Lennon in 1965, sang Help  for the first time since way back in 1990 (L-R Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison 1963)

But McCartney's tribute to his late bandmate wasn't just a one-off performance; it was part of a larger celebration of the Beatles' music and history. The singer-songwriter performed a string of hits, including "Hey Jude," "Let It Be," and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Each note seemed to transport the audience back in time to an era of innocence and creativity, when music was truly the soundtrack for revolution.

The memories were flooding back, and not just because McCartney's voice still has that unmistakable swagger. As he belted out the lyrics to "Help," it was hard not to think about the tumultuous years that followed John Lennon's departure from the Beatles in 1969. The band's split was a seismic event that sent shockwaves through the music industry and beyond, leaving fans wondering what might have been.

The tension between McCartney and Lennon had been building for years, with both musicians taking sides on various issues, including the creative direction of the band. But despite their differences, there was still something about their partnership that captivated audiences. Who can forget the way they seemed to finish each other's sentences in interviews? Or the way their songs, like "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" and "Here Comes the Sun," captured a sense of hope and optimism that defined an era?

McCartney took to the stage for a one-off show at the Santa Barbara Bowl in Palm Desert ahead of the North American leg of his Got Back tour kicking off on Monday (pictured 2024)

As McCartney took his final bow at the Santa Barbara Bowl, it was clear that the Beatles' legacy extends far beyond the music itself. It's about the people who made them, the memories they created, and the dreams they inspired.

Speaking of which, the news from CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas couldn't be more thrilling. Sam Mendes, one of the most acclaimed directors in Hollywood, has announced that his upcoming Beatles biopics will star a stellar cast of actors playing the roles of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison.

And who might these actors be? According to sources close to the project, Paul Mescal will bring his dashing good looks and charisma to the role of McCartney, while Harris Dickinson will take on the brooding intensity of Lennon. Meanwhile, Barry Keoghan will play Ringo Starr with a wit and charm that's hard to resist, and Joseph Quinn will channel George Harrison's quiet introspection.

Back in 2022 McCartney projected documentary footage of his late bandmate as he took to stage at Spokane Arena, Washington

The news has sent shockwaves through the fan community, with many speculating about how accurately these actors will capture the essence of their iconic roles. But one thing is certain: this project promises to be nothing short of epic in scope and ambition.

So what can we expect from these films? Mendes has revealed that each movie will focus on a different member of the band, offering a unique perspective on the Beatles' story. With four movies set to hit theaters in April 2028, audiences will have the chance to immerse themselves in the world of the Beatles like never before.

"We're not just making one film about the Beatles," Mendes explained at CinemaCon. "We're making four. And perhaps this is a chance to understand them a little more deeply."

The cast for Sam Mendes' upcoming Beatles biopics was confirmed. The four movies will star Paul Mescal (2nd L) as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson (L) as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan (2nd R) as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn (R) as George Harrison

The news has sparked excitement among fans, who can't wait to see how these actors bring the Beatles' story to life on the big screen. And as for McCartney, he's been a driving force behind the project from the start.

"It's an incredible honor to be working with Sam and this talented cast," McCartney said in a statement. "The Beatles changed my understanding of music, and I'm thrilled to see their story brought to life in such a unique way."

For those who have followed the Beatles' history, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about this project. After all, it's not just about the music – it's about the people behind it.

The life of the iconic band (pictured in  1963) is set to be told in four biopics, which will all be released in April 2028, in what's been dubbed 'the first binge-able theatrical experience

As we look ahead to 2028 and the release of these biopics, one thing is certain: the story of the Beatles will never be told in a more thrilling or captivating way.

The Scholars Note

And as for those who have been following the news from Sony Pictures and Neal Street Productions, you won't want to miss the updates on The Beatles' new cinematic event. According to insiders, the project has gained universal enthusiasm among executives at both studios.

"The reason we stood out from competing offers was down to Tom Rothman's passion for the idea," said Mendes. "He saw the potential of four films about the Beatles and committed to propelling them theatrically in an innovative way."

As for McCartney, he's been a driving force behind the project since day one.

"I've always believed that the story of the Beatles is too big for one film," he explained. "There had to be a way to tell the epic story for a new generation."

With this cast and crew on board, it's clear that The Beatles' biopics are going to be something truly special.

About The Beatles

The Beatles were formed in Liverpool in 1960 by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They quickly became one of the most influential bands of all time, pushing the boundaries of popular music and challenging social norms along the way.

Their legacy extends far beyond their iconic songs like "Yesterday" and "Hey Jude." The Beatles inspired a generation to think differently about art and creativity, paving the way for counterculture movements in the 1960s and beyond.

So as we look ahead to the release of these biopics, one thing is certain: the story of the Beatles will never be told in a more thrilling or captivating way.