Rock legends Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney delivered an unforgettable moment on Saturday 7th June, teaming up for a surprise duet during Springsteen’s debut concert in Liverpool. The two music icons united for a performance of ‘Can’t Buy Me Love‘ and ‘Kansas City‘ at Anfield Stadium, thrilling a crowd of over 50,000.
The concert was part of Springsteen’s acclaimed Land of Hope and Dreams tour and marked a significant moment in rock history — the meeting of two of music’s most revered figures in the very city where McCartney’s career began. The show also marked Springsteen’s first-ever performance in the birthplace of The Beatles, and the moment was made all the more special by McCartney’s appearance on stage.
Rumours had been mounting beforehand, as both artists had been spotted around the city the day prior. This landmark performance came just one day after Springsteen gave a guest lecture at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), a school co-founded by McCartney in 1996. McCartney personally introduced Springsteen at the event, sparking fan speculation that the two might reunite on stage.
In a playful introduction, Springsteen teased the audience before inviting McCartney on stage: “You’re lucky tonight. We have a young man, a local young man from Liverpool, who’s going to 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!”
McCartney then joined Springsteen and the E Street Band on stage for an electric rendition of ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’, followed by the Beatles’ 1965 track ‘Kansas City’, with McCartney taking the lead vocals on both songs to thunderous applause from the crowd. Saturday’s performance also marked McCartney’s first live concert in Liverpool since 2018, making the occasion even more meaningful for hometown fans.
Following the performance, the two shared an embrace on stage and Springsteen announced, “Being in Liverpool and playing with a Beatle – that’s one of my dreams come true, right there”. Before leaving the stage Sir Paul addressed the crowd with the simple message “Thank you, Scousers”, which was met with whoops and cheers.
Although this was their first joint appearance in Liverpool, the two rock legends have shared the stage on several occasions. In 2022, they performed together at Glastonbury Festival, where they delighted the crowd with ‘Glory Days‘ and ‘I Wanna Be Your Man‘. Other collaborations include appearances at London’s Hyde Park in 2012, Madison Square Garden in 2017, and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium in 2022.
As the tour continues across Europe, the Liverpool show stands as a powerful reminder of rock’s enduring ability to surprise, unite, and inspire.
Click here to read our recent coverage on Bruce Springsteen’s donation to UK miners in 1985
