Rock icon Paul McCartney brought his Got Back Tour to Atlanta’s State Farm Arena this past Sunday, transforming the venue into a vibrant celebration of one of music’s most storied legacies. Fans of all ages filled the sold-out arena for two consecutive nights to witness the legendary Beatle deliver a nearly three-hour, career-spanning performance that blended nostalgia with pure showmanship.
From the opening chords of “Help!” to the explosive energy of “Jet,” illuminated by vivid yellow strobes and sweeping purple lights, McCartney appeared completely in his element. Backed by a band as cohesive as they were charismatic, he moved with the ease of someone still deeply in love with performing. LED screens washed the stage in color and motion, shifting from kaleidoscopic bursts during “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!” to touching montages honoring George Harrison and John Lennon.
Paul McCartney performs during his first of two nights at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Photos by Curtis Vadnais.
Fan favorite “Blackbird” saw McCartney rise onto an elevated platform beneath a single spotlight as the arena fell silent. Behind him, a serene starfield glimmered across the LED wall, creating one of the night’s most cinematic scenes. One of the most touching moments followed when McCartney began “Something” on a ukulele gifted to him by Harrison, before the full band joined in for an emotional crescendo.
Moving effortlessly between guitar, piano, and bass, McCartney captivated the crowd with both power and vulnerability. His piano numbers, “Maybe I’m Amazed” and “Let It Be,” showcased the emotional sincerity that has long defined his artistry. His voice, now carrying a signature rasp and weathered texture, feels like a reflection of this era of his life — an evolution that adds depth and humanity to every lyric. Before launching into the crowd-pleasing “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” he smiled and said, “Sing for us, you fancy it?” prompting a full-arena sing-along that radiated pure joy.
Paul McCartney performs during his first of two nights at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Photos by Curtis Vadnais.
“Hey Jude” brought one of the night’s most unforgettable moments, with thousands joining together in the song’s iconic refrain. “You want some more? Alright, we got a couple!” McCartney joked before the encore, which ended in a confetti-filled “The End.” Smiling as he took his final bow with his band, he expressed, “I knew you’d be a great crowd. But you’ve been sensational, Atlanta. We'll see ya next time!”
At 83, McCartney shows no signs of slowing down. He may have no plans to call it quits, but moments like this feel especially precious. Seeing him live isn’t just a concert; it’s a chance to witness living history, and one that should not be taken for granted. For a few hours in Atlanta, time itself seemed to pause — leaving the audience in the glow of something both legendary and beautifully human.
McCartney’s Got Back Tour continues through November 25, wrapping with a highly anticipated two-night finale in Chicago, IL.
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For more information on Paul McCartney, visit www.paulmccartney.com.
For more information on the Got Back Tour, visit www.paulmccartney.com/live/got-back-tour-2025.
