AceShowbiz - Paul McCartney delighted audiences during a rare, intimate two-night engagement at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday. The legendary musician joked with the crowd while performing “Something,” explaining that the ukulele he used was a gift from George Harrison before launching into the Beatles classic with a lively performance. He later switched to acoustic guitar to complete the song.

The Fonda shows marked the first time Paul McCartney had performed since concluding his extensive Got Back Tour. The concerts also came shortly after he announced his first new album in five years, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, and released its lead single, the reflective track “Days We Left Behind.” Despite the fresh release, Paul McCartney chose not to perform the new song during the weekend.

Fans who secured tickets through a limited lottery-style system were treated to a nearly two-hour set featuring 25 songs, mostly an abridged version of his Got Back Tour setlist. This intimate Fonda engagement followed other low-capacity shows, including a November performance in Nashville’s 4,500-capacity Pinnacle and several pop-up concerts the previous year at New York’s Bowery Ballroom, which holds just 575 attendees. Sitting between those venues in size, the 1,200-capacity Fonda offered a unique blend of exclusivity and energy.

One of the highlights from the Got Back Tour, which was also featured at the Fonda, was the reintroduction of “Help!” to the set list. Paul McCartney had not performed the song in its entirety since 1965, making it a significant moment described by Rolling Stone’s Rob Sheffield as the “emotional climax” of the tour. Opening the Fonda shows with “Help!” set a communal tone, uniting fans as Paul McCartney journeyed through an expansive catalog of Beatles, Wings, and solo hits.

Throughout the evening, Paul McCartney paid homage to fellow music legends. He dedicated “Something” to George Harrison, performing it with the ukulele Harrison had gifted him. A fiery instrumental rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxey Lady” was incorporated into “Let Me Roll It,” showcasing Paul McCartney’s respect for the guitar icon. Additionally, he dedicated the piano-driven ballad “My Valentine” to his wife, Nancy Shevell, who was present in the audience.

Paul McCartney was backed by his long-standing band, including keyboardist Paul “Wix” Wickens, guitarists Rusty Anderson and Brian Ray, and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr., supported further by a three-piece horn section. The relaxed atmosphere felt akin to a private dinner party, with Paul McCartney sharing anecdotes and engaging warmly with the crowd. Notably, celebrity guests such as Elton John and Sharon Osbourne were seated in the balcony, separate from general ticketholders, prompting Paul McCartney to quip about the divide between “expensive seats” upstairs and “all the poor people down here.”

One memorable story involved Tony Bennett, who once complimented the acoustics of a room during a show and asked the sound engineer to turn off his microphone. Paul McCartney humorously mimicked Bennett singing “Fly Me to the Moon” off-mic, recalling that Bennett later repeated the stunt at the Beverly Hilton hotel. These lighthearted moments added to the intimacy and charm of the concert.

Reflecting on the Beatles’ early days, Paul McCartney recalled the band’s beginnings in Liverpool and their eventual arrival in America, which was new and exciting, especially with the frenzy of screaming fans. He invited the audience to join in a Beatles scream before launching into “From Me to You,” creating a nostalgic connection with longtime fans.

While the setlist largely mirrored the Got Back Tour, Saturday’s show featured some special surprises not heard the previous night, including a stunning version of “Maybe I’m Amazed.” Throughout the concert, Paul McCartney’s voice demonstrated remarkable range, effortlessly moving from gentle falsettos to gritty emotional delivery. Other standout moments included the epic “Band on the Run,” performed flawlessly with the band, and a tender solo rendition of “Blackbird.”

Despite his status as a stadium-filling superstar, Paul McCartney clearly finds joy in these smaller-scale performances, which offer a unique connection with audiences. Before performing “I’ve Just Seen a Face,” he warmly greeted the audience, commenting on their “beautiful faces” and shining eyes, appreciating the rare closeness of the setting.

Many attendees viewed the chance to witness Paul McCartney in such a close setting as a privilege. Outside the venue, hopeful fans lingered, seeking last-minute tickets to catch these rare performances. The exclusivity and heartfelt nature of the shows underscored Paul McCartney’s enduring appeal and the timelessness of his music.

In sum, Paul McCartney’s intimate concerts at the Fonda Theatre were a triumphant celebration of his vast musical legacy, marked by special tributes, memorable stories, and an unmistakable joy in performing for a limited, devoted audience. These shows reaffirmed why he remains one of the most beloved figures in music history, capable of captivating fans in both massive arenas and cozy theaters alike.