Paul McCartney delivered a historic, sold-out Hamilton show, sharing Beatles stories, civil-rights memories and decades of greatest hits at TD Coliseum.
McCartney Thrills Hamilton With Record-Length Hits Show
A Historic Night for Fans
Paul McCartney, 83, brought his Got Back tour to Hamilton on Friday night, performing one of the longest career-spanning setlists of his five-decade career. The sold-out show at TD Coliseum marked his final Canadian stop, drawing thousands who came to witness what many called a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience. McCartney moved between Beatles classics, Wings favourites and solo hits, shaping a night that blended nostalgia with cultural history.
Stories Behind the Music
Mid-performance, McCartney paused to share the origins of “Blackbird,” explaining how the civil rights movement of the 1960s inspired him to write the song. He recalled a 1964 Jacksonville, Florida concert where the promoter attempted to segregate the audience. The Beatles refused, he said, prompting the venue to integrate the show — the first of its kind there. The reflection underscored the social backdrop behind many of his most enduring songs.
A Journey Through Beatles History
The concert moved through pivotal moments from Liverpool to global fame, as McCartney played early Beatles tracks including “From Me to You,” “Hello Little Girl” and “Love Me Do.” He used the setlist to honour John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, sharing stories and performing “Here Today” as a tribute to Lennon. A ukulele gifted by Harrison was used to open “Something,” blending personal memory with musical legacy.
Energy That Defied His Age
At 83, McCartney powered through a demanding set without pause, moving from “Get Back” to “Let It Be” with ease. A standout moment came during “Live and Let Die,” which filled the arena with pyrotechnics and cheers. For “Mull of Kintyre,” he invited the 25-member Paris Port Dover Pipe Band to join him, creating one of the night’s most emotional and distinctly Canadian performances. Fans described the show as unforgettable and overwhelmingly moving.
Emotional Moments for the Crowd
Local fans arrived hours early, many carrying lifelong attachments to Beatles music. Tim Potocic, owner of Hamilton’s Sonic Unyon Records, said he expected to cry during the performance after waiting his entire life to see McCartney. Others, like Mike and Mary Guyatt, attended as part of a 70th-birthday gift arranged by their daughters. The shared anticipation added to the electric atmosphere inside the newly reopened venue.
Hamilton’s Cultural Connection to Liverpool
Many in attendance noted Hamilton’s historic, working-class parallels to Liverpool, McCartney’s hometown. Abbie Jolly, who couldn’t afford the high ticket prices but joined a Beatles singalong at the nearby Hamilton Central Library, said her family’s Liverpool roots made the event meaningful. With her grandparents meeting on Penny Lane and her name inspired by Abbey Road, she said the concert brought global and local histories together.
A Newly Revitalized Coliseum Takes Centre Stage
The concert was also a showcase for the newly renovated TD Coliseum, previously FirstOntario Centre, which reopened Friday after a $300-million, two-year transformation. The upgraded 18,000-seat arena now features floor-level box seating, expanded lounges and new dining options, including chef Matty Matheson’s Iron Cow Public House. The redesign was intended to attract major artists away from Toronto and Vancouver — and Friday’s show proved that strategy successful.
Canada’s Final Stop on the Tour
Hamilton and Montreal were McCartney’s only Canadian dates on the Got Back tour, making the night especially meaningful for fans nationwide. The tour, which began in 2022 and rekindled enthusiasm for McCartney’s live performances, will conclude Tuesday in Chicago. As he exited the stage, the crowd’s roar reflected both gratitude for his enduring artistry and excitement for Hamilton’s arrival as a major stop on the global touring map.
