Ex-Beatles reunion surprises Calif. fans
Beatles fans got something Saturday night they hadn’t in 53 years: the sight of Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr playing together onstage at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Although McCartney last played there just five years ago, two Beatles taking to the outfield together was something that hadn’t happened since Aug. 28, 1966, which turned out to be the Fab Four’s penultimate tour gig.
McCartney had just finished the first number of the encore, “Birthday,” when he announced “a surprise for us, a surprise for you, a surprise for everyone — ladies and gentlemen, the one and only Ringo Starr. … Are you ready to rock?”
“Ready to rock,” the guest confirmed. “Peace and love, everybody. (They’re) bringing out me drums,” he pointed out, as a set was wheeled out behind him, lest the appearance having been spoiled by putting a second kit in place any earlier.
McCartney didn’t have to deviate from his regular set list to accommodate his old cohort, as both numbers have been regularly scheduled parts of his tour. During “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise),” after singing “We’d like to thank you once again,” McCartney turned his head Starr’s way and threw in a spoken “thank you.”
Starr grinned even more widely as McCartney’s guitarists revved up the anticipatory opening riff of “Helter Skelter,” the heaviest number in the Beatles’ catalog.
Taking center stage again for a hug afterward, Starr said, “No, thank you, Paul. It’s been a thrill for me, and I’ve had a lovely night, and it’s a great show, and I love you, man.”
“And I love you, man,” McCartney said, adding Ringo’s catchphrase: “Peace and love, Ringo — forever.”