Beatles back on stage together

Monday, 6 April 2009

Former Beatles Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr performed together on Saturday (04.04.09) at a charity concert.

The two music legends - who made up the Fab Four with their late bandmates John Lennon and George Harrison - were reunited on stage at the benefit show held in aid of the David Lynch Foundation, which was set up by the film director to promote transcendental meditation in schools.

The concert was headlined by Paul who treated the audience to a string of solo hits and classic Beatles songs before being joined by the drummer for a rendition of 'With A Little Help From My Friends'.

Introducing Ringo on stage, Paul made reference to the pseudonym he used on the song, which Ringo sang and which featured on the group's classic album 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'.

The 66-year-old musician said: "At this point we would like to introduce somebody to you who you know, you've heard his name.

"He's going to come out here and play you a little song this joyful night. Ladies and gentlemen: Billy Shears."

The pair embraced afterwards, while Paul had earlier paid tribute to John - who was assassinated in New York in 1980 by deranged fan Mark Chapman - before playing 'Here Today', a song he wrote for him.

He said: "I love New York and John loved New York."

Earlier in the evening, Ringo also performed Beatles hits in his short set, including 'Yellow Submarine' and 'Boys'.

Other performers at the event - which was held at Radio City Music Hall - included Sheryl Crow, Donovan and Ben Harper.

Last month, organisers said the pair would "definitely" perform together, however, a spokesperson later retracted the promise, claiming the agreement had not been finalised and neither star would confirm if they would play together.

The Beatles icons last performed together at a tribute concert for their late bandmate George Harrison in 2002, when they were joined by Eric Clapton to perform 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps'.