Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr Announce Heartfelt “Back to the Beginning” Tour Honoring Lennon and Harrison
In an announcement that has sent waves of emotion through the music world, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have revealed plans for a once-in-a-lifetime joint tour titled “Back to the Beginning” — a deeply personal and poignant tribute to their legendary bandmates John Lennon and George Harrison.
Set to begin in April 2026, the tour will feature McCartney and Starr performing together on stage across multiple continents for the first time in decades. The pair describe the tour as a celebration of friendship, legacy, and the enduring magic of The Beatles — revisiting the music that changed the world while honoring those who can no longer take the stage.
“This tour is not just about looking back,” said McCartney in a press statement. “It’s about carrying the spirit of John and George forward. We want to celebrate what we created together — as brothers, as musicians, and as a band that believed in love and peace above all.”
Ringo Starr added,
“We’ve played together many times since the Beatles, but never like this. This tour is going to be emotional, powerful, and filled with joy. We miss John and George every day, and now we’re bringing their songs — and their spirit — back to the fans in the most beautiful way we know how.”
A Journey Through Time: Beatles Classics and Deep Cuts
The “Back to the Beginning” tour will feature a carefully curated setlist of Beatles classics, including timeless anthems like “Let It Be,” “Something,” “Imagine,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “A Day in the Life,” and “With a Little Help from My Friends.” McCartney and Starr will also incorporate multimedia tributes and archival footage, including never-before-seen clips of Lennon and Harrison in the studio and on stage.
According to the duo’s musical director, the show will be “part concert, part documentary, and part spiritual homecoming.”
Fans can also expect a few surprises, including potential holographic appearances of Lennon and Harrison, duets with archived vocals, and guest performances by artists close to the Beatles’ legacy. Rumors are already circulating that Julian Lennon, Dhani Harrison, and Eric Clapton may appear at select stops.
Global Tour Dates and Cities Announced (Initial Leg)
North America
- April 4 – New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden
- April 10 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
- April 14 – Chicago, IL – United Center
- April 20 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
- April 28 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
Europe
- May 5 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium
- May 10 – Liverpool, UK – Anfield Stadium (Special Homecoming Concert)
- May 14 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena
- May 18 – Paris, France – Accor Arena
- May 22 – Rome, Italy – Stadio Olimpico
Asia, Australia & South America dates are expected to be announced in fall 2025.
The Liverpool show will be particularly emotional, taking place just blocks from the Cavern Club — where The Beatles made their earliest mark on music history.
Legacy and Love: A Tribute Beyond the Stage
The announcement of “Back to the Beginning” arrives at a time when Beatles nostalgia remains stronger than ever. With the release of the restored “Let It Be” film and the success of Peter Jackson’s “Get Back” documentary, interest in the band has seen a new surge among younger generations.
To accompany the tour, Apple Corps Ltd. and Universal Music will release a deluxe vinyl and digital album titled “Back to the Beginning: The Lennon-Harrison Tribute,” featuring reimagined versions of Beatles songs centered around John and George’s contributions, recorded by Paul and Ringo alongside modern collaborators.
Additionally, a limited-edition coffee-table book featuring rare photos, handwritten lyrics, and behind-the-scenes stories will be released in March 2026.
Tickets, Presales, and Fan Access
Tickets for the tour go on sale August 15, 2025, with fan club presales launching August 10. Premium packages will offer exclusive merchandise, early venue access, and commemorative memorabilia.
A special VIP “Abbey Road Experience” package will include access to a private pre-show soundcheck, a meet-and-greet photo opportunity, and a guided walk through a pop-up exhibit curated by the Beatles Story Museum.
A Farewell, A Tribute, A Beginning
For McCartney and Starr — now both in their 80s — this tour represents more than just a farewell to touring. It is a chance to reconnect with each other, with their fans, and with the memories of two dearly missed friends who helped shape the sound of the 20th century.
“We’re not trying to recreate the past,” McCartney said. “We’re honoring it. We’re sharing it. And we’re keeping it alive — together.”
As the final Beatles prepare for one last journey “Back to the Beginning,” millions of fans around the world will have the chance to relive the magic, the melody, and the message of love that only this band could deliver.
And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
