Surprise Duet with Bruce Springsteen • In a surprise performance at Anfield Stadium, Paul McCartney joined Bruce Springsteen onstage, playing classics including “Can’t Buy Me Love”—marking his first appearance in Liverpool since 2018
Liverpool witnessed a historic moment this month as Paul McCartney made a surprise appearance at Bruce Springsteen’s concert at Anfield Stadium, marking his first live performance in his hometown since 2018. The two legends joined forces onstage for an electrifying rendition of The Beatles’ 1964 hit “Can’t Buy Me Love,” sending the crowd of over 50,000 fans into a frenzy.
Springsteen, who was mid-way through the European leg of his 2025 tour with the E Street Band, paused midway through his set to introduce “a friend from around here.” The roar from the audience turned into outright astonishment as McCartney strolled onto the stage, Hofner bass in hand.
The pair launched into “Can’t Buy Me Love” with full band backing, blending McCartney’s signature melodic style with Springsteen’s raw energy. The chemistry between the two rock icons was undeniable as they traded vocals and grinned through the performance. For many fans, it was a once-in-a-lifetime convergence of musical greatness.
After the song, Springsteen embraced McCartney and thanked him warmly, calling him “a living legend, and the reason a lot of us picked up guitars in the first place.” McCartney responded with his trademark Liverpudlian charm: “Great to be back in Liverpool—and what better way than with The Boss?”
This appearance was McCartney’s first live performance in Liverpool since his 2018 Freshen Up tour stop. Fans in attendance expressed joy and disbelief at the surprise reunion, with social media buzzing about the “dream duet” for hours afterward.
The moment not only highlighted the enduring friendship between McCartney and Springsteen—who have collaborated on various occasions, including at Glastonbury 2022—but also served as a celebration of rock history. It was a reminder that, decades on, these icons still know how to thrill a crowd.
As the night continued, Springsteen acknowledged the emotional weight of the evening, saying, “This is what music’s all about—bringing people together, celebrating the legends, and never forgetting where it all began.”
For Liverpool fans, and Beatles devotees around the world, McCartney’s homecoming cameo was more than a surprise—it was a celebration of legacy, camaraderie, and timeless music.
