One of the most magical moments in music history happened when six icons—Paul McCartney, Sting, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, and Phil Collins—joined forces for a spontaneous rendition of The Beatles’ classic “Hey Jude.” McCartney, the song’s original writer, led the performance with his warm vocals and signature Höfner bass, while Sting added his distinct voice, harmonizing perfectly.
Elton John, seated at the piano, brought his flamboyant flair to the keys, complementing Eric Clapton’s smooth, bluesy guitar licks. Mark Knopfler, the Dire Straits virtuoso, layered in his signature fingerpicking style, and Phil Collins—ever the rhythmic genius—kept the beat steady, likely tapping a tambourine or adding subtle percussion.
The crowd sang along to the legendary “Na-na-na” outro, as these superstars, each a legend in their own right, shared smiles and camaraderie, turning a simple jam into a historic celebration of music. It was a rare, goosebump-inducing collaboration that proved the timeless power of “Hey Jude” and the unifying magic of rock ‘n’ roll.
On November 29, 2002, at London’s Royal Albert Hall, a remarkable tribute concert titled Concert for George was held to honor the first anniversary of George Harrison’s passing. Among the standout performances was a heartfelt rendition of Harrison’s classic “Something,” featuring Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and Ringo Starr.
The performance began with McCartney alone on stage, playing the ukulele—a nod to Harrison’s affection for the instrument. He shared a personal anecdote about their post-dinner jam sessions, saying, “Sometimes if you’d go ‘round to George’s house, after you’d have dinner, the ukuleles would come out… I played it for him—[I’ll] play it for you now. It’s a tribute to our beautiful friend” . As McCartney sang the opening verses, the arrangement gradually expanded.
At the 1:50 mark, the performance transitioned to a full-band version reminiscent of the original Beatles recording. Eric Clapton joined on lead guitar and vocals, delivering a soulful interpretation, while Ringo Starr provided the rhythmic foundation on drums. Notably, Marc Mann replicated Harrison’s iconic guitar solo with precision, and Billy Preston, who had contributed to the original Abbey Road sessions, played the Hammond organ.
This collaboration was more than a musical performance; it was a poignant reunion of Harrison’s closest friends and bandmates, celebrating his enduring legacy. The Concert for George was later released as a Grammy-winning live album and concert film, capturing the emotional depth and camaraderie of the evening .
The Paul McCartney Project
For those interested in experiencing this touching tribute, the performance of “Something” is available to watch here
