Inside Story

Rock royalty collided in Liverpool over the weekend as Bruce Springsteen welcomed Paul McCartney to the stage for a powerful encore that brought fans to their feet. The legendary pair joined forces at Anfield Stadium on Saturday night, delivering unforgettable renditions of “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Kansas City,” a nod to The Beatles’ early influences.

The moment, predicted by fans after the two icons were spotted at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts the day prior, marked another chapter in their long-running onstage camaraderie. From their infamous 2012 Hyde Park collaboration—cut short by strict curfews—to surprise duets on McCartney’s 2022 Get Back tour, their chemistry remains undeniable.

This show was part of Springsteen’s Land of Hope and Dreams European tour, which has been equal parts musical celebration and political commentary. In both Manchester and Liverpool, Springsteen didn’t hold back his thoughts on U.S. politics, delivering sharp criticism of Donald Trump—prompting a fiery rebuttal from the former president.

Still, it was the joy of two icons jamming in the birthplace of modern rock that stole the night. With Liverpool as their backdrop, Springsteen and McCartney proved once again that great music—and great friendships—only get better with time.

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Photo Credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com