The Beatles legend, 82, recently brought his ‘Got Back’ world tour to an end
Paul McCartney performing live on stage in Paris in December(Image: Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)
Sir Paul McCartney reflected on a busy 2024 as he thanked fans for their support. The past 12 months saw the Walton-born Beatles legend take his ‘Got Back’ tour around Europe and South and Central America as well the release of Wings album ‘One Hand Clapping’ nearly 50 years after it was recorded.
Paul’s photography exhibition ‘Eyes of the Storm’, which captured the early days of The Beatles, also moved around America in 2024 and he was honoured with a commemorative coin by the Royal Mint in December. He was also featured in the Disney+ documentary “Beatles ’64”, which captured the band’s arrival in the United States in 1964.
His tour came to an end with two nights in London last month, after two shows in Manchester. Reflecting on the year, Paul said on Instagram this week: “Wow, what a year 2024 has been. Amazing being on tour, down to South America first of all, where we started at the bottom of the continent.
“The crowds, the band and the whole show have been amazing. We’ve had a great time. It’s been great fun getting back on the road with the Got Back tour because of these enthusiastic audiences in Latin America, South America and Europe.
“And then again, I had my ‘Eyes of the Storm’ exhibition, which has been to many places across the globe and then moving to America. I saw it in Brooklyn, which was great. They did a great job. It’s amazing to see my old photos displayed so wonderfully and of course, they bring back great memories to me, because it’s all the boys – it’s memories of our ‘64 tour.”
Sir Paul McCartney with Stephanie Morris (left), Head of Sales at The Royal Mint, and Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint holding the Paul McCartney 2024 UK £5 Coin(Image: The Royal Mint/PA Wire )
“Another great thing was to see the ‘One Hand Clapping’ recordings finally getting released and seeing the film in cinemas for the first time. Looking at it now, it captured a really special little period. It’s beautiful to see Linda, good to see Geoff Britton on drums and of course Denny, who we sadly lost, and Jimmy McCulloch. So, it was lovely to see them in full flow and that’s what made ‘One Hand Clapping’ such a nice memory for me.”
About the Royal Mint Coin, Paul, 82, added: “It feels like a huge honour. It’s not anything I would have expected as a kid. You used to collect coins in order to go to the cinema. This is something completely different. They’re pretty cool, there’s a coloured version, which I like. I’m excited, it’s an honour.”
He signed off by saying: “So I’d like to say thank you to all the fans for coming to the shows and listening to the music and watching the film and photo exhibits. You’ve been really great. Thanks for showing up. We love you.”
Paul also wished his fans a happy new year with a post on Instagram just after midnight today (January 1). He said: “Let’s celebrate 2025 with love and music. Peace and joy to us all – Paul.”