Paul McCartney performed the Beatles' classic 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' for the first time in six decades at the wedding reception of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The event took place at Madison Square Garden in New York on Friday, according to People magazine.
Historic performance
The song, which was the Beatles' first American No. 1 hit, sparked Beatlemania in the US and the 'British invasion' of British bands. The Beatles last performed it in September 1964 at the Paramount Theatre in New York, and McCartney had never played it in public since.
'After the ceremony, Taylor's mom, Andrea, invited everyone into the reception room where the stage was set up,' an unnamed source told People. The source added that former Fleetwood Mac vocalist Stevie Nicks also performed.
Mutual admiration
McCartney, 84, and Swift, 36, have a long-standing mutual admiration. They appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone together in 2020. McCartney attended one of Swift's Eras Tour concerts at Wembley Stadium in June 2024, where he was greeted by fans. Two years later, Swift attended McCartney's intimate concert at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles.
Swift recently shared an Instagram post from McCartney about his new solo album, 'The Boys of Dungeon Lane,' calling him an 'eternally exceptional artist' whom she was 'never not inspired' by.
Advice on fame
Days before the wedding, McCartney was asked if he would give Swift advice on navigating global fame. 'You so see the parallel, you know the fame and the amount of fame,' he told BBC Sounds. 'The worldwide fame that Taylor Swift has and that we had, but I don't think she needs any advice, to tell you the truth.'
McCartney said he would 'definitely' oblige if Swift asked for advice. 'I'm like the older brother to that generation, or more like the grandad, actually,' he said. He noted that he has met Swift and other young performers including Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter at parties hosted by his wife, Nancy Shevell, and daughter Stella. 'They're really cool people, they're very good,' he said. 'I like their voices. If they need any advice, I would be happy to give it, but I don't think they do.'
Song's legacy
The Beatles released 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' in 1963, and it became the band's bestselling single worldwide, selling more than 12 million copies. The song would have gone straight to the top of the UK charts on its day of release had it not been blocked by the Beatles' first million-seller, 'She Loves You.' However, 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' soon topped the charts, staying at No. 1 for five weeks, including during Christmas, and remaining in the UK top 50 for 21 weeks.
