McCartney and Lennon’s Glastonbury duet froze time—Lennon’s voice made it feel like he was truly back.

At Glastonbury Festival in 2022, Paul McCartney delivered an unforgettable headlining set that turned deeply emotional when the legendary artist, now 80, reunited—digitally—with his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon for a poignant duet that moved the crowd to silence.

Earlier in the evening, McCartney had already thrilled the audience by inviting Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters and rock legend Bruce Springsteen to share the stage. But it was when he called upon Lennon—appearing through video projection—to join him on a live version of “I’ve Got a Feeling” that the atmosphere shifted into something truly magical.

The last time Lennon and McCartney collaborated vocally in a studio setting dates back to a 1974 jam session. McCartney’s last official release featuring Lennon’s vocals came in 1996 with “Real Love.” But during his *Got Back* tour, McCartney reimagined “I’ve Got a Feeling” by performing live alongside Lennon’s isolated 1969 vocals, recorded during the *Let It Be* rooftop session—blending past and present into one surreal moment.

Though McCartney has long included Beatles-era songs co-written with Lennon in his live performances, this instance stood apart. Utilizing archival footage and synced vocals on stage was a rare move for McCartney. While Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor used similar methods with Freddie Mercury’s image during their 2005 shows, this was a first for McCartney—and it resonated powerfully with Beatles fans across generations.

Rather than feel artificial, the duet was carefully crafted to feel sincere. Lennon’s voice didn’t just echo from the screen—it filled the air as if it had never left. McCartney stood opposite the projection, his live vocals harmonizing with Lennon’s, creating a ghostly but intimate reunion. The crowd, overwhelmed, responded with awed silence and emotional cheers.

Earlier in the set, McCartney also honored George Harrison by performing “Something” in a gentle ukulele arrangement—a version he has occasionally played in past concerts. It added yet another layer of remembrance to a performance rich with reflection. McCartney has frequently turned to tribute, having written “Here Today” for Lennon in 1982, capturing the complexity and affection of their relationship.

“‘Here Today’ was for John,” McCartney once said. “It’s like saying, ‘If you were here now, you’d probably take the piss out of me. But deep down, I know you loved me.’” He described the track as a love song—not romantic, but a song about love between brothers. The lyrics attempted to work through unspoken emotions and lingering regrets, a way of healing through melody.

McCartney’s *Got Back* tour also featured songs from *McCartney III*, an album recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown and humorously dubbed his “rockdown” project. The record completed a trilogy that began with his 1970 solo debut and *McCartney II* from 1980, offering fans a full-circle moment in his decades-spanning career.

The Lennon duet at Glastonbury was made possible by audio separation technology used during Peter Jackson’s *Get Back* documentary. Engineers were able to isolate Lennon’s vocals with remarkable clarity. “That’s such a special moment for me,” McCartney said after the song ended. “I know it’s virtual—but it’s still John. And now we’re singing together again.”

For fans and bandmates alike, the performance blurred the line between memory and presence. It wasn’t a simulation—it felt like a reunion. For one fleeting moment, Lennon was back, singing with his oldest friend. And in that brief harmony of past and present, Paul McCartney offered the world more than nostalgia—he offered connection, and a reminder of what made The Beatles timeless.