Fans of legendary songwriter Paul McCartney are wondering whether his Saturday Night Live performance will be his last.
Though there is no hint at it being his final stage appearance, viewers have since talked about when the time will come for The Beatles and Wings frontman to stop touring. A post to r/beatles on Reddit reads: “I can’t stop thinking about Paul’s performance at SNL 50. I knew that his voice is not what it was in 1969, but that decline in a few years made me think about how much time does he have to tour. Is that just the end?” Some users said the performance of The End medley from Abbey Road could be a fitting curtain call, while others assumed McCartney would still tour.
One user wrote: “He’ll continue to tour as long as people keep showing up.” McCartney performed four sold-out shows in Manchester and London late last year and three nights in a row at The Bowery earlier this month. The limited ticket event sold out each night and no video or audio recording was permitted.
Another user added: “His voice is nowhere near what it used to be but if one man has earned the right to carry on performing for as long as he likes it’s Paul McCartney.” A second replied: “I seen him in NC just a couple years ago. His voice was similar to his SNL performance but hot damn it was still the best concert I’ve ever been to. When I seen him he was 79, turning 80 just like a week later.”
Other users have considered the “symbolic” need for McCartney to continue performing, which they say is just as important to fans as it is for the songwriter. They suggested the SNL 50 performance would be the perfect place to stop, though have no doubts of McCartney continuing on as a live artist.
They wrote: “It is hugely symbolic for both Paul and for fans of The Beatles. What a perfect retiring statement, ‘The love you take is equal to the love you make’ would be. But except for the cracking voice he appeared to be in amazing shape, I just can’t imagine him not continuing to be active.”
Another wrote: “Yes, Paul can’t really sing all that well anymore and he may not run around the stage like he used to, but he’s clearly still present and sharp. Even if he doesn’t tour anymore he still has the energy and ability to do other projects, interviews, etc. I’m sure he’ll spend every day of the rest of his life contributing to his legacy one way or another.”
I can't stop thinking about Paul's performance in SNL 50
byu/RealisticNacshon inbeatles
A third added: “He’s still surprisingly mobile actually. When I saw him last year he still ran around with a flag at the end and even did a jumping kick at one point. He’s of course not as active as he would’ve been fifty years ago but he’s hardly one of those older acts who just stands in place or sits at a piano and then slowly walks off.”
Other members of the forum have suggested McCartney merely needs some more rest after touring the world with his Got Back tour. One wrote: “He’s just coming out of a worldwide tour. He was superb in Chile. I just think he needs more rest.”
Another added: “Plus he just had those three Bowery gigs this past week.” A third wrote: “C’mon guys, the man is eighty-two. NO ONE has the same voice quality forever. He’s just having a great time as well as giving us one. Let’s appreciate that he’s still playing and touring like he’s forty-years-old.”
I really think he needs to do one last big concert calling it maybe ‘Come Back’ …. To Liverpool, where it all started . !!!
His singing voice is gone, but he still can put on a two hour show. He’s doing what he loves. He will quit when he can’t do it anymore.
I’m old enough to remember two months ago when Dylan played his final scheduled show on the tour he was on, and all the people who think they are Dylan experts were like, “That’s the last show!” Then he set one show in Tulsa, where his museum is, and all those idiots said “That’s really it!” and bought tickets and made plans to travel from all over. The day after Tulsa sold out, he announced like 50 more shows. These people are musicians for life, and only the performer really knows when the end is.
Would luv to see Paul and Ringo do something together. Maybe a tribute to John and George.
That sounds really nice. Good idea if it happens… Now n Then.
For SNL 50, his voice did falter a bit. Because he insisted on doing 3 Bowery shows in a row before doing the SNL 50 show. After a world tour, which puts tremendous stress on a performer’s voice. He needed more rest, is all. He’s trying to perform too much without enough rest. Let’s face it, he’s 82 and he can’t go on like he’s 32, 42, or 52. He just needs more rest between shows. He’s STILL a top performer. But age, like for all of us, does impose it’s limitations. But, if Paul gets more rest between shows and limits interviews where he talks so much, which also stresses his voice, he can go on as long as his health is good. And he appears to be in very good health for an 82 going on 83 year old!
Yes Agree. We have seen him play he sounded great, performed and is very personable on stage. He did just play 3 small venue concerts in a row, no rest in-between, which can take a toll on anyone. Keep on playing Paul!!!
As we used to say, they’ll have to take us off stage in a box…Sir Paul decides when to stop performing. No one else
I have seen Macca 3 times. He is an incredible performer and works tirelessly to give everything he can to his audience. My husband was not a fan, but after going to concert #1 in Buffalo, he quickly changed his mind. I saw the SNL performance and I think, for the sake of his legacy, it’s probably time to hang up his guitar. Another member of his band has to retire for health reasons, so this could be the impetus he needs to step back from non-stop touring. Just a thought…..
He could switch to just giving multi-media in-depth lectures about his life. No live singing required. Acoustic instrumentals interspersed throughout on guitar. Preferably sparing us the wearily familiar stories we have heard many times before, of course.
That would make me sad. ✌️
Realize his song choice on SNL—the last three recorded songs of The Beatles, ever. Saying goodbye?
Let Him Sing/Perform. I’m 67, & the SNL Performance, despite all the previous truisms, I was a Youngster again for a while. He obviously knew each time He failed to hit notes, but it takes an Amazing amount of Courage to do what He does for Himself, & Us, His Fans.
Should have quit years ago. Comes across as pathetic as some of the old rockers still trying to be relevant
He will be onstage until the very end!! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Beloved Macca is the GOAT and an incredible performer. People will come to see him just as long as he chooses to grace the stage.
Jeff Lynne was tremendous in 2024! He can’t do it like he used to, but he puts great singers and musicians around him! Just to see him!
Paul is such a one man show though, and I kinda don’t want him to……
Getting old sucks. No matter what he will be remembered like Motzart. IMHO
Broke my heart seeing Paul not being able to sing but he’s such an amazing artist n human being. His focus has been helping the new generation of artists. I personally want another season of McCartney 321 on Hulu.
I grew up with paul and the Beatles, go on till you can’t go no more in your on mind
Its all about what about what everybody else wants? , the correct thought is I hope he’s ok,
A true Super-Hero of music has graced the stage for all of us and has given us another, natural, magical performance. Everything he touches is golden and I was grateful for the gift of the SNL show! It was amazing. Thank you Sir McCartney for continuing to shine and inspire us. Keep on rocking!!!✊
Sir Paul is the GOAT. What a pleasure it is to see him and hear him. I don’t care if he misses a note. He’s one of a kind.