It’d be impossible to craft a list of Sir Paul McCartney’s most mind-blowing performances; 60-plus years of legendary gigs steeped with hit singles that formed pop music as we know it. But in 1997, Paul performed a rendition of The Beatles’ hit “Hey Jude” that would go down in music history, sharing the stage and the song with fellow British chart-toppers, Elton John, Sting, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and Mark Knopfler.
This mythical collab has gone viral online, amassing over 14.6 million views across its various YouTube uploads.
Paul kicks off this live set, his voice as fresh as his 1968 record, hitting every note pitch-perfect whilst flitting between tender melody and rock-infused screams. Then, Elton John takes the reins of the second verse in a voice oddly stronger than Paul’s, leaving us here at The Music Man feeling absolutely robbed of an official Elton cover.
Fun fact: This gig, which took place on September 15th, 1997, occurred a mere two days after Elton John released his career-defining tribute single to Diana, Princess of Wales: “Candle In The Wind.” The single was produced by George Martin, famed Beatles producer and the very man who arranged this historic crossover pop concert!
Singing from a stage cluttered with stars and instrumentalists, Sting’s verse breaks through the chaos, adding a new glitz of life to the Beatles tune. Fans of The Police are destined to be moved after hearing Sting’s iconic voice refresh this equally iconic hit, popping his own personality into the lyrics before handing the spotlight back to Paul, who anchors this song in its original form.
Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and Mark Knopfler each take their respective places behind their instruments, letting the good vibes swell with the song’s chillingly epic outro.
But what brought all these top pop stars together? The occasion was titled “Music For Montserrat” – a charity concert held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, raising funds following a major volcanic eruption on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. George Martin arranged and produced the concert, with all proceeds from the show’s DVD release not only going towards immediate relief for the islanders but helping to erect a new cultural centre on the island, which, in 2006, was gifted by George himself to Montserrat’s residents.
This was destined to be a major performance for all the stars involved. But, unfortunately for Carl Perkins (guitarist, singer, songwriter, and mastermind behind the Elvis hit “Blue Suede Shoes”), this gig would be his last, passing away just four months after this concert took place following a series of strokes. Music Man readers can watch his high-energy performance in the video above!
Joining Paul, Elton, Sting, Mark Knopfler, Phil Collins, and Eric Clapton on the bill were Ray Cooper, Jimmy Buffett, Midge Ure, and Arrow, amongst many more stars of the era.
Sir Paul McCartney continues to captivate audiences with his timeless performances, and this legendary “Hey Jude” collaboration is just another testament to his enduring legacy. For those who want to experience this iconic moment and explore more fascinating stories about musical legends, delve into the links below.