McCartney Hasn't Played This in 60+ Years. Until Now

Taylor Swift's wedding reception apparently came with a Beatle. People reports that Paul McCartney, 84, took the stage at Swift and Travis Kelce's star-filled celebration at Madison Square Garden on Friday and performed the Beatles' breakout hit "I Want to Hold Your Hand." A source tells the outlet that after the ceremony, Swift's mother, Andrea, ushered guests into a reception space with a full stage set up, where McCartney and longtime Swift mentor Stevie Nicks both performed. Representatives for Swift, McCartney, and Nicks declined to comment.

The Guardian reports that McCartney hasn't performed the hit song in more than 60 years; the Beatles last played it in 1964, at New York's Paramount. Rolling Stone notes that he never performed the song as a solo artist. The moment capped years of mutual admiration between Swift and McCartney, who shared a Rolling Stone cover in 2020. Swift recently praised McCartney on Instagram as an "eternally exceptional artist." McCartney, meanwhile, told the BBC he sees similarities in their levels of global fame but doesn't think Swift needs his guidance—though he'd "definitely" offer it if asked, joking he's like a granddad to Swift's generation. McCartney has turned up at Swift's Eras Tour, and she's attended his smaller shows in return.