There are special moments in music that feel almost magical, and one of those came when six of the biggest names in rock and pop shared the stage for an incredible rendition of The Beatles’ classic “Hey Jude.”
Paul McCartney, Sting, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, and Phil Collins joined forces, creating a once-in-a-lifetime performance that fans still talk about today.
Paul, the original writer of the song, took the lead with his warm, familiar voice and signature Höfner bass. Sting added his smooth harmonies, blending beautifully with McCartney’s vocals. Elton John worked his magic on the piano, adding his trademark energy, while Eric Clapton brought in his soulful, blues-infused guitar. Mark Knopfler layered in his unmistakable fingerpicking style, and Phil Collins—always the rhythmic genius—kept things perfectly in sync with subtle percussion.
As the legendary “Na-na-na” outro began, the audience became part of the show, singing along as these icons smiled and shared the pure joy of making music together. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a celebration of friendship, artistry, and the timeless power of rock ‘n’ roll.
A Heartfelt Tribute at the Concert for George
Another unforgettable moment took place on November 29, 2002, at London’s Royal Albert Hall. It was the Concert for George, a tribute honoring the first anniversary of George Harrison’s passing.
One of the evening’s most touching highlights was a rendition of George’s classic “Something,” performed by Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and Ringo Starr.
Paul began alone with a ukulele—George’s favorite instrument—sharing a personal memory of their jam sessions:
“Sometimes if you’d go ’round to George’s house, after dinner the ukuleles would come out… I played it for him; I’ll play it for you now. It’s a tribute to our beautiful friend.”
After a tender opening, the performance blossomed into a full-band arrangement. Eric Clapton stepped in with his soulful guitar and vocals, Ringo provided his signature drumming, and Marc Mann nailed Harrison’s iconic solo note-for-note. Billy Preston, who had played on The Beatles’ original sessions, brought warmth on the Hammond organ, making the tribute even more meaningful.
This wasn’t just a performance—it was a reunion of friends, a heartfelt goodbye, and a celebration of George’s lasting influence on music. The Concert for George went on to become a Grammy-winning live album and film, preserving this powerful tribute for future generations.
If you want to experience this emotional moment for yourself, the performance of “Something” is available to watch online—and trust us, it’s worth it.