Last weekend, The Cute One – as Will Ferrell referred to Paul McCartney – was the final guest of the season on Saturday Night Live. During his monologue, Will listed some of Paul's most popular compositions and included "Coming Up," saying it was his personal favorite. During the show, Paul did the customary two songs that SNL guests do. Then, in a third number song performed over the credits, Will got to sing "Coming Up" alongside Paul and was so into it! It was a joy to watch.
Then last night, Stephen Colbert got to interview one final guest on The Late Show. That honor went to Paul McCartney because, well of course it did. First of all, the show originated from The Ed Sullivan Theater, where the Beatles made history with their first appearance in 1964. Who better than Macca to turn out the lights? Paul is the likely the most recognized/respected musician in the world right now and this was an important moment in media and The First Amendment.* And his song, "Hello Goodbye" was perfect for the occasion. Stephen sang alongside him.
Watching these two performances I was acutely aware that Sir Paul is an artist who knows he's on his final lap. In a matter of weeks, he will be 84 years old. While I enjoy his newest song, "Days We Left Behind" is a poignant ballad sung by an old man with a reedy voice.
So right now I'm reminded how much he means to so many people. I've loved him so much for so long that I forget he's not just mine. Stephen Colbert wanted him for the biggest moment of his career. Will Ferrell just wanted to be around him. I recall the women, strangers, I sat with during this November 2025 concert here at the United Center. Their mother, with a walker, sat on the aisle seat. Then there were her two daughters, then me. Their mom – like Paul she was born in 1942 – has "given up" and they thought it might inspire her to see Paul, still vibrant and still performing, at 84.
There were 23,500 people at the United Center with us that night in November. It was just the last of 19 stops. Everyone who goes to see him now has their own personal reason for being there, and it felt important to each of us.
It must be enormously cool to have meant this much to this many people for so long. I hope he feels it.
*Though in a funny bit, Paul is seen as pinch-hitting for the only guest who could possibly top him, Pope Leo.
