Paul McCartney Concludes North American Tour in Hamilton with Surprise Bagpipe Performance

On November 21, 2025, the city of Hamilton became the setting where the past and present of Paul McCartney converged in a truly memorable fashion. The final concert of the North American leg of his Got Back tour was not merely a performance; it was a moment etched into the living history of music.

The TD Coliseum, recently benefiting from a 300 million dollar renovation that transformed it into a state-of-the-art venue, welcomed thousands of eager fans. While the venue’s sonic quality was impressive, the true highlight of the evening was an unexpected event that unfolded on stage.

The Return of 'Mull of Kintyre' After an Eight-Year Hiatus

The atmosphere shifted dramatically when 28 pipers and drummers from the Paris Port Dover Pipe Band took their positions. The opening notes of 'Mull of Kintyre' filled the arena—a song McCartney had not performed live since 2017.

This was far more than a simple nostalgic callback. It represented a profound gesture of remembrance, connection, and tradition—the very elements that ensure music endures across generations. It was a moment that truly resonated with the audience.

A special arrangement for the bagpipes and drums was crafted by the band's founder, Gordon Black. This collaboration was made possible by Black's long-standing friendship with McCartney’s keyboardist, Paul Wickens, resulting in a rare and almost magical musical synergy.

Given that the Paris Port Dover Pipe Band has only shared the stage with McCartney four times throughout his extensive career, this appearance served as a unique and treasured gift specifically for the Hamilton audience.

A Setlist Bridging Decades of Music

The nearly three-hour show spanned the entire universe of McCartney’s musical output. The setlist served as a comprehensive journey through his storied career, demonstrating his ongoing relevance.

• The enduring classics from The Beatles, including 'Love Me Do' and 'Hey Jude'.

This breadth underscored a central theme: Paul McCartney’s music is not confined to the past. It is about the timeless quality of his artistry, showcasing its ability to constantly refresh and remain vital.

The evening culminated in a powerful symbolic convergence of several key elements:

• The highly anticipated revival of a song that had been absent from live shows for eight years.

When 'Mull of Kintyre' echoed through Hamilton, it functioned as more than just a song. It felt like a return to fundamental roots, a reminder that music thrives in the shared space between us—in the collective memory, in the voices, and in the very breath of the audience.

Occasionally, a single evening transcends the ordinary and becomes a legend in its own right. This concert in Hamilton was undeniably one of those nights.