Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr sang “With a Little Help From My Friends” into the same microphone as part of their most significant collaboration in decades Saturday night at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall.
The former Beatles, who also performed by themselves, played three songs together - with “Cosmically Conscious” and the finale “I Saw Her Standing There,” backed by an all-star band that included Sheryl Crow, Eddie Vedder, Donovan, and Beach Boy Mike Love - to cap the “Change Begins Within” benefit organized to raise funds to teach Transcendental Meditation to 1 million children around the world.
Though McCartney and Starr have appeared together only a handful of times since The Beatles disbanded in 1970 and performed together even less - most recently in 2002 at “A Concert for George,” a tribute to the late Beatles guitarist George Harrison - they seemed at home together, even vamping to see who would get the most applause.
Starr has said a full Beatles’ reunion would be too painful after the murder of John Lennon and Harrison’s death from cancer. However, he and McCartney did join forces Saturday night to support the director David Lynch, whose David Lynch Foundation is trying to further the cause of bringing meditation to children. McCartney credits Transcendental Meditation, learned from its founder Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, as “something to stabilize us at the end of the crazy ‘60s.”
The McCartney-Starr collaboration was the biggest of the night’s big-name pairings. Pearl Jam’s Vedder and Ben Harper teamed up for a fiery, passionate version of Queen and David Bowie’s classic “Under Pressure.” Crow and Harper delivered a gorgeous version of Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord.”
It may have been comedian Jerry Seinfeld, though, working solo, who drew the biggest non-Beatles ovation.
“Don’t meditate on me,” said Seinfeld, adding he has meditated for 37 years. “I’ve got some jokes to tell here.”
Howard Stern was serious in his appearance, explaining how meditation saved his mother’s life, though he also enjoyed the moment.
“I grew up in Roosevelt, Long Island,” Stern said. “If you would’ve told me that one day I’d be on the same stage as them, I wouldn’t have believed you.”
Comments
The concert was fantastic (and was recorded for PBS) as this cast of legendary musicians flowed through set after set of inspiring rock and roll with many artists making guest appearances on songs for others. During the many stage set ups David Lynch, Laura Dern, Howard Stern and Jerry Seinfeld added comments and comedy on the positive influence Transcendental Meditation has had in their lives. Background film clips of youngsters in schools around the world who practice TM gave us hope for a new era of peace and happiness. A charming and delightful evening that transcended all my expectations! http://www.tm.org
Comment by Dr. Keith DeBoer from Bozeman MT — April 11, 2009 @ 8:18 pm
Thanks for this great article on the Paul McCartney concert. I was at the concert and it was beyond expectation - simply wonderful. And in support of the great cause to bring Transcendental Meditation to “at-risk” children in schools. I have been doing TM for many years and know first-hand of its great effect in reducing stress. Well done David Lynch, and thanks to all involved.
Comment by bloggabix from Richmond, VA — April 12, 2009 @ 9:16 am
It’s great to see Paul and Ringo together again supporting the David Lynch Foundation and Transcendental Meditation. I attended the concert at Radio City Music Hall and can say it was an absolutely spectacular show! This project to teach one million children Transcendental Meditation is a big one, but very important and worthwhile. I have been meditating for years, and I know how powerful this technique is and what positive impact this would have on these kids lives. If you’d like more info on TM, check out http://www.tm.org. Best of luck David Lynch and team!
Comment by carpediem from Portland, OR — April 13, 2009 @ 7:31 pm