An Unforgettable Night of Greatest Hits
Paul McCartney, at 83, delivered one of the most memorable concerts Hamilton has ever seen, delighting a sold-out crowd at the newly renovated TD Coliseum with the longest list of greatest hits any artist has ever performed. The concert was part of his Got Back tour, with Hamilton and Montreal being the only Canadian stops. Fans were treated to classics from every era—starting with Liverpool memories and chart-toppers like “From Me To You,” revisiting the Beatles’ first recording “In Spite of All the Danger,” and the iconic “Love Me Do,” the first song played for producer Sir George Martin.
Remembering the Beatles and History
During the show, McCartney paused to share the origin of “Blackbird,” written during the 1960s civil rights movement in the United States. He recounted a pivotal moment from 1964 in Jacksonville, Florida, when the Beatles refused to play a segregated show, insisting on integration, which ultimately happened and became a milestone event. Emotional tributes followed, with McCartney honoring John Lennon by performing “Here Today,” expressing his love and remembrance. He played George Harrison’s “Something” on a ukulele gifted by Harrison, and paid homage to Ringo Starr, his last surviving Beatles bandmate.
Hamilton’s Enthusiastic Crowd and Milestone Venue
The energy at TD Coliseum was palpable. Mike Guyatt, attending with his wife Mary, described the experience as “genuine” and thanked McCartney for the music and the memories. Tim Potocic, the owner of Hamilton’s Sonic Unyon Records and Supercrawl festival organizer, anticipated powerful emotions, saying, “I’m going to be a grown man crying.” He cherished the earth-shattering feeling of seeing McCartney live and decided to absorb every moment.
Deep Connections: Hamilton and Liverpool
Abbie Jolly, unable to attend due to high ticket prices ($265–$5,000), joined a Beatles singalong at the Hamilton Central Library to embrace the spirit of the occasion. Her Liverpool roots run deep—she was named after Abbey Road, and her grandparents met on Penny Lane, echoing the bond between Hamilton and Liverpool. Both cities, bustling and located on the water, share heart and hard work.
TD Coliseum’s Grand Reopening and Upcoming Events
The show marked TD Coliseum’s grand reopening after a $300-million renovation, designed to attract music legends like McCartney to Hamilton over larger cities. The venue, previously known as FirstOntario Centre and Copps Coliseum, now boasts 18,000 seats, box-level seats, upgraded artist lounge spaces, and new restaurants—including Iron Cow Public House by chef Matty Matheson. Upcoming acts include Cardi B, the Jonas Brothers, K-Pop’s Twice, and Canada’s biggest music night, The Junos, in March.
Hamilton’s Ecstatic Celebration
Before the concert, locals gathered for a Beatles singalong and open mic, celebrating McCartney’s arrival. The show, held November 21, 2025, continues to resonate with Hamiltonians, as they proudly embrace the city’s rich musical, cultural, and historical ties.
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