It was a day that will go down in Beatles history as the ultimate Magical Mystery Tour surprise. Fans on board the iconic Liverpool tour were left gobsmacked when, out of the blue, Sir Paul McCartney leaned out of his car to greet them at a red traffic light on Hope Street – and that wasn't the only Beatle magic in store. Ringo Starr joined in via FaceTime, adding an extra layer of surrealism to this unforgettable encounter.
According to tour guide Neil Morton, it was all a bit of a whirlwind moment when McCartney waved from his car window and allowed for snaps with the awestruck fans – but sadly no chance for direct chat. However, we know why he was in town: presenting an honorary companionship to actor Stephen Graham at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), which Sir Paul co-founded.
And what's more, this visit brought it all back home for McCartney, who attended the same Liverpool Institute school as George Harrison. It even neighbours John Lennon's alma mater, the Liverpool Art College – a potent reminder of The Beatles' enduring legacy in their hometown.
In other Beatlemania news, last month marked the first-ever Official Global Beatles Day, giving fans worldwide something to celebrate. And what's on the horizon? An ambitious four-film series directed by Sam Mendes is set for release next April – each film telling the band's story from a different member's perspective. The all-star cast includes Paul Mescal as McCartney, Harris Dickinson as Lennon, Joseph Quinn as Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Starr.
Meanwhile, iconic London building 3 Savile Row (think Beatles history and mystery) is opening its doors to the public for the first time next year – complete with an official Beatles fan experience. And just a few months ago, Paul McCartney unleashed his new album 'The Boys of Dungeon Lane', featuring a duet with Ringo Starr on the track 'Home To Us'. This, after 2020's critically-acclaimed 'McCartney III'.