Paul McCartney's 2025: Tours, Triumphs, and New Projects

The legendary musician Paul McCartney had a remarkably active and impactful year in 2025. From completing a landmark tour to releasing archival projects and taking a stand on industry issues, the former Beatles bassist and songwriter remained a vital cultural force. This article explores the key events, releases, and philosophies that defined a dynamic year for an icon.

Paul McCartney's 2025 Touring Milestones and Philosophy

The year was largely defined by the continuation and conclusion of McCartney's "GOT BACK" tour. This series of concerts, which began in 2022, saw him return to stages across North America. A significant highlight was his performance in Nashville, which he personally cited as his professional highlight of the year.

He attributed this success to the intimate and direct connection forged with the audience. This connection was actively cultivated through a unique and growing trend at his shows: the implementation of phone-free experiences.

The Impact of Phone-Free Concert Experiences

At select shows, such as those at New York's Bowery Ballroom in February and in Santa Barbara on September 15, attendees were required to lock their phones in special pouches. McCartney praised these events for creating a "warm and receptive" atmosphere.

These phone-free shows were singled out by McCartney for allowing a more authentic and present concert experience, a reaction against the modern distraction of screens.

This policy underscores his commitment to live music as a shared, in-the-moment event. It reflects a broader desire within his performances to revisit and celebrate his immense catalog while forging new memories with fans, including a notable return to Buffalo's KeyBank Center after a decade-long gap.

Major Releases and Archival Projects in 2025

Alongside touring, 2025 was a year of celebration and reintroduction for McCartney's post-Beatles work, particularly focusing on his band Wings. The year saw a strategic rollout of reissues, collections, and accompanying narratives.

Celebrating Wings: Anniversary Editions and a New Book

March marked the 50th anniversary of Wings' album Venus and Mars. To commemorate this, a special reissue was released. This edition featured a half-speed mastered LP for superior audio fidelity and a Dolby Atmos mix, catering to both audiophiles and modern surround-sound enthusiasts.

Following this, on September 9, McCartney released a comprehensive, self-titled WINGS collection. This set gathered the band's work into a definitive package. The archival momentum continued into the fall with the release of a major new book.

Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run, co-authored with historian Ted Widmer, arrived in November. The book delved into the history and impact of the group. An audiobook version, released on December 18, allowed fans to engage with the story in a new format, completing a multi-platform celebration.

Documentary Focus: From Stolen Basses to Animated Films

McCartney's story also unfolded on screen in 2025. The documentary Man on the Run, which details the fascinating saga of his stolen 1961 Höfner violin bass, premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on August 28. Its wider release is scheduled for February 25, 2026, promising to bring this long-running mystery to a global audience.

Additionally, McCartney referenced progress on the animated film project High in the Clouds. These projects illustrate his ongoing work to expand his artistic legacy into visual and narrative mediums beyond music.

Paul McCartney's Stance on Technology and Industry Issues

Ever engaged with contemporary challenges, McCartney used his platform in 2025 to address pressing topics in the music world. His actions demonstrated a nuanced view of technology, embracing its benefits while cautioning against its misuse.

Protesting AI in Music with a Silent Song

In a powerful and symbolic act, Paul McCartney released a silent song on November 17. This unusual release was a direct protest against the unethical use of artificial intelligence in music. The gesture highlighted concerns about AI cloning voices, writing compositions, and potentially devaluing human artistry.

This protest aligns with comments he made in a December fan Q&A, where he expressed worries about misinformation and the implications of AI for creative industries. It positions him as a thoughtful elder statesman in the debate over technology's role in art.

A Personal Loss: Reacting to Höfner's Bankruptcy

Technology and commerce intersected on a personal note when Höfner, the German manufacturer of his iconic violin bass, filed for bankruptcy. McCartney publicly reacted with sadness and deep gratitude. He has used Höfner basses since 1961, and the instrument is inseparable from his sound on countless Beatles hits.

The potential loss of the 135-year-old company marks the end of an era for a brand deeply woven into music history, underscored by McCartney's 60-plus years of partnership with them.

This event was a poignant reminder of the tangible tools behind the iconic music. It contrasted with his forward-looking tech concerns, showing a connection to craft and history.

Connecting with Fans: Q&A Sessions and Tour Diaries

A key to McCartney's enduring relevance is his direct communication with his audience. In 2025, he maintained several traditional channels for this, offering insights and personal reflections.

"You Gave Me The Answer" Fan Q&A Series

On December 18, McCartney published the final installment of his "You Gave Me The Answer" Q&A series for the year. In it, he reflected on 2025's "log jam" of projects, including the Wings book and record releases. He also teased exciting developments for the coming year.

Fans learned that a new album is in the works for 2026, alongside the wider release of the Morgan Neville-directed documentary Man on the Run. These communications build anticipation and maintain a personal bond with his global fanbase.

"Penned on the Run" Tour Diary Insights

Throughout the latter part of the year, from October through December, McCartney shared entries from his "Penned on the Run" tour diary. Parts 2 through 4 offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into life on the road during the "GOT BACK" tour.

These writings provided color commentary to the tour's statistics, focusing on the human experience of performance, the energy of different cities, and the joys of live interaction. They served as a more intimate companion to the official news and announcements.

The Enduring Legacy of Wings in 2025

The renewed focus on Paul McCartney's band Wings was one of the defining narratives of 2025. The strategic re-releases and commemorative projects served not just as nostalgia trips but as a powerful reaffirmation of the band's significant contribution to popular music. This effort introduced their work to a new generation while providing longtime fans with enhanced listening experiences.

Venus and Mars: A 50th Anniversary Celebration

The reissue of Venus and Mars was a landmark event. Released as a 50th anniversary edition, the package was meticulously crafted for audiophiles and collectors alike. The inclusion of a half-speed mastered LP ensured the highest possible sound quality, allowing the album's rich production to shine as never before.

Furthermore, the release embraced modern technology with a Dolby Atmos mix. This immersive audio format placed listeners inside the music, revealing new layers and textures in classic tracks like "Listen to What the Man Said" and "Rock Show." The project demonstrated McCartney's commitment to preserving his legacy while adapting it for contemporary audiences.

The WINGS Collection: Curating a Band's Identity

Following the anniversary edition, the September release of the self-titled WINGS collection acted as a definitive anthology. This comprehensive set gathered the band's most essential recordings, presenting a cohesive narrative of their journey from the early 1970s to their dissolution.

• Chart-Topping Hits: Includes legendary singles like "Band on the Run," "Live and Let Die," and "Maybe I'm Amazed."


• Deep Album Cuts: Features beloved album tracks that showcase the band's musical versatility and McCartney's songwriting depth.


• Remastered Audio: All tracks received a meticulous digital remastering for optimal sound across streaming platforms and physical media.

The collection was more than a simple greatest hits package; it was a carefully curated argument for Wings' place in the rock and roll pantheon.

Paul McCartney's Multifaceted Creative Expression

Beyond music releases, 2025 showcased McCartney's diverse talents as an author and a visual storyteller. These projects revealed a artist keen on exploring different mediums to express his creative vision and share his personal history.

"Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run" – The Book

Co-authored with esteemed historian Ted Widmer, the book released in November provided an intimate look at the band's most turbulent and triumphant period. It served as a companion piece to the music releases, offering context, rare photographs, and firsthand accounts.

The book delves into the making of the iconic Band on the Run album in Lagos, Nigeria, detailing the legendary challenges the band faced, from a last-minute lineup change to a mugging at knifepoint that cost them valuable demo tapes.

The subsequent release of the audiobook on December 18, often featuring narration or commentary from McCartney himself, added a deeply personal layer to the story. This multi-format approach ensured the band's history reached audiences in the way they preferred to consume content.

Animation and Documentary: Expanding the Narrative

McCartney's creative output extended into film. He referenced continued progress on the long-awaited animated feature, High in the Clouds. This project, based on his own children's book, illustrates his enduring interest in storytelling for all ages.

Simultaneously, the documentary Man on the Run premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. The film focuses on the incredible story of his stolen 1961 Höfner bass violin, an instrument synonymous with his sound and image. Its planned wider release in February 2026 promises to bring this fascinating mystery to a global audience, highlighting the enduring intrigue surrounding the artifacts of pop culture history.

Balancing Technology and Artistic Integrity

In 2025, Paul McCartney positioned himself as a thoughtful commentator on the evolving relationship between technology and art. His actions reflected a nuanced perspective, embracing innovation while staunchly defending core artistic principles.

The Silent Song Protest Against AI

Perhaps his most powerful statement was the release of a silent song on November 17. This was a direct and eloquent protest against the growing concerns of AI misuse in the music industry. The act symbolically reclaimed the space of a "song" to make a point about the need for human creation and soul in music.

• Ethical Concerns: The protest highlighted fears about AI cloning artists' voices without consent.


• Compositional Integrity: It questioned the value of music generated by algorithms versus human experience.


• Industry-Wide Issue: McCartney used his platform to amplify a concern shared by many working musicians.

This gesture resonated deeply within the music community, sparking conversations about ethics, copyright, and the very definition of artistry in the digital age.

Phone-Free Concerts: Championing Live Connection

His approach to technology was also evident in his tour philosophy. The implementation of phone-free shows at select concerts was a deliberate choice to enhance the live experience. By requiring attendees to lock their phones in secure pouches, McCartney fostered an environment of undivided attention.

Attendees and critics noted the unique, "warm and receptive" atmosphere at these events, where the connection between the artist and the audience felt more immediate and genuine, unmediated by screens.

This policy was not a rejection of technology per se, but a conscious decision to use the concert space as a sanctuary for shared, real-human experience. It underscored his belief in music as a powerful, communal force.

Paul McCartney's Iconic Instruments and Personal Stories

The tools of Paul McCartney's trade are as legendary as the music he created with them. In 2025, the story of one such instrument came to the fore, highlighting the deep personal connection between an artist and his gear. This was juxtaposed with charming anecdotes from his past that reveal the character behind the icon.

The Höfner Bass: A Sixty-Year Partnership

The news that the Höfner company had filed for bankruptcy prompted a heartfelt public reaction from McCartney. He expressed both sadness and profound gratitude for the German manufacturer, with whom his partnership spanned over 60 years. His iconic 1961 violin bass is not just an instrument; it is a piece of music history.

This bass was present on some of the most famous recordings of all time, from early Beatles hits to solo work. Its distinctive shape and sound became synonymous with McCartney's stage presence. The potential loss of the 135-year-old company felt like the end of an era for craftsmanship in the music industry.

McCartney's relationship with Höfner underscores how the right instrument can become an extension of the artist's voice, its story forever intertwined with their own legacy.

Anecdotes from Abbey Road: Character Revealed

Historical stories from McCartney's time with The Beatles continue to illustrate his unique personality. One notable anecdote from 1967 involves a recording session for "Fixing a Hole." Amid the lingering controversy from John Lennon's "more popular than Jesus" remark, a man arrived at Abbey Road Studios claiming to be Jesus.

Instead of having him removed, McCartney, known for his polite and open nature, invited the man in. He was reportedly given tea and allowed to sit quietly and observe the session. This incident reveals a tolerant and curious character, willing to embrace the unusual during a creatively fertile period for the band.

Paul McCartney's Role in Music History and Tradition

Beyond his own discography, McCartney has actively shaped broader musical traditions. His influence extends into cultural moments and chart history, cementing his role not just as a participant in pop culture, but as a definer of it.

Championing The Beatles' Final Christmas No. 1

McCartney played a key role in one of The Beatles' final chart triumphs. He was a strong advocate for releasing "Now and Then," the so-called "last Beatles song" completed with modern technology, in time for the 2023 Christmas charts. His push helped cement the track's place as a holiday chart-topper.

This effort continued a long-standing UK Christmas No. 1 tradition that The Beatles themselves helped popularize in the 1960s. By fighting for this final chapter, McCartney ensured the band re-entered a cultural tradition they helped create, providing a poignant full-circle moment for fans.

The "GOT BACK" Tour: A Decade-Spanning Return

The 2025 leg of the "GOT BACK" tour was significant not only for its phone-free experiments but also for marking returns to cities he had not visited in years. For instance, his show at Buffalo's KeyBank Center ended a 10-year gap since his last performance there.

• Multi-Generational Appeal: The concerts attracted fans spanning several generations, proving the timeless appeal of his catalog.


• Celebration of a Catalog: The setlists seamlessly wove together Beatles classics, Wings hits, and solo material, showcasing the sheer breadth of his songwriting.


• Professional Fulfillment: McCartney himself described the tour, particularly the intimate Nashville show, as a career highlight, emphasizing the joy he still derives from live performance.

The tour's success demonstrated that his music's power lies in its enduring emotional connection, transcending era and age.

Looking Ahead: Paul McCartney's Future Projects in 2026

Even after a packed 2025, Paul McCartney shows no signs of slowing down. In his final "You Gave Me The Answer" Q&A of the year, he teased several exciting projects on the horizon, indicating that his creative pipeline remains full.

A New Album on the Horizon

McCartney confirmed that he is working on a new studio album slated for release in 2026. While details remain scarce, the announcement alone is enough to generate significant anticipation. Given his recent reflections on technology and artistry, the new material may offer his perspective on the modern world.

Fans can expect the album to potentially blend the classic songcraft he is known for with contemporary production touches. It will mark the next chapter in a solo career that has continually evolved across decades.

Upcoming Film Releases and Collaborations

The wider release of the documentary Man on the Run is scheduled for February 25, 2026. This will bring the captivating story of his stolen bass to a global audience, satisfying long-time fans and intriguing newcomers with its mix of music history and mystery.

Additionally, McCartney mentioned a film project with acclaimed director Morgan Neville, who is known for documentaries like "20 Feet from Stardom" and "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" While the subject is undisclosed, a collaboration with Neville suggests a deep, character-driven exploration of a topic close to McCartney's heart.

McCartney also humorously addressed fan questions about potential documentaries on figures like Billy Joel, Ringo Starr, or Twiggy, stating these were of "low likelihood," keeping the focus firmly on his own forthcoming work.

Conclusion: The Enduring Relevance of Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney's 2025 was a masterclass in maintaining a legendary career with purpose and relevance. He successfully balanced celebration of his past with decisive actions addressing the future of music. From the celebratory Wings reissues to the provocative silent AI protest, he demonstrated a multifaceted engagement with his art and industry.

The year proved that his connection with audiences is as strong as ever, fostered through immersive phone-free concerts and direct fan communication via Q&As and diaries. His willingness to embrace new formats like Dolby Atmos, while defending core principles like human artistry, shows a nuanced and adaptive approach.

As we look toward 2026, with a new album and major film projects on the way, Paul McCartney continues to define what it means to be a working artist across a lifetime. His journey is no longer just about nostalgia; it is a continuous, evolving dialogue with music, technology, and his audience. He remains not merely a relic of the past, but a active, thoughtful, and passionate voice in the present, steadily shaping his immense legacy for the future.