by Paul McCartney has announced an intimate last-minute show in Santa Barbara, California, for later this month.
McCartney is officially set to begin his Got Back Tour 2025 on September 29th in Palm Desert, California, at the Acrisure Arena. However, three days before, he will be taking to the stage at the 4,500-capacity Santa Barbara Bowl for a one-night-only performance.
Although 4,500 is deemed a sizeable venue for most artists, McCartney has played almost exclusively in stadiums and arenas for many decades, with the Santa Barbara show offering a chance for fans to see him in a more close-up setting.
To secure tickets, fans need to register on McCartney’s tour website (PaulMcCartneyGotBack.com), with registration now open. A statement issued on McCartney’s social media reads, “No tickets will be sold at the Santa Barbara Bowl box office. You must register in advance to purchase.”
The message continues, “First come, first served. Two tickets per customer. Avoid purchasing tickets from third-party vendors. Fake tickets will not be honoured and entry will be denied.”
A description for the concert on McCartney’s website also confirms that no phones will be allowed at the upcoming concert, stating, “This show will be a phone-free experience. Phones will be secured in Yondr pouches. Guests maintain possession of their phones at all times.”
Many artists have adopted making fans use Yondr pouches in recent years at their shows in recent years, including Bob Dylan and Jack White. While Damon Albarn previously criticised Dylan for this technique, he did follow his lead for a recent Gorillaz show in London, which saw them play the entirety of their forthcoming new album, The Mountain, in full.
McCartney’s huge North American leg of his Got Back Tour, which initially began in 2022, includes mammoth dates at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, and will conclude with two shows at the Union Center in Chicago.
His last shows in Europe took place in late 2024 when he visited Paris, Madrid, Manchester, and London. The Beatle also made a surprise appearance with Bruce Springsteen at Anfield in Liverpool earlier this summer.
