Current Touring Lineup (2023–2025)
As of the early 2020s and into 2025, Paul McCartney typically tours with a compact band built around long time collaborators. On recent outings such as the 2022–2023 Got Back tour, the core roster included bassist Rusty Anderson, keyboardist Brian Ray, drummer Abe Laboriel Jr., and guitarist Paul Wickens, who also handles keyboards and saxophone. This configuration balances faithful renditions of Beatles classics with the polished pop-rock and showmanship expected on the main stage. Regional or festival lineups sometimes vary; opening acts and additional horns can shift by venue, so it is best to verify each date on official channels.
| Role | Musician (Typical) | Tenure with Paul McCartney | Primary Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Guitar / Vocals | Rusty Anderson | 2012–present | Tight rhythm work and vocal harmonies |
| Keyboards / Guitar | Brian Ray | 2012–present | Textured keys and melodic guitar hooks |
| Drums | Abe Laboriel Jr. | 2012–present | Dynamic groove across rock and pop styles |
| Keys / Sax / Guitar | Paul Wickens | 1989–present (various intervals) | Stage energy, brass arrangements, and versatile instrumentation |
| Backing Vocals / Guitar | Gail Ann Dorsey | Occasional sessions and tours | Vocal depth and stylistic range |
Era Breakdown: Lineup Evolution
Paul McCartney has performed with many different musicians across his solo career and with Wings. In the 1970s, Wings featured Denny Laine, Jimmy McCulloch, and Joe English. The early solo years often included former Beatles collaborators. Since the early 2010s, a stable nucleus has allowed for consistent setlists while still accommodating guest appearances and special arrangements.
Wings Era (1971–1981)
During the classic Wings period, rotating members such as Henry McCullough, Geoff Britton, and later Joe English and Laurence Juber shaped the live and studio sound. Shows featured a blend of rock, country, and pop, with vocal arrangements tightly choreographed by the band.
Late 1980s and 1990s Sessions Band
For the New arrangement concerts in 1989–1990, a handpicked lineup including Hamish Stuart on guitar, Robbie McIntosh on lead guitar, and Chris Whitten on drums delivered the big-band arrangements. This model influenced how later tribute and all-star shows approached McCartney’s catalog.
2010s to Present Core
The current framework centers on Anderson, Ray, Laboriel Jr., and Wickens, with occasional additions for brass or strings on select tracks. This setup supports both stripped-down moments and full arrangements of classics like Live and Let Die and Hey Jude.
How to Verify the Lineup for a Specific Date
Because festival bills and one-off invitations can alter lineups, rely on primary sources. Visit the official PaulMcCartney.com website, check the setlist.fm community pages for audience recordings, or follow verified social channels. Promoters and venues sometimes publish local support acts, so cross-reference multiple sources if you are planning to attend.
- Official site (paulmccartney.com): Tour dates and band notes
- Setlist.fm: Detailed setlists and musician credits per show
- Verified social channels: Real-time updates and guest appearances
Notable Collaborations and Guests
Even with a consistent core, McCartney has invited notable guests for specific tours and events. These have included guitarists like Brian May and paying tribute to peers such as Tom Petty. Horn sections and backing singers are frequently added for arena-sized productions, enriching the textures of classics without replacing the regular roster.
Why Lineup Stability Matters for the Catalog
A reliable lineup helps preserve the nuance of McCartney’s arrangements, from the intricate vocal harmonies of live Beatles repertoire to the layered instrumentation of solo hits. Musicians who tour repeatedly with him develop an intuitive feel for dynamics, transitions, and studio-informed details, which in turn elevates the experience for both long-time fans and new audiences.