Paul McCartney’s Emotional “Let It Be” With the Eagles Became a Moving Tribute to Jimmy Buffett
A night dedicated to celebrating Jimmy Buffett took an especially emotional turn when Paul McCartney joined the Eagles for a heartfelt performance of the Beatles classic “Let It Be.”
The moment at the Hollywood Bowl brought together two generations of music legends while giving McCartney an opportunity to remember his longtime friendship with Buffett.
McCartney remembers Jimmy Buffett’s generosity
Before taking his place at the piano, McCartney spoke warmly about Buffett, recalling him as someone who was generous, funny and seemingly determined to experience everything life had to offer.
One particular story captured the friendship between the two musicians.
McCartney remembered going on vacation with Buffett and realizing that he had forgotten to bring a guitar. Because McCartney is left-handed, Buffett had one of his own instruments restrung so McCartney could play it.
But Buffett went even further.
The next time they met, Buffett had arranged for a custom left-handed guitar to be made specifically for McCartney.
It was a small gesture, but for McCartney it represented the kind of thoughtfulness that made Buffett such a memorable friend.
“Let It Be” carried a much deeper meaning
The emotional weight of the performance became even clearer when McCartney explained why he had chosen the song.
During the final week of Buffett’s life, McCartney said he sang several songs for his friend. At the tribute, he decided to return to one of those songs.
After being introduced by Dave Grohl, McCartney sat behind the grand piano and began playing “Let It Be.”
Then the Eagles joined him.
With the band providing the musical backdrop, McCartney delivered the Beatles classic in front of an audience gathered specifically to remember Buffett.
The performance therefore felt like more than a collaboration between legendary musicians. It connected a song McCartney had shared with Buffett near the end of his life to a room full of friends, performers and fans celebrating Buffett’s legacy.
A star-studded night for Buffett
Elsewhere during the tribute concert, Coral Reefer Band, Brown, and Grohl teamed up for a cover of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” while Sheryl Crow showcased “Fins.”
The tribute concert, “Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett,” featured an impressive lineup of artists.
Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Jon Bon Jovi and Zac Brown were among the musicians who joined the celebration, while Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band also took part.
Later in the evening, many of the performers returned to the stage alongside the Coral Reefer Band for a group performance of “Margaritaville.”
Other musical highlights included Zac Brown and Dave Grohl teaming up with the Coral Reefer Band for Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” while Sheryl Crow performed “Fins.”
Brown also introduced a new song, “Pirates and Parrots,” while Snoop Dogg brought a very different energy to the celebration with “Gin and Juice.”
Remembering a musician who loved life
Snoop Dogg also appeared onstage, performing his song “Gin and Juice” for the audience.
Jimmy Buffett died on September 1, 2023, at the age of 76.
Following his death, McCartney paid tribute to his friend by remembering Buffett’s extraordinary enthusiasm for life and his unmistakable sense of humor.
That spirit was reflected throughout the Hollywood Bowl celebration.
But McCartney’s performance of “Let It Be” offered one of the night’s most intimate moments. Sitting at the piano with the Eagles beside him, he wasn’t simply revisiting a Beatles classic.
He was remembering a friend.
And for a few minutes, the enormous Hollywood Bowl became a much more personal place — with McCartney’s voice and Buffett’s memory meeting through a song that had already carried so much meaning between them.