On June 4, 2022, during Paul McCartney’s highly anticipated “Got Back” tour, an extraordinary and emotional moment unfolded at the JMA Wireless Dome (formerly Carrier Dome) in Syracuse, New York. Fans in the crowd were treated to an unprecedented moment when McCartney, the legendary Beatles bassist and songwriter, performed “I’ve Got a Feeling”, a song originally by the Beatles, in a virtual duet with his late bandmate and friend, John Lennon.
The song, a collaboration between McCartney’s “I’ve Got a Feeling” and Lennon’s “Everybody Had a Hard Year,” was part of the famous Let It Be album, recorded during the Beatles’ final days as a band. However, the performance at the Carrier Dome was not simply a nostalgic nod to their iconic past. Thanks to remarkable advances in audio technology, McCartney was able to perform alongside a digitally resurrected John Lennon, making this moment even more poignant for fans.
The Power of Technology
For those unfamiliar with the process, the duet was made possible by the isolation and restoration of John Lennon’s vocals from the Beatles’ historic rooftop performance in 1969. These vocals had been preserved and reintroduced into the public consciousness through the release of Peter Jackson’s documentary, Get Back. Using the isolated Lennon vocals, the technical team worked their magic to synchronize them with McCartney’s live performance on stage. This seamless integration allowed the audience to experience the magical feeling of McCartney and Lennon “performing” together once again, despite Lennon’s tragic passing in 1980.
This kind of technological achievement allowed McCartney, who has long been regarded as one of the greatest musicians of his generation, to revisit one of his most cherished musical partnerships. The moment was made all the more emotional by the fact that it was a real-time collaboration, blending McCartney’s live performance with the ghostly presence of Lennon’s recorded vocals.
A Musical Journey Through Time
The duet took place toward the latter part of McCartney’s extensive setlist for the night, which featured a mix of Beatles classics, Wings hits, and solo tracks. The performance of “I’ve Got a Feeling” was not just about the song itself, but about the spirit of camaraderie and history it invoked. As McCartney strummed his bass and sang his part, Lennon’s voice cut through the air, reminding the audience of the unparalleled musical bond the two shared, both as bandmates and as friends.
The combination of the two legendary voices created a stirring atmosphere in the arena, with fans singing along to the iconic tune, while others were simply left in awe, visibly moved by the virtual reunion of the two musical giants. The song is already known for its raw energy and heart, but when combined with the presence of Lennon’s vocals, it transcended the moment and became something far more emotional — a testament to the lasting legacy of both Beatles and their unforgettable music.
An Evening to Remember
The entire concert was a thrilling experience for those in attendance, with McCartney taking the audience on a musical journey through his storied career. He performed a variety of Beatles classics such as “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” “Live and Let Die,” and “Blackbird,” among others. But the “I’ve Got a Feeling” performance with Lennon is one of the night’s most unforgettable moments. The audience stood in awe as McCartney delivered his vocal performance alongside his late friend, and the crowd’s energy swelled into a sea of appreciation.
The virtual duet was not only a beautiful tribute to their shared legacy, but it also spoke to the power of music to bring people together, even when time and space separate them. McCartney and Lennon’s musical connection still resonates with people of all ages, and this performance allowed fans to experience that magical chemistry once again, bridging the decades between their original recordings and the present moment.
Why It Matters
The virtual duet was an emotional reminder of the Beatles’ extraordinary impact on music, pop culture, and society. Their music has survived for generations, continuing to inspire countless artists and listeners alike. And while the individual members of the Beatles have gone on to create their own paths in the music world, the spirit of their collaboration has remained an integral part of music history.
For McCartney, this performance was more than just a concert moment — it was a symbolic return to the deep friendship and musical partnership that defined an era. Although Lennon is no longer physically present, his influence on McCartney’s life and career continues to shape the music they both created.
Reliving the Moment
For fans who were unable to witness this once-in-a-lifetime performance in person, the virtual duet is still accessible. The iconic performance is available to watch on YouTube, allowing fans to relive the magic of the moment:
This historic performance is not just a reminder of what was, but a testament to how music transcends time and continues to inspire, connect, and heal people across generations. McCartney’s ability to bring Lennon back, even if only through technology, allowed fans to experience the legendary duo together again — a fitting tribute to the incredible music they created and the bond they shared.
Conclusion
The “I’ve Got a Feeling” virtual duet at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse was a stunning and emotional musical experience that highlighted the enduring legacy of the Beatles and the magic of McCartney and Lennon’s partnership. The combination of cutting-edge technology and the power of live performance allowed McCartney and Lennon to “perform” together once again, bringing their fans a rare and beautiful moment that will forever be etched in music history.
