Get Back — Paul McCartney, Tina Turner & Friends (Prince’s Trust Concert, 1986)
In June 1986, Paul McCartney resurrected “Get Back” for the first time since the Beatles’ breakup, performing it as the grand finale of the Prince’s Trust 10th Anniversary Rock Gala at London’s Wembley Arena. Backed by Tina Turner, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, Paul Young, Midge Ure, and more, the performance turned into one of the most iconic live charity concert moments of the decade. Even Princess Diana and Prince Charles were spotted enjoying the show from the royal box.
Background: “Get Back” and the Beatles’ Rooftop Farewell
Originally released as a single in 1969, “Get Back” was written by Paul McCartney and became one of the Beatles’ late-era hits. The song holds a special place in Beatles history: it was performed four times during their legendary rooftop concert on January 30, 1969, for the climax of Let It Be. The final attempt was famously cut short by London police, making it the last song the Beatles ever performed together in public.
In the years following the breakup, McCartney often included Beatles songs in his live sets with Wings—such as “Yesterday,” “Lady Madonna,” “Blackbird,” and “The Long and Winding Road.” But he pointedly avoided “Get Back”, keeping the rooftop memory frozen in time.
The 1986 Prince’s Trust Gala Performance
Seventeen years later, McCartney finally “got back to Get Back.” On June 20, 1986, at Wembley Arena, the song closed the all-star Prince’s Trust 10th Anniversary Rock Gala, a high-profile charity concert celebrating the work of the Prince’s Trust foundation.
For this one-of-a-kind rendition, McCartney was joined by an incredible lineup of artists:
Tina Turner
Elton John
Eric Clapton
Phil Collins
Bryan Adams
Paul Young
Midge Ure
Plus members of the evening’s house band and other guests
The energy onstage was matched by the royal audience. At around the 2:55 mark of the video, Princess Diana can be seen clapping enthusiastically while Prince Charles sways and snaps along—a symbolic reversal of 1969, when authorities shut down the Beatles’ rooftop performance. This time, not even royalty was going to pull the plug.
Reception & Legacy
The performance is remembered as a rare and powerful moment in McCartney’s live career:
It marked the first time he revisited “Get Back” since the Beatles’ rooftop farewell.
It showcased the strength of McCartney’s enduring influence, drawing some of the biggest stars of the era to his side.
It highlighted the role of benefit concerts in the 1980s, with the Prince’s Trust Rock Galas standing alongside Live Aid as landmarks of celebrity-driven charity music.
Today, the footage of McCartney, Turner, Elton John, and Clapton sharing the stage remains a fan favorite—equal parts nostalgia and spectacle.
Quick Facts
Song: Get Back
Original Writers: Paul McCartney (credited Lennon–McCartney)
First released: April 1969 (Beatles single)
Original Beatles milestone: Last live song played together (rooftop concert, Jan 30, 1969)
Return performance: June 20, 1986 – Prince’s Trust Rock Gala, Wembley Arena, London
Lineup: Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, Paul Young, Midge Ure, and others
Special audience: Princess Diana and Prince Charles in attendance
References
“The 10th Annual Prince’s Trust Fund Concert (1986)” — Paul McCartney Forum
