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Paul McCartney has opened up about a memorable moment from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s July 3 wedding in New York, revealing what he sang and a playful condition he set for the bride.
What McCartney said on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
On Friday night the 84-year-old Beatle stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live! to recount the wedding gig. He said Taylor asked him to sing the 1964 Beatles hit “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”
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McCartney added a lighthearted note. He told Taylor she should sing along and dedicate the line to her husband.
The host laughed and agreed the advice was sound. McCartney’s anecdote underscored a mix of music lore and modern celebrity culture.
Why the song mattered at the ceremony
The choice of song carried weight. The Beatles’ single was their first U.S. number one in 1964. It helped launch Beatlemania after their Ed Sullivan appearance.
That history made the performance both symbolic and sentimental. For Swift, the moment linked pop royalty across generations.
How the reception played out after the vows
The couple exchanged vows at Madison Square Garden on July 3. After the ceremony, guests were escorted to the reception where a stage waited.
- Family invitation: Taylor’s mother welcomed attendees into the reception area.
- Live music: McCartney took the stage on a platform built for the event.
- Additional performers: Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks also reportedly performed.
- Timing: The celebration continued into the early morning hours.
Friendship, past appearances and mutual admiration
McCartney and Swift have a long-standing connection. They once shared a Rolling Stone cover and have attended each other’s shows.
Recent crossovers
- McCartney was seen at one of Swift’s Eras Tour dates at Wembley Stadium in 2024.
- Swift turned up at McCartney’s Fonda Theatre concert earlier this year.
On BBC Radio 2, McCartney praised Swift’s talent and savvy. He said she’s “very good” and “very clever.” He noted parallels between their levels of fame but added he didn’t think she needed advice.
