Taking the stage in front of an audience that included Neil Young, Bernie Taupin, Mark Hamill, Don Johnson, Rita Wilson and Olivia Harrison, Paul McCartney kicked off his two-hour performance with a lively version of the Beatles' early hit "Help!

Alongside Wickens, McCartney was backed by the Hot City Horns brass section and his venerable band, including guitarist Rusty Anderson, guitarist-bassist Brian Ray, and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr., the last of whom performed a delightful rendition of the Macarena on “Dance Tonight,” a 2007 single from McCartney’s Memory Almost Full solo album.

Cue the high-pitched screams of fans, and for a moment, it was like being transported back to seeing the 21-year-old Beatle on “The Ed Sullivan Show” on Feb. 9, 1964, instead of McCartney solo in Palm Desert on Monday, Sept. 29.

The 83-year-old rock legend played for a relatively tiny audience of 4,500 on Friday night at the Santa Barbara Bowl.

Paul McCartney opened his tour at the Santa Barbara Bowl with a John Lennon/Beatles number, "Help!," leading into a familiar but still thrilling setlist.

Linda Harger of Indio has seen her favorite Beatle, Paul McCartney, perform 41 times. Now, for 42, she gets to see him just 15 minutes from her home.