**Paul McCartney’s 1997 “Hey Jude” Superjam Reignites Music History: When Elton John, Sting, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and Mark Knopfler Joined the Beatle for the Most Star-Studded Performance Ever Seen**
Trying to choose Paul McCartney’s greatest live performance is no easy feat. From his Beatles days to his sold-out solo stadium shows, McCartney has delivered countless unforgettable moments. But one night in 1997 stands out like a supernova in the vast sky of his musical legacy — a moment when legends collided and history was made.
It happened during a special charity concert in London. As the crowd buzzed with anticipation, no one quite expected what would unfold. When McCartney took the stage to perform the beloved Beatles anthem “Hey Jude,” he wasn’t alone. Joining him were some of the biggest names in music history: Elton John, Sting, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and Mark Knopfler.
What followed was more than just a song — it was a once-in-a-lifetime musical summit. Elton John pounded the piano, Sting layered harmonies, Clapton added soulful guitar flourishes, Collins drove the beat with his iconic drumming, and Knopfler’s distinctive tone filled the gaps. And at the heart of it all stood McCartney, leading the chorus of legends through one of the most iconic refrains in music: “Na-na-na-na…”
The energy in the room was electric. Fans waved lighters, musicians exchanged smiles, and an unspoken reverence filled the air. It was more than a performance; it was a moment of unity, respect, and sheer musical magic.
Though no official album or broadcast was ever widely released, grainy footage and word-of-mouth have kept the legend of the “Hey Jude” superjam alive. It was the kind of night that reminded everyone why McCartney — and the music he inspired — still brings generations together. In that moment, six stars aligned to sing one anthem, and the world
sang back.
