Paul McCartney Stuns With Joyous Performance in Finale of 'The Late Show'
Tonight marked the end of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," which is not only the last episode for Stephen Colbert, but also the last episode ever of the 33 years The Late Show has been on the air. The late night staple was popularized by David Letterman, and has continued for the past 11 years with Colbert as host.
The show taped inside the famous Ed Sullivan Theater, where a music legend has been known to hang out. Tonight, he returned for the first time since 2019: Sir Paul McCartney.
Of course, McCartney set foot for the first time in the theater for The Beatles' iconic Ed Sullivan Show performance, which McCartney and Colbert spoke about in the first segment of the interview.
@colbertlateshow What could be more full circle than a crowd screaming for @Paul McCartney at the Ed Sullivan Theater? #Colbert#TheBeatles#PaulMcCartney @The Beatles
♬ original sound - colbertlateshow
McCartney went on to promote his upcoming album release, "The Boys of Dungeon Lane," which has roots in his youth growing up in Liverpool along with fellow Beatles John Lennon and George Harrison. The album seems to be pointing towards some themes of change, the past, and childhood. McCartney added an anecdote about being robbed by some older boys when he lived back in Liverpool.
McCartney closed out the show with the final musical performance of the Late Show, playing the iconic "Hello Goodbye." With a backing band featuring Jon Batiste, who served as band leader on the show from 2015-2022, and has blazed a wonderful career for himself. Colbert joined in on the performance too, hopping in on backing vocals for McCartney.
The performance was full of joy, celebrating all of the years everyone on stage enjoyed in that theater. It was a joyful way to close out such a solemn marker in television history. McCartney was in youthful form, harkening back to the sound of the original recording all the way back in 1967. A full video of the wonderful performance should be on the internet soon.
As of a few minutes ago, the late show has come to a close. 33 years of television history went out with a joyous, honest celebration of a staple we'll all need to learn to exist without. Thank you for all the years of entertainment Stephen Colbert, and thank you for all the incredible music over the years Paul McCartney, tonight was a wonderful send off.
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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 1:10 AM.