Stephen Colbert Ends ‘Late Show’ With Joyous Paul McCartney ‘Hello Goodbye’ Performance, as Ex-Beatle Turns Lights Out at Ed Sullivan Theater
Stephen Colbert concluded his tenure on 'The Late Show' with a memorable performance featuring Paul McCartney. The iconic musician not only sang 'Hello Goodbye' but also turned off the lights at the Ed Sullivan Theater, marking a significant moment in the show's history. Colbert and McCartney reminisced about the Beatles' first appearance on the show, which played a pivotal role in their rise to fame.
- ▪Paul McCartney was the surprise guest on the final episode of 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.'
- ▪He performed 'Hello Goodbye' alongside Colbert, Elvis Costello, and Jon Batiste.
- ▪McCartney turned off the lights at the Ed Sullivan Theater, a venue with historical significance for the Beatles.
4 outlets in our directory ran this story. Coverage spans 2 points on the political spectrum — 2 centre, 1 right.
- ▪ Stephen Colbert signs off one last time: ‘Hello, Goodbye’ — Washington Examiner
- ▪ Paul McCartney and Stephen Colbert Close Out The Late Show with Performance of "Hello, Goodbye" — r/Music
- ▪ Paul McCartney and Stephen Colbert Close Out the Late Show with “Hello, Goodbye” — Consequence (of Sound)
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| Canonical URL | https://variety.com/2026/music/news/paul-mccartney-stephen-colbert-ed-sullivan-theater-finale-1236756233/ |
| Publication time | Fri, 22 May 2026 05:03:22 +0000 |
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Home Music News May 21, 2026 10:03pm PT Stephen Colbert Ends ‘Late Show’ With Joyous Paul McCartney ‘Hello Goodbye’ Performance, as Ex-Beatle Turns Lights Out at Ed Sullivan Theater By Chris Willman Plus Icon Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic ChrisWillman Latest Stephen Colbert Ends ‘Late Show’ With Joyous Paul McCartney ‘Hello Goodbye’ Performance, as Ex-Beatle Turns Lights Out at Ed Sullivan Theater 28 minutes ago Margo Price, Brandi Carlile, I’m With Her, S.G.
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