United News of Bangladesh

Family-friendly films dominated the holiday box office, with “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” narrowly surpassing Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” over the three-day weekend. Paramount’s “Sonic 3” grossed $38 million, while “Mufasa” earned $37.1 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to studio estimates. However, when analyzing the extended five-day holiday period, “Mufasa” took the lead with $63.8 million. The strong box office was further supported by “Wicked” and “Moana 2,” which continue to perform well in their sixth and fifth weekends, respectively. January 2025 K-drama Lineup: 10 Must-watch Premieres Robert Eggers' horror remake “Nosferatu” had a successful debut, earning $21.2 million over the weekend and $40.3 million in five days. The R-rated vampire film, released by Focus Features, achieved the best Christmas Day opening for a genre movie, bringing in $11.6 million. Despite opening alongside other high-profile releases, “Nosferatu” appealed to younger audiences and even inspired collectors, with themed merchandise reselling for over $100. Other notable releases included the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” which earned $11.6 million over the weekend and $23.2 million in five days. Critics and audiences responded positively, making it the top five-day opening for Searchlight Pictures since its Disney acquisition. Meanwhile, A24’s erotic drama “Babygirl” grossed $4.4 million over the weekend and $7.2 million in five days, while Amazon MGM Studios’ “The Fire Inside” struggled with $4.3 million overall. Thanksgiving releases also remained strong. “Wicked” added $19.5 million, pushing its domestic total to $424.2 million, though it will soon be available for digital purchase, sparking debate about its impact on box office revenue. “Moana 2” continued its impressive run, earning $18.2 million and approaching $400 million domestically with $882.5 million globally. January 2025 South Indian Movie Releases: 12 Must-Watch Films to Kick Off the New Year Christmas Day generated $61 million in ticket sales, followed by $50 million on Thursday, contributing to an overall box office total projected to reach $8.75 billion this year. This marks a slight decline from last year’s $9 billion and the pre-pandemic average of $11 billion. Top 10 Weekend Box Office Estimates (Friday-Sunday): “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” - $38 million.“Mufasa: The Lion King” - $37.1 million.“Nosferatu” - $21.2 million.“Wicked” - $19.5 million.“Moana 2” - $18.2 million.“A Complete Unknown” - $11.6 million.“Babygirl” - $4.4 million.“Gladiator II” - $4.2 million.“Homestead” - $3.2 million.“The Fire Inside” - $2 million. 

The world of Korean dramas unfolds like a vivid tapestry, weaving timeless tales that captivate hearts across borders. The January 2025 releases promise an exciting array of genres, including romance, comedy, thriller, action, and fantasy. With unparalleled storylines and suspense fueling fan anticipation, this lineup is set to leave viewers spellbound. Let’s enter the universe of K-dramas and explore the titles defining the start of a new year. Top 10 Korean Dramas Releasing this January . Love Scout / Romantic Comedy / January 3, 2025 Written by Ji Eun, this workplace drama thrives under the meticulous directing of Kim Jae-hong and Ham Joon-ho. The romance drama unravels the journey of Yoo Eun-ho, who takes on the role of secretary to Kang Ji-Yoon, the accomplished CEO of a thriving headhunting firm. Despite her inability to navigate life beyond her work, their evolving dynamic becomes a poignant tale of mutual growth. Read more: January 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: 10 Most-hyped Bollywood Releases Starring Han Ji-min and Lee Joon-hyuk as leads, the romantic series features a supporting cast that includes Kim Do-hoon, Kim Yoon-hye Lee, Sang-hee, Park Bo-kyung, and Lee Jae-woo. The drama series flourishes with Studio S and EO Contents Group as its production houses. When the Stars Gossip / Sci-fi Romance / January 4, 2025 Created by Studio Dragon, this rom-com series highlights Seo Sook-hyang's writing and Park Shin-woo's direction. The sci-fi series chronicles a serendipitous encounter between a space tourist and an astronaut aboard a space station. Read more: Amazon Prime Video Originals’ List for January 2025: Most Hyped Films, Series, and Shows The science fiction drama stars Lee Min-ho, Gong Hyo-jin, Han Ji-eun, and Oh Jung-se, supported by Kim Joo-hun, Lee El, Lee Cho-hee, and Park Ye-young. Credit for producing the series goes to MYM Entertainment and KeyEast. The Queen Who Crowns / Period Drama / January 6, 2025 Produced by Studio Dragon and JS Pictures, this drama series boasts Lee Young-mi as its writer and Kim Sang-ho as the director. Featuring Cha Joo-young in the title role, the historical series stars Lee Hyun-wook, Lee Yi-dam, and Lee Si-a. Read more: Top 10 Video Games Launching in January 2025: Must-Play Titles for the New Year The political drama delves into the ambitious reign of Queen Wongyeong, who rose to power alongside King Taejong Yi Bang-won, her husband. Against their shared vision for a new era, it unveils the hidden stories between them, navigating power and personal ties. The additional cast includes Park Ji-il, Lee Sung-min, Choi Deok-moon, So Hee-jung, and Hwang Young-hee. Return to the Palace / Fantasy Romance / January 6, 2025 Penned by Yoon Soo Jung, this fantasy drama tells the tale of eight vengeful ghosts harboring grudges against the King, and the courageous shaman who rises to confront him in a battle.  Helmed by Yoon Sung Shik, this romantic comedy series features Yook Sung-jae, Kim Ji-yeon, and Kim Ji-hoon, with a special cameo appearance of Kim Young Kwang. Read more: January 2025 Netflix English Originals Lineup The series production is spearheaded by Studio S and I Will Media. Motel California / Coming-of-age Drama / January 10, 2025 Adapted from the novel Home, Bitter Home by Shim Yoon-seo, this first-love remodeling romance drama is set in the rustic charm of a rural town. It traces a woman's journey, born and raised in a motel, as she returns to her hometown after 12 years to rekindle a romance with her first love. Lee Seo-yoon’s writing and the direction of Kim Hyung-min and Lee Jae-jin bring the romance series to vibrant life. Led by Lee Se-young and Na In-woo, the cast comprises Kim Tae-hyung, Choi Min-soo, and Choi Hee-jin. Bankrolled by HB Entertainment, this drama series boasts a supporting cast including Seo Ye-hwa, Woo Mi-hwa, and Koo Ja-sung. Read more: Most Awaited Films of 2025: Sneak Peek at Hollywood's Biggest Releases

Veteran actress Olivia Hussey, celebrated for her role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s iconic 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has passed away at the age of 73. Hussey died at her home on December 27, surrounded by her family. Her passing was confirmed via a heartfelt announcement on her official Instagram account, which described her as “a remarkable soul whose warmth, wisdom, and genuine kindness left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.” Acclaimed singer Papia Sarwar no more Born on 17 April 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Olivia Hussey’s father was the renowned Argentine opera singer Osvaldo Ribó, and her mother, Joy, was an English-born legal secretary. Hussey’s acting journey began at a young age, leading to her breakthrough role as Juliet when she was just 15 years old. She starred opposite 16-year-old Leonard Whiting in Zeffirelli’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. The film, distributed by Paramount Pictures, earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. For her outstanding performance, Hussey was awarded a Golden Globe and a David di Donatello award, cementing her place in cinematic history. Hussey’s collaboration with Franco Zeffirelli extended beyond Romeo and Juliet. She portrayed Mary in his 1977 epic miniseries Jesus of Nazareth, delivering a performance that further highlighted her extraordinary talent. In 2003, she once again captivated audiences with her portrayal of Mother Teresa in the film Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Ron Ely, TV's 'Tarzan' in the 1960s, dies at 86 Olivia Hussey’s life was not without challenges. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, a battle that returned in 2018. Despite her health struggles, she remained resilient and continued to inspire those around her. Hussey is survived by her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, a musician and son of actor Anthony Eisley (Hawaiian Eye). She also leaves behind her daughter, India; her two sons, Alexander and Max; and her grandson, Greyson. Fans and colleagues have taken to social media to pay tribute to the actress, whose grace and talent left an indelible impact on the world of film and television. Olivia Hussey will be remembered not only for her unforgettable performances but also for the kindness and warmth she brought to those around her. Source: From wirers

Like it or not, LeBron James and the NBA are going to have to make room for the NFL no matter what day of the week Christmas Day falls. Netflix set records as the most-streamed NFL games in U.S. history while the NBA had its best holiday numbers in five years according to Nielsen. The NFL and Nielsen said 65 million U.S. viewers tuned in for at least one minute of one of the two NFL games. The Baltimore Ravens' 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans averaged 24.3 million while Kansas City's 29-10 win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen on Thursday. The NBA's five-game slate averaged about 5.25 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN and its platforms, according to the league and Nielsen. “I love the NFL,” James said in his televised postgame interview Wednesday night. “But Christmas is our day.” However, Wednesday's ratings showed that there is room for both. Even though the NBA had the sports calendar to itself on Dec. 25 for many years, the NFL has made Christmas one of its tentpole events during the regular season, joining Kickoff Weekend and Thanksgiving. Hans Schroeder, the executive vice president of NFL Media, took James' comments in jest while also being joyful about the first season of the league's three-year partnership with Netflix. “The numbers speak for themselves and LeBron can have his own view, and I’m sure more people will look at that because of this," he said. "But, you know, we’re focused on the NFL and we’re thrilled with the results this year with the Christmas on Netflix and we’re excited to continue to build that over the next couple of years.” Both NFL games surpassed the previous mark of 23 million for last season’s AFC wild-card game between the Miami Dolphins and Chiefs on Peacock. Viewership for Ravens-Texans peaked with the Beyoncé Bowl. The nearly 13-minute halftime performance averaged over 27 million viewers. The viewer figures include the audience on Netflix, mobile viewership on NFL+ and those who tuned in on CBS stations in Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Baltimore and Houston. Global ratings and final U.S. numbers are expected to be available on Tuesday. Read: January 2025 Netflix English Originals Lineup The NFL’s Christmas numbers decreased from last season, but not at the rate that usually happens when something goes from broadcast to streaming. Last year’s three games averaged 28.68 million viewers. The early afternoon contest between the Las Vegas Raiders and Chiefs led the way, averaging 29.48 million on CBS. Once global and Netflix’s first-party data is released, both Christmas games should surpass 30 million. The games were the second- and third-most popular live titles in Netflix history, surpassed only by the Nov, 14 fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. That bout averaged a worldwide audience of 60 million and peaked at 65 million concurrent streams, including 38 million concurrent streams in the United States. According to Netflix, 108 million worldwide viewed at least one minute of the fight card. There will be at least two NFL games on Christmas next year, but with the holiday falling on a Thursday it is more likely to be three with two afternoon and one prime time. The NFL has had three Thanksgiving Day games since 2006. “Everything Netflix put into the entire day, from the quality of the stream, the production and the graphics, made it feel like such a special Christmas Day,” Schroeder said. You had the opening with Mariah (Carey), you had Beyonce, it all took things to another level.” The biggest victory for Netflix though is that there were very few streaming complaints. The only gripe from most is that the stream did not immediately go to live action if someone tuned in after the game started. “Bringing our members this record-breaking day of two NFL games was the best Christmas gift we could have delivered,” Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, said in a statement. “We’re thankful for our partnership with the NFL, all of our wonderful on-air talent, and let’s please not forget the electrifying Beyoncé and the brilliant Mariah Carey.” Beyoncé’s performance was trending number one worldwide socially on X , formerly known as Twitter. The hashtag #NFLonNetflix also trended around the world, reaching a peak of second in Australia, third in the United Kingdom and Germany, fifth in Brazil and France, and sixth in the U.S. The NBA said all five Christmas games on its schedule — San Antonio at New York in Victor Wembanyama’s holiday debut, Minnesota at Dallas, Philadelphia at Boston, Denver at Phoenix and Lakers-Warriors — saw year-over-year viewership increases. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Binge-Watch in December 2024 The NBA’s lineup saw an 84% rise over 2023. One reason for the increase is that all five games were on ABC, compared to two last year. The Lakers’ 115-113 victory over the Warriors — a game pitting Olympic teammates James and Stephen Curry — averaged 7.76 million viewers and peaked with about 8.32 million viewers toward the end of the contest, the league said. Those numbers represent the most-watched NBA regular season game in five years. Wednesday’s numbers pushed NBA viewership for the season across ESPN platforms to up 4% over last season. The league also saw more than 500 million video views on its social media platforms Wednesday, a new record. For the NBA, those are all good signs amid cries that NBA viewership is hurting. “Ratings are down a bit at beginning of the season. But cable television viewership is down double digits so far this year versus last year,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month. “You know, we’re almost at the inflection point where people are watching more programing on streaming than they are on traditional television. And it’s a reason why for our new television deals, which we enter into next year, every game is going to be available on a streaming service.” Part of that new package of television deals that the NBA is entering into next season also increases the number of regular season games broadcast on television from 15 to 75. Under the 11-year agreement, ESPN and ABC will continue air the Christmas Day games.

Pakistani music star Rahat Fateh Ali Khan captivated music lovers in Dhaka on Monday evening when he took part in the BPL Music Fest. The seasoned musician surprised Bangladeshi fans by singing a famous Bangla song which was originally sung by Runa Laila. Rahat Fateh Ali later revealed how he learned Bangla to surprise the Dhaka audience.  “Runa Laila helped me to perfect my Bangla pronunciation,” he told the media. “She is our senior, and she is so popular in both Pakistan and Bangladesh. These are beautiful memories.” Rahat Fateh Ali Khan offers his services to cultural development of Bangladesh He sang a Bangla song titled Bhalobasa Amar Por Hoyeche. Before starting the song to leave thousands of fans surprised, he said: “Now I will sing a Bangladeshi song.” His announcement prompted fans to clap. He performed for two hours at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.  This is the first time Rahat Fateh Ali performed in Bangladesh. In his first appearance in Bangladesh, he attended a concert at Dhaka’s Army Stadium. The concert was organised to raise funds for the families of the victims of the July- August atrocities orchestrated by the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her regime.  There will be two more musical events which are part of BPL Music Fest. On December 25, fans in Sylhet will enjoy music, and on December 27, fans in Chattoram will witness the same.  This year’s BPL will begin December 30 in Dhaka. Matches will also take place in Sylhet and Chattogram. 

Shyam Benegal, the celebrated filmmaker who spearheaded India’s parallel cinema movement with his groundbreaking, socially-conscious films in the 1970s and 1980s, passed away at the age of 90. Known for redefining Indian cinema with his realism and poignant storytelling, Benegal leaves behind a towering legacy. The iconic filmmaker is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal, and daughter, Pia Benegal. He had been undergoing treatment at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital, where he was admitted shortly after celebrating his 90th birthday on December 14. Eminent poet Helal Hafiz passes away According to Pia, her father had been battling chronic kidney disease and undergoing dialysis three times a week. Despite his health challenges, Benegal remained deeply engaged with his passion for filmmaking. On his birthday, he shared with PTI, “I’m working on two to three projects; they are all different from one another. It’s difficult to say which one I will make. They are all for the big screen.” Benegal’s last film was the 2023 biographical drama “Mujib: The Making of a Nation”. Over the course of his illustrious career, Benegal created an impressive portfolio of films, documentaries, and television serials that left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Ekushey Padak-winning eminent artist Shujeo Shyam passes away His works include classics such as “Ankur” (1973), “Nishant” (1975), “Manthan” (1976), “Bhumika” (1977), “Junoon” (1978), “Mandi” (1983), “Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda” (1992), “Mammo” (1994), and “Sardari Begum” (1996). He also directed acclaimed television series like “Bharat Ek Khoj”, which explored India’s cultural history.

In the holiday season battle of big-budget family movies, Paramount Pictures’ “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” sped past the Walt Disney Co.’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” to take the top spot at the box office ahead of the lucrative Christmas corridor in theaters. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” debuted with $62 million in ticket sales over the weekend, according to studio estimates. With strong reviews (86% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and a high score from audiences (an “A” on CinemaScore), “Sonic 3” is well positioned to be the top choice in cinemas during the busiest moviegoing period of the year. It was telling of some wider trends that “Sonic 3” — made for $122 million — bested one of Disney’s top properties. Videogame adaptations, once among the most derided movie genres, have emerged as one of the most dependable box office forces in recent years. The two previous “Sonic” movies together grossed more $700 million worldwide and the third installment appears likely to do better than both of them. A fourth “Sonic” movie is already in development. “Mufasa,” however, was humbled in its opening weekend, with its $35 million in domestic ticket sales coming in notably shy of expectations . The photorealistic “Lion King” prequel even opened wider than “Sonic 3,” launching on 4,100 theaters and gobbling up most IMAX screens, compared with 3,761 locations for “Sonic 3.” Though “Mufasa's” reviews were poor (56% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences gave it an “A-” CinemaScore. “Sonic 3” nearly doubled the haul for “Mufasa,” which cost more than $200 million to make. Disney could look to $87.2 million in international sales to help make up the difference. The third “Sonic” will rollout in most overseas markets in the coming weeks. In director Jeff Fowler’s “Sonic 3,” Ben Schwartz returns as the voice of the hedgehog, alongside Tails the Fox (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), Knuckles the Echidna (Idris Elba) and Jim Carrey in scene-stealing dual roles as Dr. Robotnik and his grandfather. “Moonlight” filmmaker Barry Jenkins directs “Mufasa’s” voice cast, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Mads Mikkelsen and Blue Ivy Carter. It follows Jon Favreau’s 2019 photorealistic “The Lion King” remake, which made $1.66 billion globally despite mixed reviews. “Mufasa” didn’t come close to that film’s huge $191 million opening weekend. “We felt strongly that the marketplace could support both movies and we’re certainly holding up our side of the bargain,” said Chris Aronson, distribution chief for Paramount. No major franchise movie is coming this Christmas. The most anticipated Dec. 25 release might be “A Complete Unknown,” with Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan. That means “Sonic 3" could be looking at several weeks in a row at No. 1. “The family audience was 59% on ‘Sonic 2.' This time it's 46%. That 13% drop reflects the time of year we’re dealing with," said Aronson. "I think once the marketplace really cooks, ‘Sonic’ is going to be the dominant force." Many of Disney’s live-action adaptations – including “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Jungle Book” – have been big hits. Others, such as “Dumbo,” “Mulan” and “The Little Mermaid,” have been less well received. More are on the way, including a new “Snow White” in March, “Lilo & Stitch” in May, and plans for “Moana” and “Tangled” to get the same live-action treatment. Despite “Mufasa's” muted opening, Disney is still celebrating its strongest annual performance in years. The studio has accounted for more than $5 billion in ticket sales worldwide, including the year’s top two hits: “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool and Wolverine.” The animated “Moana 2” could give Disney the top three movies of the year. In four weeks of release, it has collected $790.2 million globally, including $13.1 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters over this weekend. Though Christmas often sees some of the biggest releases of the year, movies released around Thanksgiving really drove the box office this season. That includes “Moana 2” and Universal Pictures’ “Wicked,” which managed third place in its fifth weekend. “Wicked,” the hit musical adaption starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, added $13.5 million in North American theaters to push its domestic total to $383.9 million. Those films, among others, have led a Hollywood rebound in 2024. After a significant deficit earlier in the year, overall sales are drawing close to those of 2023. According to Comscore, the gap has narrowed to 4.4% behind last year's results. While that’s still significantly less than pre-pandemic years, it’s enough to flip the script on what once looked like a rough year for the movies. Family films like “Inside Out 2,” “Moana 2” and “Sonic 3” have played a major role. Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore, noted animated movies have accounted for 26.5% of this year's box office. “The box office year was saved by the family audience being drawn to the multiplex,” said Dergarabedian. “Homestead,” the latest release from Christian-themed Angel Studios, the distributor of “Sound of Freedom,” opened with $6.1 million. It follows a group of Doomsday preparers who take shelter in a self-sufficient compound after a nuclear attack in California. Brady Corbet's “The Brutalist,” one of the year's top Oscar contenders, launched on four screens in New York and Los Angeles. Its $66,698 per-screen average was one of the highest of 2024. The post-World War II epic runs three-and-a-half hours, posing obvious theatrical challenges. A24 is trying to turn the film starring Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce into an arthouse event. It was nominated for seven Golden Globes. Final domestic box office figures will be released Monday. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore: 1. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” $62 million. 2. “Mufasa: The Lion King,” $35 million. 3. “Wicked,” $13.5 million. 4. “Moana 2,” $13.1 million. 5. “Homestead,” $6.1 million. 6. “Gladiator II,” $4.5 million. 7. “Kraven the Hunter,” $3.1 million. 8. “Red One,” $1.4 million. 9. “Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” $1.3 million. 10. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” $825,000.

Popular singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has expressed his desire to contribute to the cultural development of Bangladesh. He shared his interest during a meeting with Md. Nahid Islam, Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, at the Secretariat on Sunday. "Bangladesh, Ami Tomake Bhalobashi" Rahat Fateh Ali mesmerises at 'Echoes of Revolution' Khan also thanked the interim government of Bangladesh for inviting him to the country. Adviser Nahid Islam praised Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as a talented artist, acknowledging him as a treasure not only for Pakistan but for the entire music world, including the subcontinent. He highlighted Khan's large fanbase in Bangladesh and expressed gratitude for the singer’s recent concert at the Army Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday.

Expressing heartfelt admiration for his millions of fans in Bangladesh, popular singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan enamoured the music lovers at the 'Echoes of Revolution' concert on Saturday night at the capital’s Army Stadium. Organised by the Spirits of July platform to support the victims and their families of the July uprising, the concert featured popular local bands and artists including Artcell, Chirkutt, Aftermath, members of the Silsila Qawwali group, and July Uprising-famed rappers Shezan and Hannan. After observing a minute's silence in memory of the injured and martyred in the July uprising, the singer started his performances at 9:50 pm with the Bollywood track 'Aas Paas Hain Khuda', a popular song from the Ranbir Kapoor-Priyanka Chopra starrer-film 'Anjaana Anjaani'. Prior to that, the concert began with Silsila's soulful performances and went on becoming a majestic joyride for the audiences with steller presentations of rappers Shezan and Hannan, Aftermath, Chirkutt and Artcell. All of the abovementioned performers expressed their heartfelt messages in between the performances for the revolutionary heroes, martyrs and their families. Before the soulful performances of the eminent artist and highlight of the night Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, three Advisers of the interim government - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan and Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, graced the stage along with Syed Ahmed Maroof, the Ambassador of Pakistan in Dhaka.  

Sir Paul McCartney has reunited with his former Beatles bandmate Sir Ringo Starr during a gig at London's O2 Arena. The drummer was brought on stage to thunderous applause before the pair launched into classics Helter Skelter and Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. "I've had a great night and I love you all," Sir Ringo said later as he walked offstage. Thursday's performance was the last in Sir Paul's Got Back tour, which saw the 82-year-old play in France, Spain and Brazil. Sir Ringo was not the only musical guest appearance on Thursday night. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood joined Sir Paul for a rendition of Get Back, during which the latter played his original Hofner 500/1 bass guitar for the first time in more than 50 years. The instrument was stolen in 1972 but Sir Paul was reunited with it earlier this year. Kennedy Center Honors 2024: Coppola, Grateful Dead, Raitt, Sandoval, and The Apollo Celebrated Sir Paul and Sir Ringo, who are the last surviving core members of The Beatles, have played together a number of times since the band broke up in 1969. That includes at Sir Ringo's 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and on Sir Paul's last tour, Freshen Up, in 2019. Sir Paul is known for treating his fans to jumbo performances packed with hits from his lengthy musical career, which also includes the band Wings and several solo albums. Thursday night was no difference, with him playing nearly 40 songs on various instruments. Other highlights from Thursday's gig included a performance of In Spite of All the Danger, the first song recorded by the Sir Paul's first band, The Quarrymen, of which the late John Lennon and George Harrison were also members. He was also joined by a children's choir to sing his festive favourite Wonderful Christmastime. Source: With inputs from BBC