A constellation of rock gods including Harrison, Springsteen and Jagger united for a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction gig and it’s still shocking fans 40 years on

The Beatles’ 1988 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame brought many of pop and rock’s biggest performers together for an all-star concert. George Harrison and Ringo Starr took part, but Paul McCartney was absent from an event the source says could have ranked among the most monumental concerts of his career.

During “I Saw Her Standing There,” the crowded stage nearly concealed Ringo behind his drum kit. Harrison occupied the center alongside Tina Turner, who wore a swan gown, while Mick Jagger could be seen laughing behind the musicians positioned at the front.

Billy Joel delivered the lead vocal in a style inspired by McCartney and closely aligned with the Beatles’ recording. The ensemble began with a direct rendition, but the participating artists soon introduced their own signatures. Jeff Beck contributed a prominent guitar solo, and Bruce Springsteen sang a smoky verse that contrasted sharply with Joel’s approach.

The small stage accommodated Tina Turner, Neil Young, Les Paul and Ronnie Wood, as well as John Fogerty and Billy Joel. Ringo Starr and George Harrison were joined by Jeff Beck, Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan. Although such a concentration of major artists might have invited disorder, rivalry for attention or uncomfortable interactions, none of those anticipated problems defined the performance.

Watch the full performance on page two