Brian Ray has spent the last 20 years as Paul McCartney’s trusted bandmate, alternating between guitar and bass depending on what the former Beatle chooses to play. But back in 2002, the road to securing that role started with an unexpected phone call and a high-stakes live audition – on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Ray’s first-ever performance with McCartney’s band took place during the pregame show at Super Bowl XXXVI, held at the 73,000-seat Louisiana Superdome. While U2 headlined the halftime show, McCartney was invited to perform ahead of the National Anthem. For Ray, it was a trial by fire, playing “Freedom” in front of a massive global audience.
“It was kind of crazy,” Ray shared in the latest issue of Guitar World. At the time, he had recently finished recording Laundry Service with Shakira and was discussing touring plans with her team. However, a disagreement over travel conditions derailed the opportunity.
“I told her people I needed Business Class travel because of the long flights,” Ray explained. “They agreed to the salary but not the travel, so they hired someone else. I was really kicking myself because it could have been years of steady work.”
Fortunately, fate had a different plan. His longtime friend Abe Laboriel Jr., who had previously played with Ray in France and was now drumming for McCartney, attended Ray’s birthday party. During the celebration, Ray inquired about upcoming gigs.
“I asked him, ‘Who’s playing guitar when Paul’s on bass, and who’s playing bass when Paul’s on guitar?’” Ray recalled. “Abe said, ‘We’re actually looking for a guitar player who also plays a bit of bass.’ I said, ‘I’d love a shot at that.’”
Soon after, producer David Kahne – known for his work with McCartney – reached out to Ray. They spent time together, with Ray showcasing his skills on both guitar and bass.
“David said he had a good feeling and would pass my name along,” Ray recounted. However, Kahne made it clear that Ray was one of several musicians being considered, and the final call would not be his.
Ray left the meeting uncertain, but everything changed the next day. “I got a call: ‘Can you be on a plane tomorrow to go to New Orleans to play one song with Paul McCartney?’” That song was Freedom, and the performance turned out to be Ray’s real-time audition.
Despite the immense pressure, Ray clearly made a strong impression. That night, McCartney’s warmth showed through during a post-show gathering at the hotel bar.
“Paul was telling stories for a couple of hours,” Ray said. “Then he got up to leave, hugged a bunch of people, and just before heading out he came up to me and said, ‘Goodnight, Brian. Welcome aboard. Stick with Rusty – he’ll show you the ropes.’”
That simple gesture confirmed what Ray had hoped: he had officially joined McCartney’s band.
In the weeks that followed, Ray dedicated himself to mastering McCartney’s catalog, especially the bass parts. Although primarily a guitarist, he now had to focus on bass with a new level of intensity.
“I had only played bass on demos before. Getting ready to play in Paul’s band was a challenge,” Ray admitted. “But Paul’s basslines, while iconic and musical, aren’t technically difficult. They’re so familiar that even non-bassists know them. They’re in our bloodstream.”
Today, Ray’s role in McCartney’s band is firmly cemented. Two decades after that life-changing call, he continues to tour and record alongside one of music’s most legendary figures.
The full interview with Brian Ray is featured in the latest issue of Guitar World, which also celebrates 45 years of Back in Black with Angus Young on the cover. The magazine is available now via Magazines Direct.
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