For the first time in nearly a decade, McCartney returned to the road following the death of first wife, Linda McCartney, the death of George Harrison, and 9/11.

Paul "Wix" Wickens returned on keyboards and is credited as Musical Director.

New to the fold were Americans Rusty Anderson, Brian Ray, and Abe Laboriel Jr. Paul McCartney's then-fiancée Heather Mills accompanied him on the tour and was in the audience for every American performance.

The tour began on April 1, 2002, when the American leg was kicked off in Oakland, California.

A remix of The Fireman tracks and a performance by Cirque du Soleil opened each show.