It’s the first time since 2010 that the Fab Four rhythm section worked together. Their last collaboration was on the tracks 'Peace Dream' and 'Walk With You' on the drummer’s album Y Not.

Details of McCartney’s contribution to Starr’s upcoming 19th LP have not been revealed. But the drummer posted a picture of the pair on Twitter and said: “Thanks for coming over and playing great bass. I love you man peace and love.”

A second picture included the comment: “And look Joe W. came out to play what a day I’m having peace and love.”

Starr reported in 2015 that he’d learned to deal with Walsh while they collaborated on his 18th album Postcards From Paradise. The drummer said: “I tell Joe, when he’s done a solo, that’s it. He wants to do it, and do it, and do it. That’s how he is – but I’ve known him long enough to say, ‘No. We’ve got it.’”

Discussing how he’d talked Walsh into playing a solo for the title track, Starr joked: “Joe’s a brother-in-law now. He can’t refuse.”

He also revealed in the past week that his next record will also feature guest appearances by the EAGLES’ Timothy B Schmit, Richard Page of MR MISTER, Benmont Tench of the HEARTBRAKERS, Nathan East and Amy Keys.

TOTO guitarist Steve Lukather said last month that he’d been booked to take part in a Starr tour later this year – which would suggest that recording is nearly complete.