Paul McCartney didn’t hesitate to reflect on the Beatles’ stance with regard to their peers the Rolling Stones in a new interview with The New Yorker. When it comes to musical palettes, he told the magazine that the Beatles are wider. “I’m not sure I should say it, but this is a blues cover band, kind of what the Stones are,” he said. “I think our net was a bit wider than theirs. “
While it sounds like a dig – and McCartney has said the Beatles are a better band for him before – the decades-long rivalry is more friendly and good-natured than contradictory. Last year, while speaking with Howard Stern on Sirius XM, he agreed with the host’s claim that the Beatles were the best group, although he also made it clear that he was a Rolling Stones fan. “The Stones are a fantastic group,” said McCartney, adding he would see them live when he could.
“They’re steeped in the blues. When they write stuff, it has to do with the blues. While we had a little more influence, ”he told Stern. He added, “There are a lot of differences, and I love the Stones, but I’m with you. The Beatles were better.
Paul talks to @NewYorker about his life, lyrics, and more. Copies are on newsstands now! #PaulMcCartneyTheLyricshttps://t.co/ZsI0i9x4R8
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) October 12, 2021
Mick Jagger responded to McCartney’s comments to Stern soon after in an interview with Zane Lowe on his Apple Music show. “It’s so funny,” he laughed. “He’s a darling. There is obviously no competition.
Jagger also explained the main difference between the two. “The Rolling Stones have been a great live band in other decades and times when the Beatles never even toured the arena. “
“They broke up before this business started, touring for real didn’t start until the late ’60s… That’s the real big difference between these two bands. Fortunately, one group still plays in the stadiums and the other group does not exist.
In an upcoming interview to air on BBC Radio 4 later this month, McCartney discussed the Beatles’ breakup and said he was not personally the cause of their disappearance, but rather that it came from John Lennon.
“I did not start the split. He was our Johnny, ”said McCartney. “I am not the person who caused the split. Oh no, no, no. John walked into a room one day and said, “I’m leaving the Beatles. Was that the instigator of the split, or not? “