Six decades of performing and the Rolling Stones are still not done, releasing yet another album, Hackney Diamonds, which released on October 20. The new tracklist sees the Stones collaborate with other giants in the industry. Working with Paul McCartney, in particular, has guitarist Keith Richards reminiscing about the last time they worked together.
Hackney Diamonds is a blend of past and present, featuring artists from across generations of music history, from Stevie Wonder to Lady Gaga – and, of course, Beatles singer-songwriter and bass guitarist Paul McCartney. But working together like this is actually a sequel of sorts for McCartney and Richards, which brought back memories of sixty years ago.
Keith Richards is reminded of the old days working with Paul McCartney
Those wanting to hear a powerful collaboration between McCartney and the Stones can listen to “Bite My Head Off” off of Hackney Diamonds where McCartney plays bass. Richards spoke with Apple Music 1’s Matt Wilkinson about the experience of working with McCartney – again.
“I felt that it was bloody time,” marveled Richards. “I’ve known Paul for 60 years, just about. Although him and John [Lennon] did do a few backup vocals with us in the ’60s. Great fun to play with.” He continued, “At the end of it, I just said, ‘Well, that’s just like the good old days.'”
Brotherhood of the bands
Both the Stones and the Beatles rose to prominence around the same time and dominated the music scene in what became known in America as the British Invasion. This collaboration and the ones Richards mentioned with McCartney are part of their long on-and-off history of crossing paths in some form or another. For example, in November 1968, Lennon and Yoko Ono performed two songs for the TV special, The Rolling Stones’ Rock and Roll Circus. That time, Richards played bass.
Over the years, various members of the respective bands would continue crossing paths, although Richards, Mick Jagger, McCartney and John Lennon often just missed each other. Though, they still find some for the competitive spirit. For instance, in 2021, McCartney famously said, “They’re a blues cover band, that’s sort of what the Stones are. I think our net was cast a bit wider than theirs.”
Jagger fired back during the band’s next performance by telling them McCartney was in the audience and would “join us in a blues cover.”
But there was nothing but fondness during their recent collaboration. Richards recalled, “Paul happened to be in town…And we couldn’t keep him away, bless his heart. And hey, if you can get one of the Beatles on your track, you know, you do it. Paul’s a very amiable cat to play with; we’ve been great friends forever.”