Paul McCartney Opens Up About Collaborating on The Rolling Stones’ New Album: “I Was Glad I Wasn’t Blasé About It. It’s Really Exciting”

Paul McCartney shares his thrilling experience working with The Rolling Stones on their latest album, reliving the studio magic and his deep connection with rock legends.

The Thrill of Playing with The Rolling Stones

There’s something truly electrifying about standing shoulder to shoulder with rock royalty, and Paul McCartney recently spilled the beans on exactly how invigorating it felt to contribute to The Rolling Stones’ new album. As one of the most iconic musicians ever, you might imagine that McCartney could get a little blasé about studio sessions with legendary bands, but that’s far from the truth.

In a heartfelt conversation, Paul reflected on how exciting it was to simply show up at the studio, bass in hand, ready to jump in. “It was really nice to just show up at a studio with your bass and just say, ‘Right, where do you want me?’” he said with a grin. The magic started instantly — learning the songs, watching Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood craft their parts live, and feeling the raw creative energy in the room. It’s not every day you get to jam with The Stones, after all.

Paul McCartney sharing a moment with Mick Jagger during a live performance.

“It was like, ‘Wow, there’s Mick! Ooh, there’s Keith! Woah, there’s Ronnie!’ It was exciting. It was really good. A great thing is all I had to do was play bass and not make mistakes, so it was good.” – Paul McCartney

This session marked Paul’s second appearance on a Stones record after his feature on their recent album Hackney Diamonds. This time around, he played on a track called “Covered In You,” and he vividly remembers hearing Keith Richards working out his signature guitar lick, Ronnie Wood crafting his solo, and Mick Jagger nailing the vocals with that unmistakable swagger.

Reflecting on Rock Legends and the Passage of Time

Paul’s conversation didn’t just revolve around The Rolling Stones – he also reminisced about his own legendary band, The Beatles, and the inevitable conversations about retirement. His manager once asked him about hanging up the boots at 50, a humorous reflection on how they once thought 30 was ancient when they were just 20.

“But it came, and it went,” Paul said. “People were still playing, and audiences like the music. If the music is from that period, they don’t get to hear it live any other way, so you’ve got to hear Neil Young live to get the whole feel of Neil – the Neil feel.”

He extended this thought to other classic bands like The Eagles and, of course, The Rolling Stones. “There’s nothing like it,” he stated simply. This candid reflection underscores how timeless live music from icons remains for fans and musicians alike.

Diving Into ‘The Boys Of Dungeon Lane’

Not one to rest on his laurels, Paul was also preparing to share his 19th solo album, The Boys Of Dungeon Lane, at the time of the interview. This album is a rich tapestry of memories, drawing from his childhood in Liverpool, honoring his parents’ resilience, and recalling the early days with John Lennon and George Harrison before their meteoric rise.

Paul McCartney announces new album ‘The Boys Of Dungeon Lane’. Credit: Press

Critics praised the album for its heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth. Notably, Paul’s duet with Ringo Starr on the jaunty “Home To Us” marked the first-ever studio collaboration between these two Beatles legends — a momentous occasion for fans everywhere. The tear-jerking “Days We Left Behind” stands out as a tender tribute, referencing the “secret code” shared between Paul and John Lennon, though its meaning remains a cherished mystery.

While the album doesn’t reveal bombshell secrets, it’s a beautiful journey back to the places and people that shaped Paul’s extraordinary path. It’s a musical stroll down memory lane, with all the nostalgia and warmth you’d expect.

The Unique Joy of Studio Collaboration

What truly shines through in Paul’s recounting is the sheer joy of making music with his peers. Unlike typical session musicians who might feel like cogs in the machine, Paul described his time with The Rolling Stones as a special occasion — one where he could be both a contributing player and a starstruck fan.

He recalled going home after the session, excitedly telling everyone, “I just played with The Stones!” That enthusiasm is contagious because, as he points out, not everyone gets to say that.

This humility and excitement reveal the heart of a musician who, despite decades in the spotlight, still treasures moments of collaboration and creativity. It’s a reminder that even legends find magic in the music-making process, especially when it involves other giants of rock.

A Lasting Legacy of Music

From his reflections on live performances keeping music alive to his thrilling studio days with The Stones and his deeply personal new album, Paul McCartney continues to show why his music transcends generations. His ability to find excitement in every note and every collaboration keeps his artistry fresh and inspiring.

Whether you’re a diehard Beatles fan, a Rolling Stones enthusiast, or simply a lover of great music, Paul’s stories remind us that passion and respect for the craft never fade — they only grow stronger with time.

FAQ

• How did Paul McCartney feel about working with The Rolling Stones?
  He described it as really exciting and was glad he wasn’t blasé about the experience, feeling starstruck playing alongside Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood.
• Which song did Paul contribute to on the new Rolling Stones album?
  Paul played bass on the track “Covered In You,” where he enjoyed watching the band create their parts live in the studio.
• What is special about Paul’s new album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane?
  It’s a reflective album exploring his childhood, family resilience, and early friendships with John Lennon and George Harrison, including his first-ever duet with Ringo Starr.
• Did Paul consider retiring after turning 50?
  His manager asked him about retirement at 50, but Paul explains that he kept performing because the music and audiences still mattered deeply.
• Why is live music from classic bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones still important?
  According to Paul, live shows capture the unique energy and feeling of artists that recordings alone cannot deliver, making these concerts irreplaceable experiences.

For fans wanting to celebrate these legendary artists, consider shopping for your favorite album cover posters to bring some of that music history into your space. Explore a curated collection that honors these iconic moments here.