Keith Richards says Paul McCartney “really misses being in a band”
The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has claimed that Paul McCartney “really misses being in a band”.
Just like their last album, 2023’s Hackney Diamonds, which saw McCartney contribute bass guitar on ‘Bite My Head Off’, the Beatles icon again plays bass on ‘Covered In You’ on The Stones’ new album, Foreign Tongues, set for release on July 10th.
The 2023 collaboration marked the first time that McCartney had played an instrument on a recording by his former rivals.
Notably, both Hackney Diamonds and Foreign Tongues are produced by Andrew Watt, who was also at the helm for McCartney’s latest album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, which instigated them teaming up together.
Now, in a new interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, Richards has opened up about working with McCartney, who he believes greatly enjoyed the experience.
“You know I’ve realised that Paul really misses being in a band. And his joy of just being in that context is great. So if there’s any more songs to do, I’ll let you know, Paul,” Richards shared.
He then reflected on their long-lasting relationship, saying, “I’ve known Paul for well basically since The Beatles started, since we started, but I mean only on the periphery and John and Paul did a couple of backup vocals for us way back when on ‘We Love You’ and ‘Dandelion’ I think way back in like ’67 or something like that.”
Richards added, “But otherwise, it’s also great to have somebody from your own era, from way back when. He’s a lovely player and I’d like to do more with him.”
Similarly, Mick Jagger was also full of praise for McCartney’s contribution to The Stones’ newest album, saying, “On ‘Covered in You’ he sounds like a funky, bass player. I wouldn’t recognise his style on that, honestly. And I didn’t know he could play punk style, like real simple stuff like we wanted him to play. He just understood this style you know, and so he’s obviously got a lot of capacity to change gears.”
Earlier this year, McCartney opened up about the differences between him and The Stones, explaining from his perspective, “If you’re working with the Stones, they’ve got the Stones sound. It’s kind of the opposite with me – we’re trying not to do that.”
Meanwhile, last night (July 8th), The Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood and Jagger returned to the stage at an intimate event in London to treat a handful of lucky fans to the live debut of their new track ‘Ringing Hollow‘.
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