In a recent conversation with Q with Tom Power, Mick Jagger opened up about working with Paul McCartney, revealing a confession the Beatle made afterward.
The Rolling Stones are back in the spotlight with a soon-to-be-released album, ‘Hackney Diamonds.’ Set to hit the shelves on October 20, 2023, it’s marking their 24th British and 26th American studio album. In the interview, Jagger said he had concerns before their sessions. However, McCartney enjoyed the band experience, confessing it was something he’s been missing:
“I didn’t know how it was going to work out, but he really rocked it, and he loved doing it. He said, ‘Ah, it’s great playing with a band, it’s really enjoyable playing with a band.’”
Reflecting on working with McCartney on the upcoming record, Jagger said:
“It was all in the room; we were all in the room playing together. I’m playing guitar, Keith’s playing guitar, Paul’s playing bass. It’s fun, but it seemed so natural. Paul was so natural and relaxed, and he enjoyed it. We knocked it out really quickly.”
‘Hackney Diamonds’ has a star-studded lineup of guest appearances, including Elton John, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, and former Stones bassist Bill Wyman. In the album, McCartney lent his bass guitar skills for the track ‘Bite My Head Off.’ Recalling how the Stones kept in touch with the Beatles, Jagger continued:
“John was a close friend of mine. He was very acerbic, funny, witty, intelligent, and everything. I also knew Paul, who has a different kind of personality. I’ve always been friends with him, and we don’t see each other that much, but we do sort of text each other and sort of keep in touch. I mean, I’ve always got on well with him. Ronnie and Paul also see each other quite a lot, so we have solid communication.”
The Stones’ most recent album was in 2016, titled ‘Blue & Lonesome.‘ While that album had blues covers, their last original material came out in 2005 with ‘A Bigger Bang.‘ Over the years, fans received occasional tracks such as ‘Doom and Gloom‘ and ‘One More Shot‘ in 2012 and the 2020 single ‘Living in a Ghost Town.‘
‘Hackney Diamonds’ faced challenges, mainly the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The band began recording sessions in 2020, and by January 2023, 23 tracks were ready. Besides, the album features some of the last studio work by Charlie Watts, who passed away in August 2021.
Keith Richards also shed light on the band’s decision to record without Watts, crediting Jagger for pushing the band forward. Steve Jordan has stepped in as the drummer, earning praise from Jagger for his style, which sometimes reminds him of Watts.
With collaborations not limited to McCartney, the Stones also worked with the other surviving Beatles member, Ringo Starr. Starr contributed his drumming talents to the album.
