Rolling Stones legend Sir Mick Jagger was caught cheekily making fun of Sir Paul McCartney in the studio while the Beatles were recording a track for the Stones' latest album, Hackney Diamonds.
On Bite My Head Off, the fourth track from the album released by the legendary band in October, the 80-year-old Jagger can be heard lovingly ridiculing McCartney's accent.
Producer Andrew Watt said: “Paul hit the switch during his bass solo and Mick literally said in a Liverpool accent, 'Come on Paul, let's hear something.' You can't make it up. It was the Stones and the Beatles. And the smile on Paul's face grew bigger and bigger.'
Watt told Rolling Stone magazine: “It wasn't hard for her, it was a lot of fun.” We did three or four takes. Everyone was on fire. We did another song because we had so much fun. When I walked Paul out he literally said, “I just played bass with the Stones – and I'm a Beatle.” These guys were like 18 again and you can hear that in the recording. It's cruel.'
The groups have been rivals since the 1960s. McCartney, 81, once described the Rolling Stones as “a blues cover band,” while guitarist Keith Richards said the Beatles album “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was a “mixture of nonsense”.
Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones attends the Rolling Stones' Hackney Diamonds album launch event in London on September 6, 2023. United Kingdom. Rolling Stones album launch “Hackney Diamonds”, London, UK – September 6th, 2023
Paul McCartney performs a concert at the American Airlines Arena on July 7, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Gustavo
With Hackney Diamonds, the Stones became the first band in six decades to have a number one album. It was their 14th album to top the charts in the UK, with the two record holders, the Beatles, at the top.
In October, Keith Richards claimed Jagger was still “an asshole” as he admitted in a rare interview that he “still talks to the late Charlie Watts.”
Ahead of the release of Hackney Diamonds, the legendary guitarist, 79, discussed the band's new chapter.
Richards and Jagger, once called “The Glimmer Twins,” have had their share of falling outs over the years, but Richards assured that the love for the “incredible frontman” has never been lost.
Speaking to The Sun, he explained: “People only hear about the lows. “If you had a brother after 60 years you would have had your fair share of ups and downs and for us it's usually about work.
“I say, 'That's too schlocky,' and he says, 'I love it,' and I say, 'You're an asshole!'” But the harshness is minor compared to the harmony that exists throughout. Of course I love him.'
The Rolling Stones pose as they arrive for the launch of their new album “Hackney Diamonds” at the Hackney Empire in London on September 6, 2023
Hackney Diamonds was the Rolling Stones' first album since the death of the beloved Watts, and Richards admitted the loss hit him “hard”.
“I am still having discussions with the man which I fully expect to continue,” he added.
In September, The Rolling Stones paid tribute to Charlie when they announced the release date of Hackney Diamonds during a special live event with Jimmy Fallon in London.
On stage, Richards reflected on Watts' death, saying: “Since Charlie's gone it's different, he's number four.”
The guitarist continued: “He's missed, of course he's incredibly missed, but thanks to Charlie we have Steve Jordan who was recommended to him in case anything happened to him.”
“He was a friend of ours, so he was a natural progression. Without Charlie’s blessing it would have been much more difficult.”
The Rolling Stones have released a special live edition of their album Hackney Diamonds performed in New York City.
At the opening event on October 19th at the Racket in Manhattan, the band performed seven tracks, including the debut performance of Shattered, Tumbling Dice, Jumpin' Jack Flash and Sweet Sounds Of Heaven alongside Lady Gaga.