Paul McCartney has stepped into one of rock’s longest-running debates: who was better, The Beatles or The Rolling Stones? While fans of both legendary bands have passionately debated this question for decades, American radio host Howard Stern decided to put the question to McCartney himself.
Stern asked McCartney outright, with a hint of humor, “I’m not asking you to be pompous about this, but The Beatles are better than The Rolling Stones. Am I correct?” McCartney, sensing the playful tone, responded with a laugh, “You know, you’re going to persuade me to agree on that one,” before sharing his respectful take on the Stones.
McCartney continued by acknowledging the unique roots that set the Stones apart. “They are rooted in the blues,” he explained. “When they’re writing stuff, it has to do with the blues. We had a little more influences. There’s a lot of differences, and I love the Stones, but I’m with you. The Beatles were better.”
McCartney also noted how the two bands paralleled each other at times, pointing out that the Stones’ Their Satanic Majesties Request was, to some extent, inspired by Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. “We went to America and had huge success,” he said. “Then the Stones went to America. We did Sgt. Pepper, and the Stones did a psychedelic album. There’s a lot of that.”
Despite the comparisons, McCartney emphasized the camaraderie and mutual admiration between the bands. “We were great friends, and we still kind of are,” he reflected. “We admire each other. The Stones are a fantastic group. I go see them every time they’re out. They’re a great, great band.”
In the end, McCartney’s comments captured both his pride in The Beatles’ legacy and his appreciation for the Stones’ contributions to rock history.
