Paul McCartney Joined Rolling Stones After Mick Jagger's Initial Doubts

Paul McCartney has reunited with the Rolling Stones for a new song, but Mick Jagger admitted he initially wondered whether the former Beatle would be the right fit.

McCartney plays bass on "Covered in You," a track from the Rolling Stones' upcoming album Foreign Tongues. The album also features guest appearances by Robert Smith, Chad Smith, Bruno Mars, and Steve Winwood.

Speaking to NME, Jagger said he was unsure if McCartney would suit the fast, punk-inspired song. He asked producer Andrew Watt whether McCartney would be comfortable playing a simple, heavily overdriven bass part.

According to Jagger, Watt assured him McCartney could handle it. "He did exactly what was needed in like 10 minutes," Jagger said.

McCartney said he enjoyed the experience and was excited to record with a band again. He described arriving at the studio with his bass, learning the song, and thinking, "I'm playing with the Stones!"

He also said it was interesting to watch Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Jagger develop their parts during the recording session.

The collaboration follows McCartney's appearance on "Bite My Head Off" from the Stones' 2023 album Hackney Diamonds.

Jagger also addressed the long-standing rivalry between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, saying there was "an element of truth" to it but that the media also helped build the competition between the two iconic British bands.