5 Times Paul McCartney’s Collaborations Didn’t Work Out

Paul McCartney, a name synonymous with the legendary band The Beatles, has always been a curious soul when it comes to music. Over the years, he’s dipped his toes into a variety of musical ponds, partnering with a wide range of artists. This journey has resulted in an interesting mix of outcomes. While his natural flair for music, reminiscent of his Beatles days, shines through, not every partnership has sparked the same magic found within ‘The Fab Four’. Yet, McCartney’s adventurous spirit in his musical ventures cannot be understated.

He’s well-known for his open approach to music, a trait that has seen him walk into recording studios with musicians from different generations. His reputation precedes him, often leaving his collaborators in awe, thrilled to be sharing creative space with a music icon. In this exploration, we delve into some of McCartney’s most unexpected collaborations – focusing solely on his studio work rather than live performances.

Kanye West

In 2014, McCartney and the rap sensation Kanye West joined forces for ‘Only One,’ a song meant to pay homage to West’s daughter, North. Here, McCartney’s presence is subtle, contributing manipulated backing vocals rather than leading the song. Their collaboration didn’t stop there, as McCartney would soon contribute to Rihanna’s ‘FourFiveSeconds,’ a song that also featured West.

McCartney recalls their time together with fondness, noting the uniqueness of their sessions in Beverly Hills where ideas flowed amid West’s musings. Their collaboration, McCartney reflects, was as much about blending talents as it was about embracing diversity in music.

Hollywood Vampires

The Hollywood Vampires, a supergroup featuring the likes of Joe Perry, Johnny Depp, and Alice Cooper, already defies expectations. McCartney’s insertion into this eclectic mix in 2015 for a cover of Badfinger’s ‘Come and Get It,’ a song McCartney wrote in 1969, adds a layer of intrigue. His seamless integration into the group and his performance without need for written music left members in awe.

In an eccentric ceremony, McCartney was humorously initiated into the group, a fun nod to his contribution.

The Bloody Beetroots

Venturing into electronic dance music, McCartney teamed up with Italian DJ The Bloody Beetroots for ‘Out of Sight’. The collaboration, which revisited a track McCartney had worked on earlier, turned into a hit, showcasing McCartney’s versatility. This partnership highlighted McCartney’s willingness to reinvent music and his openness to experimentation.

Super Furry Animals

Perhaps one of the quirkier moments in music, McCartney contributed to the Super Furry Animals’ track ‘Receptacle For The Respectable’ by chewing celery and carrots. The act, inspired by a previous contribution to a Beach Boys song, showcased McCartney’s playful side and willingness to push boundaries, however unusual the request.

George Michael

Teaming up with the late George Michael for a duet on ‘Heal The Pain’ in 2006 stands out as a poignant moment. Michael, a fan of McCartney’s work, fulfilled a personal dream by collaborating with McCartney. This partnership, blending two iconic British musical talents, highlighted both artists’ mutual respect and admiration for each other’s work.

Paul McCartney’s ventures into collaborations reflect his legendary status as not just a musician but a pioneer willing to explore and experiment. His musical journey continues to inspire, proving that boundaries in music are meant to be explored and, sometimes, respectfully disregarded.