Why We Needed The Beatles vs. Rolling Stones Rivalry

For years, fans debated whether the so-called “rivalry” between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones was just a media invention. But thanks to a few pointed comments from Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger, we now know it had some truth to it—though maybe more playful than petty.

In a 2021 interview with The New Yorker, McCartney didn’t hold back. He said:

“I’m not sure I should say it, but they’re a blues cover band, that’s sort of what The Stones are.
“I think our net was cast a bit wider than theirs.”

A week later, Jagger fired back onstage at a Rolling Stones concert:

“Paul McCartney is here. He’s going to join us in a blues cover.”

And just like that, the friendly feud was confirmed.

From Friends to Frenemies on the Charts

Despite their differences, the two iconic bands actually had a history of helping each other out. They met in 1963 and even shared a few wild nights together. George Harrison encouraged Decca Records to sign the Stones, and soon enough, they were climbing the charts.

The Beatles even handed over a song: “I Wanna Be Your Man,” which became a hit for the Stones. But according to John Lennon, it wasn’t exactly a heartfelt gift. He admitted:

“It was a throwaway.
“Ringo sang it for us, and The Stones did their version. It shows how much importance we put on them. We weren’t going to give them anything great, right?”

Still, the two bands collaborated now and then. Members of The Beatles lent their voices to “Sing This All Together” and “We Love You,” tracks from Their Satanic Majesties Request, an album that shared more than a few similarities with Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Lennon even said the Stones were copying their style.

Lyrics, Digs, and Subtle Shade

Their rivalry made its way into the music, too. Take The Beatles’ song “Dig A Pony.” The line “I roll a stoney / Well, you can imitate everyone you know” is widely believed to be a jab at the Stones.

By the 1970s, things got a bit more personal. Lennon criticized The Stones in a fiery 1970 interview, and Jagger later commented:

“When The Beatles broke up, I couldn’t give a sht.”

One Epic Rivalry, Tons of Classic Songs

Whether it was playful competition or subtle shade, the tension between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones pushed both bands to bring their A-game. It may have started with a few jokes and jabs, but what came out of it was a golden era of rock music. And for fans? That creative tug-of-war delivered hit after hit.