Paul McCartney says The Rolling Stones are “a blues cover band”

(CNN) – In the latest token of a friendly rivalry between two of the world’s biggest music groups, The Beatles legend Paul McCartney called The Rolling Stones “a blues cover band.”

McCartney, who is currently promoting a new book, made the comment in an interview with David Remnick of The New Yorker, published Monday.

“I’m not sure I should say it, but they’re a blues cover band, that’s what the Stones are,” McCartney said, adding: “I think our network was a little bit broader than theirs.” .

This isn’t the first time McCartney has drawn unfavorable comparisons between his ex-band and the Rolling Stones.

In an April 2020 interview with Howard Stern, he said that The Beatles were “better.” “Their stuff has its roots in the blues. When they write things, it has to do with the blues. Whereas we had a little more influences,” he said. “There are many differences, but I love the Stones, but I am with you. The Beatles were better.”

The Rolling’s lead singer Mick Jagger responded to those comments in an interview with Zane Low for Apple Music.

“Obviously there is no competition,” Jagger said with a laugh.

“The big difference, however, is, and a little serious, is that the Rolling have been a great concert band in other decades and other times when The Beatles didn’t even tour or play Madison Square Garden with a decent sound system, “said Jagger, adding,” They parted ways before that business started, the real touring business. “

The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were two of the most famous groups in the world in the 1960s. While the Rollings are still on tour six decades later, The Beatles broke up in 1970.

Despite many fans blaming him for the split, McCartney, now 79, told BBC Radio 4 that it was co-lead vocalist John Lennon who instigated the breakup.

“John walked into the room one day and said, ‘I’m leaving the Beatles.’ And he said, ‘It’s quite exciting. It’s like a divorce. ‘ And then he left us to pick up the pieces, “McCartney told reporter John Wilson in an interview clip that aired Monday.

The full interview will air on October 23. The last book McCartney’s “The Lyrics” will be released on November 2.

Described as “a self-portrait in 154 songs,” the book includes commentary on the lyrics of his songs, edited by Irish poet Paul Muldoon.