The Beginning of a Rivalry
The Beatles versus The Rolling Stones – whether it is the most legendary rivalry in music history, the answer is debatable. Both bands dominated the sixties music scene, often competing for popular appeal and critical reception. The Beatles formed in 1960 and The Rolling Stones followed in 1962. This established the foundation of a rivalry as both bands competed in the British Invasion of America with their own record labels – Capitol and Decca respectively.
The Beatles were known for their whimsical embrace of pop music, while the Stones had a more hard-edged approach. This difference led to the dichotomous view of the two bands – the Beatles as the clean-cut, All-American-good-boys and the Stones as the bad-boys of rock ‘n’ roll. It was this disparity that entrenched the rivalry into music history, as many fans became devoted fans of either the Beatles or the Stones.
But did the rivalry carry over into any hatred between the two? According to individual band members, not at all.
What the Beatles Really Felt
John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr all made it clear that they had a deep respct for the Rolling Stones. Lennon and McCartney even wrote a song for them, ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’. It was meant to be a gift for the Stones, written with an interesting twist in that it was meant to be a cheerful love song, unlike their usual harder-rocking style.
The Beatles had a great admiration for the Stones and Keith Richards in particular. Richards and McCartney both had a passion for guitar-playing and songwriting, often spending time together discussing their craft. Lennon and Jagger also shared a mutual respect for each other, with Jagger claiming that he often consulted Lennon about his songwriting.
Overall, the Beatles showed great respect for the Rolling Stones, their music, and their cultural influence. They saw the Stones as their equals in terms of talent and contribution to the music scene. In fact, the Beatles often acknowledged the Stones as the only band that could be their rivals in terms of acclaim and influence – a rival which they admired.
What the Rolling Stones Actually Thought of The Beatles
So, the Beatles respected the Stones, but did the Stones respect the Beatles? In short, yes. The Stones were just as respectful of the Beatles and their contribution to rock ‘n’ roll.
Richards recalled his admiration for the Beatles stating: “We were all very aware of The Beatles and they of us. It was kind of a game of respect, in both directions. They knew we were great and we knew they were.” Richards and The Stones made a point to recognize the Beatles’ effect on their sound, acknowledging their influence.
The Stones also reciprocated to Lennon and McCartney’s songwriting gift, by covering ‘Please Please Me’. They respected what the Beatles had done and their effect on the music industry and the cultural shift of the sixties. Mick Jagger even admired Paul McCartney for his work in creating the iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
So, What Really Happened?
In the end, despite being seen as rivals, the Beatles and the Stones have always respected each other and showed genuine mutual admiration for one another. They both agree that there is something special about the other having both accolades and impact on the music industry.
The two bands shared a mutual admiration that extended to their music and theBeatles even welcomed the Stones to America. This sense of respect was a key part of the sixties and the shift in music culture that made way for an era of classic rock ‘n’ roll.
To put it in Paul McCartney’s words, “The Beatles versus the Stones was a friendly rivalry–great debate but no hostility. I think it spurred us on. We liked their stuff and so we thought ‘OK that’s what they do, let s see if we can do something else.”
The Interweaving of Influences
The Beatles and the Stones have both had great influence on each other’s music. The Beatles covered a number of Stones’ songs early on in their career, including ‘Satisfaction’, ‘Not Fade Away’, ‘It’s All Over Now’, and more.
As they progressed, the Stones began to utilize a number of songwriting techniques that the Beatles had used. This cross-pollination of musical influence helped to shape both bands into some of the most legendary rock bands in history.
Both bands found success with their own individual brands of rock ‘n’ roll and their contributions to the sixties are undeniable. They each pushed the boundaries in their own unique way and their distinct sounds had a lasting effect on music culture.
The Impact on Modern Music
The Beatles and the Stones both have a long lasting legacy on modern music. Both bands have heavily influenced modern artists and songwriters in terms of sound, composition, and songwriting techniques.
The Beatles and the Stones have left an indelible mark on modern music and continue to be a source of inspiration to up and coming musicians. Their combined contributions to music and culture have cemented their status as legendary rock ‘n’ roll bands.
The clash between the Beatles and the Stones is still considered a defining moment in music history and their rivalry will go down in history as one of the greatest of all time. It is their mutual admiration that really cemented the rivalry and made it into the icon it is today.
Did the Beatles and the Rolling Stones Hate Each Other?
In conclusion, despite the greater public’s interpretation of a bitter hatred between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, indications point to an overall respect and admiration from both sides. The musical influences were appreciated, acknowledged, and reciprocated which renders any notion of animosity between the two bands false.
The legendary clash between the two bands is still revered today and regarded as one of the most iconic rivalries of all time. It is their mutual respect for one another that made it into the historical moment it is today.
