Sir Paul McCartney has been longing for the camaraderie of band life, and Rolling Stones legend Keith Richards is more than happy to keep the door open. In a candid conversation with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Richards revealed that McCartney's delight in playing alongside other musicians is unmistakable — and extended a standing invitation for more collaborations.

Richards Opens Up on McCartney's Band Longing

Speaking to Lowe, Richards said, 'You know I've realised that Paul really misses being in a band. And his joy of just being in that context is great. So if there's any more songs to do, I'll let you know, Paul.' The remark underscores a warmth between two of rock's most enduring figures, whose friendship stretches back over six decades.

A Friendship Rooted in the 1960s

Richards traced his bond with McCartney to the earliest days of both bands. He recalled that John Lennon and Paul McCartney contributed backing vocals to the Rolling Stones tracks 'We Love You' and 'Dandelion', reportedly recorded around 1967. 'I've known Paul for well basically since The Beatles started, since we started,' Richards said, adding, 'It's also great to have somebody from your own era, from way back when. He's a lovely player and I'd like to do more with him.'

McCartney on the Stones' Recent Albums

The Beatles and Wings alumnus has already appeared on the Rolling Stones' last two studio records — 2023's Hackney Diamonds and their new release Foreign Tongues. His recurring presence on Stones projects suggests the collaboration is more than a one-off reunion of rock royalty; it reflects a genuine musical kinship that has quietly persisted across eras.

The Stones on Longevity and Time Apart

The Rolling Stones also reflected on what has kept them together for so long. According to reports, frontman Mick Jagger suggested the band might not have survived had they encountered more 'failure' along the way. Bassist and guitarist Ronnie Wood offered a different lens, crediting deliberate time apart for preserving the excitement of reunion. 'We don't over soak our hanging out,' Wood said. 'You know, we lead our own lives and when we do get back together, it's like no time had gone by. So we're back in the playground... That's what we do. We love to interact, as you know, you can tell from the music, off of each other. Mick is still very driving, to this day.'

What This Signals for Future Collaborations

Richards' public invitation to McCartney is notable precisely because it was unsolicited — a spontaneous expression of mutual respect rather than a promotional talking point. With Foreign Tongues now out and McCartney's appetite for collaborative music apparently undimmed, further studio work between the two camps remains a credible possibility. For fans of classic rock, the prospect of more McCartney-Stones crossovers is arguably the most compelling subplot in either act's current chapter.