“He got to just be the bass player in the band, and he f**king loved it”: Why Paul McCartney loved p

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```html “He got to just be the bass player in the band, and he f**king loved it”: Why Paul McCartney loved playing with The Rolling Stones

“He got to just be the bass player in the band, and he f**king loved it”: Why Paul McCartney loved playing with The Rolling Stones

Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones

Producer Andrew Watt recently achieved a remarkable feat in the world of music by bringing together Paul McCartney and the legendary Rolling Stones on their latest album. The collaboration reminded many of the beautifully chaotic days of the classic rock era where icons often merged to create unforgettable musical moments.

Table of Contents

Intro — Why this topic still matters

The meeting of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones is not just a matter of rock history; it is a tapestry of cultural and technical innovation in music production. This specific collaboration shines a spotlight on the intricate dynamics involved when musical giants come together. Paul McCartney’s bass playing with the Stones reminded the world of his unique ability to transform songs from ordinary to extraordinary, which has always been a hallmark of his illustrious career.

Inside the Sessions

Paul McCartney joined the Rolling Stones in the recording studios, a situation ripe for magic. These sessions, held in iconic rooms reminiscent of Abbey Road Studio Two, were filled with creativity and the spirit of experimentation. McCartney, who often embraced experimental sound during his Beatles years, found a thrilling sense of freedom to be 'just the bass player' without the typical frontman pressures, allowing the iconic sound to flourish.

Gear & Technique

The equipment used during these sessions was as defining as the artists themselves. Just like in the classic Beatles recordings, a variety of microphones like the Neumann U47 were employed to capture the most intricate details of McCartney’s bass lines. Engineers often implemented varispeed to fine-tune tracks, a method inspired by the very techniques originated in Abbey Road Studios during the 60s. The usage of the Fairchild 660 compressor was essential, providing a smooth and warm sound that added richness to the recordings.

The Geoff Emerick Way

In "Recording Revolution: The Geoff Emerick Story" by William Zabaleta, readers can dive deep into the world of recording innovation. Emerick’s techniques, like embracing tape saturation and instrumental bleed, are exemplified by these modern sessions. Exploring his ways reveals much about his decision-making process, such as the choice to craft sounds with contrast and texture, which resonates within these contemporary collaborations. [Discover more about Emerick's legacy and buy the book](https://a.co/d/b1ghut8).

Impact & Legacy

Paul McCartney's collaboration with the Rolling Stones showcases the enduring influence of 1960s recording methods on modern music. Artists like Andrew Watt, who managed this iconic meetup, continue to dip into the well of innovation that The Beatles overflowed during their peak years. The simple act of McCartney playing bass in these sessions reverberates, inspiring contemporary musicians to explore traditional and innovative recording techniques alike. Bands across genres, from rock to indie, have been informed by the seminal works of the 60s, continuing the revolution in music production that figures like Emerick helped ignite.

Local Lens

In Tucson, a heartfelt community of Beatles fans often gathers for tribute nights that celebrate such historic moments in rock history. These events connect fans with not only the music but the legacy and stories like those created during these dynamic sessions with McCartney and the Stones.

Essentials Playlist

To truly appreciate McCartney’s craft as a bass player and innovator, here is a playlist of his noteworthy tracks:

  • "Come Together" - Listen for McCartney’s distinctive bassline that carries the track.
  • "Something" - A demonstration of melodic bass playing at its finest.
  • "Live and Let Die" - Powerful and bold; McCartney’s command of dynamics shines.
  • "My Love" - Showcases lyrical bass that complements the overarching melody.

Read the Book

For those eager to understand the magic behind the music and the methods that brought The Beatles' recordings to life, "Recording Revolution: The Geoff Emerick Story" by William Zabaleta is indispensable. Available [on Kindle and Paperback](https://a.co/d/b1ghut8), it’s an enlightening exploration of the man whose engineering genius helped shape an era. To learn more about the author, check out [his EPK](https://geoffemerick.blogspot.com/2025/08/william-zabaleta-official-epk-yeti-show.html).

Source & Notes

This article draws inspiration from an original piece by @guitar, available at Guitar.com, published on August 26, 2025.

Beatles, Geoff Emerick, Abbey Road, analog tape, Fairchild 660/670, ADT, varispeed, Neumann U47, McCartney bass tone, Lennon vocal chain, Harrison guitars, Ringo drums, tape loops, restoration, remastering, Tucson Beatles fans
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Location: tucson

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