Remembering When John Lennon and Paul McCartney Sang Back-up on a Pair of Songs by Their (Supposed) Arch Rivals in 1967

John Lennon and Paul McCartney sang backing vocals on two Rolling Stones songs recorded in July 1967, a collaboration that challenges the media’s portrayal of the bands as sworn enemies. The session reflected a friendlier relationship between the groups, despite their competition and contrasting musical images.

The Beatles had previously given the Stones “I Wanna Be Your Man” in 1963. In 1967, Lennon and McCartney contributed vocals to “We Love You” and, though not credited, “Dandelion”; Keith Richards later confirmed their involvement on the latter. The Stones’ label made “Dandelion” the A-side in the United States, where it reached the Top 20.