Beatles – the Next Generation a genuine possibility, says McCartney

James McCartney reveals he has discussed possibility of forming a band with other sons of Fab Four

A Beatles reunion might be impossible, but music fans may yet get to see Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starkey on stage together, because the Beatles’ sons have mooted the idea of starting a band.

At first, it seemed like a joke. “What would you say to forming the Beatles – the Next Generation,” BBC News’ Ian Youngs asked James McCartney. But the young McCartney gave a surprisingly genuine response, revealing he had already discussed the concept “a little bit” with some of his fellow Fab Four heirs.

“I’d be up for it,” the 34-year-old said. “Sean [Lennon] seemed to be into it, Dhani [Harrison] seemed to be into it … I don’t think it’s something that Zak [Starkey] wants to do. Maybe Jason [Starkey, another drummer] would want to do it … I don’t know, you’d have to wait and see.”

Asked again if the collaboration could really happen, McCartney replied: “Yeah, hopefully … I’d be happy to do it.”

Since 2010, McCartney has released two EPs, co-produced by his father and recorded in part at Abbey Road studios. Sir Paul is “very encouraging”, James said, admitting his surname has been “a help” to his music career. “It can be difficult standing on your own two feet,” James said, “but more than anything it’s a help.”

Although many of the Beatles’ progeny are musical, their commercial fortunes have been uneven. Only Julian Lennon has scored a hit, and that was almost two decades ago. Dhani Harrison currently performs with the band thenewno2, Sean Lennon with the Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, and Zak Starkey plays drums with the Who.

(Article reprinted from The Guardian)